Page 12 of A Redemption Mountain Christmas

Emma, a little dark-haired girl, ran up to him, tugging on his sleeve. “Mr. Tucker, will you play the piano for us?”

Tucker chuckled. “Of course, Miss Emma.” He let the children lead him into the parlor, where he sat down and played a few simple carols. The children sang to the ones they knew, with Rose looking on with a smile.

Afterward, Tucker helped Rose round up the children for their afternoon snack. As they ate, Tucker and Rose discussed the need for a new cook.

“It’s been a challenge managing the kitchen without extra help,” Rose admitted. “I’m not sure where we’ll find someone qualified. Heck, even someone who can cook well enough for the children and show up every day would be fine.”

He tapped his chin. “I have an idea. Let me ask around town.”

“I’d appreciate any help you can provide.”

As Tucker rode back into town, he couldn’t help grinning. His visit with Rose had lifted his spirits. He realized how much he looked forward to any excuse to see her, even if it was just to help out around the orphanage.

When he arrived at the sheriff’s office, Tucker decided to ask around about potential cooks for the orphanage. Gabe suggested he talk to Alice Johnson, a widow who was considered to be one of the best cooks in town.

“With her husband gone, she could use the extra money, Tucker,” Gabe told him. “She loves children and might even be interested in staying at the orphanage. Her place in town is pretty rundown. She’s no longer able to keep up with it. Why don’t you go talk to her.”

Tucker found the widow sweeping her front porch. “Afternoon, Mrs. Johnson.” He tipped his hat.

Stopping, she looked up and smiled. “Good afternoon, Deputy. Can I help you with something?”

“As a matter of fact, you can. You know the orphanage outside of town?”

“Of course.”

“I wanted to ask if you might be interested in a cooking position. They’re having a real hard time finding someone to make meals for the orphans.”

The widow looked surprised but nodded. “I could sure use the work. And I’d be glad to cook for those children.”

“Wonderful.” Tucker smiled. “I’ll let Miss Rose know right away.”

After securing the widow’s agreement, Tucker didn’t want to wait to give Rose the good news. Heading to the livery, he saddled his horse and, for the second time in a few hours, rode to the orphanage.

Rose smiled when she opened the door to find him standing on the porch. “Well, hello again, Deputy. Please come in out of the cold.”

Tucker stamped the snow from his boots before stepping into the warmth of the orphanage. “You agreed to call me Tucker, remember?”

“You’re right, I did. So, I know you must have a reason for riding out a second time.”

“I have some good news about your search for a cook. I spoke with Alice Johnson.”

“The widow?”

“Yep. She’s real interested in the position. Gabe told me she’s a great cook and loves children.”

“Excellent. Martha will be so pleased. I’m certain she’ll want to meet with Mrs. Johnson right away. If I recall, she makes the most delicious pies.”

Tucker grinned, happy to have brought Rose good news. “Widow Johnson needs the work. Gabe mentioned she might be willing to stay at the orphanage. If there’s an empty room.”

“I believe we can work something out. It was so thoughtful of you to ask her,” Rose said.

“You have a gift,” he told her. “The children are lucky to have you.”

She blushed at the compliment. “Thank you. You’re very kind.”

“It’s true, Rose.”

As Tucker rode back to town, he thought about the group of men he’d spotted earlier. Hours after watching them, he felt the weight of the men’s stares on his back. A tense anticipation hung in the air, like the stillness before a gathering storm.

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