Before she had time to answer, David reappeared with a very pretty girl holding his hand.
“Faith, I’d like you to meet Katherine Barstow. She’s a classmate of mine at the university.”
Relieved at the distraction, Faith smiled as they descended the steps toward her. “I’m so glad to meet you. Mrs. Weatherby has talked about you all week. I hope you will enjoy Stoney Creek.”
Katherine’s smile revealed deep dimples in both cheeks, and her blue eyes sparkled. “I’m happy to meet you as well. David told me so much about you and Tom and your childhood while we traveled from my parents’ home.”
David nodded at both women. “As much as we hate to leave such lovely company, Tom and I are off to the livery. You two get acquainted, and maybe we can plan something for us all to do later this evening.”
Tom smiled, but still his gaze did not quite connect with Faith’s. What was wrong with him today? Before Faith could puzzle it out, the men were on their way, and Katherine was waving her up the steps and into the house, chatting all the way.
“David has been so eager to get on a horse and go out to the Gordon ranch. He says one of the first things he’ll buy on graduation next spring is a horse. I understand Mr. Gordon and Mr. Elliot have some of the best horse stock in the state.”
“Yes, they do, but let’s not talk about horses. I’d love to hear more about you and David, that is, if you don’t mind being in the kitchen. I have some pastries to make for Clara Whiteman’s bridal party tomorrow.” Much as she liked Katherine, Faith had work to do today. Maybe talking with her would help pass the time.
Still talking, Katherine led her to the kitchen. “Yes, Mrs. Weatherby told me all about it. It’s wonderful how your church family takes care of everyone in the church. I never thought much about the responsibilities of a preacher’s wife until I met David and learned he plans to be a preacher.”
Faith unfolded the apron she’d been carrying and tied it around her waist. “Oh, are things that serious with you two?”
Katherine held out her left hand. “David spoke with my father before we came here. This is his grandmother’s ring, and he gave it to me last night after the tree lighting.” A blue sapphire sparkled on her finger.
A stab of envy hit Faith. “Oh, my, that’s beautiful. You’re so lucky. David is a wonderful man.” How many more of their school friends would be married before Faith even had a chance? Without Tom in the picture, she sure didn’t have many choices left. Clara and Katherine both had beautiful rings from their intended families. After last night, she’d never have any kind of ring from Tom.
“But what about you and Tom? David seems to think the two of you should be getting married as well.”
Heat rushed up Faith’s neck and filled her face. Her heart ached with the truth, but she couldn’t gloss it over. “It seems that he cares more for another preacher’s daughter, Angela Booker.”
“Really? I certainly didn’t get that impression from David.”
Mrs. Weatherby strolled into the kitchen with a broad smile covering her face. “Good morning, Faith. I see you’ve meet Katherine, and I’m sure she’s told you the wonderful news. We’ll be having a wedding in our family next summer.”
“We were just talking about Faith and Tom. She seems to think he’s interested in a girl named Angela Booker.”
Faith wanted to sink into the floor. Did her personal business have to be the talk of the entire town?
Mrs. Weatherby poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table beside Katherine. “Angela is a very pretty girl, and her mother and I have become good friends, but I’m surprised Tom is interested in Angela. Her mother told me she plans to go away and be a missionary next year.”
Angela a missionary? She’d hinted at it, but when had she decided? Tom’s words from last night confused her even more. She pulled out the pottery mixing bowl and prepared her mind for the task ahead.
An awkward silence developed in the room. Mrs. Weatherby finally broke in. “Katherine, if we’re going to do that shopping today and have lunch at the hotel, we need to get busy. Mr. Weatherby has a meeting with the town council today, and they always have lunch brought in by Carl from the diner. Can you be ready in fifteen minutes?”
“Yes, I’m sure I can.” A chair pushed across the floor.
Katherine placed her hand on Faith’s shoulder. “Maybe we can talk more when we’re both not so busy.”
Faith nodded and cracked an egg on the edge of the mixing bowl. “That would be nice.”
The two women left, leaving Faith to her baking. A tear trickled down her cheek. Why did everyone else have to be so happy when her own life was crumbling around her? First the fire, then Tom declaring he wanted to be just friends.
For the first time in her life Faith dreaded the Christmas season ahead.
Tom rode beside David on their trek out to the Gordon ranch. “I’m happy to hear about you and Katherine. She is a very pretty young woman.”
“She’s just as sweet as she is pretty. I met her in a Bible class at school. I think I was smitten the moment I saw her. Took her a little longer to feel the same about me, but I’m glad she agreed. I think she’ll be the perfect preacher’s wife.”
“I hope so. She’ll have to untangle the messes you get into.” Tom winked and laughed at the startled look in David’s eyes.
“I do believe I’ve grown up some since those days, but maybe you haven’t. If you had, you’d be walking Miss Delmont down the aisle by now.”
Heat flooded Tom’s face, and David laughed at him. “That’s a nice combination there with your face and hair. Can’t tell where one begins and the other ends.”
The teasing banter took Tom back to those days when their biggest concern had been how to torment the girls at recess. At least he and David had been ready to graduate by the time Molly came along to teach, or there would have been no end to real punishment.
“Seriously, why aren’t you and Faith either married or at least engaged?”
“I’m not really sure about the reason for that. Faith and I have been good friends for so long, and I’m afraid to spoil it by seeking a deeper relationship.”
“Do you really believe that would spoil your friendship? That’s hogwash, and you know it. I heard mention of an Angela Booker. Isn’t she the new preacher’s daughter? Is there something there you’re not telling me about?”
“Yes, she’s Reverend Booker’s daughter, and no, there’s nothing there to tell about.” Although Angela was completely out of his plans for the future, others in town must think differently. Perhaps that’s why Faith responded the way she had last night.
While he was lost in thought, David said something else.
“What was that you said?”
“I said if Faith is your best friend now, it could only get better with marriage. At least that’s what my mother told me when I asked her about Katherine and our future. I believe her. Since we started to view our relationship in a more serious, lasting light, we’ve become even closer.”
Molly had told him the same thing. “I have to confess, I did kiss her quickly one night just as I was leaving because I’ve really fallen in love with her. Last night when I started to try to explain my feelings, she went off on this thing about being good friends and we’d always be good friends and so on. I got the feeling she doesn’t want any more than that. So, if I push too hard for a relationship, she might run away from me completely, and I couldn’t bear not having her in my life.”
David’s eyebrows raised, and he pushed up the brim of his hat. “I think that’s about the longest spiel I’ve ever heard from you, and you know what? It’s a bunch of nothing. Katherine has told me more than a time or two that a kiss from me is a kiss no matter if it’s on the forehead, cheek, or lips, and it’s important to her.”
And it had been important to Tom, but Faith didn’t act like it had been to her. “How in the world do you know if it means anything to the girl?”
A smir
k appeared on David’s lips and he shook his head. “If you kiss her like you mean it, and she starts responding, it means something, and you’d better grab hold of that gal and never let her go.”
David’s words went straight to Tom’s heart. If the opportunity ever rose again, he’d do just what David suggested. If Faith didn’t respond, then he’d know for sure she didn’t love him. He furrowed his brow and bit his lip.
David pulled up on his horse’s reins. “What’s the matter? I know that look, and something’s gone sour.”
“I don’t know. What if Faith doesn’t respond and gets upset because I’ve pushed her and she doesn’t want it? What if I lose her as my friend?”
“Ah, but what if she does respond, and you find the love you want with her? You gotta take a chance, my friend. And I’d say she’s worth every bit of the risk.”
With that Tom had to agree. Now he had to get up the courage to take that risk.
CHAPTER 29
ACROWD GATHERED IN the street in front of the bakery. A huge, red bow decorated the door. Mr. and Mrs. Delmont and Faith stood on the boardwalk and conversed with Mayor Gladstone. Tom glanced at his pocket watch. Only five more minutes and the new bakery with its new stove would be open for business.
He had no opportunity to be alone with Faith the past week. With her time being spent at Mrs. Weatherby’s house and his spent covering state and national news, their paths didn’t have an opportunity to cross. He had missed stopping in at the bakery for a pastry every morning. With this reopening, maybe their routines would get back to normal.
A builder from Austin had been hired, and his crew had worked hard to repair and rebuild the bakery and tea room to be even better than it had been before. Tom caught sight of Gretchen and waved her over.
“You’ve had your hands full with all the social events and the real-life dramas playing out in our town. I’m really glad you’re here to take care of all those.”
“Yes, and it’s been fun. The flood stories were the most interesting, and I loved the way the town pulled together to help the flood victims. My last story went in today for tomorrow’s edition of the Herald. It’s hard to believe all the homes have been cleaned up or repaired and all the families moved back in.” She jotted a few notes on the pad she always carried with her.
“By the way, I heard from my father, and he may have a lead on the mysterious Joe Fitzgerald. Soon as he knows for sure, he’ll send us the information.”
Tom’s spirits lifted and his pulse quickened. “I hope the lead goes somewhere. I can’t wait to know exactly who Joe is and what he’s doing in Stoney Creek.”
“In the meantime we need to write about the people here who do good deeds all the time. Your mother and the Ladies’ Guild are my next story.”
Tom grinned. “That will make our family proud.”
She tapped a finger to her lips. “Shh, I think they’re ready to begin.”
Mrs. Delmont stepped to one side with her husband’s arm around her. Faith held a giant pair of cardboard scissors in her hand. She reached across and snipped at the ribbon, which fell to the ground. She grinned out toward the crowd. “Delmont Bakery and Tea Room is officially open once again. No tea room today, but the cases are filled with new pastries and cookies. Come and enjoy. Today there are free samples.”
A roar filled the afternoon air as people cheered, clapped, and whistled even more than they had at the tree lighting last week.
Gretchen tapped his arm. “I’ll catch you back at the office. I have a story to write.”
Tom nodded but kept his gaze on Faith. She wore the same red cape she’d worn last week, but this time it was over a plaid skirt in red, green, black, and yellow. She looked so festive and pretty that he wanted to take her away for some time alone, but that was not to be.
A throng of patrons filled the bakery and the boardwalk out front. He’d have to wait until later when business slowed down, if it ever did. Faith would be at his house with Clara tonight. She and her attendants were to have the final fittings of their dresses for the wedding. Maybe he could catch her before she left.
With over half a day before that would happen, he returned to newspaper office to work on his stories. Gretchen sat at her desk, her fingers flying over her typewriter keys. Tom sat at his desk and inserted a clean sheet of paper into his machine. May as well get started on his next story. He consulted the notes he’d gathered and began formulating his thoughts.
Joe turned away from the crowd still filling Main Street for the bakery reopening. His gut hurt, and his pills had nearly run out. The attacks of pain came closer together. He prayed as he walked down for another visit with Doc Whiteman. All he wanted from the Lord was one more week in Stoney Creek so he could see Clara married. After that he’d make plans to return home.
Hannah Gordon welcomed him at the infirmary. She nodded toward the doctor’s office. “He’s in there going over some patient records. He’ll be happy to see you.”
“Thank you, Hannah.” Joe knocked on the slightly ajar door. When the doctor bade him come in, Joe pushed the door and entered the office.
Doc Whiteman stood and reached out for Joe’s hand. “Hello, Joe. I was expecting to see you. Your pills about to run out?”
Joe nodded and shook the doctor’s hand. “The pains are more frequent, and they’re a little worse each few days.”
“I see. That means you’ll be leaving us soon.”
“Yes, it does. I still have a few things I want to do before leaving, like Clara’s wedding, but I do need more medicine.” He eased down into the chair across the desk from Doc Whiteman.
The doctor pulled a pad toward him. “I’ll write this one for a little stronger dosage this time. Normally I would never suggest anyone using this much, but since your disease is in its final stages, I don’t believe there is a problem of becoming dependent on the drug. Shall I turn it in and pick it up for you same as last time?”
“Please, if you don’t mind. I know the pharmacist won’t say anything about the prescription in my name, but I’d rather not have people see me visiting the apothecary.” Only Mrs. Hutchins had noticed his bouts of pain, and astute as she was, she did not press him for details or fuss over him, as if sensing that he wanted to be left to handle it in his own way.
Joe gazed about the doctor’s office. What could he possibly do to make things easier for the doctor? “Doc, you look like you’re pretty well equipped here. Is there anything you don’t have?”
Doc Whiteman leaned back in his chair. “We do have a fairly up-to-date infirmary here, but new tools are being developed all the time. Ever since my time in the Confederate Army, I’ve been impressed with the absolute need for sterility in things like surgery or treating open wounds. We wash our hands frequently around here.”
“I noticed that. I suppose that does keep germs from spreading.”
“Yes, and because of the need for sterility I’d like to have one of those new autoclaves that hold surgical equipment and sterilize them after surgeries. The one we have is small, and only the smallest of our scalpels and retractors fit into it.”
Joe made a mental note to give that information to Mr. Swenson. He pulled a bill from his pocket and laid it on the doctor’s desk. “This is for taking care of me. I haven’t had any expenses, so I’ve been able to save what I’ve made with my carpentry.”
Doc Whiteman opened his mouth as though to protest but shut it and leaned back. “That’s more than enough to cover your medicine and your visits with me. However, I know this is your way of saying thank you, so I accept your generosity.”
At last he’d met a man who understood how to accept a gift without refusing it first and getting into a discussion about it. He’d make sure now that Mr. Swenson added something extra to the Whiteman account.
“Thank you for your time and the medicine. I’ll check in with you tomorrow to pick it up.” Once again he shook hands with the doctor.
As he left the building, his heart filled yet a
gain with the love he’d developed for this town nestled in the hill country of Texas. What little he could do for them paled in comparison to the blessing the good Lord had given in bringing these people into Joe’s life.
Faith perched on Clara’s bed with Juliet and Alice on the floor. Mrs. Bennett smoothed the skirt of the ivory satin dress and straightened the train.
“Oh, Clara, it’s absolutely beautiful.” Faith clasped her hands to her chest. “Those sleeves are perfect.” They were an exaggerated form of the popular balloon top with the sleeve fitting tight from just above the elbow to the wrist. Lace appliqués adorned the back of the skirt and train with the same lace in smaller detail trimming the bodice and lower sleeves.
Mrs. Bennett handed a deep gold mound of lace and silk to Faith. “I hope you like yours as well.”
“Mine? But we didn’t order one for me. I thought I was to wear my green one.” She hugged the new dress, her gaze darting between Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Whiteman.
“This is our gift to you, dear Faith. Your mother was worried that none of your good dresses could be cleaned of the smoke from the fire in time for the wedding. You and Clara are the same size, so I asked Mrs. Bennett to make this one for you.”
Tears filled Faith’s eyes and spilled down her cheeks. When she had last inspected her green dress, the smell of soot and ashes still lingered. “Oh, Mrs. Whiteman, this is beautiful.” She hopped down from the bed, and with Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Whiteman’s help she removed her yellow-sprigged calico to replace it with the gold creation. Mrs. Bennett fastened the buttons down the back.
It fit her perfectly. Faith ran her hands down the smooth front and turned so she could see the skirt pulled up in a very modified bustle effect with a fabric rose at the back waist. Her sleeves were a smaller version of Clara’s.
Mrs. Whiteman adjusted the lace at the neck. “I knew this color would be perfect with your dark hair and eyes. You look stunning.”
Christmas at Stoney Creek Page 20
