Charity's Promise

by Marianne Spitzer

  Hearing Annie giggling in the next room, Charity knew her chance of any more rest was over. She’d have to forget about her dilemma until later if only her mind and heart would allow her to do so.

  Sitting on the edge of her bed, she waited for the morning ritual to begin.

  Charity could hear Ben and Annie whispering outside her door. She bit back a laugh because she knew they were discussing ways to try and wake her up.

  The soft knock came along with Ben’s voice asking, “Mama, are you awake?”

  Charity remained silent.

  The next knock was lower and softer. Annie asked, “Mama, you awake?”

  Silence.

  Ben tried again, pounding his small fist on the door and calling out, “Mama, can you hear us. Are you awake?”

  Giggling, Charity lay back down and covered herself with her quilt, knowing what would come next.

  She heard the doorknob turn, door open, and two pairs of small feet creep across her floor. They stopped at the edge of her bed and whispered about what to do. They made the same decision they did every morning. They slowly climbed onto Charity’s bed.

  Charity did her best to remain quiet and still while the children sat and looked at her until Ben finally asked again, “Mama, are you awake?”

  Charity’s eyes popped open, and she quickly reached out and pulled the children to her saying, “No, I’m still asleep.”

  The three lay there giggling and talking until Ben said, “Mama, it’s cold this morning. You know that I’m five now and old enough to start the fire in the fireplace and even in the stove for breakfast.”

  Annie nodded her head and added, “And I can mix eggs for you, Mama.”

  Charity smiled at her children as they warmed her heart, wanting to help her as much as they were able.

  “I think maybe next winter after you’ve started school that we’ll have you start the morning fire, Ben. You’ll be six then and a big boy,” Charity suggested.

  “But,” Ben argued. “Uncle Joseph says I’m the man in the family and should do more to help you.”

  “I’m sure he did,” Charity answered. “That sounds like your uncle, but you’re doing a lot to help me. I just think we’ll wait a little while before you start the fires, all right.”

  “All right, Mama,” Ben agreed. “Can you get up now and make breakfast? Annie can mix eggs, but she can’t cook them if I can’t light the fire in the stove.”

  Ben stared straight into his mother’s eyes, and Charity knew this was a serious question. “Yes, I’ll get up right now, and you both can help.”

  Annie and Ben jumped off the bed before Charity could get out of bed and pull on her robe to begin her day. She stopped for a moment and wondered how life would change if she allowed herself to get closer to Jason. Would the children still feel free to wake her in the mornings if she shared Jason’s bed? Shaking her head and deciding it was too early to think about that and hurried to start the fire in the fireplace where she knew Ben would watch her every move.

  The children chattered all through breakfast about how big they were and what they could do to help Charity. When Charity suggested they could start by keeping their rooms clean and making their beds each morning, both children scowled.

  Ben insisted he could chop firewood if Charity allowed him to touch the ax, and Annie wanted to bake a cake on her own.

  Charity let her mind wander to what life would be like if she could stay home with the children and bake a cake instead of working in the café. Joseph told her she didn’t need to work that he would give her whatever funds she needed, but she didn’t feel that was the way she wanted to live. Besides, she still had enough money left from the sale of the ranch after Charles died. The funds Charles had put away for the children’s’ futures from the inheritance he received from his grandfather would ensure they had a good start as adults. But she needed to feel as if she was useful, and helping in the family business brought her peace and self-respect.

  If she allowed Jason to see her regularly, could it lead to something more? Would the mayor have time to teach her son to chop wood when he was old enough? Would she be able to remain at home and bake, or would Jason expect her to allow a maid or cook to do all the work? Their lives were different but oh, he did make her heart flutter.

  Annie drew her from her musings when she asked, “Mama, can we bake a cake today?”

  “No, sweetheart, I have to work at the café today.”

  Annie pouted, and Ben said, “You always work, Mama. Uncle Joseph said you should stay home with us. Why don’t you?”

  Charity felt her anger build, and she did her best not to let her children see it. Her brother stepped over the line by telling her children she should stay home. She’d deal with him later, but first, she smiled at Ben and said, “Everyone has a job to do, and mine is working at the café. You and Annie can do yours by making your beds now before we leave for Miss Barber’s.”

  “Yes, Mama,” Ben mumbled and headed for his room with Annie following.

  Charity shook her head. She had too much to think about, and Jason would come into the café for lunch, expecting an answer to his question.

  Chapter 3

  Charity arrived at the café mid-morning for her shift. As she removed her coat, she noticed Joseph was sweeping the floors and wiping tables in the dining room, which meant, at least for a few more minutes, he wouldn’t question her about leaving early yesterday.

  Charity wasn’t exactly sure how she would explain what she was feeling or whether he would understand. As she turned toward the kitchen, she saw Holly standing there with a broad smile on her face.

  “You look much better than you did when you left here yesterday. Did you sleep well?”

  Charity shrugged, “Not really. I had an interesting dream, which helped me clarify my feelings and helped me decide what I should say to Jason when he asks me again to go out to supper on New Year’s Eve.”

  “I hope that means it was a good dream,” Holly said.

  Charity shook her head slowly. “Yes and no. I dreamed about Charles, and I remember the conversation we had shortly after we were married but must’ve somehow blocked it out of my mind. For some reason, he decided it was important for me to know that if something happened to him, I should marry again and live a fulfilled life.”

  Holly said, “I’m certain all your worries about Jason triggered that memory and dream. Without the dream, would you accept Jason’s invitation to supper?”

  As Charity slipped on her work apron, she said, “I highly doubt it. I want to tell you something but please don’t tell anyone else.”

  “I won’t,” Holly assured. “You know you can trust me.”

  At Charles’ funeral, I whispered to him just before the burial that I would love him forever and would never marry another.”

  Holly wiped her flour-covered hands on a towel and said, “That explains a lot of things, especially your reluctance to accept Jason’s invitation to supper or any of his other advances. I take it the dream helped you to see that you can be happy with Charles’ blessing.”

  “It did. I can’t tell you how much I loved Charles and how it broke my heart when he died. If not for the children, I’m not sure I would have survived it. Many days they were the only reason I had to get out of bed,” Charity confided.

  Tears began to stream down Holly’s cheeks as she pulled Charity into a hug. “I can’t imagine what I would do if I lost Joseph. You’re much braver than I could ever hope to be. I’m sure I would wither away.”

  Joseph strode into the kitchen and looked at his wife’s tear-streaked face. “Are you all right, Holly? What is it with the two of you this week? You’ve been emotional at the least little thing, and Charity left for home with a headache, and she never has them. I’ll never understand either of you.” He smiled and left the kitchen with a mop and bucket of water.

  Charity stared at Holly for a long moment and asked, “Are you with child?”

  Holly bit her
lip. “I’m not certain, but I think I might be. I’m not sick the way I hear other women are, but everything happy or sad makes me cry.”

  “I was the same way. Never a day sick, but everything from the birds singing a happy tune in the morning or the cow not wanting to give up her milk made me cry. I think I nearly drove Charles mad,” Charity smiled at the sweet memory. “I’m excited for you. Does Joseph know?”

  Holly shook her head.

  “I didn’t think he did, or he’d be insisting that you go home and back to bed instead of making pies this morning. Be forewarned, he’s going to be very protective of you, and he’ll worry about every little thing. I know how my brother deals with things. Just keep smiling and tell him things are all right, and he’ll survive, hopefully.”

  Charity’s statement made Holly laugh, and they both began to laugh harder and louder. Joseph returned to the kitchen with a confused look on his face.

  “So now things are funny? You two are a mystery to me. Can you take care of business for a while? I need to head over to the livery and see Pap about our wagon horses.”

  “We’ll get along nicely without you,” Charity assured her brother. “Lunch rush doesn’t start for another hour.”

  Joseph left, and Charity looked at Holly. “Jason will be in for lunch today, and he’s going to ask me again if I’ll have supper with him. When I say yes, I hope I don’t stutter or worse, he asks me why I’ve decided to accompany him.”

  “Just tell him ladies have secrets, and you can’t give him a reason,” Holly suggested.

  “I like the way you think.”

  The hour passed quickly, and soon the café was humming with business. Near the end of the rush, Jason arrived and sat at his usual table.

  Holly whispered, “He’s here. Smile and don’t trip when you walk to the table.”

  Charity rolled her eyes and answered, “Thank you. I needed to worry about that, too.”

  Holly chuckled. “You’ll be all right. Smile, and maybe a wink might help.”

  “I don’t think winking would make any difference. He’s serious and keeps asking.”

  “Sounds like love,” Holly said as Charity hurried past her, grabbed a coffee pot, and headed into the dining room.

  Charity did her best to push the ‘love’ comment out of her mind as she walked up to Jason’s table. She smiled, poured him a cup of coffee, and said, “Today’s special is roast beef, mashed potatoes, green beans, and hot biscuits. We have freshly churned butter or honey for the biscuits.”

  “The special sounds good, and please bring some honey for the biscuits. I like sweet things,” Jason answered and returned her smile.

  Charity blushed, nodded, and hurried back to the kitchen.

  “He’ll have the special, and he wants honey because he likes sweet things,” Charity gushed as she explained to Holly what Jason had ordered.

  “Any mention of New Year’s Eve?” Holly asked.

  “No, and I think I made a fool out of myself. I could feel my face turning red when he said he likes sweet things. He’s going to think I think that he thinks I’m sweet. Oh, goodness, I don’t know what I’m thinking. Why does that man make me nervous?”

  “Maybe you care for him, too,” Holly said as she filled a plate with food. “You better feed him and hope he asks you before Joseph returns. He’ll go out and sit with Jason. You know how they enjoy talking to each other, and I can’t imagine you’ll enjoy being asked out to supper with your brother staring at you.”

  Charity let out a breath and picked up the plate. “He would never let me forget it.”

  Charity carried the plate to Jason’s table and said, “I’ll be right back with the biscuits and honey.”

  Jason just smiled, which made Charity more nervous than if he had spoken to her. Why was he affecting her this way? Could one dream change the way she felt or allowed herself to feel?

  When she returned with the biscuits, Jason said, “I’m your only customer. Why don’t you take a break and sit with me while I finish eating?”

  Charity sat on the chair across from Jason and asked, “Do you like the roast beef?”

  “Very much. Did you make it?”

  “No, Joseph likes to cook, and he always puts the meat on to roast in the morning. He thinks he’s a better cook than Holly or me,” Charity said.

  “It’s good, but I’m sure I would love whatever you cooked, too. You do cook, don’t you?” Jason asked.

  Charity laughed. “Yes, I do. I have two children to feed, and we don’t eat at the café every evening.”

  “That’s a good thing. I remember having meals at home when I was a boy. We talked about our day or any problems we had. I think families should do that every night if possible.”

  “I do, too,” Charity agreed. “We did the same, and I have many fond memories of my folks and family meals.”

  Jason nodded and abruptly said, “Do you have an answer? Will you allow me to escort you to the New Year’s Eve supper?”

  Caught a bit off guard, Charity stammered. “I have an answer. Yes, I would enjoy that. Thank you.”

  “That’s settled then. Should I pick you up at home, say six o’clock?” Jason stated and took a drink of his coffee.

  “Yes, six would work out well.”

  “Very good. Do you have apple pie today? It’s my favorite.”

  Charity nodded. “Yes, we do. I’ll get you a slice.”

  Charity stood and hurried back to the kitchen.

  “Well,” Holly asked. “Did he ask you to supper?”

  “Yes,” Charity answered. “But it felt more like we were closing a business agreement.”

  Holly laughed. “He’s the mayor and nervous. I’m sure he reverted to what he does best.”

  “Maybe,” Charity said as she slid a piece of pie on a plate. “I was nervous, too, and still am. I hope I’m not making a fool of myself.”

  Holly responded, “I doubt that you are. Just smile and enjoy the time together.”

  Chapter 4

  Charity checked her hair in the mirror one more time trying to assure herself that she looked presentable. The burgundy dress she chose fit her well, and she said a silent prayer that she was making the right decision. Locking her heart away for two years had served her well, but since she opened it to the possibility of loving again, she found her mind filled with thoughts of Jason.

  When she heard the knock on the front door, she drew in a deep breath, smiled at her reflection in the mirror, and hurried to start her evening.

  Charity opened the door, greeted Jason, and invited him inside, “Please, step in out of the cold while I get my coat.”

  “Thank you. You look lovely tonight, Charity. I think we’ll have a good time at supper. I heard there will be music and dancing. I’m not sure what type of music. It might just be ole’ Cray and his fiddle.”

  Charity blushed at the compliment and said, “Cray brought his fiddle to church on Christmas and played beautifully. His son has a guitar. Perhaps, they’ll both play this evening.”

  “I enjoyed the music at the Christmas service. Tonight might be as special, especially since you’ll be with me,” Jason remarked, causing Charity to blush again.

  “We should leave before my neighbors start talking. The children are with Joseph and Holly. Being here alone might cause some gossip. After all, you’re the mayor and can’t take the chance of becoming part of a scandal.”

  “Scandal, hmm, I never thought about that. Depending on what’s involved, a scandal might be interesting,” Jason said, winking at Charity. “But, you’re right, we should leave. Let me help you with your coat.”

  When Jason and Charity stepped from the house, she saw the shiny black carriage with red-trimmed wheels sitting in front of her home.

  “I thought we’d walk,” Charity said. “I didn’t expect a carriage.”

  “I don’t use it often, but people do expect the mayor to act the part. It’s frustrating since I prefer a simple, quiet life, but what c
an I do?” Jason shrugged. “Not to mention, what kind of a man would I be if I made my girl walk in the cold on New Year’s Eve.”

  “Your girl?”

  “I’m sorry. I misspoke. Forgive me. It was wishful thinking and sounds better than saying you’re my woman,” Jason confessed, doing his best to try and explain.

  Charity laughed and said, “Yes, I agree. I’m not sure I like the sound of being anyone’s woman. It seems a bit barbaric. We’re entering eighteen-eighty-two, not seventeen hundred.”

  Jason held his hands up in surrender. “I’ll never call you ‘my woman’ again.”

  Charity nodded and bit back a smile. Jason definitely tugged at her heart.

  The carriage ride to the hotel was quiet and short. Charity wasn’t sure how to start a conversation without sounding ridiculous. Jason made her nervous—a good nervous, but nervous none the less.

  When they pulled up in front of The Paradise Hotel, a young man hurried out to take care of the carriage, and Jason held out his hand to help Charity down. He held out his arm, and she took it, smiling up at him still trying to find something interesting to say.

  The lobby of the hotel was a whirlwind of activity. Coats were whisked away by a smiling young woman, and a young man Charity knew as Jimmy escorted them to a quiet table in the back of the dining room.

  “Thank you, “Jimmy,” Jason told the young man.

  Jimmy whispered back, “For tonight, sir, it’s James. The manager wants all of us to act formally.” He followed his statement with a wide grin.

  “Very well, then thank you, James,” Jason added.

  Jimmy seated Charity, and Jason settled into the chair across from her.

  Charity noticed that along with the red and green Christmas decorations still in place, the hotel had added colorful gold bunting giving the dining room a festive air.

  “The room looks lovely,” Charity commented to Jason.

  Before he could answer, a young woman approached the table.

  “Good evening, Charity, Mayor Shepherd. We’re happy to see you joined us tonight. The cook has made roast turkey, roast beef, and of course, we always have our famous steaks.”