by Lori Wick
“I love your honesty,” he told her simply. “And it’s my own fault that the last few days have been hard. I’ve been picturing myself in Hartley’s shoes, and believe me, it’s easy to do when you’ve been there. But that’s not the worst of it. I’ve been so worried about Hartley’s future that I’ve forgotten the here and now.”
“The here and now?”
“You, Charlie. You are the here and now. I can’t do anything for Hartley. The judge will determine his fate, and unless Hartley asks to see me, I won’t talk to him again before he hangs or goes to jail for the rest of his life. There is nothing I can do about that. But my darling wife, who happens to be a new believer in Christ and needs much nurturing and guiding, well, let’s just say I can see now that I’ve been neglecting her. I’m sorry.”
Charlie kissed him and told him she didn’t feel at all neglected. Sean wasn’t convinced, but the door was opened for a full evening of sharing. Sean told Charlie everything he was feeling, and Charlie, who had been holding off with more questions about God, was able to question Sean to her heart’s content.
It was past the time they both should have been asleep when Charlie ended the night with one more question.
“Sean,” she said in a sleepy voice, “why do you call me Charlie now and not Charlotte?”
He answered after a moment. “Charlie was too familiar when we were first married, and then after getting to know you, I wanted you to understand that I look at you as a man does a woman. The name Charlie wasn’t very fitting in that case. But suddenly you just became my darling Charlie, and I rarely even think of calling you Charlotte anymore. Which name do you prefer?”
“Charlie,” the sleepy redhead answered with a tired sigh. “Or my darling Charlie. Either one will do.”
forty
Duncan’s prediction for the trial proceedings proved to be very accurate. At 1:30 on Friday afternoon the courthouse was jammed with people, and Judge Harrison was up front trying to silence the crowd.
Sean, on hand because both Duncan and Witt told him he might be needed, found that if given a choice, he would not have been present. His own trial came back to haunt him. The chairs in the room, the fear he felt, the very smell of the place were all too evocative, and Sean felt himself break out into a cold sweat. He repeatedly thanked God for sparing him until he was once again able to breathe normally.
Charlie had decided not to come, even though both Lora and Sadie were in the courtroom. It did Sean’s heart good to know that she was waiting for him at the livery.
As it was, Sean’s testimony was not needed. Witt had done his homework well, and the evidence stacked against Hartley was more than enough to convict him. Surprisingly, Sean felt nothing but a calm acceptance when he heard the judge announce that Hartley would hang on the following day.
Sean was one of the first out of the courtroom, but he had only been back at the livery for some 20 minutes when Duncan showed up. He was more than willing to accompany the sheriff back to the jail when Duncan said Hartley wished to see him.
Another 20 minutes passed before Sean exited the jail once again, heavy of heart. He had been so certain that Hartley had wanted to discuss his eternity. Instead, all he had wanted from Sean was help breaking out of jail. Sean had stared at him incredulously, but Hartley had been very serious. All talk of anything else was rejected, and Sean went on his way.
Charlie had only to look at her husband to know it had not gone well. She put her arms around his waist. They stood inside the door of the forge without speaking. Charlie knew Sean would share when he was ready.
“I prayed for you,” she whispered.
“Thank you, darling.”
It wasn’t the first time Charlie had said such a thing to him, but it never failed to give him a tight sensation in his chest. She was so precious, and knowing they were going to spend eternity together only heightened the love in his heart.
Before Sean went back to work he took a moment to remind himself of his own words to Charlie concerning Hartley.
“You’ve taken it out of my hands, Lord. Please help me to leave it with You.”
Thankfully, Sean knew peace in his surrender, even though he felt pain over the loss. Hartley was executed the next afternoon. The date was July 1, 1876.
forty-one
Sean felt it was very odd to have a hanging in town on the first of July and a celebration on the fourth, but that was just what Visalia had.
Nearly all businesses were closed on this special centennial day, and the livery was no exception. It felt just like Sunday to the Donovans, and they took advantage of the time to lounge in bed and talk. For the first time in days the conversation was not about Hartley.
“I love the letter your sister included with the clothes she sent. I’m going to write back to her this week.”
“I should have known why Kate wanted to know your size.”
“She asked you about my size?” Charlie was surprised.
“That she did. Both she and Marcail have a weakness for frilly underclothes, and I think they figure all women do.”
“You must have told her the terrible shape all my clothes are in.”
“Charlie!” Sean was shocked. “I would never tell my sister such a personal thing.”
“I guess you wouldn’t.” She sounded apologetic.
“But while we’re on the subject,” Sean went on, “why don’t you buy some more new underthings? You’re always picking up new things for me, but neglecting your own wardrobe.”
“I just don’t care to shop for myself, and I don’t have an eye for just the right thing like Sadie does. Do you hate my things an awful lot?”
“I don’t hate them at all, but everything has holes in it. It’s not as if business is slow and we can’t afford it.”
“That’s true. Does your sister order her things through the mail?”
“No. Rigg carries everything imaginable for the mercantile, and Katie and Marcail usually have their pick.” Sean’s voice had softened, and Charlie became very attentive.
“You miss them, don’t you?”
“More than I can say,” he admitted. “Kate usually organized a picnic on the Fourth of July, and then of course there were always fireworks.”
“I know it won’t be the same, but we’ll have fireworks tonight. Everyone says they’re to be spectacular, since it’s the centennial celebration!” Charlie spoke enthusiastically, trying to erase the lonely look from her husband’s face.
Sean was quiet, and Charlie rolled on her pillow so she could better see his face. He appeared resigned to the situation, but she could see the sorrow in his eyes. It took a moment for Sean to realize he was under her scrutiny, but Charlie spoke before he could question her.
“Five years is a long time, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is, but in light of never seeing them again, it’s no time at all.”
“If you could leave town, Sean, I would try to get someone to take the livery.”
“Thank you, darling,” Sean said simply, reaching to hold her and thinking the subject was settled. But Charlie had more on her mind.
“Sean, if you didn’t have to be here for five years, would you want us to move away?” Charlie didn’t know why she asked; she just needed to know.
The white-sand beaches of Hawaii immediately swam before Sean’s eyes as he answered. “I want us to live wherever God wants us to live. Since I’m bound here for five years, I don’t even need to ask God about moving right now. After that time, if we feel led to move on, I’m confident that God will show us where and when.”
“I think I knew you would say that, but what I want to know is, where? Where would you like to move if you could?”
“Well, I’ve thought about Santa Rosa and even San Francisco, but Hawaii was home for so long, I guess my mind always goes there first.”
“Would I like Hawaii?”
The question so surprised Sean that he raised up on one elbow to look down at her.
“Why did you ask me that?”
“I don’t know. It’s just that since I’ve been married to you, I’m a little restless, and even though you’re a great smithy, you always look just a little out of place working in the forge.”
Sean couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You mean you would be willing to give up the livery and move away from Sadie?”
Charlie thought for a moment and said yes, but she knew it was safe to do so because they wouldn’t have to make a decision for nearly five years.
The subject was dropped then, but Sean was very pleased. It’s a long time in the future, he thought, but it sure feels good to know that Charlie is receptive to the idea of moving. It never once occurred to him that she was agreeable partly because the possibility was years away.
Sean and Charlie went for a midmorning breakfast over at Sadie’s. They prayed together before they left the house since Sean knew that Charlie was waiting excitedly for a time when she could share with Sadie what had happened in her life. But Charlie told him she knew how busy Sadie was going to be on this day and was certain there would be no opportunity.
The town’s festivities began at noon with a huge potluck lunch. Sean and Charlie sat with Lucas and Lora Duncan, and as always, Sean felt the mix of emotions from townspeople. He was greeted with both smiles and glares, something he had learned to take in stride.
It would have surprised most of the people to know that he understood completely. Not many knew of the part he played in Hartley’s arrest, and wanting to be accepted for himself, Sean preferred it that way. But Duncan had been at work, and all of this changed when Judge Harrison, who had been asked to speak at the centennial ceremonies, was closing his speech.
“It’s a scorcher out here today, so I won’t keep you much longer, but recently something has been brought to my attention, and I’ve acted upon it. I feel now is the best time to share it with you.
“When I was called here in April, I judged a young stranger who had helped rob your bank. Well, most of you know that through fortuitous circumstances, one of your own townswomen came forward and married that young man, thereby rescuing him from the hangman’s noose. This was done within the bounds of the law and it still stands, but I’ve amended the document I read to you back in April.
“Patrick Sean Donovan III, ‘Sean’ to most of you, is now a free man. The clause in the aforementioned document, stating that he must live in and serve the community of Visalia for no less than five years, is now amended.
“In case any of you feel outrage at this change, I will tell you this.” Judge Harrison’s voice rose with intensity. “It was Sean Donovan’s plan and his willingness to risk personal injury that brought Hartley to the law this week past. Hartley, a man who has long plagued your town, is dead and will torment you no more because of the efforts of Sheriff Lucas Duncan, Franklin Witt, and Sean Donovan.”
The judge said no more, but the applause was thunderous as he exited the platform. Most of the people had stood, but Sean and Charlie sat still in their seats, feeling nothing but shock.
They finally stood and Sean reached for Charlie’s hand. A moment later they were surrounded by people. There were still many who hung back, but most of the townsfolk came up to thank or congratulate their local outlaw-turned-hero. Even when the throng pressed close, Sean never once let go of Charlie’s hand, so he knew the exact instant she collapsed.
forty-two
It’s incredibly hot out there, Sean. I’m surprised more people haven’t fainted.”
“But you’re not certain it’s just the heat?”
“No, I can’t really tell you anything else until I talk with Charlie.”
“Sean?” Charlie called to him in a confused voice.
The frightened young husband turned swiftly at the sound of his wife’s voice. They were at the doctor’s house, and Charlie was stretched out on the sofa in the dining room that had been converted into an office. Sean quickly knelt by her and cradled her pale cheek with his hand.
“Hi.” He spoke the small word, unsure if he should say more. Charlie’s complexion was ashen, and she looked completely disoriented.
“Sean,” her voice was desperate now, “I’m going to be sick.”
The doctor stepped in, and Sean felt every bit of his wife’s pain as she vomited into a basin. When she was done, Sean was equally pale.
Charlie wanted to sit up after the doctor mopped her face with a cool cloth. When she did, Sean sat next to her. She leaned her head against his shoulder, and the doctor pulled a chair close to question her.
“Was it the heat, Charlie, or something more?”
“I don’t know, Doc. I did feel pretty warm, but there was no warning. Suddenly everything started to get fuzzy and then black. My head hurts now.”
“I can probably give you something for that, but first I need to ask a few questions.”
Charlie was questioned about whether or not the heat had ever bothered her before, her diet, sleeping habits, alcohol intake, everything. Charlie answered all questions with calm patience, until the last one.
“Is there a chance you’re in a family way?”
Charlie blinked at the man across from her, and then turned to look at Sean. They had talked of children, but neither one had given much thought to the fact that Charlie could be expecting.
The doctor took in the comical looks on the young couple’s faces, and had to stop himself from shaking his head. To what did they think the intimate side of marriage led?
“I take it there is a possibility?” the doctor questioned dryly. When Charlie nodded he became much more specific. His questions made her eyes go wide, not because she was offended, but because he was able to tell her exactly what had been happening in her body of late. Nothing very noticeable, but distinct nevertheless.
“I thought women got sick when they were pregnant,” Charlie commented. “I’m eating like I always have.”
“No, you’re not,” Sean cut in. “You haven’t wanted any coffee in the morning for a couple of weeks, and you’re taking in more food than I’ve ever seen you eat.”
Sean left them alone while the doctor examined Charlie, who told her as he finished that she was going to have a child in about seven months. He advised her to go home for the rest of the day, and even though she didn’t want to miss any of the festivities, she complied after Sean promised to let her attend the fireworks that night.
Duncan, Lora, Sadie, and most surprisingly, Witt, were all waiting for the Donovans outside. Upon hearing the young couple’s news, hands were shook and hugs were given before Sean ushered his wife home and into bed.
Charlie slept for two hours, and Sean sat in the living room and prayed. He marveled at how swiftly things had changed from this morning’s conversation to Judge Harrison’s announcement.
He wondered how Charlie felt about it. He knew she desperately wanted to please him, but if they were supposed to go to Hawaii or even Santa Rosa, it had to be because both of them knew they were to move from their present home.
The idea of leaving Duncan and Lora was painful, but the thought of seeing Kate, Marcail, and the family, or possibly living near them or Father was so exciting it took his breath away.
Sean prayed for calm. The change in the document did not make every dream come true. Charlie was his wife, his most precious possession, and if she wanted to stay in Visalia, they would stay. Sean decided right then and there not to mention it to her. He would give her time, and when she was ready, she would talk to him.
For an instant Sean’s mind had completely forgotten the baby. As he remembered, he suddenly found himself smiling at absolutely nothing. His darling Charlie was going to have a baby. He once again bowed his head in prayer, this time in praise to God for the miracle in his wife’s womb.
Lying on her back, Charlie woke slowly and without moving. She frowned at the ceiling for a moment, trying to figure out why she was in bed. When she remembered, her hand slid to her still-flat abdomen. She was going
to have Sean’s baby.
A smile of pure contentment crossed her face. She had fallen asleep dreaming of a little boy with his father’s black hair and eyes. Charlie was still praying, thanking God for the baby and praying for a safe arrival, when Sean came quietly into the room.
“Hi,” he whispered. She grinned at him.
He lowered himself to the edge of the bed and bent to kiss her. When Sean sat back there were tears in her eyes.
“Anything I can do?” he asked gently, and Charlie bit her bottom lip as a single tear spilled down her temple.
“There’s just been so much, Sean, so much. I never dreamed there could be so many changes, but in the months since we’ve been married, my life has been completely altered. I mean, they’re good changes, but sometimes I’m a little overwhelmed. Like right now.”
Charlie couldn’t go on, and Sean leaned over to put his arms around her. She had summed it all up rather nicely. They were good changes, but they were a little overwhelming.
They talked about the baby for a long time, and then had a light supper before joining Duncan and Lora, this time to watch the fireworks display. All agreed it was a perfect end to a wonderful day.
forty-three
Charlie’s twenty-fourth birthday was five days away when Sean went to the general store hoping to find her a present. The attitudes of the townspeople had changed toward Sean, and even though he had never felt threatened, he was surprised over how many smiles now came his way. Sean was not at all offended by the changes. He only hoped that with the new acceptance he would have opportunities to share about the One who had changed him.
Pete, the owner of the general store, sported an attitude which was remarkably different than in his first encounter with Sean. He greeted the younger man warmly when he walked through the door.
“Hello, Sean. You must be here about Charlie’s birthday.”
