“Just fine, Granny. Just fine!”
For the next two weeks, Granny came every day but Sunday. Laney’s nest egg continued to grow, and she looked excitedly to the day she could slap down a large last payment and get the deed to her property.
So far no one had said a thing about the engagement—neither Granny, nor Mama Cassidy at church, nor Tarah. Obviously Luke hadn’t mentioned his proposal to anyone. Laney felt a little disappointed. Her growing pessimism over Luke’s sincerity wasn’t helped by the fact that she had only seen him at church on Sunday during the past two weeks. During those times, their conversations had been brief, almost too polite. Miserably Laney feared that Luke had changed his mind and just didn’t know how to tell her. She took comfort from the fact that she would soon be at the ranch for Christmas Day and would get to the bottom of things.
After conferring with his father-in-law, Doc Simpson, Sam had concluded that whatever Pa’s illness, it likely wasn’t the contagious sort, so he okayed an outing for Christmas dinner.
Thankfully, though the air was icy, no snow fell on Christmas Day. Jane was beside herself with excitement over the new dress Laney and Granny had made her. Predictably Pa balked about going to the St. Johns’, but Laney dug in her heels and refused to budge.
“You’re going if I have to get Luke over here to carry you to the wagon. Besides, don’t you want one last Christmas with Janey? Think of what it will mean to her.”
Finally he relented and even agreed to a bath and a shave. Laney had bought him a new pair of britches and a nice warm flannel shirt at Tucker’s. He seemed to perk up and didn’t complain even once during the ride over.
Laney’s palms grew damp as the ranch came into view. She hadn’t seen Papa Dell since Thanksgiving; and at that time, he hadn’t been out of bed yet, so she’d barely spoken to him. She knew he was sitting up for longer and longer periods of time now, and she hated the thought of having to face him. The guilt of her prayer that Luke would have to stay in Harper tore at her most of the time. She wanted desperately to confess, throw her arms around him, and beg his forgiveness, but deeper than her need to confess was her aversion to the thought of Papa Dell being disappointed in her.
Luke was on hand to greet her when the wagon rolled next to the house. “Merry Christmas,” he said, his voice husky and filled with longing.
All at once, relief flooded Laney. The way Luke gazed at her was definitely the look of a man in love. At least that was one worry she could lay to rest today. Now if only she could put aside her guilt over Papa Dell as easily. She squared her shoulders and ascended the porch steps.
She grinned as Jane immediately went off to play with Cat, the youngest member of the St. John clan.
As gracious as ever, Mama Cassidy gave Jenkins the best chair in the house and insisted on giving him a quilt to lay across his lap. To Laney’s amazement, her pa seemed honestly grateful as he snuggled under the covers and watched the comings and goings of the St. Johns.
Papa Dell sat in the chair opposite him and immediately struck up a conversation. Laney noticed her pa relax visibly, and she felt the tension leave her own shoulders as well. Everything would be fine.
Thirty minutes later, Laney groaned to herself as Papa Dell called to her. How could she have thought everything would be fine? Luke had taken off without telling her where he was going or inviting her along, and once again, all of her earlier doubts began to surface.
Laney sat on the hearth, feeling the warmth from the fire heating up her backside.
“How are you doing?” Papa Dell asked, his eyes filled with genuine concern and love.
Unable to hold his gaze, Laney studied the scuff marks on the tips of her boots. “I’m fine,” she mumbled.
“Glad to hear it. I know you’ve been mighty busy, but it’s good to see you.”
“Yeah, between Tucker’s orders and now Pa and Jane…”
“I understand, believe me. Sometimes life makes it impossible to find time for anything other than work and church meetings. I’m just glad you’re with us today.”
Laney could bear no more. Tears stung her eyes, and she laid her head on Papa Dell’s lap. He hesitated briefly, then he stroked her hair.
“What is it, honey?” His voice sounded worried, his concern only fueling Laney’s guilt.
“Oh Papa Dell, I’m so sorry.”
“What are you sorry about?”
“I did something terrible.”
“I know you couldn’t do anything truly bad, Laney.”
“I did.”
“Well, look at me and tell me what has you so upset.”
She lifted her head from his lap but still couldn’t bring herself to look at him. “I—I—Papa Dell…It’s all my fault you got hurt.”
“What do you mean? How could it possibly have been your fault?” Papa Dell cupped her chin and pressed gently until she had no choice but to look him in the eye.
Laney’s stomach dropped. Now was the time for honesty. She couldn’t put it off any longer. “I—I didn’t want Luke to go out west, so I prayed for God to make a way for him to have to stay in Harper.”
“And you think God answered your prayer by letting Ol’ Angus tear into my leg?” He asked the question thoughtfully, and to Laney’s relief, there was no anger in his tone.
“I reckon that’s about the end of the matter, though I can’t say how sorry I am about it. And if I could do it over, I’d just let Luke go and marry someone else. Honest, I would.”
Papa Dell’s lips twitched. “Those are some mighty powerful prayers you have there.”
Laney nodded miserably. “I reckon I just have the praying touch. That was the first time I ever prayed for something for myself, Papa Dell, and look what happened. But don’t worry, I’ll never do it again.”
“Well, don’t give up on prayer altogether, honey. Do you think God would harm one of His children just to answer the prayers of another?”
“It appears that way.”
Papa Dell gave her an indulgent smile. “Can you see me cutting off Luke’s leg just to give Sam experience doctoring?”
“‘Course not!”
Papa Dell nodded. “God loves us the same. And what happens to one of His children has nothing whatsoever to do with His answers to another.”
“But…your leg…”
“My own stubbornness caused that accident. Luke told me a year ago we needed to sell Ol’ Angus before he hurt someone. Since I let my pride stand in the way of a sound decision, I lost money putting Ol’ Angus down, not to mention that now I have to wait until spring to buy another bull, and I’ll lose out on one breeding cycle. My pride was pretty costly. But I promise, honey, this missing leg of mine isn’t your fault.”
Laney smiled. For the first time since the accident, the guilt lifted, and she felt almost giddy with relief. She threw her arms around Papa Dell. “Thank you.”
“Now I expect to be seeing you a lot more around here. I need my dose of Laney every now and then to keep me laughing.” He pulled his handkerchief from his pocket.
“I promise,” she replied, accepting the proffered hanky.
The rattle of a wagon outside captured her attention. She turned to Papa Dell. “I didn’t realize anyone else was coming.”
“Yep,” he said noncommittally.
A moment later, Luke burst in, his cheeks red from the cold. He grinned at Laney. “Are you ready for your Christmas present?”
Laney’s cheeks warmed. “I can’t open my present before the kids!” What was Luke thinking?
He shrugged. “Have it your own way, but they’ll get mighty cold standing on the porch until Christmas dinner is over and we gather round the tree.”
“Honestly, Luke. What are you talking about?”
He stepped aside and swung open the door.
Laney gasped, shrieked, then flew into her brother’s arms. “Ben! How’d you ever make it home on your preacher’s salary?”
Then she gasped again at the rudeness of
her question.
Ben laughed and lifted her into a crushing bear hug. “Papa Dell wrote us a letter, inviting us, and sent the tickets. We’ve been holed up at Tarah’s since the train rolled in yesterday morning.”
“I just can’t believe you’re here.”
“What about me?” At one time Josie Raney’s honeyed tone would have sent shivers of annoyance down Laney’s spine, but now that she had made Ben so happy, Laney was willing to put aside past bad feelings and welcome her as a sister. Moving from Ben’s arms to Josie’s, Laney said, “Of course I’m thrilled to see you, too! You look downright beautiful.”
Josie gave a pleasant laugh. “And you haven’t changed one bit, Laney Jenkins. You’re just as boyish as ever.”
Laney stiffened. Maybe marrying Ben wasn’t enough to redeem Josie after all. Laney felt a warm hand on her back and turned to find Luke grinning down at her.
“I hardly think anyone could call Laney boyish anymore.” He chucked her chin. “She’s too pretty for that.”
Laney felt the warmth from her head to her toes. She could have hugged him right then and there and probably would have, if not for the sound of a raspy cough filling the air and silencing all banter and laughter—a reminder that Ben had a hurdle to get over before they could get on with their reunion.
“Ben, there’s something you should—”
“It’s all right, Laney. I knew he was here.”
Ben moved slowly across the room, his limp more pronounced than Laney remembered. She started to follow, but the pressure of Luke’s hand on her arm stopped her. Turning, she glowered at him, trying to jerk away, but he held firm.
“Let Ben handle this alone.”
She nodded, and he loosened his grip, sliding his hand downward to grasp her hand. A delicious thrill shot through her, and she moved a step closer to him, enjoying the warmth of his arm pressed against hers.
“Hello, Pa,” Ben said, his voice trembling slightly. Laney wondered if he was fighting for control or if he was truly glad to see their pa. Ben always was the more forgiving of them. Even when they had a chance to run away and live with Tarah, Ben had insisted they had to go home and honor Pa like the Bible said. Only days later, Pa had sold them to Anthony and Tarah—but by then, Ben had a black eye and bruised ribs from another undeserved beating.
Laney fought to control her anger at the memory. She wanted to rush forward and grab Ben away. He shouldn’t be nice to Pa. The old rascal didn’t deserve it.
Give him a good piece of your mind, Ben! She knew full well it wasn’t in Ben’s nature to hold a grudge—his marriage to Josie Raney was proof of that.
Pa’s reply was short. “I see yer all growed up and probably think yer too good for yer ol’ pa—just like her.” Laney glared as he jerked a thumb at her.
Ben gave a good-natured chuckle. “True, I am all grown up, but no, I don’t think I’m too good for my pa. As a matter of fact, I’d like you to meet someone.” Ben turned and reached for his wife. Josie walked to him hesitantly, a tentative smile plastered on her face. Laney could tell she was fighting for her own control. The realization went a long way toward Laney’s overlooking the earlier “boyish” comment.
“Least you got yerself a looker,” Pa said with a knowing grin that made Josie blush to the roots of her blond hair.
Ben gathered her protectively around the shoulders and pulled her close. “She’s beautiful on the outside, that’s true, but her inward beauty is what made me fall head over heels in love with my wife.”
Laney held back a snort. Boy, did Josie have her brother fooled.
Ben cleared his throat loudly and glanced about the room. “We actually have an announcement to make.”
Laney waited impatiently. Oh, please let him say he’s moving back.
“We just found out that God is blessing us with a new addition to the family. Looks like you’re going to be a grandpa, Pa.”
Pa squinted and eyed him for a moment. Laney hurried forward before Pa could ruin things with another crude comment and hugged Ben tightly. “Congratulations. Never thought I’d see the day you’d be a pa, but I know you’ll be a good one.” A sight better than our own pa ever was.
The family surrounded the happy couple, and for the next few minutes, the sitting room buzzed with congratulations, good-natured ribbing, and advice until Luke grabbed Laney’s hand once again and cleared his throat. “I can’t let Ben outdo me on Christmas,” he said, grinning. “Laney and I have an announcement to make, too.”
He paused long enough to search her face for approval. She smiled and nodded.
“Don’t tell me ya got my daughter in a fix!”
Pa’s outburst brought a collective gasp from the women. Laney would have gladly clobbered the old coot, but Luke squeezed her hand to silence her.
“Actually, our good news is that we’re getting married.”
“Finally!” Tarah stepped forward and grabbed them both, hugging them tightly. “I thought the two of you would never stop fighting long enough to actually realize you love each other.”
The room exploded into laughter. The door opened, bringing a blast of cold inside as the children tromped in from their playing.
“We’re starving,” Little D complained. “Is the turkey done?”
“Little D,” Anthony said, his tone taking on a rare sternness. “You’re being impolite. I think you owe Grams an apology.”
“Sorry, Grams,” Little D muttered.
Cassidy sent the little guy a wink. “Accepted. And yes, the turkey will be coming out of the oven in just a few minutes, so you children get out of those wraps and come help us set the table.”
Laney stepped forward to help Jane out of her coat and scarf. “There’s someone I want you to meet,” she whispered to the little girl.
She nestled her little sister in the crook of her arm and pulled her close, moving toward Ben. He apparently had been made aware of their new little sister, for his expression gentled.
“Ben, meet our little sister, Jane. Jane, this is our big brother, Ben. He came all the way from Virginia to meet you and to have Christmas dinner with us.”
Josie gasped. “Why, she looks exactly like Laney!”
Jane and Laney glanced at each other and grinned. “Thank you,” they replied in unison, then joined the laughter once again filling the room.
Ben knelt down in front of the little girl. “It’s nice to meet you, sweetheart. This is your new big sister, Josie. She’s my wife.”
“Hi,” Jane said shyly, her eyes wide in admiration for Josie. A surge of jealousy shot through Laney, although she understood. As a young girl, she had looked upon Tarah with the same adoration. Jane loved frilly, dressy things, so it was only natural she’d admire Josie’s beauty and ladylike manner.
“May I go help with the table settin’?” she asked Laney.
“Sure you can, honey.”
Jane hurried to join the other children.
Laney sighed as she watched her go. “She’s a wonderful little girl, Ben. Anyone would be proud to have her as a sister.”
She felt the warmth of his arm as he pulled her to him. “You’re quite a wonderful sister, too, Laney. I’m right proud of you. Let’s go outside and talk for a few minutes.”
Laney nodded. They grabbed their wraps and headed outside. No one asked where they were going or whether or not they wanted company. Everyone seemed to sense that the two needed a few minutes of privacy.
“It took a lot of gumption taking Pa in the way you did, especially under the circumstances.”
Laney leaned over the porch rail, resting her elbows on the rough wood. “You heard about him holing up at the soddy with those two varmints?”
Ben gave her a solemn nod. “I did. He looks pretty bad, doesn’t he?”
“Sam says he’s dying.”
After a long silence, Laney turned to glance at Ben and straightened in shock to see tears streaming down his cheeks.
“What are you crying for?” But she
knew. She had felt it, too. No matter how mean he’d been, he was their pa, and his soul was in danger of eternal darkness without Jesus.
“Oh, Laney. We can’t let him die a sinner.”
“I tried talking to him about Jesus one night,” Laney said, defenses raised. “He told me to shut up.”
“Don’t give up on him. Jesus never gave up on us.”
Sudden shame gripped Laney. All she’d been focused on was Pa’s trial date so that he would leave her house. Give me another chance, Lord, and I’ll share with Pa about You.
Chapter 11
Amid kisses and hugs, tears, and promises to keep in touch, Ben and Josie boarded the train for Virginia two weeks after Christmas. A month later, the sheriff finally brought the news that the circuit judge would make an appearance in Harper within three weeks’ time.
Laney approached the day of reckoning with a combination of relief and dread. Pa was a difficult patient, at best. At worst, a trial by fire. His orneriness and deliberate jibes were almost more than she was willing to take. His only redeeming quality, as far as she could see, was that he loved little Jane. And the child loved him—the one fact that saved his scrawny carcass from being hauled into town and turned over to the sheriff for the duration.
Despite her guilty conscience, Laney tried to ignore him as much as possible. The task wasn’t as simple as it seemed, for he wheezed and coughed all night until Laney was sure he did it on purpose just to spite her and keep her awake. When she was rested, she recognized the thought as ridiculous; but at three in the morning, after thrashing about all night, it was almost impossible to convince her sleep-deprived brain of anything that made sense.
“There now, that just about does it for this one.” Granny smoothed the red satin gown and prepared to pack it for transport into town.
“Doesn’t Miss DuPres wear the prettiest dresses?” Emily asked.
Laney glanced at the newly made gown, ordered from Tucker by the newest addition to the town—a singer named Vivienne, with raven hair and flawless skin that looked as though it had never seen a ray of sunshine. Laney thought she looked downright ghoulish; but the men in town, including Luke—much to Laney’s annoyance—seemed to think her quite becoming. Laney regretted allowing Emily and Luke to talk her into going to the schoolhouse the previous night to listen to the indecent woman. It was a waste of good money when she could listen to Anthony sing hymns on Sunday morning for free.
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