“Okay.”
Clara emerged from her room and punched him on the arm. “What’s all the racket? You could wake the dead with that yelling.”
Tom glanced over her shoulder to find Alice and Juliet standing in their doorway, rubbing their eyes. “Mrs. Kirk’s baby is coming, and Pa’s going out to help her. Go on back to bed.”
He pushed past Clara and jumped down the stairs. Mr. Kirk set down the glass he’d been holding when Tom burst through the door to the porch. “Pa’s on his way. How did you get here?”
“My horse is out at the street.”
“Then I’ll run out and saddle Pa’s. It’ll be done by the time he gets down here.” Tom ran to the barn and snagged the saddle from its perch and carried it to Midnight’s stall. “Sorry to disturb you, old boy, but Pa needs you.”
After making sure the saddle was on securely and the bit was positioned correctly in the horse’s mouth, Tom led him out of the barn and toward the house. His pa came running across the yard.
“Thanks, Tom.” He swung up onto the saddle and secured his bag. He called back as he sped away. “Don’t know how long I’ll be. Hope to be back in time to say good-bye, but if I’m not, have a safe trip.”
Tom stared after the departing figures until they and the lantern Mr. Kirk had brought disappeared into the night.
He returned to the porch to find Joe still sitting there. “I thought you’d be gone by now.”
“No, I wanted to talk more with you.” He waved toward his chair. “Sit and tell me about this man and his family.”
CHAPTER 16
EARLY TUESDAY MORNING as soon as she’d finished breakfast, Angela hurried down the street toward the Delmont Bakery. She had planned to come on Monday, but her mother had kept her busy all day with one chore after another. After what had occurred over the weekend, she simply had to talk with Faith about Tom Whiteman. Angela was attracted to the man, but Faith was a genuinely lovely person, and Angela didn’t want to spoil any relationship Faith and Tom may have. She’d noticed the look of dismay on Faith’s face just before Tom stepped up to the Delmont booth, and she had seen how Faith turned away and didn’t greet them at all. That told Angela more than words.
Tom and Faith had known each other almost all their lives, so it seemed that, if they were interested in each other, they would have made it known by now since they both were past the age so many young couples married. Although her own age was three years younger than Faith, Aunt Daisy and Mama thought Angela should be betrothed if not already married.
What they didn’t understand was that she believed God had a plan for her life, and she wanted to follow wherever He might lead her. She’d been praying about her relationship with both Faith and Tom, and she prayed this morning that she might find a definitive answer today that would help her determine a future path.
A woman exited the bake shop. Angela stepped back, swallowed hard, and then entered the bakery. Although she’d had a full breakfast, the warm sugar and spice aroma of the shop set her mouth to watering for a hot cinnamon roll and a cup of tea.
“Good morning. What brings you out this early? Can I seat you at a table?” Faith came to greet her, but her eyes held a wariness that belied her cordial greeting.
“Yes, that would be fine. I’m out early because I wanted to speak with you about something.” Butterflies danced in her stomach, but a cup of hot herbal tea would settle those . . . she hoped.
Faith shrugged. “This is as good a time as any. We won’t be really busy again until around noon when people start coming in for lunch.” She led Angela to a table against the back wall.
Angela placed her purse on the table and sat. “This will do nicely. Before you join me, could I order a cup of herbal tea? I don’t care for coffee.”
“I’ll be right back with a fresh cup.” Faith disappeared through the door to the kitchen area.
Angela clasped and unclasped her hands. Why did she have to be so nervous? Faith had become a friend, and they had talked about so many things in the past few months. True, they had never discussed anything too deep, as they were still getting to know each other. But now the one thing they both had avoided talking about had to be discussed today. The last thing she wanted was to lose the good will of a person she respected and wanted as a friend. But how could that happen if they both were attracted to the same man?
Faith returned with a tray holding two cups and a plate of plain sugar cookies. She set it on the table, but no smile accompanied it as in the past. “I thought this might be a little welcome for us both.”
“Thank you.” Everything she’d planned to say disappeared and left her mind blank as a new slate board. She sipped her tea, letting the warmth slide down her throat to soothe the nervous chill running down her spine.
“Has your father said anything else about having one Christmas Eve service at our church?” Faith lifted her cup to her mouth and peered at Angela over the edge.
That was a good a topic as any for the moment. “Yes, he and Reverend Weatherby decided it would be a good idea. Your church is large enough to take care of everyone who might come for the service. The children at the school have been rehearsing a play Miss Simmons wrote for them, and Papa asked her if she’d do it as part of the Christmas program rather than a separate one. She agreed, so it looks like we’ll have one large gathering instead of three.” Angela stopped and sipped her tea. Here she rattled on while what she really wanted to say buried itself deep in her mind.
“Now that makes sense to me. Christmas is such a busy season, and with Clara and Theodore getting married as well, this will make the holidays easier for everyone. I hope my aunt Hannah will be the one to play the piano for the program. She plays better than anyone else in Stoney Creek.”
“So I understand. I’m sure Papa and the others will work it all out to make a grand celebration.” Angela set her cup down and stared at it. “I imagine you’re doing the refreshments for the wedding.” Why couldn’t she get to the real point of her visit?
“Yes, we are. It’s a big order, and Mama is delighted. Aunt Ruby is too, and they’ve been poring over recipes and ideas all week.” Faith sat back and tilted her head to the side as a frown furrowed her brow. “What’s the real purpose of your visit, Angela? You didn’t come here to talk about Christmas and the wedding.”
Angela bit her lip. Now she had to speak up and seek her answers. “I have a question for you, and I do want you to be honest.”
At Faith’s curt nod Angela plunged ahead. “You and Tom have known each other for so many years, yet you are both still unmarried. Does that mean you don’t have that kind of feelings for each other?”
Faith’s eyes opened wide, and she gulped. She set her cup down and leaned forward. “I don’t know about him because he’s always treated me like his sister, but I think I’ve been in love with him since we were in first grade and he helped me up after I fell on the playground.”
Angela’s heart fell, but then she’d had her suspicions. “That sounds like something Tom would do. I think he’s a very handsome and nice man, but I don’t want to encourage him if you are truly in love with him. We weren’t really together on Saturday. We happened to run into each other and shared a funnel cake.”
Again that frown appeared, and Faith narrowed her eyes. “I saw the two of you down by the creek Sunday. I had gone riding and happened to be down the way from where you stopped.”
Angela detected a slight tremor in Faith’s voice as she spoke. “We had a nice visit and talked about our plans for the future.” She reached across for Faith’s hand. “I really don’t know if my future is here in Stoney Creek. I’ve been praying for God’s direction in my life, and I want to wait and see where He leads me. I need to decide where I can be of service, and what I should do with my life.”
Faith gasped. “Angela, if Tom is interested in you, don’t you think should give him a chance to say so? I don’t think it really matters how I feel. I certainly don’t want to get in the w
ay of his happiness.”
“That is so like you, Faith. You would rather see Tom be happy and be miserable yourself than pursue him if he liked someone else. I do think he’s a wonderful person, but I believe it’s best to trust in the Lord and let Him guide any relationship.”
“Yes, I feel the same. God has a plan for our lives, and we have to trust Him to do what is best.”
Angela reached across and squeezed Faith’s hand. “I respect you deeply, and no matter what happens, that will not change.” She pushed back her chair. “I’ve got to go. I left some things undone at home, and Aunt Daisy and Mama will be expecting my help. Thank you for being honest, and don’t you give up on Tom. Promise me.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
“Good. I know he will pray about what God wants him to do, and he’ll make the right choice.”
Faith walked with her to the door, and Angela squeezed her arm in farewell. It was time to go. Not only did she have chores to do, but she also had some powerful praying time ahead.
After Angela left, Faith sat back at the table. That had been the strangest conversation she’d ever had. Angela was certainly a better woman than Faith with her honesty and her desire to serve the Lord. Faith hadn’t been exactly honest when she had said she wouldn’t stand in the way if Tom decided he wanted to court Angela. On the contrary, Faith would do whatever it took to get Tom to pay more attention to her. She hadn’t admitted her jealousy either, but then that was for no one else to know except maybe Joe, and somehow that man seemed to know everything anyway.
Tom’s kiss confused her even more now. It hadn’t been more than a touch, and it hadn’t been romantic or passionate. She drew in her breath then exhaled sharply. The kiss meant nothing until Tom could clarify its meaning for himself.
The train whistle sounded, and Faith jumped up from her chair. Tom was leaving on that train, and if she didn’t hurry, she’d miss the chance to tell him good-bye. Pulling off her apron, she called to her mother, “I’m going to the station.”
She dropped her apron on the counter, flew out the door, and raced down the street. When she rounded the corner to the station, Tom stood with his valise in hand waiting for all the incoming passengers to disembark. “Tom, Tom, wait, please.”
He turned, and a grin spread across his face. “Faith, I wasn’t expecting to see you. I thought you said you’d be too busy at the bake shop.”
“We had a lull, and I couldn’t let you leave without saying good-bye. Besides, I remembered something about Joe I forgot to tell you last night.”
“Then tell me now. I have to be on board in a minute or two.”
At least he wasn’t running away from her. Like him, she could ignore last night’s kiss for now and focus only on their friendship. So Faith told him what she’d learned and what she’d seen. “First, I was cleaning tables by the window, and he was dressed in his Sunday clothes and went into the bank.”
“That is interesting. I found out he’s been to visit Sheriff Bolton as well. Now what kind of business would he have with a banker and a sheriff? I’ll have to do a bit of investigating into that.”
Her heart did a double flip when Tom’s face lit up and his eyes sparkled at her news. He grabbed Faith’s shoulders and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for sharing. Now I’ll have something else to occupy my mind while I’m traveling.”
Faith’s eyes opened wide. Oh, my, he’d kissed her again. Only on the cheek, but it had been out in public. Her fingers touched the spot where his lips had grazed her face.
The train whistle blew again, and Tom picked up his valise. “I have to go now, but thanks again, and I’ll see you when I get back on Friday.”
He hopped aboard the train but stood in the doorway to wave good-bye to Faith as the train began rolling toward its next destination.
When the train disappeared around the bend, Faith shook herself. What a difference a day could make. After last weekend she’d truly believed he had no interest in her. Then he’d kissed her last night, Angela had come to visit today, and he’d kissed Faith again. No matter what the kisses might mean, she had to set her mind to allowing God to show her His plan for her life. As much as she wanted Tom to be a part of her future, if he wasn’t what God wanted for her, she’d accept His will and find some other direction for her life.
CHAPTER 17
EARLY FRIDAY AFTERNOON Joe sat by the window in his room and gazed out over the town of Stoney Creek. This window was the best thing about his room in the boardinghouse. As it was one of only two rooms on the front side, he’d been lucky it had been vacant when he arrived.
From his vantage point he saw a lot of what went on in town. Although Main Street was a block over, a lot of traffic used the street in front of the boardinghouse to get to town since it was the main thoroughfare east and west. He could even see the tower of the courthouse over the rooftops of stores and businesses. He had come to love this town and its people.
The one he contemplated now needed his attention and soon. Tom had told him of the Kirk family situation, and he hadn’t painted a pretty picture. The baby born into the family on Monday night was number six in birth order, but number four in surviving children. The family had moved here almost two years ago and started farming on a plot of land south of town. A bad hailstorm last year and a very dry summer had all but wiped out their crops for two years. Others had suffered damage too, of course, but none were in as much debt as the Kirk family.
Joe had also learned that the family faithfully attended church. In addition, Mr. Kirk often volunteered to help others in need, using his carpentry skills to repair homes damaged by the hail. No matter his own needs, he tried to help others, as did Mrs. Kirk.
Joe admired such an unselfish attitude and wished there could be more men like Mr. Kirk. Satisfied with the impressions he had of Stoney Creek and its citizens, Joe headed out for his day. First stop, the bank, and then over to the good doctor to pick up his medication.
When he reached the bank, Mr. Swenson hurried to greet him. With lowered voice he said, “Come into my office. I have some news for you.”
Once inside, Mr. Swenson closed the door, and Joe sat down. “Thank you for being discreet. I’m sure we raised some curiosity, but at least they don’t know what you want to see me about.”
Mr. Swenson eased into his chair before handing a piece of paper to Joe. “This came this morning to the telegraph office. You’ve had a reply to the letter I sent out for you on Monday.”
Joe held the paper and read, “Received letter this morning. Pleased to hear from you. Request noted. Stop. Will be taken care of immediately. Stop. You’ll be hearing from me soon. Stanley Baxter.”
Joe laid the telegram back on the desk and grinned. “Good man, Mr. Baxter. I knew he’d take care of things for me.”
“Is there anything more I can do for you, Joe?”
Even Mr. Swenson, trained professional that he was, could barely disguise his curiosity. Good thing it was time to reveal his plan. Reaching into his pocket, Joe pulled out a paper and spread it in front of the bank president.
“Yes, Mr. Swenson. I could definitely use your help. Now this is where I’d like to start, if you would be so kind . . . ”
As soon as Tom stepped off the train on Friday evening, he made plans to see Faith. The information she’d given him about Joe had been put aside while Tom covered the last few stops of Governor Hogg before the election next Tuesday. The man had made some very good campaign promises regarding education in the state of Texas, and thus Mr. Blake had given the paper’s support to Governor Hogg.
Now that he had his articles written, he was ready to again turn his attention to Joe and his visits to the bank and to the sheriff’s office. It had been a month since Joe arrived in town, and still he remained a mystery. Tom wanted to clear up the story about Joe and find out his real name and purpose before the man decided to pick up and take off for the next town.
After going home to greet his family and freshen up from his t
rip, Tom headed for the Delmont home.
Faith answered the door after the first knock. Her eyes opened wide when she found Tom standing on the balcony. “You’re back, but I didn’t expect to see you tonight. I thought you’d be with your family.”
“I’ve seen them already. We need to talk a little. May I come in?”
She pulled the door back and stepped aside. “Of course, I’m sorry. Guess I was more than a little surprised to see you.”
Tom’s conscience pricked him. He’d have to do a little explaining about that kiss the other night, but he wasn’t even sure himself what it meant. If it ruined his friendship with Faith, he’d be sorely regretful. Then her smile reassured him.
“I’m glad you stopped by. A lot happened while you were gone.”
Mrs. Delmont stopped by the parlor entry. “Good evening, Tom. How nice to have you back. Could I get you something to drink or eat?”
“No, I’m fine. I came by to see Faith. I have a few questions for her.” And he’d rather ask and discuss them in private.
A smile lit up Mrs. Delmont’s face. “I see.” She nodded toward Faith. “Your father and I will be in his office if you need anything.”
After she left, Tom fingered the brim of his hat and gazed about the room.
Faith grabbed his hat. “Goodness me, I’m a ninny tonight. Let me hang this up and you have a seat. Mama and Papa are going over the books for the end of the week, so they’ll be busy for a while.”
A few minutes later they sat next to each other on the sofa. Tom decided to start with the easier subject. “Have you found out anything else about Joe while I was gone this week?”
“Not really. I did see him go by your place after you left that day. Seems he’s been visiting a lot of different places this week. I know he was at the library and even checked out a few books, but Mrs. Rivers wouldn’t tell me what kind of books he checked out. He went back to the bank today and visited your father too.”
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