Shelter in Seattle (19 page)

“But I saw the money in the box when you handed it to Morning Star.” He protested as she scooted off the bed and walked to the kitchen.

Close your eyes,” she commanded as she reentered the bed room.

“What?’

“I said, close your eyes.”

He lifted a brow but complied with her request when he saw the threat in her stance. She dumped the contents beside him then crawled back onto the bed. “Now open your eyes.”

Caleb sat up quickly.

“What on earth? Where did you get all this money?” His smile was eager and alive with affection and delight.

Julianne’s heart took wings that no doubt or mistrust showed in his eyes.

“This is the money that my Uncle paid Marcus.”

 She set the other bag on the bed and opened the top showing him another hefty amount of bills. “This was my Uncle’s bag that Marcus stole.”

She hesitated for a moment, and then her confidence spiraled upward. “If it’s all right with you, I’d like us to keep the money my Uncle paid Marcus, but I’d like to give the rest to my Aunt.”

“But how did you get these?”

“While you tended to Marcus, I put these around the saddle horn. When you handed me down to Maggie, I lifted them off with me.” Caleb fingered a bundle of bills, scaling his thumb over the lot.

“How much do you think there is?”

“Enough to add a few rooms to the house and start an apple orchard.”

“How do you plan to get the money back to your aunt?”

“I don’t.”

“What does that mean?”

“I plan to send a telegraph explaining what happened and if she wants the money, she can come and get it. If I know my aunt, she is so embarrassed at their current circumstances; she will jump at the chance to leave New York.

The sale of her house and livestock will more than pay the fare to Seattle for her and the girls, and then this money will help get her set up in her own business here.” Julianne loved the way his gaze caressed her face. She didn’t much care for the frown he wore, though.

“But will you enjoy having them close by? If they treated you like your uncle did, why would you subject yourself to that again?”

“I have so much, Caleb. A husband that I love with all my heart and who loves me in return. My aunt never had that. My Uncle loved his businesses far more than he loved his wife.” Julianne swept the money onto the floor and scooted close to her husband.

“Besides, the only other way to get that much money to her would be to take it myself. Is that what you want?”

“Absolutely not! Woman don’t ever say something like that again. I’m not letting you out of my sight, and now that we have this money, I think I’ll order one of those ringer washers from Sears and Roebuck so my wife never has to leave our yard.”

“Now there’s an idea, Mr. Hansen. While you’re at it, how about ordering one of those Singer sewing machines?”

“Anything you say, sweetheart, as long as you’re here to love me when I come home each day.” The smoldering flame she saw in his eyes sent her heart spiraling out of control.

“Our hearts are in perfect harmony then, because I never want you far from me either.” Julianne could not stop herself from reaching out to touch him. She clutched his hand, and he pulled her down beside him laying her head on his shoulder.

The steady beat of his heart lulled her into a peaceful sleep, where all was right with the world and God was on His throne.

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