by Lori Wick
Cassidy offered to fix the shirts while he waited, but Chandler said he wasn't in a hurry. The three stood and talked business until Chandler remembered he had an appointment and needed to get back to the bank.
Jeanette was ready to have 'Cassidy finish her story, but there wasn't a moment to breathe for the rest of the day, not that the women complained about having more business.
e,
"How was your day?" Trace asked Cassidy as they started out of town that evening.
"It was interesting," Cassidy said, not sure how much she should share.
"In what way?"
"I got a big order and delivered part of it. I've never done that, and it just turned out to be a bit of a surprise."
"That's unusual, isn't it?" Trace commented.
"What do you mean?"
131"Oh, I don't know. I would assume it's a woman who can't get out, and I didn't think Token Creek had too many folks like that."
"It wasn't a woman," Cassidy admitted quietly, and even though she wasn't looking at Trace, she was aware of the way his head swiveled rather swiftly to stare at her.
"You went to this man's house?" he asked quietly.
"Yes."
"Was his wife there?"
"I don't think he's married, but the man who works for him was there."
Trace's gaze went back to the road as he tried to compute this. That she didn't want to spell this out for him was obvious, but it didn't change Trace's concern for her.
Trace did not continue to press her, and Cassidy thought she'd heard the end of it. She was wrong. Much later that night, when Meg took the baby upstairs for the night and she found herself alone in the living room with Trace, that man stared intently at her for a time.
"So it's like this," Trace said without warning. "I didn't think I needed to hear the whole story, but I do. I appreciate the fact that you don't want to gossip to me about a customer, and if we were just talking about business, I would stay out of it. But we're talking about your safety, and that changes everything."
Cassidy stared at him, her mouth opened a bit. It was very clear he had been thinking about this, and that surprised her completely.
"Go ahead," Trace said when she didn't begin. His voice was calm, but his eyes were intent. "Tell me everything."
"And if I don't want to?" Cassidy asked out of curiosity. Trace smiled and said, "I'll tattle."
The word was so funny coming from this full-grown man that Cassidy had to put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. When she could control herself, she had another question.
"To whom will you tattle?"
"Everyone," he began with great satisfaction. "Brad, Meg. I assume
132Jeanette knows, but I'll tell Heather, Jeb, Patience, Chandler, Rylan, Chas, and Miranda, just to name a few."
"But you don't know anything!"
"I know enough to raise their concerns. You'll have more people checking with you than you have hours in the day."
"You're a horrible person. Do you know that, Trace Holden?" Not at all.,,was looking very pleased with himself. "I'm just looking out for a friend."
Cassidy was opening her mouth to say more when Brad came from upstairs. He joined them in the living room, and Cassidy took full advantage.
"How's the baby?"
"She woke up, so Meg is rocking her a bit."
"She's growing so fast," Cassidy said, even as she saw Trace rise.
"As much as we want to visit," Trace said to his brother, "Cass and I have some business on the porch." Trace had come, taken Cassidy by the hand, and pulled her to her feet. Cassidy wanted to laugh again but simply walked to the porch. When her eyes met Trace's, he read the indulgence there and put both hands up.
"Humor me, Cassidy. You might be just fine, but I'd like to know the details."
Cassidy told him what had happened at the Brickel house, and Trace did not look pleased.
"Why didn't you want to tell me?" was the first question Trace asked.
"I thought you might do just what you're doing, making a bigger deal out of this than it is."
Trace was not offended that she wasn't taking it as seriously as he was, but that didn't mean his opinion would change.
"Why are you going back?" Trace wanted to know next. "I told him I would."
"Couldn't you send word that the shirts need to be picked up?" "I said I would bring them, and I will."
133Trace's head tipped a little in thought. "Why aren't you afraid?" Cassidy shrugged a little, and said, "Mr. Brickel's interest was a surprise, but he wasn't threatening."
Trace contemplated this for a while, knowing that Saturday would be busy. He would have preferred to be in town when she made this delivery, but he couldn't make that work.
"I want you to do me a favor."
"What's that?"
"Tell Rylan."
"What will that accomplish?"
"I just want him to know that you're going. I want someone other than Jeanette to be aware of the situation-a man, by the way."
Cassidy stared at her friend. She was very touched by his concern but wasn't sure it was necessary. The whole episode had not upset her-it had only surprised her.
"Cass?" Trace said, having watched her the whole time. "Hm?"
"Do you have a problem with Rylan knowing?"
"No, I just don't think it's needed. It seems to be a bit much. I'm going to finish the shirts and drop them off. That's all."
"What if he presses you to stay? What if he does something unexpected, like touches you or won't let you go?"
"If I don't come back, Jeanette will go for help."
Trace had to smile before saying, "Put like that, it does sound like I'm overreacting. But I won't feel that way if this man turns out to be threatening."
"I'll tell you what," Cassidy said, making a decision. "I'll let you speak to Rylan if you want to. I'm staying out of it. And if you do talk to him, please make it clear that I don't want or need any company that day. I'm not worried that something will go wrong." Cassidy rose to go back inside but said one more thing. "Not that I don't appreciate your concern."
Trace didn't try to detain her but simply followed her back into the living room. He would talk to Rylan without stirring things up
134unnecessarily. He was not in a panic, but he didn't know enough about Hiram Brickel. To simply do nothing wasn't an option.
"What am I doing?" Rylan asked the congregation on Sunday morning as he opened his mouth and then covered his mouth with his hand. The group gathered looked at him, most people smiling even if they were a little confused.
"Any guesses?" Rylan moved his hand and asked. "Chas?" Rylan called on that man.
"Are you yawning?"
"Maybe," Rylan said cryptically. "What else?"
"Getting sick?" someone called from the back.
"That's possible," Rylan joked.
"Surprised about something," Brad suggested.
"Gasping," Philip guessed.
"Okay," Rylan said with pleasure. "We're getting somewhere. Watch me again and ask yourself this time if I'm yawning or gasping."
Rylan put his hand back over his mouth and looked out over the group. A few seconds later, he moved his hand and began his sermon.
"Isn't it interesting how the same action can look like two very different things? If I'm yawning, you're going to rightly assume that I'm tired or bored. Watching me might even make you feel tired. It's contagious.
"However, if I'm gasping you're going to get a little excited yourself and want to know what's going on. You won't be the least bit bored or tired. You're going to want to know what I'm excited about. It will be just as contagious.
"What was your latest response to God's Word? A gasp or a yawn? Have you begun to yawn when I mention the fear of the Lord? Is that subject getting old for you, or are you still gasping?
"I want us to take some time this morning and work to grasp the greatness and holiness of our saving God. We'll start in the book
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"Who is like unto thee,OhLORD,among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over,OhLORD,till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased. Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place,OhLORD,which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the sanctuary,OhLord, which thy hands have established. TheLORDshall reign forever and ever.'
"Did you grasp those words, my friends? This is an awesome, powerful God we serve. Turn next to the last book of the Bible. I'm going to read from Revelation 15:4: 'Who shall not fear thee,OLord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.' This verse reminds us that our God is holy and is to be feared.
"Are you grasping that yet? Are you getting it?" For emphasis, Rylan put his hand over his mouth for just a moment more. "A gasp or a yawn. We choose, don't we? We serve a great and awesome God, and that's what we need to grasp. There is nothing to be yawned at here. It's too big to waste our time yawning.
"Before I pray, I just want to send you off with one final thought. Ask God to help you grasp His greatness and holiness. Remember this one thing: A propergraspleads to an appropriategasp."
Rylan prayed and dismissed the flock a few moments later. Cassidy
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and Chandler had been sitting with the Vick family, and conversation wasn't long in coming.
"I needed that," Chandler admitted to the others. "I can't remember the last time I needed a sermon more."
"It was excellent, wasn't it?" Chas agreed. The women nodded in agreement.
"I won't look at yawning the same ever again," Cassidy put in. "Can you both come for lunch?" Chas suddenly asked. "I can," Chandler agreed.
"Thank you," Cassidy said, "but Jeanette asked me to join her today."
"Another time," Miranda said warmly, wondering if her husband had been doing a bit of matchmaking. She caught his eye as they said their goodbyes and found a smile lurking there. She knew in an instant that she'd guessed correctly.
"And she plans to go back this Saturday?" Rylan made sure he had the facts.
"Yes," Trace said. "She's not afraid, and I'm proud of her for that, but I just wanted you to know."
"I'll check with her on Saturday morning," Rylan said. "Thank you."
"Does she know you're telling me?"
"Yes. She didn't think it was necessary but didn't object to my mentioning it."
Rylan nodded, his eyes studying Trace for a moment. He wanted to ask if the relationship was changing from friendship to something more, but other people were visiting close by. He didn't think anyone would hear, but he wasn't willing to take a chance.
Trace broke into Rylan's thoughts when he thanked him for the sermon and went on his way. Franklin Vick was waiting to talk to
137
him, and as Rylan hunkered down to the little boy's level, he did his best to concentrate on Franklin alone.
"Have I told you," Brad began, catching Meg in the kitchen alone after Sunday dinner, "how fun it is to hug you?"
Meg smiled as his arms went around her and looked up into his eyes. "You might have missed yesterday," she teased.
Brad cuddled her close and said, "Much as I love my daughter, I certainly enjoy holding just my wife."
"You won't hear any complaints out of me," Meg said just before they kissed.
In the living room, oblivious to everyone but the little person in his arms, Trace smiled when Savanna let out a huge yawn.
"That was a big one," he said. "You must be getting sleepy."
She smiled up at him, and Trace felt the familiar sensation in his chest. He didn't know anyone could affect another person's heart the way this baby had. He loved her in a way he couldn't explain and thought he might do anything for her.
She yawned again, and Trace was suddenly back in the sermon. He'd needed the words this morning just as much as the others had. And even though they hadn't talked about it, he felt just the way Cassidy did: He would never look at yawning the same again.
138
JEANETTE HAD BEEN WORKING STEADILYalong on Wednesday after noon,
getting plenty done in Cassidy's absence, when a man stopped outside the shop. The sky was full of bright sunshine, making it hard to see through from outside, but indoors Jeanette noticed his presence and watched him for a moment. She thought he was ready to move on his way when he reached for the door handle.
"Can I help you?" Jeanette offered when he came fully inside. "I'M looking for Cassidy."
"She's not here right now. Is there something I can do?" "When do you expect her back?"
Jeanette did not like the question and suddenly realized she didn't like the man. His eyes never stayed in one place, and neither did his hands. Not caring if she lost business or not, Jeanette's chin came up a bit as she answered.
"I'm in charge right now. If you want to order something, you'll have to tell me."
"I'm still thinking about it," the man said, smiling a smile that Jeanette did not trust. "Do you make men's shirts?"
"Yes," Jeanette answered, the coldest response she'd ever given to a customer.
139"I may be back," the man said, nodding a bit, putting on his hat, and turning toward the door.
Jeanette said goodbye when he glanced back at her, but she had held her place in the shop. She only moved once the door shut so she could look out the window and see where he went. Jeanette watched him walk deeper into town, not liking or,trusting anything about him.
Chandler arrived on Thursday morning for his shirts. Cassidy had had them done for a few days but kept forgetting to take them to the bank when she made her end-of-the-day trip. He came as she opened the store. Jeanette was not there yet.
"How are you?" Chandler asked warmly, his heart suddenly real, izing how much he enjoyed being with this woman and wishing he knew how she felt about him.
"I'm fine. How are you?"
"I want to hear more than 'fine," Chandler said. "How are you really?"
Cassidy looked at him. "Do I not seem fine?"
"That's not it. I ask it that way because of me, not you. I have a tendency to ask that question and not really listen to the way people answer."
"Well, that's kind of you, Chandler, but I think the answer is still fine."
"How about financially? How are things there?"
"I've been busy and had lots of orders, and someone did give me some money."
"That was kind. Who was it?"
"It was done through Rylan. He was asked not to say. It came at a time I really needed it-not so much for my bank account but for my heart."
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Chandler stared at her for a moment, his mind taking in that special statement.
"What did I say?" Cassidy asked, not sure what his look meant. "Your heart and bank account-I liked the way you put that." "I have to think that way or I would be prone to worry all the
time," Cassidy admitted.
Chandler nodded, understanding completely. As a bank manager, he found there was no end of things he could worry about. He was telling Cassidy this when Jeanette arrived.
"Good morning!" she greeted them. "I'm sorry I'm late. My sister was having a rough time."
"Is she all right?" Cassidy and Chandler asked at almost the same time.
"She is, but I'm going to head home in a few hours to check on her."
"And I'd better get to the bank," Chandler said. "It w
as good talking to you, Cass. Bye, Jeanette."
The women saw him to the door, took a moment to figure out what needed to be done that day, and went to work.
"Oh, no, you don't." Meg spoke under her breath as she looked out her kitchen window. A full-grown bull moose had come into the yard and was eating off the Juneberry bush. Meg, remembering the baby was asleep, grabbed the broom and headed out.
"Go on!" she shouted as she neared. "Get away from there!"
Meg brandished the broom in the moose's direction, but he didn't seem overly fazed. He looked in her direction but went right on chewing. She was about to get closer, even hit him if she had to, when the report of a rifle sounded behind her. It startled her into dropping the broom, and the moose certainly got the point. He jerked violently before running for the hills.
141"You scared me!" Meg scolded Brad, who was coming toward her.
"Meg." Brad's voice was patient, but his eyes Were a little stern. "What have I told you about coming after moose with a broom? That's why we keep the rifle in the kitchen."
"Savanna is sleeping," Meg argued. Brad's mouth opened in surprise, causing Meg to bite her lip.
"Better Savanna awake than you hurt or worse," Brad said, trying not to smile at her guilty face.
"Was that shot from here?" Trace asked, having just come in on his horse. The answer was obvious from the weapon in Brad's hand.
"Yes," Brad answered before Meg could. "Meg was using a broom to scare a moose away."
Trace's face was too much like Brad's. He looked as though he was ready to scold her as well. Picking up the broom, Meg made her exit with the excuse that she needed to check on the baby.
eyGt*
Not once had Cassidy let her mind drift. With Theta on her mind, Jeanette had not remembered to tell her about the man who had been asking for her until well after lunch. Cassidy's heart had sunk a little with what Jeanette described, but it was already Thursday and she still had two shirts to make. She had not had time to give way to speculation and fear-until now.
Now she was alone in her apartment, the day over and the business closed. Not even bothering to start dinner, Cassidy sat at her small kitchen table and tried not to think about what the visit might mean. But it didn't work. She had run out of time, and she knew that.
