“I must admit,” added Owen, “I found the train from Memphis to be very comfortable. The Pullman car was nice. I’d recommend it.”
“Well,” added Helen, “The train may be safe, but not all of the roads around here are.”
“I think they are,” Owen observed.
“Not the one to the prison,” Helen replied.
Helen’s father laughed. “Honey, your sister isn’t going to prison.”
“I know that!” Helen reacted with obvious irritation. “I’m talking abut Lanie Freeman. She drives that old car of her father’s all the way to the prison.”
“What!” exclaimed Louise. “What a wild idea!”
“It sure is. And now that she has her driver’s license, she’s decided to drive over this month with all of her brothers and sisters.”
“She’s not taking that baby on a road trip, is she?” asked Mrs. Langley.
“No, but she’s taking Davis, Maeva, and Cody.”
Mr. Langley frowned. “Sounds to me like just one more piece of evidence that the girl does not have the maturity to care for those children. It’s about time someone reported them to the State. They all need to be in an orphanage, if you ask me!”
“Do they keep up their payments on their place, Dad?” Roger asked.
“No, and I’m here to tell you that they simply will not be able to hang on to it much longer. They can barely pay the interest on the note. The last time the board met, we were closely divided on calling it in. But their inability to pay is like a millstone around their neck. Pretty soon, they’re going to sink.”
Roger looked at his father in disbelief. “Father, I think you need to be very careful how you deal with those children.”
Mr. Langley raised his eyebrows. “And why is that, Roger?”
“Because Jesus said, ‘But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.’”
Louise jumped in, knowing that Roger had stirred their father’s anger. “Well, I’ll tell you this: Driving halfway across the state in an old Model T is just foolhardy. Why, it could break down halfway there. Then where would they be?”
Neither Owen nor Roger laughed. Owen could see that Mr. Langley’s attitude hurt Roger. He’s a better man than his father—and I like him for it.
On the way back to Doc Givens’ home, Owen Merritt couldn’t get the Freeman family out of his mind. What a terrible situation! And what a sacrifice Lanie is making. She’s quit school to take care of a business and a baby and a family. She doesn’t deserve the scorn of uppity folks like the Langleys—she deserves a medal!
An idea crossed his mind, and so he drove toward the Freeman home. He got out of the car and walked up to the porch. After standing there a while to gather his thoughts, he knocked on the door. After a moment, the porch light flickered on, and Lanie opened the door. The surprise on her face was obvious, even through the screen.
“Hi, Lanie.”
“Good evening, Dr. Merritt. What brings you out this time of night?”
Owen could see the fatigue in her face and his heart went out to her. “I heard you were driving your family to Cummings to see your father tomorrow.”
“Yes, we are. We’re leaving early in the morning. Why?”
“Well”—Owen stammered for a moment—“Dr. Givens has given me the day off tomorrow and I’ve been wanting to see a bit of the countryside, so I hoped I might go to Cummings with you.”
Lanie smiled at him. “Dr. Merritt, there’s no room in our little car. We’ll be packed like sardines as it is.”
Owen laughed. “Oh, that’s not what I meant. Dr. Givens is thinking of selling me his big old car. I thought it might be wise to take it out for a test drive. If you’d be willing, I’d like to drive you over to the prison.”
Lanie smiled, and he could tell she liked the idea. He suspected that she was happy to have a man taking them, and with her brothers present she’d feel safe and avoid any impropriety. She finally nodded her assent. “We’ll need to leave by five in the morning to get over there in time for visitation. That all right?”
“Your driver will be here at five minutes before the hour.”
“Will my driver be needing coffee?”
It was Owen’s turn to smile. “Your driver would love a big cup of black coffee.”
“See you in the morning, Dr. Merritt. And thank you.”
The visit went much faster than Lanie expected. Her daddy was shocked beyond belief to see the younger children. He hugged the three of them so hard that she thought they might suffocate, and he was very glad to meet Dr. Owen Merritt. Lanie was pleased when her daddy said how much he appreciated Dr. Merritt’s kindness to his children.
Dr. Merritt took a walk to give the family privacy, a gesture Lanie considered thoughtful. When the time came for the visit to end, her father said good-bye to the younger children, sent them out, then turned to Lanie and held out his arms. She ran into them and he held her tight.
“Lanie,” he whispered, “I know it’s hard.”
“It’s harder than anything I could ever imagine. Every day is so difficult.”
“I know, precious. I know.”
“Daddy, I appreciate Mama more now than ever, and I miss her so much.”
“Me too, Lanie, but this is the path the Lord has laid before us.”
“I don’t know if I can make it, Daddy.”
Forrest held her at arm’s length. “Lanie, you can make it.”
“But how?”
“Lanie, don’t ever forget the words of St. Paul. He told the Philip-pian church, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ And, Lanie, so can you.”
“I can’t imagine even trying to walk this path without Him. Every morning I try to get up early enough to read the Word and to pray. And you’re right. He has given me the strength I need, but I’m gonna need so much more.”
“He’s only promised enough grace for each day—for each step of each day. No more, no less. Lanie, Paul also told the Philippians exactly what I want to now tell you.” He looked into her eyes. “Lanie Belle Freeman, notwithstanding, ye have well done.”
Lanie smiled. Her dad’s kind words gave her a new strength. She pulled him close and hugged him long.
“Visit’s over!” bellowed the guard.
“I love you, Daddy!”
“I love you too, Muff. You are precious to me. And, Lanie Belle, you are precious to our Lord. Keep strong!”
After leaving Cummings, Owen parked the car outside a roadside diner and treated the Freemans to lunch. Lanie protested, but he refused to take her money.
“I owe you,” he said.
“For what?”
“For giving me a free tour of this part of the country and for the privilege of meeting your dad. Lanie, I could see in his eyes and in the way he loves you all that he’s a good man.”
On the way home, the boys and Maeva fell asleep. Lanie looked at the back seat and smiled. Davis was leaning against the door, with Maeva leaning on him and Cody on her. They looked so peaceful. She sighed and faced forward.
“Penny for your thoughts, Lanie.”
“Just thinking that it’s nice to relax for a bit.” She sighed again. “Dr. Merritt, I really appreciate you offering to drive us.”
“It’s a pleasure, Lanie. It really is.”
“I just worry about Dad’s old Model T. I’m half expecting it to break down most any day. So I confess I was worried about this trip.”
“You’ve got an awful lot on your shoulders, young lady.”
She knew he was trying to comfort her, but his calling her a young lady somehow stung. With all of her responsibilities, she felt more grown up than that.
He saw her almost imperceptible frown. “Lanie, I apologize.”
“For what?”
“For calling you a young lady. With the load that you are carrying and the way y
ou are running a family—not to mention having to oversee The Outhouse Gang—well, it’s remarkable. I don’t know many grown women who could do what you’re doing, and I don’t know any men that could do it half as well!”
She smiled. “I doubt that.”
“I heard what a good student you were, and I heard about the award you won. Folks say you could be a doctor or an engineer. Others say you could write books or magazine articles. Most say you’re brilliant and that you gave up your future to make one for your brothers and sisters.”
Lanie was quiet.
“Lanie, when the man that the Lord has picked for you finds you . . . well, I’ll tell you what. He’s going to find himself a real treasure.”
“How many men do you know want to marry a girl who has four children to care for?”
“They’ll be gone before you know it!”
“How about Corliss? I have another decade and a half before she’ll be ready to leave. I’ll be an old maid before I’m free again.”
It was Owen’s turn to laugh.
“What you laughing at?” Lanie asked, irritated.
“Tell you what, Lanie. I don’t think you’re ever going to be an old maid.”
By the time they arrived at the Freeman home, all the children were awake and chattering about the day. As they unloaded, the younger children all ran inside, yelling back their thanks to Dr. Merritt.
The doctor came around the car to open Lanie’s door. As she got out, she apologized. “Please excuse them, Dr. Merritt. They go wild sometimes.”
“They’re just children.” He smiled at her. “Lanie, thanks again for allowing me to drive you today. I’m delighted to get to know all of you.”
“We’re the ones who owe you a great debt. Especially me! You saved me a long drive and a lot of fretting. I appreciate it so much!”
Before she knew it, he reached out and gave her a hug. She knew it was not a romantic hug, but more like a hug her pastor or the sheriff would give her. She also knew he thought of her as a child. Even so, her heart was thrilled.
As he released her, he kept his hands on her shoulders. “Lanie Freeman, I want to tell you something.”
He seemed very serious.
“This doctor is committing to help you all. If there’s ever anything I can do for you, at least until you get solidly on your feet, then I’m ready and willing. Will you let me know?”
Lanie nodded. Her admiration for the young physician soared.
“There’s no way I can thank you for that, Dr. Merritt.”
“Yes, there is.”
“How?”
“I’ll take a sample of one of those outhouse seats I’ve been hearing about. That will be payment plenty from the famous Outhouse Gang.”
Lanie smiled at him. “I’ll hand deliver your payment tomorrow.”
“Thank you, Lanie.”
Lanie watched him drive away, her heart confident that this young man was going to have a special place in the future of the Freemans.
C H A P T E R 19
Cod burst through the back door. “Lanie! Lanie!” Lanie was at the sink, peeling potatoes for dinner. She whirled around in alarm.
“What’s the matter, Cody?”
“Look here! Look here!” Cody skidded to a halt in front of her, holding a small tin.
“What is it?”
“Just look, Lanie.” Cody opened the tin, which was full of wadded-up bills. “It’s nearly thirteen dollars in bills and coins.”
“Where’d you get this money, Cody? If you’ve stolen it, then you’re in for a whippin’!”
“It’s from sales of the outhouse seats, Lanie, and I’ve already paid all my expenses for this month. This here’s what’s left.”
Then Maeva burst through the door. When she saw Lanie looking at the money she was angry. “How come you didn’t wait for me, you bumpkin! I helped as much as you and I wanted to show Lanie!”
Lanie smiled. “I’m so proud of you both. You’ve really done a good job.”
Cody and Maeva both smiled.
“Now go wash your hands and come help me fix supper, you hear?”
After supper, Lanie pulled out the coffee can. Her rule was simple: The money would not be counted until after supper on the eve of the payment’s due date. Before that night, the family would work and pray each day. Lanie felt that knowing the amount in the can would only be a root of worry and concern. “Let’s just do our best and leave the results to God,” she said.
The excitement around the table was palpable. With the sale of Maeva’s jars and Cody’s toilet seats, all believed not only that the note would be met but that there would be funds for a good start on the next month’s payment.
When Lanie finished counting, there was a collective sigh. “Oh, no!” Davis exclaimed.
“Drats!” agreed Cody.
“Oh, murder!” moaned Maeva. “It’s hopeless.”
Lanie recounted the money. “We’re four dollars and fifty cents short.”
Davis stood up, red-faced. “How’d that happen? Someone musta stole some!”
“Davis, sit down.” Lanie commanded. “No one stole anything! It’s just that our expenses were more this month. We had to buy sugar and salt.”
“It’s hopeless!” Maeva said again.
“No, it’s not hopeless!” Cody cried out. “It’ll more than cover the interest.”
“The bank ain’t gonna take interest only anymore, Cody,” Maeva snapped. “Miss Johnson told us we better have the whole amount this month or Mr. Langley would have the votes to take our home. Now we’re short and we’re gonna lose our home. There ain’t no hope!”
Lanie tried to put on a brave face. “Maeva, it’s never hopeless when we serve God. He knows our needs, and His Word says He’ll meet them. Let’s just take a minute to pray.”
Davis pointed his finger at Lanie. “It ain’t gonna do no good to pray. We’re short. Can’t you see that, Lanie? We’re gonna lose it all.”
He turned and ran out of the room.
Lanie bowed her head while Maeva and Cody looked on. “Dear Lord, You know we’re short for a full payment to the bank. You know our full note is due tomorrow. Lord, I ask You to provide for the need of your children. Lord, when you do, we’ll be sure to give You the thanks. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” She raised her head and said with all the confidence she could muster, “God is going to do a miracle.” But inside she didn’t know if she believed it herself.
The next morning, when Maeva walked into the kitchen, Lanie was preparing breakfast. A cup of coffee and her open Bible were on the kitchen table.
“Morning, Lanie,” Maeva muttered. She had not slept well. Lanie’s prayer echoed in her mind all night. How could she have so much faith? Maeva had asked herself.
“Need me to fetch the milk?” Maeva asked.
“Oh dear, yes. Would you? I completely forgot that today was milk day.”
Maeva stepped out the back door and walked over to the cooler where the delivery man left their milk twice a week. To her surprise, she found a small tin next to the cooler. She opened it and her eyes widened. “Hey! Everybody come look!”
“What’s the matter?” Lanie cried as she rushed out the door.
Maeva beamed. “Money!” She held out the tin and Lanie pulled out five crisp one-dollar bills and a small piece of paper, which bore a penciled message in childlike block letters: “A GIFT FROM THE LORD.”
Lanie held the money and looked around at the others. “It’s a five-dollar miracle, isn’t it?” She began to dance and was joined by three other Freemans.
Otis Langley was reviewing some accounts with Effie Johnson when the door of her office opened and the Freeman children hurried in.
“Here it is, Miss Johnson. Our whole payment!”
“The whole thing?” asked Effie. “Well, I’m happy for you all!”
“We are too!” shouted Cody. “We’re going to the Dew Drop Inn for a celebration soda. We got more money than we know what to do with!
”
“You hush, Cody!” commanded Lanie. “Actually, Miss Johnson, this payment is somewhat of a miracle. It’s a direct answer to prayer.”
“Oh, I have no doubt, child. Prayer’s a mighty thing.”
“It is! Especially when the Lord answers it specifically. Good day, Miss Johnson.”
“Good day, Lanie. You enjoy your sodas.”
“Good day, Mr. Langley,” Lanie said as she left with the others. Effie looked at Otis. “Why, Mr. Langley, you look irritated.”
“I most certainly am not!” Langley exclaimed.
“Are you upset the children met their obligation?”
Langley’s face softened. “Of course not. I just happen to know that they will not be able to continue this level of debt payment. It’s impossible. They’ll fail. I’ll tell you that!”
A small crowd gathered around the Freeman children at the Dew Drop Inn, listening as Lanie told the story again.
“That’s amazing!” exclaimed Pardue.
“It ain’t amazing, Sheriff,” Sister Myrtle said. “It’s a miracle!”
“Well, whatever it is, I’d have given a month’s salary to see Old Man Langley’s face when you kids paid that debt. Must have been one fine moment, I’ll tell you that.”
“Cheers,” agreed Harry Oz. “You children done good!”
Murmurs of agreement swept across the small crowd.
“Tell you what, these sodas are on me!” Sister Myrtle declared to a round of applause. “Won’t have you children spending your hard-earned money here. Besides, my bottom end is much less calloused and splintered than usual because of that fine invention of Cody Freeman’s.”
“In that case, Sister Myrtle, can I have me a complimentary cherry to go in my soda?” Cody asked.
All laughed, and Harry Oz spoke up, “You should know we’re rootin’ for you! You’ve done a great thing!”
Applause went up across the room. “Speech, speech!” someone shouted.
“Go ahead,” Sister Myrtle told Lanie.
Lanie smiled and the crowd got quiet. “Thanks, everyone, but we shouldn’t get any credit. It’s Jesus who’s done it all.”
THE HOMEPLACE Page 20