The Parson's Daughters Boxed Set: Sweet and Clean Christian Romance - 4 Book Bundle

by Annie Boone

  “But I didn’t want to give him an ultimatum! That’s why I let him go and said goodbye!”

  Her mother looked surprised at the passion behind her words. “You didn’t give him an ultimatum and neither did Bruce,” her mother said in her loving, soothing voice. “His father just informed him of what he saw. Eli couldn’t expect you to wait around forever. You could be an old maid by the time he returned. You don’t know how long he would be in the new church.”

  Rethinking the situation, Charity took a deep breath to try to calm down. She let it out slowly. “I know. In a selfish way, I am thankful for what Mr. Smallwood did. My biggest fear is that he would choose me and then he would spend the rest of his life regretting his decision. Then he would resent me. That resentment could turn into hate. I think this loneliness is better than that.”

  “Oh Charity,” Her mother responded in a voice that was a cross between angry and saddened. She moved closer to Charity before she continued, “For a woman of God, you have such little faith in yourself and the strong, capable, desirable woman that you have become. It also seems as if you have little faith in the power of God to take care of His children.”

  Charity was surprised by her mother’s assessment. “But, Mama, you don’t understand.”

  She shook her head. “You think I don’t understand? Let me tell you I do. I see what’s going on now and I see it for what it is.”

  Charity knew her mother was annoyed, but she felt like she had to stand her ground. She’d always been the one to give in and make peace. She couldn’t do that in this case. Even if she was wrong. “It’s not that simple, Mama. Just have him toss everything he’s worked for to come here for me? It doesn’t make sense and that’s not what I want.”

  Her mother narrowed her eyes and Charity recognized the look. Helen Barnesdale had a point to make and that point would be made. No matter what. So, Charity sat down and waited.

  “Jobs are everywhere. They come and they go. Opportunities, especially for people who are as skilled as Eli, are all around. If you lose the love of your life because you were too frightened or stubborn to go after what you want, that will stay with you forever.”

  Charity thought for a moment. She didn’t want to pry, but she felt that her mother was speaking from experience. She had to ask. “Is that what happened to you, Mama? Or Father?”

  Her mother’s lips spread carefully into a smile. “No, but your father and I faced some difficulties. It wasn’t always easy for us. There were many times where we were at a crossroad and do you know what?”

  “What?”

  “We always chose each other. Looking back on my life, I can honestly say that I have no regrets.” She smiled sadly. “I might not have had the many years that I had wanted with your father and I still miss him terribly. The little reminders I have of him that shine through in you girls, especially you, are comforting. My faith assures me that I will see him again one day. That’s good for me right now. It wasn’t a job that made me happy. I was happy because of the life that your father and I built together.”

  Almost brought to tears, Charity sniffled and got up to go to her mother. She hugged her tightly.

  But Helen wasn’t done. “I didn’t mean to go on about me and your father. What I really wanted to make you see is that it’s people who make a life meaningful. Not your work. I’d never say that being a pastor isn’t important, but the best work a pastor does is at home.”

  Charity considered what her mother had told her. Just before she broke away from their embrace, she turned her head and whispered, “Thank you, Mama.”

  Charity tried to decide what she should do about this new news. Eventually, she decided that she didn’t need to do anything. This wasn’t her crossroad decision to make. It was Eli’s and his alone.

  The discussion with her mother calmed her down and helped her get a better perspective on the situation. She was content to wait and see what happened. She knew that she would be happy for Eli to return, but they would have some issues to sort out if he did. Until then, she waited.

  Charity wondered how long she would have to wait before she found out what Eli would do. Though she was calm about it, she still thought of what might happen. There were times when her emotions did get the best of her, but she was able to not sink into a depression or fit of anger.

  She believed that his father’s letter could be the push Eli needed to help him decide what was important to him. If so, this would be the moment where their relationship would either to be officially over or become completely devoted. Part of her feared that he would not choose her. Even though her mother’s words the other night were encouraging, she still had doubts.

  Charity also considered the other words her mother spoke during their brutal discussion. Her mother was right. For a woman who was filled with faith and so devoted to God, she did have insecurities that needed to be dealt with. She vowed to pray for strength and confidence to make the right decisions in her life. She’d always prayed for others, but rarely had she prayed for God’s guidance in times such as these. Granted, she hadn’t encountered many obstacles such as this, but now that she had she knew that prayer was the answer.

  She knew she’d need the strength she was praying for if Eli never came back. If he didn’t choose her, she would have to get over him. It would be final. She was trying to make her brain and her heart be prepared for loving Eli or letting him go. It wouldn’t be both ways.

  When a week had passed and Eli hadn’t come yet, she realized that she needed to accept that he wasn’t coming. He’d made his choice. She rationalized that he probably had loose ends to tie up if he was going to leave his position, but he could have at least written a letter. She’d received no letter.

  There was no crying or depression now. She was resolved to not mope. She’d done enough of that and it was time to get on with her life. She made herself a promise that she would be happy no matter what happened.

  ***

  Enjoying the evening after supper that night, Charity read a book and was lost in the sweet love story she’d chosen. It was a guilty pleasure for her. She knew she should be studying to teach her Bible class that week, but she wanted to read the new story she’d started.

  Just as she started a new chapter, there was a knock on the door. Charity was home alone since her mother was at Faith’s helping her get the room ready for the new baby who would arrive very soon.

  Charity didn’t feel like being social, but she went ahead to see who was calling. Dominic stood before her looking dapper and very contrite. At first, she didn’t know what to think. She really didn’t want to see him, but he quickly exclaimed, “Charity! Please, don’t close the door.”

  Charity seriously thought about it, but then decided that she should at least hear him out and so she stepped out on the porch with him. “Hi Dominic,” she answered as she closed the door behind her, “What can I do for you?”

  He lifted his chin and began a speech that he’d seemed to have perfected. “I know this may come as a surprise since I was such a cad, but I was a fool! I don’t know what I was thinking. I knew you wouldn’t stand for that kind of behavior, but I did it anyway.”

  “Dominic, really. You’ve already apologized. There’s no need for this.”

  “I know, but I’m still feeling terrible. I truly am sorry. However, there are two things I want you to know about. After that night out with you, I stopped taking to the bottle altogether and I went back to church. I can tell you for sure that you have been a positive influence on me.”

  He smiled broadly and she could tell that he was telling the truth. He was proud of his changes.

  “That’s good news, Dominic. I’m sure this will be a good change for you,” she replied politely.

  “The thing is, Charity, I, um, know I messed up with you. I know we only had one night out together, but I enjoyed being with you. I’d like to court you if you’d consider it.”

  Charity thought, seriously considering believing him enough
to give him another chance. After all, she had seen him in church every Sunday since the incident and she had not heard that he had gotten into any more fights. Maybe I did have a positive influence on his life, she thought.

  “I have never done so much for something in my life and you know, it feels good.” He smiled, “I have paid my dues and I have done everything I could think of to turn myself into a man you would be proud to stand beside. And now, all I am asking is for a chance to prove that I mean what I am saying.”

  She did feel something for him, it just wasn’t the feeling she had for Eli. If Eli really wasn’t coming back, she was at her own crossroads.

  The Lord does work in mysterious ways, she thought. She stared deeply into Dominic’s dark eyes. She saw genuine intent. She wondered if she’d regret it if she turned him down.

  Her mother’s voice echoed in her ears. She stood there considering everything she needed to think about to make a decision. She realized she’d been thinking too long when Dominic’s shoe began to tap on the wooden floor of the porch. She smiled at him and nodded, “Dominic, you’re so kind to come here. I believe you’ve made strong changes. I’d be honored to court you. However, I don’t want any more questionable incidents to deal with.”

  He beamed with excitement before he answered, “I’m pleased you think I’m worth another chance, Charity. I promise, you will not regret it!” He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed her hand quickly then smiled down at her. He bowed slightly like a gentleman and began to walk away. He turned back to look at her. His expression was euphoric. She couldn’t believe she’d evoked that kind of response out of a man.

  Charity waved and smiled. He stopped and took a step back toward her. “Would you care to join me for supper tomorrow night in town?”

  “That would be nice, Dominic. Yes, I will.”

  “I can pick you up at six?”

  “Certainly. I’ll be ready.”

  And with that, Dominic went to his carriage and drove away down the driveway toward the main gate.

  Charity closed the door, unable to believe that she had actually said yes to this cad. Well, former-cad if he was telling the truth. And he did seem to be.

  She went back to her chair and picked up her book. She was humming a familiar hymn unconsciously as she read. She was surprised that her heart wasn’t heavy. She was hopeful for a bright future – with or without Eli.

  Charity woke up in an excellent mood the next morning. Dominic Houser wasn’t her typical kind of guy. Clearly. She chuckled as she compared Dominic and Eli for a brief minute.

  She was at peace with her decision. She wouldn’t say she was excited, but contented was a good way to explain how she felt. She had no idea what he really saw in her, but she imagined she’d figure that out over time.

  Today was her day off and she was planning to do some chores around the house and then go into town to see if Hope had anything new at The Gilded Goose. She had pulled her hair up into an unattractive bun tied with a cowboy’s bandana. Her housedress was an old one that had seen better days. She was comfortable and happy.

  She was just getting ready to clean the kitchen floors when she heard a knock on the front door. She thought her mother would answer it, so she ignored it. The knock came again. She yelled for her mother, but got no response. Where is that woman? she thought.

  She put down her mop and ran to the door with a near scowl on her face. Then she imagined that Dominic had come back to see her. Charity smiled and ran the rest of the way to the door, feeling excited.

  “Miss me already?” she teased as she opened the door. When she looked up and saw Eli standing there, in place of Dominic she almost leaped out of her skin.

  “Actually, yes. That is exactly why I’m here on your doorstep. I missed you terribly,” Eli answered with a smile. Then he grasped her right hand in both of his and stared deeply into her eyes.

  She was in shock. “Eli?”

  “Charity, I don’t care what I have to do to win you back. I’m back now and forever. I’ll do anything to get you back in my life. I want you right next to me in everything I do, for the rest of my life.” He sighed, “If this time apart has taught me anything, it’s that I never want to be without you again.”

  Charity’s mouth gaped wide opened. She had no words for a response. She couldn’t put her thoughts into meaning. She could barely focus.

  When she finally was able to speak, she croaked, “What are you doing here?”

  The light in Eli’s eyes dimmed for a moment, but he recovered quickly. “Didn’t your mother tell you? My father sent me a letter about you. He told me that I was surely going to lose you if I didn’t come back. I thought about it for a split second and then gave my resignation to the church. I had to get things straightened out in the church before I could leave but as soon as I could I got on the next train home. Father’s letter brought me back to reality. I knew I’d made a mistake by leaving you in the first place.”

  Charity stood stoically listening to Eli’s story. After the shock began to wear off enough for Charity to realize that Eli was really here, she hugged him and reached up to kiss his cheek. “I’m happy to see you, Eli. I’ve thought of you often since you left.” She pulled back though and he caught her hands.

  “I have thought about you every second as well. The ministry and my life out there just wasn’t what I’d hoped it would be. Especially since you weren’t with me.”

  Charity was flattered, but more so, she wanted to know, “What are you going to do now though? I never wanted to take you away from the important work you do. And you love it.”

  He laughed before he answered, “You won’t be. I learned something really important in my time away from San Jose. I’m not a good preacher. I can serve the congregation, but I can’t preach. So, I think I’m going to open a ministry to help people who have fallen on hard times.” His face lit up as he spoke and Charity saw the joy in his new calling. “I want the ministry to be able to offer food to the hungry and eventually, I’ll expand to offer temporary shelter.”

  “That sounds wonderful! And something we really need,” Charity replied. She thought lovingly of her father. This was just the kind of ministry her father would have wanted to be part of.

  Eli stood in front of her full of happiness and joy. She could tell he was sincere about his new shelter plan and also about her. She knew he’d want her to work with him on it. She wasn’t sure that was a good idea at this point.

  She felt serious guilt at that moment. Guilt for not waiting on Eli. Guilt for thinking of what a life with Eli would be like when she’d just agreed to court Dominic. She’d put herself in a tight spot.

  “Eli, I have something to tell you,” She sighed, squeezing his hands and then dropping them. She took a step back to put some distance between them.

  His face fell as he sensed her seriousness. “I’m listening,” he said.

  “I, um, I’m sure your father told you that I have courted other men in the time that you were gone.”

  “Yes, but I don’t care about that. We weren’t betrothed. In fact, you broke up with me. Remember?”

  “Well, I didn’t think you were coming back, so I’ve agreed to court one of the men I met while you were away.”

  The look on his face was devastation. Charity felt horrible.

  “But, isn’t there still a chance that things won’t work out with him? If so, there must be a chance that I can win you back. I’m not giving up until you marry someone else.”

  “Yes, I suppose there’s a chance it won’t work out,” She answered. “But now that I’ve given my word to him, I won’t go back on my word.”

  Eli nodded, “I understand. Remember what I said, though. I’m not going to give up on you. On us.” He looked at her sincere longing. Then he smiled. “Charity, I know I messed up. I want to make it up to you when you’ll let me. I love you now, and I always will.”

  Charity felt her heart racing and she felt tears fill her eyes.
She had no idea what to say to him. She couldn’t say she loved him. That would be inappropriate.

  Something inside made her want to proclaim her love for him and forget about Dominic completely. She knew she couldn’t do that. If she was honest, she had to admit that there was a certain allure to having two men vying for her attention. She wasn’t really a girl who could play the field, but it might be fun for a short while.

  Talk about a crossroad, she thought.

  Before she said anything, Eli took over. “Look, Charity, I’m sorry. I’ve had time to think about this. You have been dealt a surprise. I was, after all, the one who left, so I won’t make you even dignify my selfishness with a response.” Quickly, he too kissed her hand and walked away.

  Yet, little did Charity know, that Eli had worked on his plan to get her back all the way back to his family home. He had declared a war of hearts with Dominic and he had to have a strong plan to become the victor.

  For the next two weeks, Charity was inundated with affection from both men. Of course, she found their attention flattering, but after a little while, the gifts, the frequent visits and the jealousy got old. Each man trying to outdo the other started grating on her nerves far more than she thought it ever could.

  She never went out with Eli because she had promised Dominic that she would court him. In her opinion it was unfair to spend time with Eli, so she didn’t. But she did accept his gifts and she read his letters.

  True to his word, even though he had remained fun and for the most part, carefree, Dominic seemed to have changed for the better. He never drank alcohol with dinner or afterwards. He treated her with the utmost respect. He was the perfect gentleman, not only when he was with Charity, but by all accounts, no matter when or where anyone saw him.

  Andrew had told her that Dominic’s business associates seemed to see a change in him for the better. He showed his softer, more pliable side with co-workers and customers alike. This turned out to be far more appealing than his former self. Charity was happy to know the new Dominic.