Lightning and Lace

by DiAnn Mills

  “Mrs. Kahler,” Sylvia said. “Would you like to answer Rosie’s question?”

  She hadn’t heard a word. How humiliating. Bonnie moistened her lips. “I’m a little uncomfortable in responding.”

  “Please, don’t be.” Rosie brushed back her silky black hair. “I know the type of life I lived before Jesus entered my life. I simply want to know if the woman at the well will be in heaven.”

  Bonnie’s heart thumped against her chest. “I believe only Jesus knows the answer to that question. But if the woman was sincere in repenting of her sins and her desire was to live in obedience to His ways, then she will be with us in heaven.”

  The sadness on Rosie’s face brightened. She’d gone through so much pain from the beating. How sweet to see a glimpse of happiness. Whoever had hurt her needed a taste of a horsewhip, and Bonnie would gladly oblige.

  “Thank you,” Rosie said. “One day, that woman and I will have much to talk about and much to thank Jesus for.”

  Bonnie slipped from her chair and bent to Rosie’s side. She took the young woman’s hand. “I pray your life grows in the joy that only comes from our Savior. You deserve so much, Rosie. The future will be brighter for you because of your faith.”

  “Do you really think so? I feel forgiven, and I talk to our Lord . . . .” Emotions appeared to consume her. “I talk to Jesus all the time.”

  “He lives inside you. I can see it in your face. Soon you will be healed, and your life will grow brighter. I’m sure of it.”

  *****

  Just as Travis set aside his Bible and notes for that evening’s prayer meeting and turned his attention to Sunday’s sermon—when he would officially become the pastor of Piney Woods Church—he heard a knock at the door. With his mind whirling with what he thought God wanted him to say on Sunday, he stumbled to answer the door. Do I use Hebrews 11, the chapter about faith? Or do I use Romans 8 and talk about what it means to be a true believer?

  “Afternoon, Brother Whitworth. Can I have a moment of your time?” Lester Hillman smiled as though a rancher had just deposited a huge sum of money into his bank.

  Travis swung open the door. “Sure, come on in.”

  “Is Zack here?”

  “He’s doing schoolwork on the back porch.”

  “Looks like you’re doing a fine job with him. He needs a firm hand.”

  “He’s doing well. Sometimes understanding accomplishes more than discipline.”

  “Can we take a little walk? This is private, and I wouldn’t want the boy to hear our conversation.”

  Travis made his way to the back porch and let Zack know he’d be gone for a little while with Lester. Zack glanced up, his dark eyes stormy, but he said nothing. Later Travis planned to ask why. Their relationship had eased into more silence than communication, which was better than listening to Zack’s rebellious comments and Travis having to decide how to handle the situation. However, he was no closer to finding out why the boy insisted on taking a wayward stand against authority.

  Outside, the two men walked in silence several feet from the house. Curiosity had nearly gotten the best of Travis.

  “What can I do for you, Lester?”

  “It’s a delicate matter, and I need your word that no one finds out that I revealed this grim information to you.”

  “I’m a man of God. Only He would cause me to repeat your words.”

  “Thank you. I’m real concerned about Bonnie Kahler. She’s takin’ to drinking.”

  “Are you certain?” Travis recalled Zack’s accusation about the same thing. He hated the thought of her indulging in spirits.

  “Oh, yes. Sylvia and I visit the Morning Star on occasion to check on Mrs. Kahler and the children. We’ve seen her in such a sad situation that she slurred her words and could barely stand. I think her Mexican housekeeper is raising the children, and goodness knows what they are learning from the ranch hands. My guess is Zack picked up his bad ways from those men.”

  “That is very unfortunate. Are you asking me to talk to her?”

  “I believe she’d be angry. At least when my dear Sylvia tried, she lost her temper and denied drinking at all. My dear Sylvia doesn’t know I’ve come to you for assistance, and I don’t want her to know, either. She works so very hard at Heaven’s Gate that this would upset her greatly.” He paused and stuffed his hands into his trouser pockets. “I hate to think what this would do to Bonnie’s parents and brothers. They are such fine families and contribute greatly to our community.”

  “Other than prayer and a possible confrontation, what do you think I should do?”

  “Sylvia believes Bonnie is unfit to continue working at Heaven’s Gate. She’s afraid liquor will be brought into the home, and it would be very easy for the young ladies there to slip back into old ways. We certainly don’t want the home to become another brothel. Excuse me, Brother Whitworth, but I don’t think my conclusions are wrong.”

  “I see, and yes, a situation such as you speak of would be a problem.”

  “That is where we feel you could be of assistance.” Lester’s tone sounded as if every word pained him. “We’d like for you to dissuade her from volunteering at the home.”

  “Why me? Shouldn’t a decision of this serious nature come from Mrs. Jenny Andrews, who owns the home? Besides, I’ve never seen any indication of Mrs. Kahler’s drinking or of her behaving in a manner that isn’t appropriate. Her family has not mentioned this to me, either.”

  “Heaven’s Gate utilizes volunteers from Piney Woods Church. You are now the overseer of that much-needed ministry. Mrs. Andrews delegated the responsibility of running the home to the reverend right after it was built.”

  “I can’t dismiss Mrs. Kahler unless I see for myself that she is unable to fulfill her duties. In my opinion, you should take your concerns to Jenny Andrews and to the reverend and Mrs. Rainer.”

  “Why, Mrs. Andrews is very busy with her family and assisting her husband in his medical practice, and the reverend and Mrs. Rainer are too old to deal with any more problems in their lives. They are very distraught about Zack and appear to be consumed with worry about him.”

  Why did Travis not believe a single word of Lester’s declaration? “I understand all you’ve told me, and I appreciate your concern about Mrs. Kahler in light of your wife’s devotion to Heaven’s Gate. But I will not tell her that her goodwill to those living at the home is no longer needed.”

  Lester stiffened. “Then you give me no choice. My wife’s peace of mind means more to me than life itself. If you refuse to help in this matter, I will be forced to withdraw all of my financial support from the church.”

  Anger buzzed in Travis’s ears. “I’ll not be threatened. The Lord will provide for our church with or without your money.”

  “Perhaps Piney Woods needs a pastor who can better lead its members.”

  “That’s not your decision to make.”

  “But my money speaks for me.”

  “I believe the good people of Piney Woods can tell the difference between being led by money and following the Lord. Good day, Lester. I have a sermon to prepare.”

  Travis turned on his heel and headed back to the house. Bonnie Kahler drinking? A bad influence on those living at Heaven’s Gate? Miss Juanita raising the children? What was the real reason why Lester had come by? What did he have against Bonnie? She’d been quite upset with Lester the day Travis visited the Morning Star. She’d been trembling when Travis first arrived, and her face had been drained of color.

  If she truly had a problem with strong drink, then a drive out to her ranch with the reverend and Mrs. Rainer was in order.

  Up ahead, Zack leaned over the porch railing. His lanky frame was but a hint of the man to come, a handsome lad with dark hair and eyes that must have been his father’s. A twist of something Travis had
never felt before left him sad and longing. The idea of marriage and one day a family had gone by the wayside. But he hoped that someday God would bless him with a wife and children despite his many faults. He waved at Zack. No point letting the boy know Lester had made him angry.

  “What did he want?” Zack said.

  “Church business. Did you get your reading done?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Travis’s eyes widened, and he grinned. “Sure do appreciate the kind words.”

  “I’m hungry.”

  Travis laughed. This was the first time the boy had been civil—even if his stomach was the reason. “So am I. Let me see what I can cook for us. Your grandpa sent some of his famous biscuits.”

  “I could make a whole meal on them.”

  Travis swung an arm around Zack’s shoulders, and the boy didn’t flinch. “I’ll slice some ham and fry it up and bring out the apple butter.”

  “I’ll get the plates and pour some buttermilk. Brother Whitworth?”

  “Yes, but Brother Travis sounds better between us men.”

  “Thanks. I—I don’t like Lester Hillman. He’s not what folks think he is.” He shrugged. “I know he helps out with the poor folks, but he’s not like the men in my family.”

  Travis didn’t know how to reply. Especially when he had sensed a few flaws in the man’s character himself.

  “Do you have a good reason?”

  Zack shrugged. “He shouldn’t look at Mama the way he does.”

  Suddenly Lester’s demands about Mrs. Kahler’s supposed drinking problem made sense. An accusation spread over Travis’s mind like a creeping vine that choked everything it touched.

  Chapter 13

  Travis fretted over leaving Zack alone while he visited Mrs. Kahler, but if the woman was drinking, the boy didn’t need to view it. Instead he gave him chores and schoolwork to do over the afternoon hours, and he asked Mrs. Rainer to accompany him to the Morning Star Ranch.

  “I’d like to talk to Mrs. Kahler, but I don’t want to call on her alone,” Travis had said. “It doesn’t look proper.”

  “I agree. Some folks just look for something to gossip about. I always enjoy a ride to Bonnie’s ranch, and the afternoon is a good time. The reverend takes a nap then, so I won’t be missed.” The woman nodded to punctuate each word.

  Travis imagined Mrs. Kahler would someday look like her mother—the same sky blue eyes and wheat-colored hair that had merely whitened and not grayed. He hoped if Mrs. Kahler did have a problem with spirits, her mother would mention it to him before they arrived.

  The two took the reverend’s buggy and horse. If not for a cold rain, the ride would have been pleasant. Mrs. Rainer chatted about her family and church life, which eased Travis’s mind. He always feared folks would inquire about his last church.

  “Morgan and Casey live on the ranch that my first husband and I homesteaded,” she said.

  “The Double H, right?”

  “Yes, it stands for Hayden’s Heaven.” Mrs. Rainer smiled, and he figured she was remembering days gone by.

  “So Zack was named after his grandfather—Zachary Hayden. He and I will have to discuss his namesake.”

  “Are you making any headway with my grandson?”

  He shrugged. “I like to think we are, but he’s keeping something from me. I can feel it in my bones.”

  “With a young boy, it’s difficult to tell. All boys seem to go through a time when life doesn’t make sense to them, and when a tragedy occursl, only God can restore them.”

  “Sounds like you know from experience.”

  She laughed. “Oh, I do. Both my boys had rough periods for a while. Grant was sixteen when he gave me trouble. He simply missed his father and got to mixin’ with the wrong boys. Refused to listen to me. Forced me to be mama and papa to him. But Morgan had the real tragedy.”

  “You don’t need to tell me this unless you want.”

  “Hmm. I will because the story is a part of our family, and you’re giving of yourself to pull us back together. The story is not a secret. Most folks in town remember it all.” She hesitated and glanced away for a moment. “Morgan’s first wife was brutally murdered by an outlaw.”

  Travis startled. “I forget this part of the country had been pretty wild.”

  “Still is, Brother Travis. My Morgan blamed himself because he wasn’t at home when it happened. He took off after the killer, and that’s when he met Casey.” She eyed him critically. “What I’m about to tell you is not to be repeated. None of the children know this but Chad, and we prefer to keep it that way until the others are a little more grown.”

  “I understand.”

  “Casey was a part of the outlaw band that killed Morgan’s wife. She’d been a part of the group since she was fourteen and finally fled in hopes of finding a new life. Her reputation had been built on the gang’s reputation, not on anything she’d ever done. Casey and Morgan fell in love but had a hard go of it. They both had pasts that haunted them and kept them apart. God healed their pain and made a way for them to marry.” She took a deep breath. “I know that families pass things on to each other, and I fear young Zack may have inherited his uncles’ tendencies to handle grief through anger.”

  “I see. Your secret is safe with me, and I pray Zack soon finds peace.”

  She patted his arm. “I believe my daughter is finally on the right path. Bonnie came to see me a few days ago and asked for forgiveness. She admitted to grieving so that she’d neglected her children, the ranch, and her relationship with the Lord.”

  “Praise God,” Travis whispered.

  “Jenny happened to be there at the time, and she did the same with her. We all had a good cry.” Mrs. Rainer laughed. “Brother Travis, the reverend and I decided that the Lord has sent you to help this crippled family be whole again.”

  I doubt your confidence, Mrs. Rainer. You don’t know what happened in Tennessee.

  “Bonnie is taking a new interest in the ranch and even having Lydia Anne learn how to ride.” Her eyes sparkled with Bonnie’s renewed enthusiasm for her family. Mrs. Rainer was a hearty woman, the type this country needed to stay strong.

  “I don’t think I have a thing to do with how the Lord is working in your family. He’s answering prayers from a godly family.”

  “Shush, now. We all know different.”

  She talked on about church matters, helping him bide the time to the Morning Star. Soon the rain stopped, and rolling pastures filled with cattle and horses came into view. He wanted this afternoon to answer the question about Mrs. Kahler’s presumed drinking. Travis had never been patient in waiting to learn the truth about a matter.

  Bonnie met them on the front porch with a sweet smile and a hug for her mother. Travis inhaled for a scent of alcohol but smelled nothing but the freshness of the woman who had captured his mind in more ways than one.

  “Are you making apple butter?” Mrs. Rainer said once they were inside the house. “Smells heavenly.”

  “Juanita and I finished by noon. I’ll send a jar back with each of you. I’m so pleased you came to see me.” She smiled at Travis. “I have your other handkerchief ready for you. And how is my Zack?”

  “Oh, I have him busy this afternoon. He’s memorizing his first Latin words, cutting wood, and preparing vegetables for stew.”

  Her eyes widened. “He knows nothing about cooking.”

  Travis laughed. “We men have to learn a few things to survive. I put on some beef before leaving, and he’s to add the rest.”

  “I hope it’s palatable.”

  “So do I. It wouldn’t look good for the new reverend and his charge to starve, although we’ve survived on a few meals of the reverend’s biscuits.”

  “I’d gladly give up a meal for them.” Bonnie laughed, a pleasing sou
nd he’d never grow tired of hearing.

  He allowed himself to stare into her eyes and thought he’d drown in their depths. Ben Kahler had left behind a beautiful woman. She gestured toward the parlor where he’d enjoyed her company before, but Mrs. Rainer stopped her.

  “I want to sip coffee in the kitchen and visit. You know how I frown on all those lady peculiarities.”

  Bonnie laughed. “I just brewed a fresh pot and haven’t tasted a drop.” She peered at Travis. “Is that fine with you?”

  “I’m from the Tennessee hills, Mrs. Kahler. Most of us don’t have fancy parlors or elegant coffee cups.”

  “Then come along. Juanita, we have two very important people for coffee.”

  “Sí, Miss Bonnie,” came a response from the kitchen.

  Travis instantly relaxed. He sensed warmth here despite the turmoil, and certainly Mrs. Kahler had not been drinking. Still it bothered him that both Zack and Lester had accused her of such. He pushed the puzzlement from his mind. Good coffee and the company of three fine women held his attention—for the moment.

  After Mrs. Kahler poured coffee for them all, she sat at the kitchen table with them. “Are you here to see me on business?” she said.

  Mrs. Rainer nodded at Travis. “Brother Travis asked me to accompany him. Sir, I guess you are to answer my daughter’s question.”

  He nearly laughed at Mrs. Rainer’s bluntness, but he did appreciate her ways. “I wanted to see how you are doing in Zack’s absence.” His words were partially true.

  “I worry about him, but I’m keeping busy with Michael Paul and Lydia Anne.” Bonnie glanced at her mother. “Mama, don’t you dare leave until she wakes up from her nap. Anyway, Thomas is re-acquainting me with the ranch. Lydia Anne is learning to ride, and Michael Paul has taken a new interest in the cattle business as well as the piano. I’m looking forward to watching him grow up.” Her shoulders lifted and fell daintily. “We are doing well, but we miss Zack. Or rather, we have missed the old Zack for a long time.”