by Lori Wick
The rest of the afternoon sailed by in a lazy fashion. Kate had gone to her bedroom for a while to read her Bible and then joined everyone else in the living room where they were poring over the newspapers. She was so intent on the article she was reading, that she nearly tore the page in two when Rigg startled her by sitting down on the sofa very close to her.
twenty-two
"You look better." Rigg's voice was soft and deep and his eyes were intent on her face from his close position beside her. Kate didn't want to know what he meant by better, so she lowered the paper only to find the room empty.
"Where did everyone go?" Once again Kate's voice was breathless and she wanted to pinch herself.
"They're all in the kitchen; supper's almost ready."
"Oh, my!" Kaitlin exclaimed, "I should be helping." Kate quickly folded the paper and hurried to rise but Rigg caught her arm and kept her in her seat.
"Do you always do the proper thing?" He sounded amused.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't you?" There was still a smile lurking behind his eyes.
"Mr. Riggs, if you have something to say to me, I'd appreciate you simply coming out with it."
"I do have a capacity for making you furious, don't I Katie?" He had changed the subject in midstream and Kate was having a hard time keeping up with him. She decided not to try.
"If you'll excuse me, Mr. Riggs, I think I'll go into the kitchen to see if your mother needs help."
"She doesn't," Rigg said as Kate tried to rise and found he'd sat on her skirt. That he was equally aware of his position became clear as soon as Kaitlin turned her head to look at him. His look was almost angelic.
They sat looking at one another for a long moment. Kate could see that Rigg was enjoying himself and even though she was frustrated with him, she had to admit that he was the best looking man she'd ever seen.
Very softly, so Rigg had to lean to hear her, Kaitlin said, "You, Mr. Riggs, are a flirt."
Kate was very satisfied with the look of shock that registered on his face. In the next instant she had tugged her skirt free and was headed toward the kitchen.
"And heavenly Father, we thank you for the family that has come into our midst. Please bless them and take care of them, and use all of us to Your good pleasure. In Christ's name I pray, Amen."
Mr. Taylor's prayer worked wonders at calming Kaitlin's nerves. It was a classical farm kitchen, the kind she'd only read about, with a very large table and plenty of chairs. Her place was between Jeff and Sean and unfortunately, across the table was Rigg. He was very solicitous to Marcail who was beside him, holding the bowls of food and anything else she needed to serve herself. But even though his attention was centered on the youngest Donovan, he was more than able to make Kate feel self-conscious with his intense glances and warm smile.
That Rigg was the only one staring at Kate, was thanks to Bill Taylor. He had arrived at the house with Jeff and Gil not too long before Rigg, only to find Nate staring at Kate as though he'd never seen a woman before. That his older boys followed suit the moment they arrived, had been a source of great disturbance to him. Kaitlin, intent upon her reading, did not see the father of these young men signal them out of the room to inform each of them that they knew better and to please not do anything to make their guest uncomfortable.
Sean had been an unwilling observer to the whole episode and every time he looked at Kaitlin he wanted to cry. His heart ached for Hawaii where Katie was just Katie and not the object of every man's attention, or where Marcail was not shaken and bruised by some man who never saw her steal a thing.
Maybe he was too young to understand all the ways between men and women but he told himself he was not ever going to stare at a woman as though she had two heads, or blush and stutter when spoken to, no matter how pretty she might be. After all, a person's true beauty was beneath their skin. He might be only 14 but Sean Donovan believed that with all of his heart.
Rigg watched the emotions scoot across Sean's face and wondered what was tormenting his housemate. Surprised at how paternal he felt toward this young man, he hoped they'd have a chance to talk on the way home.
Rigg would have been really surprised to know that he was the only person Sean didn't mind looking at his sister.
After supper Kaitlin volunteered to do the dishes and Jeff helped her. They worked quietly for a time and then began to talk like old friends.
"Is it normal to have your purse snatched here in Santa Rosa? I mean, it was right in front of all those people and well, I realize this is a big city, but I'm surprised."
"We certainly have our fair share of crime but please don't let today paint a black picture for you. Santa Rosa is really very nice. It's growing fast so there is a lot of opportunity here. There's also a good deal of community involvement if you're so inclined.
"Nearly everyone in my parents' generation is very concerned for the education of our generation and it shows in the schools they build and the teachers they hire."
"Was -I just complimented, Jeff?" Kate smiled at him.
"No, I'm just trying to butter you up so you'll help me dry some of these dishes when you're done washing."
"Not a chance. If you remember, I gave you a choice."
"So much for chivalry. Next time I'll rope Rigg into doing this.
"Why did you do that?" Jeff said after a second.
"Do what?" Kate asked cautiously.
"Stiffen up at the sound of Rigg's name."
Kaitlin didn't answer and when she held out a dish to Jeff he just stood looking at her without reaching for it. Kate sighed and looked him in the eye.
"Jeff, I know you love your brother but the truth is, he's very high-handed and a flirt to boot."
"Rigg!" Jeff was astounded.
"I shouldn't have said that Jeffrey. Please forgive me. He's your brother, I had no right to speak ill of him."
"Kaitlin," Jeff's voice was serious now. "I don't know how to say this, but Rigg isn't what you think." He stopped when her look told him she was more than a little skeptical.
"I mean it, Kaitlin. Rigg is the nicest guy on earth and very much a man of God."
"I can see why you think that way, Jeff, but you did ask me and I thought I could be honest with you."
"You can be. I'm sorry I jumped on you." He dried a few more plates and then asked carefully, "Why do you think he's high-handed?"
"You were standing there, Jeff, when he ordered me to get my things and come here. Please don't get me wrong. I really appreciate your family, but your brother could have been a -little more diplomatic.
"He also thinks I'm a rag doll. Telling me he'll put me in the wagon and nearly sitting on me when he thinks I'll move from the sofa.
"Whether or not you want to hear this Jeff, the fact of the matter is, your brother is very accustomed to getting his own way."
Jeff could think of nothing to say. All that Kate had mentioned was true. Also true, was the fact that Rigg wasn't normally like this. In fact Jeff had never seen him so forceful or intent on a person. Kaitlin would never believe it, but Rigg was a little shy around the women at church.
When Jeff said nothing Kate was overridden with guilt. "I don't know what came over me just now, Jeff. But I'm so sorry to talk to you that way. Rigg has been very kind to Sean and I know he wants to help us. I hope you won't hold this against-me."-
"It's all right, Kate, really." He gave her his most engaging grin and they finished the dishes over a discussion about the church the Taylors attended.
twenty-three
Kaitlin and Jeff had been seated in the living room with Bill and May for just a few minutes when Rigg, right on down to Marcail, came in from outside where they'd been seeing the barn.
Marcail sat next to her sister on the sofa and Rigg took a place on Marcail's open side.
"You should see the barn Katie!" her sister told her with enthusiasm. "They have four horses but one is old and tired; they use him for burning hay."
Kaitlin laughed along with everyone else at Marcail's description. "I think what they meant was that he's too old to work so all he does is eat. That's a hay burner."
"I think Loni's brother must be a hay burner, but he's not that old."
The Taylors watched as Sean and Kaitlin exploded with laughter. The brother Marcail spoke of was 19 and very lazy. They had never heard it put that way before but it was very fitting.
When the laughter subsided, Gilbert asked a question of Marcail.
"Who is Loni?"
"She's my best friend in Hawaii."
"And how old is her brother?"
Marcail looked at Kate.
"Nineteen I think," Kate supplied the expected answer.
"May tells me you sometimes talk to each other in-"
"Hawaiian." Sean supplied for Bill, who was speaking to Katie.
"Right, Hawaiian. Maybe you could give us a sample." His voice was coaxing and Kate could see he was fascinated, but before she could answer him, Sean spoke up.
"There's a sure way to get Katie to speak Hawaiianjust get her mad or upset." Kaitlin threw her brother a warning look but kept silent.
"I know some songs in Hawaiian," Marcail said.
"Please sing one for us, Marcail," May entreated from her chair near the fireplace.
In the next instant the room was filled with the sweet, high sound of Marcail's singing voice. Kaitlin and Sean joined her after a moment and the family with whom they were staying was transfixed at the beautiful words of the song and the perfect blend of the Donovan voices.
No one spoke after the song ended and when the silence continued, Kate told them in a soft voice what the words meant.
"Praise to our God who does save us, Praise to our God who is Lord. He is the Maker and Creator, we know Him better from His word. Praise Jehovah, Praise the Master, praise the Father and Holy Ghost, Praise with all your heart and being, here on earth and heavenly host."
May had tears in her eyes and Bill leaned forward in his chair. "Kaitlin, would you consider singing that for our church on Sunday?"
Kaitlin couldn't have been more surprised if he'd thrown something at her.
"Bill," May spoke softly. "Maybe you should give them a chance to get to know the people at the church. I mean, it doesn't have to be this Sunday, does it?"
The relieved look on Kaitlin's face told Bill his wife's insight had been correct.
"No, but you will do it sometime?"
Kate glanced at Sean who was looking as surprised as she was. "I think we could do that. If your church is very big though, I'm not sure our voices will carry."
"It's a small building." Rigg spoke for the first time. He realized how content he was just being in the same room with Kate. But something was on his mind and he thought that now might be the time to bring it up.
"Will you do me a favor, Marcail?"
"What is it?"
"Well," Rigg put an arm around her and brought her gently to his side. She snuggled against him and he continued. "If it wouldn't bother you, will you please tell me what happened in-front-of the store today?"
Rigg's peripheral vision told him Kaitlin had started at his request. He raised his arm from around Marcail and reached to touch Kate's shoulder. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, Marcail."
"No, I'll tell you. I can't remember everything, but Katie was taking a long time in the store and I heard a dog bark, so I went out front to see where it was. I don't remember seeing that lady or that man but then she started to yell and he grabbed me."
"You mean the officer?"
If "Yes.
'And you didn't see anyone run away with the purse?"
"No."
"Okay, Marcail, go ahead."
"Well, he grabbed my arm and it hurt and the lady kept yelling and then he shook me and that hurt and then Katie was there and I got sick. That's all I remember."
Kaitlin bolted from the couch then, and Rigg, after giving Marcail a quick squeeze, went after her. May came over to sit with Marcail and Sean stood, gripped with indecision. He looked toward the kitchen where Kate had run and then back to Mr. Taylor, who smiled at Sean in understanding.
"Don't feel like you have to go out, Sean. I think Rigg will handle it." Sean looked relieved and sat back down. Jeff reached for the checkerboard and all in the living room were glad for something else to do besides wonder what was going on outside with Rigg and Kaitlin.
Kate had hit the backyard at a run and was almost to the barn before Rigg caught her. Running in front of her, he turned and gently brought her to a halt. Rigg watched as she buried her face in her hands and cried. He hesitated for a moment before tenderly pulling her into his embrace. Kate came without resistance and sobbed against him.
"I don't know how to be a mother to Marcail." Her voice was broken. "It's my fault she got hurt; I should have kept better track of her."
Rigg let her cry against him. He could tell that Marcail's story was hurting her and he'd honestly never given a single thought as to how she might react. His attention, when he asked the question, had been solely on Marcail. By the time he realized his mistake, he could only pray that his hand on Kaitlin's shoulder would be enough. But it hadn't been.
"We need our Father, doesn't God know that? I feel like we've been deserted." Her voice was growing calmer but Rigg still held her in the protective circle of his arms.
"Marcail doesn't blame you, Katie, and neither does anyone else. You're very good with Marcail and I can see she thinks the world of you. What happened today could have happened just as easily with your father here. Did you think about that? Marcail was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's no one's fault."
Kate was still for a moment and then pushed free from Rigg's arms and stepped away from him as though she'd been burned. Rigg watched with some frustration as she smoothed her hair and looked up at him, once again the prim and proper schoolteacher.
"Thank you for coming out with me. I'm feeling better now.,,
"Are you really? Well, quite frankly I'm surprised since you seem afraid to face that this really happened. You seem hesitant to let yourself feel anything."
Kate had never been so hurt or surprised. He was angry with her and she didn't know why. Her voice told him how hurt she was.
"I've obviously done something to anger you, Mr. Riggs, and I'm sorry. You've been very kind and if I've offended you in some way, I'd be glad to apologize and make it right with you." Kate watched him rake an agitated hand through his hair. When he spoke, his voice was soft in the gathering darkness.
"I'm not angry Kate, but if you should find that you're still upset about what happened today, you can talk to me anytime."
"Thank you," Kaitlin said simply, and tried not to think of how nice his arms had felt and how solid his chest had been. You've no business throwing yourself at the man that way, Kaitlin Donovan, you really should be ashamed of yourself, Kate said to herself as Rigg walked her back to the house.
If Rigg could have read her mind he'd have been furious.
Marcail was waiting inside and the anxious look on her face made Kaitlin feel ashamed of the way she'd run from the room.
"Are you all right, Katie?"
"I'm fine Marc," Kate answered and hugged her.
The little girl held on to her sister for a long time, wanting to comfort as well as be comforted. When they finally crawled into bed that night, Kate's tears came on afresh when Marcail reached for her hand and whispered that everything was going to be fine.
twenty-four
"Is Katie okay?"
"I think so," Rigg answered Sean as they rode home in his wagon. "She blames herself for today and I really wish she wouldn't."
"Did she tell you that?"
"Yes she did, and even though I told her it wasn't true, I don't think I convinced her."
"Maybe I'll talk to her," Sean's voice was thoughtful and Rigg was further convinced that he was a special young man who cared deeply for his fami
ly. Rigg didn't feel that the time was right to ask Sean if anything was bothering him, so he just prayed, asking God to show him the right time.
The next day Sean was awake at a very early hour, brimming with excitement. This was his first day at work. Rigg came into the kitchen to find his young housemate sitting quietly at the table waiting for him.
"How did you sleep?" Rigg's voice was still gravelly from sleep and Sean smiled.
"Fine. How about you?"
"Good. I thought a lot about your sister and I need to ask you something Sean." Rigg took a place at the table and leaned toward Sean, his face serious. "If I were to show interest in Kaitlin, I mean romantically, how would you feel about that?"
Sean answered without hesitation, "I'd think it was okay just as long as Katie did."
Rigg nodded."She doesn't seem to like me too well, does she?"
Sean found this question embarrassing and didn't know how to answer.
"Don't feel bad, Sean. She's already told me she thinks I'm a flirt."
'Are you?" The words were so quiet that Rigg, who had moved to the stove to start the coffee, almost missed them. He turned to find Sean's heart in his eyes.
"No, Sean, I'm not. I'm not sure if I'm coming or going where your sister is concerned, but this is no game I'm playing." Rigg watched Sean's face to see if he understood and was satisfied with what he saw.
"Come on over here, Sean," he said after a moment. "I'll show you how to make coffee."
Rigg walked with Sean to the post office. After Sean posted his letter, Rigg sent him to the mercantile to ask for Joe Crawford, the man with whom he'd be working that day. As he watched Sean head eagerly down the street, Rigg grinned, remembering his first day at the mercantile. He then headed to the shipping office.
His father was in early as he expected. Heading into his office, Rigg shut the door behind him. He took the chair across the desk and looked at the man who'd been a father to him for most of his years.
"Did you see Kaitlin before you left the house today?"
"No, the only one up was your mother."
