Love's Enduring Promise (Love Comes Softly Series #2)

by Janette Oke

  Wooden benches would be made that would meet the needs of full-grown men who had Sunday by Sunday been forced to curl their long frames into a desk created for a fifth grader. There would be an altar where people with needs could bow in prayer and a pulpit from which the Word of God could be proclaimed.

  People began to visualize and dream of what it would be like when they had their own church.

  The Reverend seemed to agree, though not enthuse, with the plan. It was fine with him as long as he was not called upon for some such task as log cutting. He was quick to inform the gentlemen of the great number of hours needed in his study for the purpose of preparing himself for his Sunday sermon.

  The men were content to let him be. No one really felt the need for the Reverend's right arm in doing a task they had always handled with no problem.

  After the crops had been harvested and the fall work completed, the men took to the wooded hills. Their own wood supply must be secured first, and they were in a hurry to complete the task so that they could start tallying up logs for the new church.

  The winter wore on, and each day that was fit for man and

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  beast carried the sharp sound of the axes and the crashing of the large timbers. Gradually the piles of logs increased, and Clark, who was keeping the tally and overseeing the peeling, felt satisfaction in the progress they were making.

  With the spring thaw, many piles of naked steaming poles lay in the warm spring sun. A day in May was set aside for the church raisin'. A church, being special, the men had contented themselves would take more than one day to see completion; but the first day would give them the sense of direction, the raw outline with which to work.

  They met on the appointed day and the men set to work with a will. The ladies chatted and cooked and chased hungry children out of the food set aside for dinner. The building went well and as the tired farmers headed for home to their waiting chores, the walls of the church stood stout and strong. Those who could, would take the next day to work again on the building. The important thing now was to get the roof on, the windows in, and the door hung. The finishing on the inside would be done throughout the entire spring and summer as men could spare the time.

  By fall their church stood tall, even bearing a spire that pointed to heaven. Only a bell was lacking, thought many of the more sentimental ladies. Only a bell.

  To the east of the church a cemetery was carefully staked out. Marty wondered as she watched the men plotting the area if others around carried the same question in their hearts. Who would be the first to be laid to rest there?

  She tried to brush aside the uncomfortable thought, but unconsciously her eyes travelled over her neighbors. She loved them. She would not wish to lose any of them. Then her eyes sought out her own family and she choked up a bit.

  "I'm being' silly," she scolded herself. "Our lives all be in God's hands. He'll do the choosin'."

  She went to join Clark who was holding a squirming Ellie, wishing to be down to run with the rest of the small fry.

  The dedication of the new church was set for the first Sunday in October. It was decided that they'd make a real celebration of it all and bring in a potluck meal.

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  The great day arrived. The wind was blowing, the sky overcast, making the day less than desired, but at least there was no rain falling. Marty was thankful for that.

  She packed with care the food that she had prepared and made sure that her family was well bundled against the weather. Arnie was hard to corner long enough to be sure that he was properly buttoned and tied.

  The crowd poured in, full of great expectation. They now had a church in which to worship. It would be so much easier to feel close to God.

  They enjoyed singing lustily the familiar hymns. By now they knew fairly well some of the new songs that the Reverend had brought with him.

  The prayer was long and elaborate. Marty found herself praying her own more simple one that met the need of her own heart.

  Then they moved into the dedication service for the new building. Clark, Ben and Mr. Watley each had a part. Marty thought that it was beautiful, and her heart swelled with pride as she watched Clark participate.

  "Now ya watch yer pa," her eyes told her youngsters. "See how straight he stands--how steady his voice--how proud he be to be a part of God's people. Watch yer pa."

  The dedication came to a close and the morning sermon began.

  "Oh, dear God, make it special. Make it a feedin' time," Marty prayed, but the dear Reverend hadn't gone far until she realized that she was going to again be disappointed. She finally let the anticipation drain from her and settled down to bear out the sermon in attentiveness rather than with understanding.

  The Reverend, too, had felt that the sermon on such a splendid occasion should be special, so he had prepared an extra long one.

  Children fidgeted, and one couldn't help but feel that the fathers felt a bit envious of the mothers who got to take them out.

  At last the sermon ended and the congregation stood for

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  the closing hymn. The people filed from the building--the men to gather in small clusters, the children to stretch muscles cramped from so long a time unused, and women to put out the noonday meal.

  It was a pleasant time spent together. The newlyweds accepted teasing good-naturedly, babies were passed around and exclaimed over, news from town and community was shared. It was a good day. Still Marty went away feeling disappointed. It hadn't been what she had hoped it would be. Something was definitely lacking. She pushed the thought aside, determined to talk about it with Clark later. Maybe he'd be able to put his finger on it.

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  Chapter 34

  Family

  A short note arrived from Tommie. It was the third time they had heard from him. Each time that news came Marty breathed a prayer of thanks that he was still safe. This letter stated that he was doing fine. He planned to stay where he was for the winter--working in a lumber mill. Thought he would push on again come spring. Maybe even to the coast. Hadn't had himself a look at the ocean yet. He sent his love.

  He gave no return address and even the postage stamp was blurred, so they were none the wiser as to his whereabouts. They had hoped to respond by writing to let him know that they wished him well and hoped that he would soon be returning home.

  Marty shared the letter at mealtime with all those about the table. Clark had read it previously but listened carefully as she read. She could see relief in his eyes. He thought highly of young Tom.

  Time had erased much of the anxiety from the young Missie. She now seemed to think very little of the young man who had suddenly gone from her life--the man that she had childishly pledged herself to marry.

  Marty looked about her table. How changed they all were from the time when Tom had left. She supposed that he had changed, too.

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  Nandry was now a young lady. She was still quiet, though always industrious. Marty had eventually given up trying to get close to her and accepted her as she was. "Bless her heart," thought Marty, "she's been worth her keep an' thet $10 over and over agin." Yet Marty was well aware that Nandry would likely be lost to them before long.

  At least two of the neighborhood boys were busy studying Nandry. And, Marty observed, Nandry always looked back with flushed cheeks and an unusual twinkle in her eye.

  Clae, too, was almost a young lady. She was near the end of her education in the one-room school, but not anywhere near the end of her hunger for knowledge. Marty and Clark had lain nights discussing her. Her burning desire was to become a teacher, and Clark felt that even though many dollars would be involved, Clae should be given the opportunity. Clae would have to go away for her schooling. Marty dreaded the thought.

  Missie was eleven now--still a bundle of energy that was one minute a little girl and the next minute stretching toward womanhood. She loved school; in fact, Missie welcomed each new venture. She still did not like Willie
LaHaye. But now she just ignored him.

  Clare was nine. A bright boy who still preferred doing to learning; though there was nothing wrong with his ability in either area. He still mimicked Clark and watched carefully to see how his pa handled situations.

  Arnie in turn followed Clare. Almost six, Arnie was going to be allowed to attend school this fall.

  Three-year-old Ellie was a small bundle of brightness in everybody's life. Happy and playful, she darted among them like a small butterfly, enriching the lives of all whom she touched.

  In the family cradle rested a new little head. Baby Luke had been added to the family. More than once Marty had sincerely thanked God for Nandry since the arrival of little Luke, for unlike her others, this baby was a fussy one, demanding attention just at the time when a mother was the busiest. Nandry did her best to comfort the unhappy child.

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  "My family," thought Marty, looking round the table. "My strange, wonderful family." Lest she become teary-eyed with emotion just thinking of each one, she herded her thoughts back to safer ground and went on with her meal. Clark rescued her.

  "Saw Cam today."

  "Did ya?"

  "He had Rett with 'im. Do ya know thet thet boy can already handle a team. Should've see'd Cam. Proud as punch. Says Rett's gonna be the best horseman in these here parts. Might too. Seems to be a natural with animals."

  "Isn't thet somethin'."

  "Cam says he wouldn't be none surprised to see thet lad take 'im on the tamin' of a bear. Never says a word, but he seems to make the animals understand 'im.

  "Mr. Cassidy says thet Cam never comes to town but he brings Rett either on the wagon beside 'im or up in front of 'im in the saddle."

  Mr. Cassidy was the gentleman who had taken over the McDonald's store.

  Clark seemed to be deep in thought for a moment.

  "Funny thing. Cam's changed. Watchin"im move about town with his son I noticed a thoughtfulness 'bout 'im. He ain't thinkin' on Cam Marshall no more. I think others note it, too. Seem to have new respect fer 'im someway. Thought as I watched 'im leavin' town with thet boy up there beside 'im handlin' the reins, 'There goes a real man.'"

  Marty nodded, her eyes clouding a bit, but mostly her thoughts were of Wanda and the happiness that she would feel in having given Cam a son that he could love and be proud of. She switched the subject.

  "Did ya happen to see Mr. McDonald?"

  "Yeah. Saw 'im sittin' on the bench out in front of the store with Ole Tom and Jake Feidler. Didn't talk to 'im more than a howdy."

  "How's he seem?"

  "Pretty good. I think thet he be right glad to be back." Mrs. McDonald had passed away two years previously,

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  having never recovered from her stroke. Mr. McDonald had decided after her funeral to return East, but time had brought him West again.

  "Jest didn't feel to home there," was the only explanation that he gave, so he took a room at Mrs. Keller's boardinghouse and spent his days chatting, whittling, and spitting tobacco juice out in front of his old store. Mr. Cassidy didn't seem to mind, though Mrs. Cassidy tired somewhat of scrubbing the steps.

  Marty wondered what it would be like to go back East after having been gone so long. Her own pa was gone now and her ma lived alone. They kept in touch, though the letters were sometimes far apart. Marty did try to at least keep her posted on each new family member and to send her greetings at Christmastime.

  No, she was sure that she wouldn't feel at home there anymore either.

  She gently slapped Arnie's finger away from the butter and gave him a piece of buttered bread. The years had brought so many changes--most of them good ones.

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  Chapter 35

  Nandry

  Young Josh Coffins was the first to make a move in showing serious intention toward Nandry. Marty knew that it was bound to come. She favored it and deplored it at the same time.

  Fall work was over again, leaving a young man time to think of things like courting. Josh approached Clark after church one Sunday to ask permission to call. Clark was not a dense man, but he did take pleasure in teasing.

  "Sure thing, Josh. I'd be most happy to have ya drop by to see me. Reckon we could have us a quiet talk--like out in the barn where we'd not be interrupted by small fry and women."

  Josh reddened and stammered as he endeavored to explain that that wasn't really what he had in mind. Clark laughed and slapped him on the back good-naturedly, and Josh realized that he'd been "had."

  He laughed at the joke on himself and felt good within that this respected man of the community would trouble himself to tease him.

  "Yer welcome to come," Clark said more seriously, "an' I promise ya not to be holdin' ya at the barn."

  Josh grinned, muttered his thanks and walked off. The way had been cleared. Now to approach Nandry.

  He found her sitting on the church steps, several youngsters

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  in tow. Baby Luke was on her lap, pointing out horses and wagons with his usual "Wha' dat?"

  Josh leaned carelessly on the handrailing. Nandry looked up and the color of her face deepened.

  "Been talkin' to Clark." Previously Josh had always said Mr. Davis as he had been properly taught.

  Nandry's eyes widened at his words as well as his deportment, for Josh seemed to evidence a kind of emotional swagger. She waited.

  "He says it be fine with 'im if I come a callin'."

  Nandry's color deepened still more. Still she said nothing.

  "Be it okay with you?" There, the question was out. The ball was now handed to Nandry. There was no way that she could pretend not to understand his meaning. She flushed a deep red and studied the child on her lap. Minutes ticked by. It seemed an eternity to Josh who stood waiting, heart pounding and hands sweating.

  "I reckon," finally came the soft answer and Josh's face broke into a relieved grin. He wanted to throw back his head and whoop, but something warned him that he'd better not do that.

  "Thanks," he said to Nandry. The evenness of his voice surprised him. "Thanks. Next Wednesday then. I'll be lookin' forward to it," and then he was gone, suppressing the urge to run and leap the nearby pump.

  Nandry buried her blushing face against the small Luke, her heart pounding in her ears. She had been hoping that it would be Josh. She had noticed Willis Aitkins looking at her, too, but she had really favored Josh. He had not even waited for the customary Saturday call. Usually when the young folks started to keep company, the calls were made on Saturday night. Only the very serious called on both Saturday and Wednesday, and Josh had said he'd see her Wednesday. Nandry hoped with all of her heart that Clark and Marty would approve. She wanted so much to do what would please them, but she realized that she also was feeling a strong tug toward Josh Coffins.

  She lifted the small Luke and held him to her so closely

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  that he squirmed in protest.

  "Oh, Lukey." She called him that only when she felt especially affectionate. "How can one feel so happy, an' sad, an' excited, an' scared all at one time?"

  Luke didn't understand the question, but he reached out his baby hand to touch the tear that lay glistening on her cheek.

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  Chapter 36

  The Excitement of Christmas

  Another Christmas was drawing close, and as Marty made preparations she felt that this would be a very special Christmas. Never, over the last several Christmases, had Marty felt such intense excitement.

  Baby Luke toddled about, a happy child, having finally outgrown his fussiness. Ellie was still a bundle of activity, but now small bits of the energy could already be channeled into helpful areas. Arnie, Clare, and Missie would enjoy the break from school and were already making plans for sliding on the creek's frozen surface and sledding down its banks. The most important ingredient adding to the extra excitement was that Clae would be home. Clae, their little would-be-teacherMarty could hardly wait.

  Clae'
s letters were filled with excitement about what she was learning, who she was meeting, but most important, how much she was missing them all.

  Marty felt that the days would never pass quickly enough until the time came for Clark to meet her in town.

  She fussed over all of Clae's favorite dishes, made sure that Nandry had the shared room prepared, and coaxed the younger children to feel the same excitement that she felt. There would be another first at their Christmas table as well. Josh Coffins, Nandry's promised fiancé, would be joining them.

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  Marty shared in the joy of the young couple, but she dreaded the thought of losing her Nandry.

  A spring wedding was planned and as soon as the rush of Christmas was put aside, Nandry and Marty would get down to the serious business of preparing the bridal dowry.

  Nandry seemed very happy, and Marty had for some months been giving her the egg money so that she would have something with which to buy the little "extras."

  But first she would feast upon Christmas.

  Clark chose the tree and the evergreen boughs that would form their traditional wreaths.

  This year a turkey would not be purchased as Nandry had added a half-dozen turkeys to her chicken pens.

  A fine young gobbler was chosen to honor the Christmas dinner table and was getting extra daily care and attention from Nandry.

  Pies, tarts, and cookies, along with loaf cakes, lined the shelves in the pantry.

  Marty had been to town for her shopping, and gifts laid wrapped beside her chest of drawers or hidden beneath her bed to supply socks for Christmas morning.

  On the day that Clae was to arrive, both Nandry and Marty felt almost too excited to work. Marty was glad that she had much to do to help the time go faster. Still it seemed that the clock would never get around to the time when they were expected home.