by DiAnn Mills
Chloe’s heart quickened. “No. Not at all. His parents passed away a few years ago, and he’s been working hard to build his investments.”
“He’s very handsome and a good conversationalist. I could listen to him talk all day long.” She blushed. “Like a girl, I’m quite smitten with him.”
And you are an answer to prayer.
“I mentioned this to my aunt,” Rose continued, “and she suggested I speak with you about him. I’m sure that it’s because you work for him and see his good points as well as his lesser qualities. However, I have yet to see anything but admirable traits.”
Chloe blinked then coughed. “He is a good man, quite successful, a hard worker, and honestly, I think he’s lonely. He cares very much for the community. I believe if he found the right woman, he’d be clearly devoted to her.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t want to take advantage of him. I mean, forwardness is most unbecoming to a lady, don’t you think?”
“I agree. Friendship is always a good beginning. For without it, there is no basis for mutual affection. I heard Mr. Barton say that he is stopping by tonight after dinner.”
Rose’s large eyes fairly glistened. “We were planning to eat dinner here this evening. Perhaps I could engage him in a discussion—a friendly one of course.”
“Sounds perfect to me. You are quite lovely, Rose. Mr. Barton must surely see that. Give him a little time.”
“I don’t have too much of that, but if I come here to teach, we could develop our relationship.”
Chloe smiled for more reasons than she cared to verbalize. “If your name is mentioned in any of my dealings with Mr. Barton, I shall surely mention your good qualities.”
Rose’s blush deepened. “Thank you, Chloe. I never asked about you and Mr. Kahler. My aunt says things between you two are moving along nicely.”
“Yes, they are.” Then she remembered Zack befriending Eli.
*****
The late afternoon had turned cold by the time Zack and the twins, along with Eli, left the newspaper office. The young man had worked during the day, sweeping up, observing the typesetters, and doing whatever Zack asked of him, but the two had not talked about where Eli would live or much else about his future other than a job at the newspaper. The young man was clearly troubled.
“I’m hungry and cold, Poppy,” Curly said once he climbed into the back of the wagon.
Zack wrapped a blanket around the twins. His children were not going to be sick in the cold weather. He remembered their dire circumstances in New York and pulled the blanket tighter around their chins.
“Well, you don’t have to eat my cooking tonight. We’re going straight to Grandma and Grandpa’s for dinner. I saw them both this afternoon.”
Eli stiffened. “Is this about me?”
“Possibly.” Zack tossed him an extra blanket. “You’re going to need this on the ride out there.”
“Would you explain what you’re thinking?” Eli wasted no time with the blanket. He’d spoken to the livery owner earlier in the afternoon with plans to return the coat tomorrow.
“I want you to ask them if you can live there for a while—probably in the bunkhouse since Lydia Anne and you are close in age.”
“You can’t mean Brother Whitworth—the preacher.”
“He did the same for me before he and my mother were married. And I was younger than you.”
“He’ll be preachin’ to me all the time.”
Zack shook his head. “That’s not his way. He lives his faith. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt for you to listen.”
“I don’t imagine he’ll want to take in the likes of me. Lydia Anne and Stuart know all about what I’ve done.”
“Maybe so. But you’re going to ask. They head into town every morning taking the kids to school, so you could come to the newspaper office then. Finishing your school work will have to be worked out.”
“Got it all figured out?”
Zack sensed his patience slipping. “On the way out there, you need to decide what you want from your life. If it’s not to finish your education, be responsible, and live a decent life, then you’d better jump from the wagon and go on about your business. It’s your decision.”
Eli stared off down the road. “I should have kept runnin’.”
“Running doesn’t solve a thing. It just causes you to end up running all your life.”
Eli said nothing the rest of the way to Mama and Dad’s. Hopefully, he was pondering what he’d say to Dad. And Chloe . . . she didn’t know about any of this. With Jacob’s ultimatum, the only way Zack would be able to explain things was to take the twins with him to the boardinghouse for breakfast in the morning.
Dad must have heard the wagon pull toward the house, because he was waiting for them.
“Sure glad all of you are here for dinner. What a good way to end the day.” Dad stepped toward Eli and reached out his hand. “Pleasure to have you here, son.”
Eli mumbled something. Rather than let the kid feel any more awkwardness, Zack introduced him. He could have split the air around Eli with an ax.
Mama’s roast beef dinner tasted much better than anything Zack could have done. He could cook, but nothing like his mother. The twins chatted on about school, their new home, and Christmas. As the food disappeared, Eli became increasingly nervous. Dad suggested the men talk in the parlor—and that meant Eli. Mama winked at Zack as though she knew what was about to unfold.
The parlor sparkled with Christmas cheer. A pine bough lay across the fireplace mantel, its fresh scent filling the air. He’d be sneezing before long, but he did enjoy the aroma. Christmas ornaments tied together with red and green ribbon were gathered in a basket beside a chair. He laughed. Mama, despite the protests from her children, had arranged all the homemade decorations that her children had lovingly crafted throughout the years. She knew which of her children had made each item and when. The pinecone ones had chipped edges, and the paper bells and stars had yellowed, but that didn’t stop Mama. Each year they seemed more endearing to her.
The nativity scene was centered on a table in front of the sofa. She’d received it as a gift from Zack’s father years ago. It was the only time of the year that Mama brought a little hay into the parlor. Each Christmas Zack remembered again how Papa had loved them all and fought a lung disease courageously until his death.
Zack remembered the reason they’d visited this evening. He observed Eli’s twitching eye and decided to break the silence.
“Dad, Eli here needs to talk to you.”
Dad turned his attention to the quaking young man. “I thought so. What can I do for you, Eli?”
Eli swung a glance at Zack, then back to Dad. “Well, sir. I have a problem.”
“Let’s hear it, and I’ll see what I can do to help.”
Zack cleared his throat. “I’ll go check on the twins.”
“You’re leaving?” Eli gasped.
Zack nodded. “If you’re serious about wanting to become a real man, then now is the time to begin.”
Out in the kitchen, the smells of Christmas baking caused more memories to swirl about in his head. Family had always meant a lot to him, and this year it meant even more. He’d missed two Christmases while in New York and had spent them volunteering at his church to feed the homeless. But this year, his life was blessed with Curly, Charlie, and Chloe.
The twins were so busy helping Mama with cookies that they didn’t realize he’d entered the room. He observed them taking turns heaping spoonfuls of dough onto a flat baking pan. His mother saw him standing in the doorway.
“Should we let Poppy have a cookie?” Mama said.
“Yes, Grandma. He can have two. These are close to his favorites.” Charlie gave Zack her best grin, melting him into a puddle of love for his children.
Mama laughed—a sweet, bell-like tinkle that made her sound like a girl again. No surprise she and Dad acted like newlyweds. Her age increased, but her beauty only deepened. Zack took a cookie from ea
ch child. The season’s sentiments had him as emotional as a woman. Best he keep that realization to himself.
“Look, Curly, Charlie. The kittens are on the back porch,” Mama said.
“Can we see them?” Charlie said. “Poppy, those aren’t skunks.”
Mama looked to Zack for permission, her face a picture of mirth.
“Button up your jackets first,” he said. “And I’ll see if I can persuade your grandma to make us all some hot chocolate. This cold weather may not last, and hot chocolate doesn’t taste as good on a warm day.”
They scurried outside, and Mama urged him to sit down.
“What is the problem with Eli?”
He chuckled. “Did you run the twins outside so you could ask me questions?”
She shrugged. “He looks very sad, and I don’t like the scar and bruise on his face. “I’m surprised he’s with you since he blackened Curly’s eye.”
“He’s been living out in the open since Miss Scott removed him from school. I’d like to see him make something of himself. If he doesn’t come around soon, I’m afraid he’ll end up in jail. He’s hardened, but I’ve seen Dad work miracles. Where would I be without him?”
“He has the touch when it comes to wayward young men.”
He took another cookie. “My second-favorite cookie, oatmeal. Any coffee to go with them?”
Mama wagged her finger at him. “Some of these are for Christmas.”
“This is my last one. I’ll make the hot chocolate for the twins. I shouldn’t have assumed you’d do it.”
“And take away the joy of seeing chocolate mustaches on my grandchildren’s faces?” She scooted into a chair and rested her chin in the palm of her hand. “I’ll make the hot chocolate, but first I have an observation to make.”
“And what that might be?”
“I think my Zack’s in love.”
He grinned. “Never could hide much from you.”
“That’s because I’m your mama. Have you told Chloe how you feel about her?”
“It’s too soon, don’t you think?” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ve tried a few times, but the words won’t come.”
“I’m sure she loves you. I can see it in her eyes.”
“I want to believe so. Strange, I loved her as a little girl, and now I don’t want to think of life without her. She adores the twins.”
“Then tell her. What a perfect Christmas present for both of you.”
“Mama, I’d ask her to marry me tonight, but I’m afraid of the twins’ reaction.”
She gave him a sad smile. “Son, they love her.”
“I know they do. Yet I’m concerned how they might feel if Chloe and I were married. How would they feel about sharing me? We’ve been a family for only a short while, and they’ve gone through some tough changes. When we’re at home, they don’t let me out of their sight. I know they’re afraid I’ll leave them like their parents did, and I don’t want them to feel abandoned again.”
“Trust God to work out those problems. I believe He has a special plan for the four of you. I don’t think He’s brought you and Chloe together to break your heart.”
“They love Chloe, but would that love turn to hurt? Remember how much Lydia Anne loved Dad before you married, and how she later resented you two together? I can’t risk hurting them.”
“Your dad and I will be praying for His will in all of this.”
“Thanks, Mama. I’m stopping by the boardinghouse for breakfast in the morning before taking the twins to school. I need to tell her about Eli.”
“Do I need to say a special prayer?”
“Ah, yes. This may be difficult for her.” I want her to trust me, but she can’t hear this from anyone else.
Chapter 27
Chloe startled when Zack and the twins entered the boardinghouse for breakfast the following morning. Without a doubt, she knew why he was there. Eli Scott. Had Zack given him a place to stay at his home? Anger and hurt twisted inside her—made her stomach churn and her head pound.
“Are you going to get into trouble about us being here for breakfast?” Zack said.
She smiled in an attempt not to reveal her dismay. “I don’t think so.”
“We’ll have our breakfast and not linger, just as Jacob stated, but I need a moment of your time to tell you something.”
Her heart sunk to her toes, but she refused to reveal what plagued her mind. “All right. I’ll get you some coffee and some milk for my favorite twins.” She pointed to a table along the window wall. “Have a seat there, and I’ll be right over.”
Chloe took a deep breath and poured their drinks. Plastering on another smile, she weaved around the tables to Zack and the twins. “Scrambled eggs and bacon with some extra-good biscuits this morning.”
Zack eyed her strangely. She hadn’t fooled him for a minute. “That sounds fine. Have you heard anything about Eli Scott?”
It is true. “Yes. Mr. Barton said he saw you two yesterday.”
“Eli was the one taking the food and other things.”
Zack appeared as nervous as she, and the twins weren’t saying a word. With them listening, he must choose his words carefully. He cleared his throat. “I found him at my place, sleeping in the barn. I’d like to tell you the whole story. Can I stop by midmorning?”
She lifted her chin. “I suppose. Is he staying with you now?”
“No. Dad and Mama are letting him sleep in the bunkhouse. Not sure if it will work out or not. It’s up to him.”
Mixed feelings swirled through her. Did she want Eli to suffer? God stated otherwise. She hesitated. “I’m glad you were able to help him.”
Zack glanced at the twins, then up at her. “Are you upset with me?” he whispered.
She had to consider those words. “I didn’t like hearing about it from Mr. Barton, but that’s not your fault. I’m working on forgiving Eli, and I know God commands it. But it’s hard.”
“I understand. It was hard for me, too.”
“Us too,” Curly said.
Did those two hear everything?
Suddenly she didn’t want him to be concerned about the matter at all. He had responded to Eli as a Christian man. “It’s all right. I’m proud you were able to help.” She nodded. “I’ll get your breakfast.”
“Are you sure?”
She laughed lightly. “Absolutely.”
*****
Chloe busied herself all morning while keeping one eye on the clock. Zack said he’d stop by midmorning, and he would. Still . . . Eli’s improper behavior toward her and the things he’d done to the twins occupied her thoughts. One minute she’d forgiven him, and in the next, she wanted him punished. Zack’s dealings with Eli might very well end their fledging relationship. How could she trust a man who ignored her feelings? Dear God, help me put this to rest.
Zack arrived promptly at ten. The smile from this morning had faded, and his normally bright eyes were dull.
“Is Jacob around?” he said and removed his hat.
“No, but I don’t want to take advantage of his absence.”
“Neither do I.” He moistened his lips. “I want to tell you about Eli and what happened. But first, I want to apologize for causing you discomfort.” He took a deep breath.
Poor Zack. Maybe she should tell him that the story wasn’t important. But it was.
“I told you I found him in my barn. From his belligerent attitude, you’d have thought I had trespassed on his property. Anyway, I told him he could have a bath and breakfast in exchange for an apology to Curly and Charlie.”
“And he agreed?”
“Yes. Before the twins realized he was there, we talked about forgiveness of those who hurt us.”
She stiffened. Had this turned into a lecture? Calm down.
“It was hard for them, but they handled his apology wonderfully. On the way to school, they talked about telling the kids at school about Eli. So I told them to keep it a secret for now. I put him to work at the newspape
r, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was gone when I get back.” He paused and studied her.
“Go on, Zack. I’m listening.”
“We took a trip to Sheriff Jackson’s office, and Eli owned up to stealing. The sheriff did a good job of letting him know about the future of a lawbreaker. After we left there, we ran into Jacob, and Eli apologized to him. When the paper closed, I took him and the twins to my parents. If he can behave himself, he can live there in the bunkhouse, and Dad will see if he can make a man out of him.”
“What about Lydia Anne?”
“Dad and I made it clear what was expected of him, and that he would complete his schoolwork.”
Chloe nodded. Zack deserved a reply. “I’m—I’m proud of what you’re attempting with Eli.”
“I haven’t forgotten what he’s done to the twins or to you.”
“I know you haven’t.”
“Am I forgiven?”
She smiled. “Zack, there’s nothing to forgive. Yes, I was very hurt when Mr. Barton told me that you’d given him a job, but that was before I learned the circumstances. I hope for his sake and yours that he abides by the rules and makes some changes in his life.”
“Thanks, Chloe. I hope you understand I wouldn’t purposely do anything to jeopardize our relationship.”
She crossed her arms. “You may be stuck with me. The way I look at it, I’m simply one more homeless waif who needs Zack Kahler to rescue her.”
He chuckled. “Wish I shared your confidence, especially when I’m the one who needs you.”
What could she say? She blinked back a tear. “You’d better get out of here before Mr. Barton pays an unexpected call.”
He grinned and left the boardinghouse. The rest of the morning and into the afternoon she reflected on her Zack, the knight in shining armor. Oh how she appreciated his visit. His caring was evident in every carefully selected word.
Zack really had so many responsibilities with the children and the newspaper. Even his new home added more care and work for him. She didn’t regret their move, for they were happy and had a beautiful home. She imagined Zack would soon find a dog for them—possibly a pony, too. Miss Scott claimed Curly and Charlie were doing quite well with their tutoring, but that meant Simeon and Miss Scott did not have the opportunity to see each other as often.
