Lone Star Romance Collection

by Cathy Marie Hake

  “I bet a lot of people who have those worthless stock certificates wonder why Jesus failed them.” Jenny finished pinning up a petticoat.

  “God isn’t like a genie in a children’s fable. He doesn’t jump at our commands and give us all we wish for.”

  “Then what is He good for?”

  “He forgives our sins and never forsakes us. No matter what we have to endure, He is faithful to carry us through. Joys or sorrows, God remains with us.”

  “I think it would be nicer if He was a genie who did give me whatever I wanted.”

  “What do you want?” Carmen waited for a response.

  Silence crackled between them as they finished hanging out the laundry. Jenny finally said, “I want this to all be over.”

  Carmen didn’t say anything.

  Jenny, ostensibly watching water drip from a petticoat to make tiny little plops that turned the earth into a polka-dotted mud patch, finally said, “What I don’t want is to feel the baby kick all the time. It just reminds me over and over that I don’t even know who the father is and that I won’t know who his new father will be. I don’t want to go through the labor. I don’t want to go back to living in a saloon just so I’ll have food to eat.”

  The sadness in Jenny’s voice and eyes made Carmen want to weep. “We have to have faith, Jenny. There will be good that comes from this, and Doc Gregor will make certain the man and wife who rear that baby will do a fine job of it. As for you—we’ll make certain you never have to go back to that way of life. I promise you won’t.”

  Duncan carefully placed Carmen’s gift in a hatbox and smiled to himself. She’s going to be so surprised. The ornate leather strap he’d created out of frustration went with the purse perfectly. The lid to the box didn’t want to go on. Why, when he could create even the tiniest baby shoes, did his fingers suddenly fumble at this simple task?

  So far, his plan seemed to be going well. Carmen appreciated his gifts and praised the work he’d been doing around her home. And she often brought treats she’d baked to his shop. A woman didn’t cook for a man unless she held feelings for him.

  “Duncan?” Mercy walked into the shop. “What a beautiful hatbox!”

  “Aye. Think Carmen will like it?” He ran a rough hand over the elegantly striped pasteboard then rubbed his thumb along the red velvet ribbon running along the top’s edge.

  “Crimson is her favorite color.”

  “So I guessed. All the bright shades she wears—they make her match her beautiful garden.”

  Mercy smiled. “You certainly helped her have a spectacular garden this year.”

  “Jenny helped, too.”

  “Chris mentioned Grossvater wanted to spend a day with you, tending to his harnesses and such. Last year it kept him busy as he healed.”

  “I’ll be happy to go out to the farm.”

  “That’s so kind of you.”

  “Your grandda—he’s surely taken Jenny under his wing. I’m sure ’tis his example that has many of the old men growing tender toward her.”

  “Grossvater has a big heart.”

  Duncan drew a deep breath. “Mercy, I aim to broach a topic wi’ you. ’Tis less than polite.”

  “Did I do something wrong?”

  “Nae. Carmen’s limp. I’m thinking I could fashion shoes for her that would even out her gait.”

  “ ‘Gait’ makes her sound like a horse.”

  Duncan filed away that little detail. Insignificant things like that mattered a lot to women. “When you pin up her hems, what’s the difference in length from one side to the other?”

  His sister-in-law’s brows rose.

  “I warned ye, ’twas a touchy subject. I need your help, Mercy. I canna proceed without knowing, and I’d not shame my Carmen by posing such a delicate matter to her.”

  “I’m a little surprised—but more at the thought of no one thinking to solve the matter this way than in the topic itself.”

  “I didna mean to shock you.”

  “You mean to help my friend. Of course I’m willing to assist you. The left side of her hems …” Mercy held her thumb and forefinger apart. “About an inch. Maybe a tiny bit more. But the measurement won’t help you any. You need to trace her foot, and she’d never allow you to.”

  “I ken, ’tis true, so I cheated. She left footprints in the mud after watering the flowers she planted for you. I measured those and drew a pattern.”

  “You’re very ingenious.”

  “Whilst you’re here, I want to ask something. I ken you’re busy as can be, but whene’er you bake, could you see fit to make wee little cookies for me?”

  She nodded. “You’ll have to tell me just how small.”

  “About the size of a quarter would be grand. I’d like to offer them to my customers.”

  Bless her, Mercy simply nodded.

  Duncan reached for the mesquite bowl Mr. Rundsdorf had made for him. “I’ll keep them in this.”

  “Ohhh! Duncan, that’s breathtaking!”

  “I think so, too. I’m supposing when folks see it, they’ll be going to him, seeking something else he’s made.” He put down the bowl and stroked the hatbox. “I’ll be back after a while. I’m taking this to Carmen.”

  “It would be nicer if you gave it to her when you’re alone. Why don’t you go over and bring Jenny back? I’ve been talking to her so she’ll know what to anticipate.”

  Appalled, Duncan blurted out, “You’re not going to hae her birth her bairn in the washroom!”

  Despite her blush, Mercy assured him, “Of course not.”

  “Chris and I still think you kept your vow,” he muttered.

  “What vow?”

  “If anyone breathed a word about you delivering your babe at the clinic, you’d avenge yourself.” When she had the nerve to laugh, Duncan swallowed sickly. “Twitter all you want, Mercy Ellen Gregor, but you left a dreadful, bloody mess for us to clean up.”

  Mercy shook her finger at him. “You have no right to complain. After all, I did what you asked. I waited until Rob got home to have Elspeth.”

  “Good thing, that. With your next babe—”

  Mercy’s eyes grew huge. “How did you know?”

  Delight speared through him. “ ’Twas hope speaking. So you’re carrying another wee bairn?”

  “Rob and I are keeping it a secret for now.”

  “I’ll not breathe a word.” He patted her arm. “ ’Tis kind of you not to celebrate your glad tidings when you know Jenny’s going to give away her babe.”

  “Go ahead and send her on over to me.”

  Duncan didn’t have to be told twice. He hastened across the street. No one answered the door, but the smell of lye soap reminded him it was Carmen’s laundry day. Duncan went around behind the house and heard weeping. “Carmen?”

  “Car–men’s—not—heeeeere.”

  Duncan pushed between two sodden towels on the clothesline and stopped dead in his tracks when he discovered Jenny huddled on the bench by the flowers, sobbing. Cold dread washed over him.

  Chapter 10

  You’re not having the bairn—not now!”

  Jenny shook her head.

  “Good!” Relief added zeal to his voice. A moment later, Duncan frowned. “Are ye hurtin’? Do I need to fetch Rob?”

  She shook her head.

  Duncan stepped closer. “You’re weeping. Why?”

  “Carmen said Jesus would never fail her.”

  “Aye, and she’s right. Our Lord Jesus Christ will ne’er forsake us.”

  “I don’t have anyone like that. Everyone dies or they just use me and walk away.”

  “Puir wee lassie.” He drew closer. “I canna imagine how sad and lonely it must be, you tryin’ to face life on your verra own. You dinna hae to, though.”

  “No one will have me.”

  The sadness in her tone tore at him. “Jesus would welcome you with open arms.”

  “I’m not dying.”

  “Glad I am of that. He’s
more than eager to have you as His daughter.”

  Tears spattered her bodice as she shook her head. “Not me. I’m just a cheap wh—”

  “You,” Duncan cut in, “Jenny Sigrids, were bought by the blood of Christ. Never consider yourself cheap, because the price was paid in full—and ’twas the Son of God who paid the ransom for your eternal soul.”

  “Ransom? Like with a kidnapping?”

  “Aye, only in this case, ’twas the devil who stole your soul. All you need to do is believe that God loves you so much, He sent His beloved Son to pay the price that would redeem your soul.”

  “You don’t know what I’ve done.”

  Duncan shrugged. “What you’ve done in the past is of no importance. Remember how the preacher has mentioned stories in the Bible of women who lived in sin?”

  “Like me,” she murmured.

  “Aye. Jesus forgave them. He gave them a new chance at life by telling them to go and sin no more.”

  “But other people knew what those women were. Everyone knows what I’ve been.”

  “Aye.” Duncan nodded. “And Christ told them they could cast stones at the woman only if they’d ne’er sinned themselves. You see, sin separates each of us from God. ’Tisna our own goodness or the deeds we do that redeem us—’tis because Christ paid the cost. I’m heartily thankful He did, and I took Him at His word. I accepted salvation and let Him wash my soul free from the past. Carmen and Mercy and my brothers—they all did likewise.”

  He let that sink in for a moment and then quietly asked, “Would you like to ask Him for forgiveness and a fresh start?”

  “What do I give Him back?”

  “Your thankful and obedient heart.”

  Wrapping her arms around herself, she sighed. “It can’t work that way. It’s too simple.”

  “Carmen cares for you like a sister. Even when she didna know you, she opened her arms and heart and home to you. If she could do that, think how much more God can and will do.”

  “I don’t know if I can get up if I kneel down.”

  Duncan glanced at her middle and silently agreed. “It won’t matter. God is delighted to have you just as you are.”

  “Like that church song last Sunday?”

  “Aye. ‘Just as I Am.’ ”

  “At church, folks have to get down on their knees.”

  She wasn’t being quarrelsome. Duncan saw the sincerity in her eyes. She wanted to do this correctly. It mattered to her. “Since we’ll be praying together, why don’t you sit there, and I’ll kneel.”

  Carmen heard the low hum of conversation and limped around the clothesline. The breath froze in her lungs. Jenny sat on the garden bench, and Duncan knelt at her side.

  I knew it. I knew he had tender feelings for her. Rob married Mercy and—

  “Carmen!” Joy brightened Jenny’s voice.

  Duncan rose. “Carmen, we have the most wonderful news.”

  “Do you?” Her voice sounded strained.

  Jenny beckoned her over. “Duncan just asked me if—“ her voice broke.

  “Jenny’s decided to ask Christ into her heart.”

  “Jenny!” Carmen hurried over. Every step made her repent for the jealousy she’d felt.

  “You can help me pray, too. I want to do it right.”

  “Nothing would make me happier than to share this moment with you.”

  Duncan motioned to her. “Why don’t you sit next to Jenny?”

  Carmen sat down and embraced Jenny.

  “I don’t know what to do,” Jenny confessed. “Am I supposed to fold my hands, or are we supposed to hold hands together?”

  “Either way is fine,” Duncan said. “What would you like?”

  Jenny thought about it for a minute. “I think I’ll fold my hands. I’m afraid if I hold your hands, I might crush them.”

  Duncan knelt again. He reached out and held onto the wrought iron arms of the bench, and the action gave a special sense of intimacy to the moment.

  Jenny bowed her head and whispered, “What do I say?”

  “Prayer is talking to God.” Carmen exchanged a look with Duncan then asked, “Would you like to have one of us say a prayer, and you repeat the words?”

  “That’s a good idea. I’m afraid I’ll forget something important.”

  “All right then.” Duncan bowed his head. “Lord Jesus, I’m sorry for my sins.”

  “Lord Jesus,” Jenny repeated, “I’m sorry for all my terrible sins. I’ve done a lot of bad things.”

  Duncan patiently waited. “You died on the cross so I could be forgiven.”

  Jenny echoed the sentence.

  “So I’m asking You to forgive me and come live in my heart. Amen.”

  “God, I’m asking You to please forgive me. Since You’re washing all the bad out of my heart, there’s a lot of room in my heart for You to come live there now. Amen.” Jenny looked up. “I feel so … right. Deep down inside, I feel … good.”

  Carmen squeezed her tightly. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “I’m happy for us all.” The corners of Duncan’s eyes crinkled. “You know, Jenny, now you’re our sister in Christ.”

  Jenny smiled, but just as quickly, her smile faltered. “At least till I leave after I have the baby.”

  “Nae, lass. E’en if we’re parted here on earth, we’ll all be together in heaven.”

  “Absolutely! And after you go, we’ll write to one another.” Carmen emphasized her assertion with a passionate nod. “I’m going to insist on it. How will I ever come to visit you if I don’t know where you are?”

  Jenny’s eyes grew huge. “You’d come visit me?”

  “Yes. I’m inviting myself. I know it’s rude, but you’re my sister, so you’ll ignore my bad manners.”

  As he stood, Duncan chuckled. “Carmen’s a strong-willed woman, Jenny. Once she determines something, there’s no dissuading her. She’ll be sure to visit you. Why don’t the two of you go see Mercy? Jenny can give her the grand news.”

  Mercy cried for joy.

  Though Duncan hadn’t accompanied them to the house, he entered a short time later. Carmen’s breath caught as she recognized the item in his left hand. She’d looked at it a few times over at Leonard’s mercantile. “Jenny, lass, this is for you.” He handed her the beautiful cherrywood presentation box.

  “For me?” Jenny opened the box. “A Bible! My very own Bible?”

  “Aye. Read and reflect on the truths. ’Tis how we walk close to God.”

  He hadn’t dashed out and snapped up the cheapest Bible in the store; he’d parted with money at a time when the nation’s finances were strained. The gesture bespoke a deep affection. Until now, the biblical command not to be unequally yoked kept him from courting Jenny. Now that she’d accepted Christ, there wasn’t anything that would preclude him from making her his wife. He’s not wasting any time at all. I suspected he was sweet on her. This proves it.

  Duncan turned and lowered a hatbox onto the table in front of Carmen. “And this is for you, Carmen.”

  “Ohhh.” She looked at him. “Why?”

  He stared back at her. “Because.”

  Tracing her finger over the velvet ribbon, she whispered, “It’s gorgeous. Elegant.”

  “Open it up.”

  “There’s something inside?”

  He chuckled at her surprise. “Aye, there is.”

  Slowly, she opened the lid and looked inside. The sight before her left her speechless.

  “What is it?” Mercy stood on tiptoe and peered inside.

  “A purse made from an armadillo—just like Mercy’s grandmother had.” Pride rang in Duncan’s tone.

  “Hers is the only other one I’ve ever seen,” Carmen said faintly. It was all she could concoct. The thing was hideous.

  “You didna say exactly how your grandma’s was fashioned, so I did the best I could.”

  Carmen gingerly lifted the leather strap. “Oh, look at this strap. Have you ever seen such intricate tooling?” />
  Duncan’s chest puffed out. “I’m glad you like it.”

  Mercy reached over and tentatively touched the odd, half-curled hide. “Carmen, something this rare should be used for very special occasions.”

  Grateful for the way Mercy just gave her an excuse for not having to carry the monstrosity with her all the time, Carmen nodded.

  “Grandma only used hers when she paid calls on sick friends. She kept healing herbs and powders in it.”

  “You go see sick folks all the time.” Jenny reached over and fiddled with the creature’s funny ear.

  Carmen found the urge to shiver. “I’ve always loved traditions. Perhaps this is a way for me to keep the tradition.”

  “I’ve noticed how you treasure your traditions.” Duncan folded his arms across his chest. “No matter where we go or what we become, ’tis always important to remember and honor the past.”

  “Like when you wear your kilt,” Carmen said. From the way he beamed, Carmen knew she’d managed to say the right thing and diverted his attention from the revolting purse. But one of these days, he’ll ask me where it is.

  “Where is she?” Duncan took the seat next to Carmen as some of the parishioners met at the parsonage to discuss church projects.

  Carmen froze for a moment. He hadn’t asked about the armadillo purse yet, but he was looking at her hem—possibly to see if she’d carried it with her here. She looked at him. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Did Jenny come along with you?”

  Of course he’d ask about her. Just look at the twinkle in his bachelor button–blue eyes. Well, he won’t be a bachelor much longer. Carmen shoved aside her musings and answered. “No, she’s spending the afternoon with Mercy.”

  Mrs. Kunstler sat on Carmen’s other side. “Mercy—she is a good wife for the doctor. Ismelda told me Mercy helped the doctor when he saw her.”

  Carmen stared at Mrs. Kunstler and strove not to let her shock and hurt show. “Ismelda?”

  “I told her to tell you. Well, now you know.” Mrs. Kunstler twitched an embarrassed smile. “She’s trying to spare your feelings since you’re older and—”