The Emerald Horseshoes

by Jane Josephs

  Emma sniffed and swiped her wet cheeks. Her chin came up. “It’s just, well, Alison thought it might be the best thing to do this morning when we talked. I mean, like she said, I don’t even have my GED yet, and I don’t know the first thing about taking care of a baby.”

  “You can learn!” Nick growled. “That’s what mothers do.” Ignoring the pain to his heart at hearing that Alison had been the one who initiated talk of an abortion, Nick challenged Travis. “And what about you? Are you good with your baby being sucked out of Emma and thrown away?”

  “Hell, no!” Travis shouted, his body twitching as if he’d been shot. “I just found out about it a couple hours ago. I haven’t had time to even think what to do.”

  Nick bit back relief and ignored the kid’s language. Other than being tied in knots about his relationship with Alison, he had thought of little else except what to do about Emma. Travis’ response gave him hope. But he needed more information before trying to set any kind of plan in motion. Nick led the way to a bench by the entrance to the apartment and pointed to a seat for Emma. “You, too.” Travis stuffed his hands in the front pocket of his hoodie and sat down beside Emma.

  “Okay, let’s start with you telling me about your situation, Travis. Are you living on the street?”

  Travis shrugged. “Sometimes. And sometimes at my parents’ place. But, they only have a two-bedroom apartment, and I have two brothers and a sister living there, too. So, a lot of times I end up in my car.”

  “What about a job?”

  “Yeah. I re-stock at night at the Walmart Superstore. But it’s only twenty hours. There’s a guy who’s retiring in six months, and my boss said he’d hold the job for me. It’s full time.”

  “Good. That’s a start. Next question: Why’d you steal Emma’s clothes?”

  Travis’ chin jerked up and he glared at Nick. “I didn’t steal them.” He pointed at Emma. “She told me to take them. To see if I could sell them.”

  Nick pinned Emma with a stare. A little of the frustration that he’d heard in Alison’s voice when she told him Emma didn’t listen to her tinged his own voice. “Is that true, Emma?”

  “Well, I guess I might have said that. But I didn’t think he’d take all my clothes.” She squirmed and nodded at Travis while clasping her hands together. “He said he needed the money to get us an apartment.”

  “Is that right, Travis?” Nick studied the young man, relieved when Travis hung his head and wouldn’t meet his gaze. At least the kid had a conscience. Sort of.

  “Well, yeah, I figured Alison would buy her more.”

  “What?!” Nick’s eyes narrowed. “That’s pathetic. And just wrong on so many levels.”

  Travis looked away. “I’m not proud of it. But apartments aren’t cheap. Everyone wants a big fat deposit plus the first month of rent. And a couple of the places I went to said I don’t even make enough money to qualify to apply. What am I supposed to do? I got nothing.”

  “Don’t give me that bull. Where’s the money you got for the jeans?”

  “I still have most of it.”

  “Hmmm. Most of it, huh?” Trying not to judge Travis too harshly, he tried a different approach. “So, let me ask you another question.” Nick glanced at Emma and back at Travis. “Do you love Emma?”

  “Of course I do!” Travis put his arm around her and pulled her close. Emma’s arms came around his waist and she snuggled into him. “I want to marry her, you know, do the right thing.”

  “That’s not going to happen.”

  Travis jumped up, his temper erupting. “Who are you, man, to tell us what we can and can’t do? I’m nineteen. Emma’s eighteen. We don’t need your permission.”

  “Sit down,” Nick barked. Travis sunk back into his seat. Nick pinned him with the kind of stare he used every day on SWCC students. It didn’t allow for any backtalk. “Didn’t you just tell me you spend your nights on the street, in your car, or at your folk’s over-crowded apartment? Is that what you want for Emma? Is that the life you’re offering? Some deal! Right now, she has a roof over her head, a toilet that flushes, clean running water, and a lock on her door. Can you provide any of those things? Guarantee her safety? Can you? No! The first three months are critical. Do you really want to expose her to your living conditions?” His gaze whipped to Emma. “And you. What were you thinking, giving away the clothes Alison bought for you? After all she’s done for you? Is this the way you’re going to repay her?”

  He had them where he wanted them. Time to ease off. Nick sucked in a deep breath and softened his voice. “Here’s what I know. You two are at a crossroads. You’ve jumped the gun by getting pregnant. But it’s done. Nothing to do now but go forward. I’m all in to help you. But not if you go through with this abortion.”

  Emma whimpered and reached for Travis’ hand. “But what about Alison? Will she be okay if I keep the baby?”

  “That’s up to you, Emma. My guess is, knowing how fond Alison is of you, that she’ll listen to what you want.” Praying he was right, he added, “It will help if you work out a plan and go see Alison in person, both of you.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s already eight-thirty, so it’s not going to happen tonight. But Travis, it’s probably best if the plan includes your promise to find a second job until the full-time one at Walmart opens up.” He turned to Emma. “And how about you getting serious about your GED? I know Alison has offered to help you. Show her you’re going to try, that you care.”

  Emma sniffed, her voice cracking. “Okay. You’re right. I’ll try.” She patted her stomach. “I don’t want my baby to have a mom who can’t even spell.”

  In a hurry now to set things in motion, Nick said, “Tomorrow is Easter. Let’s say I pick you up at nine tomorrow morning and take you to church with my family. Alison’s having shoulder surgery, and her folks are here, so she’s not going to be able to see you until late afternoon at the earliest. You can have Easter dinner with us, grab a nap or play a game of horseshoes, and then I’ll take you to see her.” He held out his hand to Emma and pulled her to her feet. “You can introduce Travis to Richie and Lucy.” He winked at her but spoke to Travis. “Richie’s my brother. Lucy’s a horse.” He cocked his head at Emma. “But no more riding for you for a while.”

  Pulling his car keys out of his pocket, he tossed them into the air. “You’re coming with me, Travis. We’ll be back to get you at nine tomorrow, Emma. Get some rest.” Leaning in, he gently squeezed her arm before walking away, leaving Travis stunned and sprinting to catch up.

  ~ ~ ~

  “It’s time to get up!”

  The bed shook. Travis came violently awake and bolted upright, disoriented and groggy. Nick Reid stood three feet away from the bed, fully dressed in military attire, minus the helmet. Were they under attack? Travis shook his head, trying to get his bearings. Last night’s scene in front of Emma’s apartment came rushing back. Nick had ordered him to get in his truck for the ride to Ramona. The guy had refused to take no for an answer. Travis groaned silently. He stared at Nick’s bulging muscles, rigid stance, and stern face, barely illuminated by the light from the hallway of the Reid’s home. “Okay, okay, what time is it anyway?”

  “We’re leaving for the rock in ten minutes. Wear something warm.”

  Travis eased out of bed as the door closed behind Nick. He reached for his jeans and pulled them on over his boxer shorts. Turning on the bedside lamp, he crossed to the basket of clothes he had washed and dried last night after meeting Mrs. Reid. She, at least, had been warm and welcoming, inviting Travis to call her Ginny and to do his laundry, then heating a bowl of beef stew for him to eat with a slice of crusty bread.

  Yawning, Travis dug in the bottom of the basket and found a couple of socks, not bothering to match them. He chuckled when his big toe stuck out of one and his heel showed through the other. He shru
gged. At least they didn’t stink.

  A knock sounded on his door. “Yeah, I’m coming.” He scrambled to find his tee shirt, pulling it on at the same time he shoved his feet into his old boots. Grabbing his hoodie, he yanked open the door and raced out into the hall. “I got to pee and then I’m ready.”

  “Okay, good,” Ginny said, and turned to Nick. She handed him a thermos and patted his arm as Travis went into the bathroom and closed the door. “I’m glad I got a chance to meet Travis. I think he’s perfect for Emma.”

  “You do remember I told you last night that she’s pregnant, right?”

  “Yes, honey, I do. And that being the case, Travis is the perfect one to make things right. With some good counseling and a lot of prayer, he can make a wonderful husband and father. God’s in the business of second chances, you know?” She stuffed a couple of insulated cups, some napkins, a box of Pop-Tarts, and a container of homemade scones in Richie’s backpack. “I think I hear Richie.”

  Nick nodded. “Yeah, he’s up.”

  The toilet flushed, and the bathroom door opened. Travis nearly collided with Richie in the hallway.

  Richie ducked into the bathroom.

  “It’s almost time to go, son.” She turned to Travis and called, “Do you have anything warmer than your hoodie? There’s a cold breeze this morning.”

  “I can put my hood up. I’ll be fine.” He glanced at Nick. His attire didn’t look nearly as menacing as it had in the bedroom. His heavy camouflage shirt hugged his body underneath a brown sleeveless down vest.

  Nick strode to the sofa, pulled a blanket off the back, and tossed it around Travis’ shoulders.

  Richie came out of the bathroom, hurried to the table, and picked up his backpack.

  “Got your Bible?” Nick asked.

  Richie nodded and slung the pack over his shoulder. “It’s in here.” He patted the pack.

  “Then let’s go,” Nick said, leading the way out the sliding door into the dark.

  ~ ~ ~

  Outside the church after the Easter service, Nick sipped a cup of coffee and scanned the crowd. Only two days ago he thought Alison would be sharing this day with him. Meeting some of the people he’d known all his life, singing the triumphant songs of Easter, continuing the conversation about Christianity. He worked his lower lip with his teeth, worried. She should be out of surgery by now. Why hadn’t Susan Dockerty called?

  Near the table piled high with sweet rolls and fresh fruit, Ma and Jeff were deep in conversation, their heads close together. They were taking it slow, but the relationship between the two of them was starting to have serious written all over it. What do you think, Dad? He’s a good man, but good enough for Ma? Nick silently chuckled and shifted his gaze.

  Across the patio, Richie stood talking with the church’s Youth Director and a cute brunette girl in a skirt almost as short as Emma’s. From the look of things, Richie had made another conquest. A wave of jealousy rolled over Nick, and just as quickly rolled through. His brother would always have him beat at being a girl magnet. But in the last few weeks he and Richie had shored up their relationship. Nick liked where things were going now with his brother. Whereas he’d once wanted to smack him for missing his curfew and causing Ma to worry, he now wanted to hug him. Nick bit back a laugh. Richie’s talk about love languages had given him new insights into his brother. And himself.

  Not far away from Richie, Pastor Sean had singled out Travis and Emma and was giving them his full attention. Clearly uncomfortable, Travis’ fingers pulled at the collar of his borrowed shirt, trying to loosen the tie Nick had shoved at him this morning after breakfast. Nick sipped his coffee, thinking of the kid’s table manners. He might be poor, but someone somewhere had cared enough to train him up right. He’d even helped with the dishes.

  Just then, Ginny’s cell phone rang. Nick’s head jerked around as she pulled it out of her purse. Dumping his cup in the trash, he hurried over.

  “That’s great news. Thanks, Susan, for letting me know. I’ll tell Nick.” Ginny smiled at Nick and gave him the thumbs up sign. “Oh, yes.” Ginny nodded at something Susan was saying. “Sure, we can be there in about twenty minutes. Yes, that’s perfect. Okay, thanks. Bye.” She turned to Nick. “Susan wants to go to Alison’s condo and get the clothes and things she’ll need to stay with us. Go get Richie and the others, please, so we can tell them what’s happening.” She turned to Jeff as Nick strode away. “Can you come over about 4:00? You can meet Travis then and see how he feels about the things we talked about.”

  In seconds, Nick had Emma, Travis, and Richie gathered together, giving them the good news about Alison’s surgery. “Ma and I need to go to Alison’s condo, so Richie, you’re going to need to drive Emma and Travis to our house in Ma’s car.”

  Ginny arrived in time to hear Nick’s remarks and handed Richie her car keys. Scanning the group, she said, “We’ll eat later than I originally planned, so that means you need to put the ham in the oven for me, Richie, at 1:30. It’s in the fridge in that big roaster pan. Leave the foil on and set the oven at three-twenty-five degrees.”

  Nick checked his watch. Eleven-fifteen. “Let’s get moving. I want Emma and Travis to have some time with Alison later at the hospital. That is, assuming she’s staying overnight again.”

  “I don’t know the plan for her for tonight. Susan didn’t say. But my guess is she’ll be staying tonight. I was able to borrow a couple of things from some friends that Alison will need, but I said I’d call before we come to pick them up, maybe later today.”

  Taking Ginny’s arm, Nick steered her toward the parking lot.

  “We should be home by 4:00, but if not, take the ham out of the oven,” Ginny called over her shoulder, nearly running to keep up with Nick.

  Chapter 24

  Nick spotted Susan waiting and wheeled his truck to the curb in front of the hospital. Dressed in Capri jeans, fancy flip-flops and a stylish blouse, she had pulled her hair back in a tidy bun.

  “I’ll get in the back,” Ma said as she got out of the truck and insisted that Susan take her place.

  “Hi,” Nick said. “Glad to hear Alison’s surgery went well. Is she still in recovery?”

  “Yes, for another half hour or so. Alan’s with her, but he wants to leave by 3:00 today so we’re a little rushed for time. We’re leaving for Israel tonight. Did your mom tell you?” She secured her seat belt in place.

  “Yeah, she did.” Nick stuffed his anger. Didn’t these people know how much Alison needed them to be there for her? “Do you have the garage pass and the condo key?”

  “Yes, Alison explained how to use them this morning before she went into surgery. And she said you’ve been there before.” Susan smiled broadly as Nick pulled away from the curb and headed for the freeway. “It’s so wonderful that Alison has met a nice young man like you.” She glanced at Ginny in the back seat and laughed. “And your family, too. I worry about her being on her own. Right out of college she went to live with her grandmother and was just devastated when she passed away.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard her mention Grandma . . . Kate, was it?” Ginny said, when Nick remained quiet.

  “Yes, Alan’s mother. They were very close, too, but he’s handled her passing better than Alison. At least on the surface.”

  For the next twenty minutes, Nick concentrated on getting to Alison’s condo as quickly as he could while Susan kept up a steady stream of conversation. Grateful for the light Easter Sunday traffic, he jerked when Susan clapped her hands.

  “Wait a minute,” she gasped.

  Nick was a second away from screeching on the brakes and crossing four lanes of traffic when she laughed.

  “I know now. You’re the Nick that Alison wrote about in her blog, aren’t you? I can’t believe I didn’t remember that right away.” Susan smiled.


  Nick’s jaw hurt, he clenched it so tightly.

  Susan raced on without waiting for him to comment. “But we don’t talk all that much, not like some of my friends’ daughters. They’re on the phone every day with their mother. Alison’s just not like that. And after I divorced Alan, well, she wouldn’t speak to me for weeks. Even now, she doesn’t want to hear a thing I have to say about my new love: Jesus.”

  “We’re almost there,” Nick said, turning on North Harbor Drive. Susan’s last comment disturbed him more than he wanted it to, but he said nothing. Had Alison just been leading him on by coming to church with him?

  The garage came into view. “I’ll need the pass.” He turned to Susan, hand outstretched as he waited for her to get the garage pass out of her purse. Would he have a chance to talk about his faith now that Alison was going to be staying with them? I’ll take you up on your offer to stay out of my way. Alison’s words played on a loop in his head, over and over. We’re done here. His heart hurt in ways he didn’t know it could.

  Her condo was just as he remembered—classy but comfortable. Neat, but not so neat that he couldn’t feel the essence of her in the space. Her home, where she worked and dreamed, ate and slept, played with Rufus. And thought of him? He inhaled sharply, wanting to be with her, to hold her and love her. Always. He turned sharply and strode into the kitchen, blocking out the thoughts. While Susan and Ginny went to the master bedroom to gather clothing, Nick collected the items she wanted for Rufus and took them to the front door. Back in the living room, he stopped at the bookcase to the left of her big screen TV. A dozen hardcover books were held in place by a burnished bronze horse head. Nick scanned the titles: The Black Stallion, The Black Stallion Returns, The Black Stallion and Satan . . . and a little further down, The Black Stallion’s Filly. Children’s books. First editions, he had no doubt. Bought for a little horse-crazy girl?