Addie snuggled close to him. “I do. I know you, Charles Walker. You’re a good man with a good heart and a hard-working one who will, within a short time, become a great lawyer. You will provide for your wife and family and be a good influence on your son, Sam.”
He sat back and smiled at her. “You know all that, do you?”
“Yes, sir. It’s as plain as the spark in your eyes. You won’t let us down. You won’t.” She settled back against him and watched the sun recede and the colors darken. On the next hill, a lone coyote called out, while a bullfrog croaked out his loud song.
Charles grabbed the reins. “All right, that was the first show.” He drove the buggy toward the pond and then down into a shallow valley where he turned the buggy around. He pointed between the two hills. “Right through there, the moon will rise. It’s full tonight.”
She waited, leaning against him while waiting for the event. Addie closed her eyes for a moment and relished his warmth. Then she opened her eyes and watched.
Sure enough, the golden moon slowly edged above the horizon until it was round and full and looked as if it would roll down the valley right into them.
“It’s magnificent.”
Charles tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “You are too. I can’t get you out of my mind when I’m supposed to be reading law books.”
Addie blushed. “I think of you through the day too.”
“You helped save Fallon’s life. And mine. I’d like to think you might have saved me so that we can have a life together.”
Addie stared at him. “You do?”
He nodded. “I know I’ve got to get my life together, but when I do, I’d like for you to be a part of it.”
Addie stared at the moon and the man she was falling for. She was breathless. She’d never dreamed that this case might hold the answer to her future. Yet, here it was. In the silver moonlight, she could see the honesty in his blue eyes. “It’s all happening so fast. Yet, I feel the same.”
“And Sam, you wouldn’t mind marrying into a small family?”
“No, not at all. Sam is a very polite young man.”
That seemed to make Charles happy. “Good. I don’t know what I would have had to do if I had to make a choice. I feel in my heart that I’ve been chosen to take care of Sam. I also feel as if you and me were meant to be together.”
She put a hand to his face and caressed his cheek. “You don’t have to worry. I adore Sam. And I’m beginning to suspect that I am in love with you. We can pray about our future together.”
Sam rode up to them. “I rode Sinbad as long as I could and then figured it was time to find you.”
Charles laughed. “I saved you some cookies.”
The boy jumped down and sat between them. “Thanks, Miss Addie, these are great.”
The three of them enjoyed their time together. Sam fell asleep on the end of the blanket, and Charles moved closer to Addie. He looked deep into her eyes and kissed her lips tenderly, and then sat back. “I better get you back to Gretchen’s. I don’t want anyone to think bad of you. My reputation is a bit dark.”
“It is getting late, but I’ve had a wonderful time with you.”
He picked up the boy and carried him to the buggy. Then tied the horse to the back. He escorted her to the buggy. “Can I take you to lunch tomorrow?”
“Yes, I’d love that.” Addie let him help her into the buggy. Her heart was content and full of joy. She watched Charles and fell in love with him more and more.
Chapter 16
Peter Fallon sat across from Pastor Elijah Smith. The man was probably closer to eighty than fifty and had a full head of flowing white hair. But his eyes were fiery bright and his manner one of purposed grace while his voice was low and full of authority that made it exciting and yet a strain to listen to.
Sitting across from the older man, Peter felt his heart beat fast and grow hot with the truth of the man’s words.
Elijah opened the Bible. “You need to be baptized. In Acts 2:38, Peter said ‘…Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.’”
“I want that Preacher Smith.”
Elijah stood and smiled at him. “For some reason, I don’t think we should wait for a second longer. Come with me down to the river.” He stopped and opened a drawer and pulled out an old Bible and handed it to Peter. “It’s not often I meet a man with your testimony. I want you to have this Bible.”
Peter took it from him, and as he held the leather-bound book, he felt as if it were hot gold in his hands. He started to open it, but Elijah was already walking down the hill toward the river. Peter hurried to catch the man.
“I don’t know what to expect. I haven’t been around many preachers.”
Elijah looked at him and grinned. “All I can say is hang on. The Lord has a plan for you, boy. You read that Bible. Ask the Lord to help you understand and then just do what He says.”
“You talk to God?” Peter grabbed Elijah’s arm as he stumbled over a root.
Elijah nodded. “That’s what prayer is. Now, the Lord answers me in different ways. Sometimes it will be circumstantial, sometimes it’s a feeling in my gut that I know what to do. A few times, it was like I knew words in my mind without hearing them. And sometimes, His answer is no, or He remains quiet, and I am to wait.”
“I see.” Peter didn’t but figured if God could change him into a new man, the Lord could make him understand what he was to do.”
Elijah stepped into the water. “Come, Peter Fallon.”
Peter followed him into the water, trusting the Lord and Elijah that they knew what was going on. The water rose to Peter’s waist, and he stopped.
Elijah looked up into the heavens. “Lord, I thank you for sending Peter to me today of all days. You know how I was crying out to You, and You answered by sending this man to me.” Elijah smiled. “Peter Fallon, do you renounce the devil and his works and repent of your sins?”
Peter’s heart thumped like it never had before. “Yes, I do.”
Elijah put his hand on his head. “Do you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?”
“Yes, I do.” Heat filled Peter from his head to his toes.
Elijah nodded and in a loud voice proclaimed. “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” He pushed Peter under the water and then brought him up. “Rejoice, my son, your sins are forgiven, and you are a child of the living God.”
Peter came out of the water and felt like he was born again. Everything around him was alive, and the colors were brighter. The sounds were clearer. It was as if life vibrated inside him. He followed Elijah to the banks of the river and sat, basking in the sun and the richness of his new life.
Elijah put a hand on his shoulder and handed him the Bible. “You begin reading this. You’ll know what to do. When you want to talk, I’ll be in the church.” He started up the hill but stopped and turned around. “Peter, it may be a few days before you want to talk. First seek the Lord and His righteousness. When the time is right, you’ll know.” And Elijah walked up the path to the church.
Peter opened to Genesis and began reading aloud. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
***
Charles was halfway through reading the next chapter in the law book when a woman burst into the law office.
“Charlie Walker, you must take that boy out of school today.”
He recognized her as Louisa from Gretchen’s House. Addie had warned him about her. He stood and held out his hand. “How can I help you?”
“Sammy Taylor. The boy from the tent city. He was in a fight and hit my nephew in the nose.”
“Oh, I hadn’t heard—”
“Probably because it just happened. I was visiting my sister when the boy came running inside. He was in tears, and his nose was bloodied. He said Sammy hit him.”
Knowing Sam would have a reaso
n, Charles decided to wait until he heard the facts before delivering a judgment either way. “I’ll have a talk with him.”
“Orphans are not allowed in the school. No one pays for his schooling. It’s not fair that he is allowed in the school.” She huffed. “Well, what are you going to do about it?”
“I’m going to find out what happened. I intend to adopt Sam.”
“Well, you better do it fast, or I will see that he is thrown out of the school. He will be made to pay for injuring my nephew.”
Charles couldn’t help himself and chuckled. “What, do you intend to have the sheriff do arrest him?”
Without a show of a grin, Louisa glared at him. “Yes, of course, he won’t go to jail, but he will go to the orphanage.” She put her nose in the air and walked out of the office.
Charles stared at her and wondered how anyone could be so mean. Then again, he needed to talk to Sam and see if he did hit her nephew. He had just returned to reading the chapter when the door opened, and Sam walked in.
The boy’s shirt was torn, and his lip swollen and bloodied. “Charles, I got in a fight. The teacher told me to leave and not come back unless—” His voice was choked out by sobs.
“Unless I adopt you?”
Sam nodded and slumped into the big chair by the door and covered his eyes as he cried.
Charles went to him and put an arm around the boy. “I’ll take care of it. Don’t you worry.”
With tearful eyes, Sam looked up at him. “But I got in trouble. I hit Billy Bean.”
“Did he deserve it?”
Sam’s tears stopped. “What?”
“Did Billy Bean deserve a pop in the nose?”
“Yes. He said some things about Nurse Addie and you. Then he pushed me and told me I didn’t belong in school because I was no good.” Sam’s chin trembled. “Billy said you were no good.”
“I see.” Charles walked around the room. “Well, it’s commendable that you wanted to take up for Nurse Addie and me, but there are times to fight and times to walk away. I’ve just recently come to realize that. I hit Fallon in the nose, and if he’d died, it could have cost me my life.”
Sam nodded. “Billy isn’t in a coma.”
“No, he’s not, but there are times it is better to walk away. The stronger man can do that. The weaker one falls in the trap and strikes out but hurts himself as well as the other guy.”
Sam sat up. “That’s what happened all right. Billy deserved it, but I’m paying for it.”
Charles roughed Sam’s hair. “I’ll take care of it. As soon as Mr. Higgins gets back, I’ll tell him I’m going to adopt you. Then I’ll talk to the teacher and get you enrolled in school properly. In the meantime, stay away from Billy and his friends and don’t listen to them. They will try to get you to fight them, but you’re the stronger man and will have to resist the temptation to fight back.”
“Yes, sir. I can do it.” Sam got up and ran to Charles and hugged him. “I was afraid you’d turn me out.”
Charles knelt and looked at Sam straight in the eyes. “I will never turn you away. Never.”
“Thanks, Charles.” The boy hugged him and sobbed a few times.
Charles had the boy go into another office and write out an essay on why fighting was wrong. It would be a good calling card for the teacher when Charles went to get the boy in school. If Sam was contrite and apologetic, Charles hoped the teacher would forgive him.
Seeing it was near lunchtime, Charles had Sam wash up, and then they walked to the clinic to take Addie to lunch.
Sam hung back. “Do you think she’ll be mad at me?”
“No, I don’t.” Charles pushed open the door. “Addie, are you busy?”
She came out of the first exam room and smiled. “Not too busy for my two favorite men.”
Addie hugged Sam. “I treated Billy Bean for a bloody nose a little bit ago. His aunt was furious.” Addie laughed. “Louisa is always furious about something. Anyway, I got an earful about the fight at the school.” She held Sam’s face and looked him over. “You must have a powerful punch.”
Sam grinned. “I did punch him a good one, and he’s taller than me. I’m not afraid of anyone.”
“I bet you’re not.” She looked at Charles with a mischievous grin.
Charles nodded. “I already had a talk with him about how it’s the stronger man who walks away when he can. I also told him I’m adopting him as soon as Higgins gets the papers together.”
“I think that’s wonderful.” Addie took both their hands and walked toward the door. “I do hope you both came to take me to lunch because I am hungry.”
Charles loved her. Not many women would want to share a man with a ten-year-old boy. But Addie meant it and took special time to make Sam feel welcome. After lunch, she handed Sam a broom and told him she’d pay him to sweep out the clinic.
Excited, Sam went at the floor with a vengeance.
Charles took her outside, and they sat on the bench outside the clinic. “You’re not mad about me adopting Sam?”
“Not at all. I think it’s commendable. Besides, I love the boy.” She looked down and then straight into his eyes. “I love you, too.”
“Addie, my father will probably write me out of his will. He might even cut off my funds. I know that makes me sound spoiled, but he has paid my way all my life. I’ll have to find a job before we can get married. It will be some time before I make any money with Mr. Higgins.”
Addie took his hand in hers. “I’m working. Doc said he had enough money to keep me on even when your father stops paying.”
“I can’t have you paying the way for us. I want to marry you, but not until I can provide a home. I hadn’t planned on adopting Sam just yet, but to keep him in school, I’ll have to.”
“Charles, I understand. I can wait. As long as it takes.” She scooted close and gave him a peck on his cheek. “I trust you. We’ll sort it out together. The three of us.”
Sam kissed her and stood. “I’m going to do some thinking before I go back to work. I’ll be by to walk you to Gretchen’s tonight.”
Addie went to the door and looked at him. “Should I send Sammy back to you when he’s done cleaning the clinic or want me to find more for him to do here?”
“Keep him with you for today. If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. He’s a big help.” She went inside.
Charles could hear her talking to Sam and his heart glowed that she was such a loving woman. She deserved the best. He went toward the grove behind the town square to think and pray.
Father was dead set against him adopting Sam. Still, Charles was determined to make a new start, and that included Sam and hopefully Addie.
Chapter 17
Addie found things for Sam to do, and soon the day was over. Doc hadn’t been very busy in the last two weeks, and she worried about how he was going to keep her on. Now that Charles was losing his funding, she hoped that he would find some way to make money.
Doc had already left to check on Mr. Parker’s wife. She was due any day. Doc had wanted her to go but felt it best if Addie stayed and watched the clinic. Not that she could do a lot while he was gone, but Doc said it made him feel better that someone was in town who could help if needed.
The old clock on the wall had just dinged, and she called out to Sam to take out the trash. She couldn’t wait to get ready to meet Charles.
There was a frantic knock on the door.
Addie put down her reticule and wrap and opened it. “Oh, bring her in here.”
Gabe, the man who owned the saloon, helped a saloon girl into the clinic. From the looks of it, the woman had been beaten.
“What happened?” Addie led them to the exam room and poured some water in a bowl. “Hand me some of those towels.”
Gabe handed her one. “I never could understand why a man takes it out on a woman.”
“Who did this? She has a bad cut over her left eye. It’s going to require some stitches.” Addie gently w
iped the blood from the woman’s head.
The woman took the towel from Addie’s hand and held it to her still bleeding forehead. “Who are you going to call when it’s the sheriff.”
“The sheriff? That’s awful. Does the council know?”
Gabe shook his head. “No. We have a deal. He leaves us alone, and I leave him alone.”
Addie pointed to the woman. “And who leaves her alone?”
“Good point. Don’t say anything. It won’t happen again. I’m taking the keys away from the sheriff so he can’t come in unannounced anymore.” Gabe paced the room. “This leaves me with no saloon girls.” He eyed her. “You’re pretty. Want another job? I’ll pay you more than Doc can.”
Addie glared at him. “Not hardly.” She turned to face the woman. “What’s your name?”
“Belle, and that’s all you need.” The woman handed the towel to her. “Just stitch me up. It’s not the first time a guy has gotten riled around me.”
Addie went to the cabinet and brought out the tray with needle and catgut. She laughed when she had learned that the thread to sew up wounds didn’t come from a cat but sheep, cow, or other animal fiber from the intestines.
“I can stitch you up if you’d like.”
Belle nodded. “I trust you. Go ahead.”
“That’s a nasty bump on your head. Are you dizzy?”
“Not too much.”
Addie looked at Gabe. “She’ll need to rest tonight. I’d like Doc to see her in the morning.”
“Sure, whatever it takes. If it’s all right, I’m going to leave her here and go have a talk with the sheriff.”
Addie caught his arm. “If you want my advice, take someone with you. In fact, take Charles. He’s studying to become a lawyer.”
“Thanks, I might do that.”
Addie looked at the open door. “Sam, you stay here with me until Charles comes to get us.”
Sam poked his head in the door. “All right.”
Gabe grinned. “Charles has changed. Word is he’s adopting the kid. I’m glad. A boy needs a family.” He stared at her. “And I hear that you and Charles just might be getting married in the future.”
A Nurse for Fallon Page 9