Eden

by Bobbi Smith

  Some of the younger boys came to hug her, and she returned their embraces warmly, cherishing the sweetness of the moment. The bigger boys remained sitting on their beds, and she made her way back to where Paul and Mark were, to tell them what a good job they'd done fixing the lock.

  "Do you have everything you need, Mark?" she asked.

  "Miss Jenny gave me some new clothes, but she made me take a bath and wash my hair," he answered gruffly.

  "That's good. Cleanliness is next to godliness, you know," she teased with a smile. "I'm glad she took care of you tonight. You get a good night's sleep, and I'll see you in the morning."

  "Miss Eden," Mark spoke up as she turned to leave.

  She stopped and looked back.

  "Is Reverend Matthews really coming back?"

  She saw a fleeting look of pain in his eyes as he asked her. She understood that it was hard for him to allow himself to care about anyone. A lot of the children had that problem when they first arrived at the Haven.

  "Yes, he is. He told me he'd be here in the morning, and I don't doubt for a moment that Reverend Matthews is a man of his word. He will be here."

  Mark nodded. He knew she was right. Reverend Matthews was a man of his word. He stretched out on his bed, but sleep did not come quickly as his thoughts went over all that had happened to him that day. So much had changed and so quickly. He had gone from sleeping in an alley to the safety and comfort of this bed in the Haven. He thought of Reverend Matthews, and silently said a short prayer of thanks for the man. When he finally fell asleep, Mark slept deeply for the first time in weeks.

  Downstairs, Eden locked the door to the small bedroom she was using before changing into her nightgown and lying down. She missed the comfort and privacy of her own room at home, but she knew it was important to be there.

  Closing her eyes, Eden sought rest, but memories of the horror of the day returned. Visions of the drunken soldiers crashing through the door and invading the Haven haunted her. She tossed and turned as she recalled in vivid detail how the Yankee had hit her. The image of Logan Matthews came to her then, appearing so tall and powerful and invincible in the doorway ready to vanquish the invaders. He had been a guardian angel. He'd defeated the enemy and driven them away, leaving the home safe for the children once again.

  In the darkness, a soft smile curved her lips as she thought of Logan. She remembered how safe she'd felt when he'd come to her after the attack and how strong he'd been when he'd helped to steady her as she'd stood before him. As sleep finally claimed her, Eden was thinking about the day to come and how she was looking forward to seeing the reverend again.

  Time passed slowly for Logan as he sat alone in his hotel room, waiting for the hour when he was to meet Sam on the riverfront. He had tried to rest, but his thoughts were too troubled. Concern about his brother ate at him endlessly. He'd made some headway at the Haven that day, but with Forrester gone, he would not be getting any quick answers to his questions. He was going to have to bide his time, but time was the one thing he didn't want to waste, for Braden's very life depended on him.

  Logan thought of Eden then and how lucky it had been that he'd arrived at the Haven when he had. She was a beautiful, spirited young woman. The fierce courage she'd shown in the face of the soldiers' brutality had been amazing, considering how fragile she'd seemed when he'd helped to steady her. He thought of her laughter again, and found that he was almost looking forward to going to the orphanage in the morning.

  Logan frowned, for he realized he could not allow himself to think about anything but his mission. He was there to learn the identity of the ones responsible for the raid on the Bayou Belle and in the process save Braden. Nothing else mattered.

  As the midnight hour finally drew near, Logan quit his room and made his way to the designated place to meet Sam. The riverfront was dark and deserted, and he was glad for the anonymity the night gave him. Logan walked quietly along the levee, Bible in hand.

  "That you, preacherman?" The hushed voice came to him out of the enveloping darkness.

  "I'm here looking for lost souls," Logan answered.

  "You found one," Sam returned with a grin, appearing out of nowhere. He came to Logan's side and then led him off to a secluded spot where they wouldn't be seen or overheard. "What happened with that boy who tried to steal your horse?"

  "I took him with me to the Homeless Haven. He's staying there now."

  Sam nodded in the darkness, seeing the brilliance of Logan's actions. "That was smart, real smart."

  "I've been accepted at the Haven, but For rester isn't there. He left a woman in charge while he's away, and according to her, he won't be back until next week. Have you heard anything about where he might have gone?"

  "Nothing," he answered. "But I'll see what I can find out."

  Logan quickly told him where he was staying in case he had any messages to relay to him.

  "We have another helper here in town, you know. Be watching. They'll be contacting you when they get some information you might need."

  "Who is it?"

  Sam refused to give him a name. "Someone whose soul could use a little saving just like me, preacherman."

  With that, Sam disappeared into the darkness.

  Logan returned to his hotel room and bedded down for the night, satisfied that things were going as well as could be expected.

  Eden awoke early, excited about the new day. Her thoughts were of the minister and his coming visit as she got up and started to get ready. She realized there were very few men like Logan Matthews-men who were generous and selfsacrificing. He had put himself at risk to save her and the children. Eden wished she could repay him, but she didn't know how.

  Eden studied her reflection in the mirror as she worked at pinning back her hair in the practical bun she always wore at the nape of her neck. The bruise on her cheek was darker this morning. She didn't like the thought that every time the children looked at her today, they would be vividly reminded of yesterday's terror. Eden wished she had some face paint like actors used on stage to cover the mark, but her mother would never have approved, no matter what the circumstances. She covered it as best she could with a little powder.

  As Eden reached for her daygown, she wondered why she hadn't brought something from home that was a little more attractive than this drab, serviceable dress. Oddly, before this morning, she'd never noticed how faded the gown was. She studied it now, realizing it was in very poor condition. The thought surprised her. Camille was the one who always worried about her clothes and her appearance; she seldom did.

  Eden frowned as she slipped into the dress, trying to understand her own reasoning. It took her only a moment to realize why she was acting this way: Reverend Matthews would be spending the day at the orphanage. She wanted to look her best for him.

  Eden emerged from her room and hurried down the hall to join the children as they were filing down the steps in an orderly fashion to the dining room for breakfast.

  "Good morning, everyone," she greeted them cheerfully.

  "Good morning, Miss Eden."

  "Is Reverend Matthews here yet?" six-yearold Connie Curtis asked, her blue eyes shining with excitement. She had been among those hiding on the steps yesterday who'd watched first in fear, then in awe as the minister had singlehandedly driven the Yankees from the home. She thought him most wonderful and was eager to see him again.

  "No, not yet. But he will be," Eden assured her, following her into the dining room.

  The children lined up behind their chairs and waited for Miss Eden and Miss Jenny to reach their seats. With Eden leading them, they said grace.

  "-from thy bounty through Christ, our Lord-"

  "Amen," came the deep sound of the reverend's voice from the doorway.

  Everyone looked up to see Logan standing there, smiling approvingly at the scene before him.

  A unexpected thrill surged through Eden at the sight of him. She told herself she was excited about seeing him only because
she was glad he'd kept his word to the children. In truth, she suspected that her own feelings had a bit to do with it, but she ignored that possibility. Eden did admit to herself, though, that seeing him this morning proved what she'd been thinking about all night: Logan Matthews was every bit as good-looking as she'd remembered him to be, and possibly even more so. His tall, commanding presence dominated the room filled with children, and they were all watching him a bit in awe.

  "Good morning, Reverend Matthews," the children greeted him happily.

  "Good morning," he responded as he strode into the room. He was looking for Mark but hadn't spotted him yet when a little blond-haired girl jumped up and grabbed him by the hand. She tugged him toward her table.

  "You can sit here with me!" little Connie declared, holding tightly to him. "There's lots of room.

  Logan had been intent on speaking with Mark first and then breakfasting with Eden, but he could hardly refuse the child. "I'd like that," he accepted. "Thank you."

  There was plenty of room on the bench for him, so he moved to stand next to Connie. Everyone sat down then as breakfast was served.

  Eden watched from the head table as Logan engaged in conversation with the girl.

  "He's so good with the children," Jenny remarked, noticing how the children sitting around Logan were all laughing at something he'd said. "They love him already."

  "He's a godsend, that's for sure."

  When the meal ended, Eden stood up to speak.

  "As you know, our good friend Reverend Matthews is going to be visiting the Haven regularly now. Reverend? Would you like to say a few words to the children?"

  Logan had been anticipating this moment since he'd gotten up that morning. He knew Eden was expecting him to minister to the children, and he was as prepared as he was ever going to be. Smiling easily, he rose and moved to stand at the front of the room.

  "It's my pleasure to be with you today," he began. "As Miss Eden told you, I hope to be spending a lot of time here at the Haven while I'm in New Orleans, and I'm really looking forward to it. Thank you for the warm welcome you've given me. Since this is our first day together, let's get to know one another. I want you to call me Reverend Logan, and I want to learn all your names, too."

  He looked to the children sitting at the table closest to him, and they quickly introduced themselves. It went around the entire room, ending with Mark where he was sitting with Paul and the other older boys toward the back. Logan was glad to see that the boy looked as if he was doing fine.

  "It's going to take me a while to remember everyone's name, but I'll do my best," he promised when they'd finished. "Miss Eden said that you always start your day with a prayer, so this morning I'd like to lead you in one. Everyone stand, please."

  They all rose and stood in attentive silence, their heads bowed as he began to pray.

  "Dear Lord, bless us this day and teach us to love each other as You have loved us. Amen."

  "Amen," they repeated dutifully.

  Eden came to stand with him.

  "Thank you, Reverend Logan, for sharing your time with us. Children, you can go to class now.

  As the children left the room, Logan turned his attention to Eden.

  "How are you feeling this morning?" He had an urge to reach out and touch her bruised cheek, to soothe her somehow, but he held himself back.

  "I'm fine. My cheek looks much worse than it feels," she admitted a bit self-consciously.

  "Is there anything in particular you'd like me to do today? Anything you need? I know a little about carpentry and was thinking I could finish up the work the boys started on the front door frame, if you want me to."

  "Why, yes, thanks." She was surprised by his offer. "But I never thought you were coming here to do manual labor or carpentry work." She appreciated his thoughtfulness and his willingness to help in any way he could.

  "Jesus was a carpenter," he answered simply, glad that he'd thought of the response.

  Eden showed him where the tools were, and Logan began straightaway. He had specifically suggested working on the front door, knowing it would keep him near the office. He wanted to keep watch in case someone of interest came or went.

  Camille was excited as she got dressed that morning. She made sure her hair was perfect, and she made certain to wear her finest day gown. Confident she looked her best, she was ready. She had planned everything perfectly.

  Today was the day.

  Granted, she wasn't thrilled to have to be around all the orphans, but if that was the price she had to pay, so be it. Her mother had gone off to visit friends, so the time was right. She left the house and eagerly made the trip to the Haven.

  The children were outside playing on the grounds as she made her way up the walk toward the front door, but she ignored them. She truly didn't care about the children. She had bigger prey on her mind. She just hoped the reverend was there.

  Camille reached the steps to the porch and stopped. There before her, working on the door with his back to her, was a man who looked to be a common day laborer. He was wearing dark pants and a white shirt that was sweat-stained and dirty. She paused for a moment, pondering what to do. To get inside, she had to walk right past him, and she didn't want to get dirty if she accidentally brushed against him. She planned to look her absolute best when she met the minister for the first time.

  As if sensing there was someone behind him, the man turned to look, and then smiled at her.

  His good looks surprised Camille. He was tall and darkly handsome, but she quickly told herself that that didn't matter. He was obviously only a manual laborer. She was looking for the reverend. He had to be around here somewhere.

  "Good morning," Logan said, seeing the young woman and immediately noticing her resemblance to Eden. "Let me hold the door for you."

  "Thank you," Camille said, sweeping inside as quickly as she could, and holding her skirts so they didn't brush against him.

  Camille hurried down the hallway toward the office. The door was open, and she swept into the room without hesitation.

  "Camille?" Eden had been working at the desk, and she looked up in astonishment at the sight of her sister. Camille rarely, if ever, came to the Haven. This was truly a shock, and she was immediately worried. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong at home? Is Mother all right?"

  "There's nothing wrong, dear sister. I just decided that it was time for me to help. I want to volunteer to work here with you," she said sweetly.

  It took Eden only an instant to realize her sister's true motive, and she frowned. "Are you sure?"

  "I am positive. Mother and I had a long talk about it last night, and we agreed I should help you.

  Eden's eyes narrowed suspiciously, for she knew her sister far too well.

  "That's wonderful of you," Eden said, then added to call her bluff, "The cook could use some help fixing the noon meal."

  Camille's expression soured a bit. "Isn't there something in the way of book work I could do? I'd be much better at that than I am at working in the kitchen."

  "That's a wonderful idea. You can read to the little ones after they eat, right before they take their naps," she answered, deliberately making sure she would be with the children.

  "Eden!" Camille glared at her sister, her hands on her hips in defiance. "I meant paper work."

  "I know what you meant. I was just seeing if you were really serious about helping the children or if you only came here to meet the reverend."

  "Well? Where is he?" Camille demanded, her temper flaring at her sister's ploy. She should have realized that Eden would know what she was up to. She had never been able to fool her.

  "You didn't meet him already?" Eden wondered if Reverend Logan had finished his work on the door. "He was just out front-"

  "No, the only one in front was your workman."

  Eden hid her smile as she got up and led the way back into the hall. Camille followed, puzzled. She wondered how she'd missed seeing the minister.

 
; "Reverend Logan," Eden called out to him where he was repairing the door frame.

  Logan put aside the tools and came inside to see what she wanted. He wiped his hands on his pants as he went to join the two women.

  "Reverend Logan, I want you to meet my sister, Camille. Camille, this is Logan Matthews."

  Camille's eyes widened as she realized the truth. Then her gaze went over him again, this time with even more appreciation. She was seeing him in a whole new light, and she liked what she saw. After a bath, wearing clean clothes, this man would be strikingly handsome. He was healthy. He was handsome. He was perfect.

  "It's nice to meet you. Eden told me all about you.

  "It's a pleasure to meet you, too," he responded.

  "I see you're in disguise today," Camille said, smiling coyly at him. "I'd expected you to be wearing a dark, serious-looking suit and carrying your Bible."

  "My coat's hanging up and my Bible is always close by." Logan returned her smile, knowing just how close to the truth she really was when talking about his disguise. "A minister's calling can come in many ways, Miss LeGrand. True, our main goal is saving souls, but there are times when we have to do work in the physical world to help those we're trying to save." Thoughts of his brother were with him as he spoke.

  "Well, I know Eden is just delighted to have you here, and so am I.What you've done for the Haven is wonderful."

  "I'm glad to help. Speaking of which, I'd better get back to work now. Miss LeGrand-"

  "Please, call me Camille, Reverend," she said quickly.

  "And I'm Logan," he responded. "If you'll excuse me-Camille, Miss Eden."

  Logan nodded to them and had just started down the hall when Camille's call stopped him.

  "Oh, Reverend Logan?"

  He looked back.

  "We were wondering if you'd care to join us at our home for dinner tomorrow night?" Camille brazenly asked. "We'd be honored to have you." She hadn't discussed it with either her mother or Eden, but that didn't matter. What mattered was getting this man to the house, so she could spend time with him.