by Lori Wick
"I believe the caring is coming but it will never equal the way I care about you. You're so innocent and you talk about going over to the Parkers' as if you're going to see your grandmother. It's not the same. I fear for your safety because you don't. Do you understand what I'm saying to you, Kaitlin?"
Kate nodded. "I won't go if you don't want me to."
Rigg knew what it cost her to say that and his eyes became so tender and loving Kate feared she might be kissed again. She wasn't sure she was ready for that. Rigg's hand came up and with one finger he touched her chin.
"Such a stubborn chin." His voice was loving and Kate watched as his head lowered.
"Katie!" Marcail called and Rigg stopped, his eyes on Kate's.
"I forgot she was up here," he said with a half smile, his voice soft.
"I'm kind of glad she is," Kate answered and grinned at him.
Marcail plopped down in the hay next to Rigg and Kate a moment later. "Look at this." She held the fragile half of an eggshell within her cupped hands, holding it carefully for their inspection.
"What kind is it?"
"Barn swallow," Rigg answered promptly. "We found them all the time as kids."
"Katie!" Marcail said suddenly. "You've got hay all over you!" Clearly the nine-year-old had never seen her sister in such a state.
"Is Katie always so prim and proper then?" Rigg couldn't resist his standing joke.
"Tell him no, Marcail," Kate ordered, but the little girl just smiled.
"Let's go down now so I can show Mrs. Taylor my egg "
"All right but first I want Kate to do something that would not be considered prim and proper."
Kate could feel her temper rise. "That's ridiculous. I am not too prim and proper."
Kate rose ungracefully and started toward the ladder but Rigg was faster. He climbed down and stood on the ladder with the upper part of his body showing up in the loft. Marcail was trying to keep from laughing and Kate faced him, arms akimbo.
"I need to get down," she stated.
"Just as soon as you prove to me that you can throw off your 'schoolteacher cloak."'
"That's ridiculous."
"What shall we have her do, Marc, sing off-key?" Marcail found this highly amusing and couldn't hold her laughter even when Kate's eyes narrowed in her direction.
"Sing us a song Katie," Rigg directed.
"Nor' Kate was beginning to see the humor in this and a smile was breaking across her face as she came toward the ladder but Rigg could not be bluffed. She plopped down before the ladder and tried to muster up a glare.
"I'm a man with infinite patience, Kate-love. Sing us a song and you can have the ladder."
Marcail laughed again and Kate could see Rigg wasn't going to budge. She threw back her head and crowed out the silliest song she could think of. Her voice screeched and cracked, causing Marcail to howl with laughter and Rigg to beg her to stop.
"Are you satisfied now?" Kaitlin demanded.
All Rigg could do was laugh.
"Hello."
May's voice came to the three in the loft and Kate and Marcail both leaned slightly over the edge to see her.
"Is everything all right?" Her tentative question started the laughter all over again as they made their way to the ground.
"Your son thinks I'm too stuffy for my own good and I was proving to him otherwise. Oh! Marc, did you bring your egg?"
Marcail displayed her prize once again and then May surprised them all with a question to Kate.
"I was wondering, Kate, if you'd like me to walk with you to the Parkers', so we can ask them to supper tonight?"
forty-eight
Rigg stared at his mother, completely nonplussed. He almost asked if Dad knew what she was planning, something he'd never even thought of saying to her before.
"I can see you're surprised and I don't want you to think I'm going behind your father's back. If Katie says yes, then I'll ask Bill to take us in the wagon. If Katie declines, I'll tell Jeff he's to escort her." May looked almost sternly at her son.
"You've bullied her about this Rigg, and I don't like it. I can understand your anxiety but you need to talk with her, not stomp on her hopes with your disapproving looks."
Kate found herself wishing she'd stayed in the haymow. She told herself she'd made a terrible mistake which had caused May and Rigg to have words. Marcail was equally as uncomfortable and tried to stand as unobtrusively as possible behind Kate. Kaitlin, with Marcail behind her, inched carefully toward the door, not wanting to disturb the conversation between mother and son. But just when she thought the way was clear, Rigg reached for her.
"Is that the way you feel?" His hand was on her upper arm and she could see there was no escape.
"Come along Marcail," Kate heard May saying and glanced over to see them exiting the barn.
"Do you Katie? Do you feel I stomp on your dreams?" Rigg's gaze was as intense as his voice.
Kate sighed. How could she explain all the emotions that were swirling around inside of her? She wasn't sure, but she needed to try.
"Rigg, how would you feel if you brought a girl home to your family and told them you wanted to marry her and they were not the least bit comfortable with her? I mean, they didn't warm up to her at all. Wouldn't you wonder if you'd made the right choice? Wouldn't you begin to question your heart-no matter how right things might have seemed at one time?
"Well, that's the way it is with Joey and his dad. I really believe that I'm supposed to reach out to them, but if none of you feel the same way, then I need to rethink my stand. If I was a man or my father were here, it would be different.
"But I'm not a man and I don't have a husband or a father to make going there all right. So if all of you, my closest friends in Santa Rosa, are against this, then for now at least, I have to assume the door is closed. But that doesn't change my heart or my prayers that Joey and his father will come to Christ.
"And now this, today. I've caused you to have words with your mother and that can't possibly be of the Lord. So I think I'd better drop the whole thing before I cause any more problems." Rigg watched Kate's shoulders sag and was overcome with guilt.
"Thank you for telling me how you feel. I owe you an apology, Kate. You didn't cause Mom and me to quarrel; I needed to hear what she had to say. The caring is coming but I'm more concerned for you. Where Parker is concerned I probably overreact. I mean, he'd be coming here to eat and you couldn't be more safe."
"Then you'll take me?" Kate was truly surprised.
"Right now, if you're ready."
"What brought on the change?"
"It's not as sudden as it seems but we've had no time to talk. Those verses in 1 Thessalonians really spoke to me. I've read them over and over and I can't say I've been faithful in the way I reach out to the unsaved in Santa Rosa. And when I have reached out, it was to someone easy, not someone of whom I was suspicious.
"Paul says the people he worked with were 'dear to him' and that's what I've been asking God for in my own heart. A deep compassion that would make Parker and Joey dear to me. As I've said, it's coming."
Kate was so relieved she felt tears sting her eyes. Why hadn't they talked like this -a week ago?
"Thanks Rigg," was all she said and he smiled at her before turning to hitch up the wagon.
Joey was the first to spot the wagon and Frank, having recognized Kate, didn't bother to bark.
"Hi Joey!" Kate called, and the little boy came close to the wagon to talk with her.
"My pa liked my hair cut." He smiled and Kaitlin was amazed at how he'd blossomed in the week he'd been coming to see her. Their conversation of the morning before came to mind and Kate prayed for an opportunity to question Joey.
"Is your dad here, Joey?"
"Not right now." Joey's look became uncertain and Kate hurried to explain.
"Tonight?" Joey asked. "For supper? Both of us?"
"Right. We're having a fish dinner and you should be at the Taylors' about six.
Don't forget to tell your dad."
When the wagon pulled away, Kate looked back to see Joey waving furiously. She returned the wave feeling absolutely buoyant.
The guys had returned from their fishing spot up the creek with their creels overflowing. Marcail was an old hand at the procedure and she and Kate enlisted the help of Rigg and Jeff. Kaitlin wanted to do this for May so she sent Bill and May on a walk.
The men stood back and watched the girls attack the fish on the back porch. The fish were cleaned in record time and then cut in perfect strips. Neither one was the least bit squeamish and the job was done neatly and efficiently.
The men, sure they were being pressed into service to clean the fish, were fascinated. Once the fillets were ready, Rigg and Kate worked together over a bowl of what Kaitlin said held secret ingredients. When the fish had been dipped, Jeff was put to work frying.
"What is that for?" The question came from Rigg who was watching Kate prepare May's large roaster to go into the oven.
"This recipe is best when the fish can bake after they've been fried. It also gives us time to finish the rest of the meal."
"Us?" Rigg and Jeff chorused.
"Of course," Kate stated with absolute calm. "Rigg, you can start the rice and when you're done at the stove Jeff, you can shred that lettuce. Marc and I will fix this sauce and cut up the rest of the vegetables."
"Marc," Rigg asked, wanting to know, "has she always been this bossy?"
"Don't you answer that Marcail Donovan!" her sister warned. "It could get you into a lot of trouble."
Rigg gave Marcail a conspiratorial wink and a giggle escaped before she could stop it.
The table was set with two extra places and Kate fluttered around in a nervous dither as six o'clock drew near. The smell of fish wafted its way through the house and if Nate said he was hungry once, he said it a halfdozen times.
Kaitlin had been pacing the living room when she glanced out the window and froze. Tears filled her eyes as she watched Joey walking beside his father toward the house. Bill came out of his chair and gave Kate's cheek a kiss before going to greet their guests. May smiled and followed her husband.
"Use this Kate," Rigg held his handkerchief out to Kaitlin. She quickly wiped her face.
"How do I look?"
"Beautiful," Rigg answered sincerely.
"No, really, do I look all right?"
"You look fine." Rigg shook his head at how satisfied she was with the word fine but Kate didn't notice. She was headed to the kitchen to check on supper.
"Katie fixed supper tonight. Come on in and find a seat." It was Bill's voice coming from the living room as he led Parker to the kitchen where Kate stood by the table.
"Hello Mr. Parker."
His head bobbed in her direction and before too many minutes passed the whole family was seated and Bill was returning thanks for the food. The meal passed in mild pandemonium with everyone talking at once, or so it seemed.
Kate's cooking was a great success and she was complimented many times over. She acknowledged those compliments absently because she couldn't take her eyes off Parker. His manners were impeccable. He'd brushed his hair away from his face and buttoned his shirt to the neck. Kate had fully expected him to eat as Joey had the first night, but other than his hands shaking occasionally, his manners were flawless.
And he was talking! He sat to Bill's right and the two men conversed like old friends. Parker declined dessert and he and Joey didn't linger long after dinner.
Kate wanted to hug May when she extended an invitation to join them again for the following Friday night. Parker accepted graciously and then he and Joey took their leave.
Kate felt emotionally and physically drained. She was drying the dishes that Gilbert washed but she kept coming to a stop in the middle of the kitchen and staring at the dish in her hand without really seeing it.
"Are you all right?"
"What?" Kate had finally heard Gil's question.
"If you're tired Katie, I can do this," he offered kindly.
"No, I can help you." Kaitlin wasn't aware of how her every movement and even her voice, spoke of how exhausted she was.
"You must be glad that the Parkers came." Gil watched in helpless surprise as tears filled Kate's eyes.
"I am glad Gilbert. I can't think why I would need to cry about it."
"I think I understand." Gil looked with desperation at his mother who entered the kitchen just then.
"Why don't I help?" May said cheerfully.
"You don't need to." Kate's voice caught as she continued to dry the dish she'd had in her hand for five minutes. May didn't answer, recognizing her fatigue and praying that Rigg would come in and rescue her.
He did just that a few minutes later. Marcail was staying the night because Sean had to work in the morning and Rigg, as gently as he could, shepherded Kate to the wagon.
Kate didn't know when anything had felt as wonderful as crawling into her bed. She fell asleep before she could thank God for the tender hearts of the Taylors and that He was still holding the door to Joey Parker wide open.
forty-nine
The clock in Rigg's office on Monday morning read eight forty-five and Rigg debated what to do; Kaitlin was late. He'd half expected her to be late because of her weary state the night before, but there was the remote chance she was not well and for that reason, Rigg couldn't rest. He stood up, having decided to go check with Sean when he saw her rush through the front doors.
She was flustered and apologetic when she arrived in the office but she also looked well rested. Rigg told her that her rest was important and that he wasn't at all upset. Kate didn't believe him and continued to apologize and berate herself.
"All right," he said quietly. "You're docked a day's pay.11
Kate halted and stared at him. He was dead serious and she told herself she'd asked for it.
"Do you feel better now?" Rigg asked quietly and Kate felt like an utter fool.
"Katie," his voice was gentle and without rebuke. "I tease you at times but I think you'll agree that I've never played games with you. I also know you well enough to know that you take your job seriously. I really don't mind your being late."
"Thank you." Kaitlin's cheeks were still heated. Thankfully Rigg had work to do downstairs and Kate was given a chance to calm herself.
Her pride had been involved this morning and it had made a fool of her. She'd been horrified to awaken and see how late the hour was and rather then come in and apologize, she'd carried on until she forced Rigg to threaten her. She didn't think he would dock her but she had no business backing him into a corner that way.
Kaitlin prayed and was able to put the incident behind her. She could feel that she and Rigg were getting closer to one another every day but that didn't change the fact that he was her boss and he had a business to run. She told herself that starting immediately she was going to show new respect to him.
Kate was making fast work of the account books for the year and Rigg was pleased with her progress. The morning flew by and Bill came over to say he'd treat at the hotel. Kate popped into the post office and found a letter from Scott Harper in Hawaii. She tucked it away to read after work.
Sean surprised Rigg and Kate by offering to fix supper that night, so as soon as he was finished with his work he left for home. Rigg had some last minute things to do, so Kaitlin passed the time by reading her letter. She sat on a bench by the back door, knowing Rigg would want to go home that way.
Dear Kaitlin,
Hawaii has not been the same since you left. I told myself that I would not carry on in this letter about the way I miss you. At the same time, I want you to know that it took a while for me to accept that you're not coming back. I still think of you every day.
The work here prospers and we're thankful to have your father with us, even temporarily. So much damage occurred during the hurricane that I believe God must have known we would need him. In spite of the losses there is a bright side, and
I'm talking about the hearts of the people. History repeats itself and it's exciting to see the revival that has begun in the wake of this disaster. Please continue to pray for us.
When I asked for your address I was surprised that you're no longer in San Francisco. Why aren't you? I thought you were living with your aunt?
I hope you'll write to me but I'll understand if you don't. I'm praying this finds you well. My folks send their love and please tell Sean and Marcail I said hello.
As ever,
Scott
Kate had effectively put Percy out of her mind for weeks. There was no one here like him and that certainly helped. But the guilt she felt, that she had somehow been the cause for the way he'd treated her, continued to plague her. And now, a simple question in Scott's letter brought the whole ugly episode back to mind as though it were happening all over again.
A shiver ran over Kaitlin when she remembered the way Percy had pulled her toward him. Her hand went to her throat when she pictured the way his head had bent toward her before Sean's words had stopped him.
"Katie?" Rigg's voice caused Kate to start violently and then pull away from the hand Rigg had placed tenderly on her arm. She looked up into his confused face and thought she could never explain. He wouldn't want anything to do with her if he knew.
"Katie," Rigg questioned her perceptively, "what is in that letter you just read? Is your father hurt?"
"No."
"Your aunt?"
"No. No one, I'm just-" Just what? Kate asked herself, knowing that Rigg was waiting for an answer to his question.
Rigg watched the emotions run over Kate's face. He was glad they were still inside the store because he had the strong impression she was about to run from him. After a short period of silence Rigg spoke softly.
"Who is the letter from?"
"Scott."
"Who lives in Hawaii?"
Kate didn't even hear his question.
"He wanted to know why we aren't living in San Francisco." Kate hadn't meant to say that out loud.
