by Lori Wick
“Hi, Sarah; hi, Mary,” Garrett was the first to say as two small, dark-haired girls, one struggling to remain on her feet, came from the other room. “We had a baby girl.”
“You did?” Sarah looked pleased.
“Yeah. You wanna see her?”
With that the boys were off. They explained about the name Gwen and that her real name was Kaitlin. Their words tumbling over each other, the boys further announced that they could call her Katie and that her last name was Buchanan just like theirs. Pup felt her heart melt all over again as she listened to them.
At one point she thought the children might disappear and leave her to find her own conversation with the Harwells, but the boys were not yet willing to be far from home. Sarah asked them to stay and play, but they said they wanted to get back.
Pup knew her own sense of relief and thanked Lucky and Margo for their brief hospitality. The three of them trekked back toward the ranch house, and Pup found that they didn’t even need to go inside, only to be closer to home. They checked out the barn and fed some sugar to the horses. Next they sat on the porch, fanning themselves with papers they had folded. Then the boys caught and played with as many crickets as they could find.
Pup had just offered to get them something cold to drink when Travis came out the front door. The boys were thrilled, and Pup could see that he felt he could act like their father again.
“How’s it going?” he asked as he took a seat.
“Just fine. We’ve been to see the barn, we walked the trail for a time, and we even visited the Harwells.”
“Sounds like quite an adventure.”
“Indeed. How is Rebecca?”
“She just woke up and says she feels great. She’s feeding the baby right now but would still like you to come up.”
“I’ll go then,” she said with a smile. After Travis explained which bedroom to look for, she went inside, washed up a little, and took the stairs on quiet feet.
To her surprise, Rebecca was in a large chair, her feet on a footstool, a cradle right next to her. She was just putting the baby to her shoulder when Pup appeared at the door.
“Come in,” she said softly, smiling at the other woman.
“How are you?” Pup’s voice was hushed, too.
“Fine now, but for a little while there I didn’t think I was going to make it.”
Pup smiled compassionately and came close. Rebecca shifted her bundle so the other woman could see.
“Oh, my,” Pup whispered softly. Kaitlin was precious. For a moment Pup couldn’t take her eyes off the sleeping infant. She had thought that Katherine Taggart was small, but newly born Kaitlin Buchanan was especially petite. Pup took in the fair eyebrows that weren’t even half the length of her own small finger. The back of Kaitlin’s hand didn’t look more than half an inch across.
“Pretty amazing, isn’t it?” Rebecca commented.
“Yes, it is. She’s so tiny and sweet.”
“The boys were thrilled.”
“Oh, yes. We’ve already been to see Harwells so they could hear the news, and of course the boys told them all about Gwen. That was pretty ingenious on your part.”
Rebecca smiled with pleasure. She had been proud of that idea. Kaitlin was put into her cradle, and after Pup had taken a seat, the women fell into easy conversation. Pup questioned Rebecca about being out of bed, but Rebecca simply told her that she didn’t try it unless someone was in the room with her. After all the hours of delivery, she said, staying in the bed was intolerable.
They had been talking for more than half an hour when Travis and the boys joined them. Again the twins were pleased to see their mother and baby sister, but it wasn’t long before they grew restless. Kaitlin was still asleep, and Rebecca was ready to go back to bed, too. Travis assisted her and then took his sons on a walk.
When Pup gained the kitchen, she found Lavena already working on supper preparations. Seeing this, Pup went on a walk of her own. She prayed for this special family, thanking God for the hospitality they had shown. She included Lavena as well, and sincerely told the Lord that it was going to be hard to leave in the morning.
33
Pup left the ranch before eight o’clock Monday morning. She could already tell that the day was going to be hot and was eager to be well into the hills before the sun rose too high. Her talk with Travis on Saturday night, specifically the part about God’s job, was still on her mind.
There’s so much, Lord, I think I could become overwhelmed. Travis reminded me not to try to do Your job but just to be very good at my own. I’m encouraged by that, Lord, but I don’t know if I understand what my job is. He couldn’t have been talking about the treasury department because he doesn’t know about that. Show me what he meant, Lord. Show me exactly what You want me to know.
And such was her prayer all the way through town. She was so centered on what she was thinking that once again she nearly passed up the general store. She was certain to be back next week—both Travis and Rebecca had made it clear she was welcome—but it never hurt to lay in a store for the week. She came jolting back to earth when she got her mail. Alone with her thoughts and just one small piece of paper, Pup read: “Need you in Denver ASAP NW.”
It was over. Her time off as well as the opportunities to go to church had come to an end. How would she get word to Travis? How would she explain? For a moment she asked herself if getting close to these people had been worth it, but her mind had no more asked when she had her answer: It had been completely worth it. Indeed, at this point she would almost be willing to give up her job in order to stay here to learn and fellowship some more.
In the next instant Pastor Henley came to mind. It wasn’t at all hard to visualize the kindness in his eyes. Knowing she had to see him, she walked from the post office wondering just exactly what she would say. However, not knowing did not stop her from stowing her things on Ginny’s back and heading to the parsonage.
Just minutes later she was tying the horse’s reins to a post on the street and approaching the door. From outside it sounded as though someone was singing. Pup hesitated. A moment later, however, the music stopped, and she knocked before she could change her mind. Her summons brought a warm-smiling Mrs. Henley to the door, and Pup knew in an instant she’d done the right thing.
“Hello, Mrs. Henley.”
“Well, Callie, it’s good to see you. Come in.”
Pup entered the neat surroundings of the Henleys’ living room and remembered the warm hospitality from a week before.
“Do you know if Rebecca had her baby?”
“Yes. A girl,” Pup was able to report with a smile. “Kaitlin Gwen.”
“The boys must be thrilled,” the older woman said sincerely. “They both told me they wanted a baby sister.”
“They’re pretty excited.”
“I’ll bet they are. Can you sit for a while?”
“Well, actually I came to see Pastor Henley. Is he available?”
“He sure is. Sit right down, and I’ll go get him.”
Pup knew she was welcome, but she didn’t sit. Questions assailed her: What will I say? How will I explain? I can’t tell him anything. Right now I don’t even know what I’m doing here.
“Callie,” the pastor called kindly as he entered, Beryl right behind him. “This is a pleasant surprise. Can you stay awhile?”
Pup sat in one of the two rocking chairs and then glanced between them. She felt awkward and almost anxious. Desperate to make Pastor Henley understand that she had to leave but didn’t want to, Pup felt the familiar frustration of not being able to even tell him why. Seeing the look, Mrs. Henley thought she understood.
“I’ll go into the kitchen,” Beryl offered.
“No,” Pup assured her, “it’s all right. I just needed to let you know something.” She paused here, wondering how this could be so difficult. “I have to go away for a time,” she began simply.
“All right.” Pastor Henley’s voice was gentle. Whenever he lo
oked at her kindly, Pup felt emotions that were new to her. They somehow made her want McKay to be with her, to hold her hand or put his arm around her.
“I would like to keep coming to the church,” she was able to add, “but I’m needed in Denver. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone.” She swallowed and made herself continue. “I’ve really enjoyed the last two Sundays. I wanted you to know that.”
“I’m so glad, Callie,” the pastor put in. “We’ve enjoyed having you. Whenever you come back, you’ll be welcome.”
Pup nodded with relief that was visibly evident to the couple watching her.
“Travis and Rebecca let me know that I’d be welcome back at the ranch, but I’m sure I won’t see them to tell them I must go.”
“We’ll tell them you’ve been called away, Callie. They’ll understand.”
Again she nodded with relief and this time spoke very hesitantly.
“I don’t want to presume, Pastor Henley—I mean, you’ve already done so much, but could you pray for me?”
“I pray for you every day,” he told her quietly, and Pup knew her mouth had dropped open. “And so to answer your question,” he finished, “I will pray for you, continue to pray for you that is, every day.”
They were silent for a time, letting their guest take this in. Her faith was so new and tender and her knowledge still limited, but her enthusiasm was such a reminder of all God had done for a dying, sinful world. They would genuinely miss Callie Jennings’ presence in the weeks to come.
A few moments passed, and then Beryl asked gently, “Will you stay and have coffee with us, Callie?”
They weren’t going to question her. They weren’t going to put her on the spot. Pup sagged with relief. Instead, she said, “I’d like to, Mrs. Henley, but I’ve got to get home if I’m going to get back down for the train tomorrow.”
“Another time then.”
“Yes.” Pup’s smile was serene. “Another time.”
“Do you have a Bible?” Pastor Henley suddenly asked.
“Just one that I read at home.”
“So you won’t be taking it with you?”
“No, it’s borrowed, and I need to be careful with it.”
“I have one I’d be happy to give you. Are you interested?”
“Yes.”The word was said quietly, but there was a wealth of emotions behind the dark eyes that watched him. Pastor Henley went to the other room and returned with a black, leather-bound Bible. Not aware of the loving way in which Beryl looked at her, Pup sat in utter silence.
“Someone left this at the church some years ago now,” Pastor Henley explained as he handed it to her. “Beryl and I both have one, and we’d like you to take this.”
For a moment Pup couldn’t speak. Looking down at it, she wanted to open it on the spot and read, but turning it in her hands, kept herself in check.
“Thank you,” she managed at last, her mind still reeling.
“We won’t hold you up, Callie,” the pastor suggested, seeing that she needed to be alone. “But if you can spare a minute, let’s pray now before you go.”
As she bowed her head, Pup’s heart was so full that all she could do was marvel at this man. He’s been praying for me, Lord. I didn’t know. I didn’t have any idea. And a Bible, Lord, I have my own Bible! The prayer was brief, over before she could begin listening, but it meant so much. She was shown to the door by both of them, and Pup knew that everything they had said was true. It was as if the Bible itself gave testimony to that fact: She would be welcome here again anytime—not just at the church but their home as well.
I don’t really want to go back to work right now, Lord, but I can’t let Nick down, she prayed as she left. I’ll take the job if it’s tied into Duncan Phipps; I need to do that much for Nick. Knowing that Pastor and Mrs. Henley are here praying for me makes it easier to go. Help me to come home soon, Lord, and if at all possible, let me see McKay again.
Denver
McKay barely tasted his food. Mrs. Meyer’s evening meal was as palatable as ever, but McKay was preoccupied to the point of distraction. For as long as he had lived there, Mrs. Meyer handled the mail in the same way. She always placed that day’s arrivals next to their napkins. Tonight there was a letter by his plate. The postmark was Boulder, and without having ever seen her handwriting, McKay somehow knew it was from Pup. He managed to answer a question that was directed at him and even remembered to thank Mrs. Meyer for the good meal, but he left the table as soon as propriety would allow and escaped to the privacy of his room.
His hand shook like that of a schoolboy with his first love note, tearing the envelope just a little. Finally the pages were in his hand. It was dated at the top and began simply,
McKay:
You’ll never believe what happened today. Percy came to see me. I’m still amazed over it. Mud wasn’t with him; Percy said he’d gone to town. A few weeks back, I borrowed a Bible from them, one that had belonged to their mother. At first Percy didn’t want me to take it, but he came today to tell me I could use it for as long as I’d like. He also told me he was sorry over the death of my brother. Even as I write this, I still feel amazed.
I’ve been reading the Bible every day. It’s a remarkable book. I’ll read a verse and think it’s the most wonderful and then read another and change my mind. I’ve been reading in Romans. There’s so much I didn’t realize. I thought Jonah was a legend, and then I found him right in the Bible. I have some questions I want to ask you about that book. Actually, I have some questions on just about all the books. It’s helped to talk with Pastor Henley. Have you ever met him? I’ve gone to the church twice now, and one time I was able to speak with him at length.
“I’m back now,” the letter went on, “I boiled the coffee over on the stove and had to clean it up. I managed to salvage one cup for myself.”
For a moment McKay had to stop. He’d sat on his bed when he had come in and now lay back, a smile on his face, his shoulders moving with silent laughter. It was so like her to burn something in the middle of writing a letter and then to tell about it as a matter of course. McKay’s eyes closed.
He couldn’t believe how much he missed her. She was a ray of sunshine in his day. He had known women who were more bubbly, but they all paled in comparison to Pup. She was like the moon, he decided. Not so bright as the blazing sunlight but constant in his mind, especially when things seemed dark. How he wanted to see her. He lifted the letter again.
Are you working hard? Do I know about your latest case? I wish I had time to go back to see your parents. I’m not sure they really understood how much I appreciated their welcome of me. I realize that’s my fault for leaving so abruptly.
When I arrived home I saw Travis Buchanan. He’s the reason I’m going to the church. He offered to let me stay at the Double Star on Saturday nights and even join his family for supper. His wife, Rebecca, is expecting soon. I’ve met his boys, too. They’re sweet. Not identical twins, but similar in many ways. One is dark and the other is light, but you could pick their faces out of a crowd. Travis is doing a good job of teaching them about the Bible. They enjoy church and the special storytime for children that Mrs. Henley teaches before the service. The adults fellowship at that time, and I must admit to you that I wished I could have gone with the children. A Bible story with pictures sounded like a good time.
I’ve yet to hear from Nick, and I must admit that this suits me fine. I think I need some time to sort things out. My head feels clearer in the mountains. I do know one thing—I think about you and wonder if you are well.
Pup continued to write about the Bible, the weather, and even her garden. She didn’t get personal again, but McKay was coming to know her well enough to understand what wasn’t put down in writing. He finished the letter—she signed off with just her name—and immediately went to his desk to start one to her.
He began to write, knowing some very good things had come from their being separated, things he had not been able to see while st
anding at the Longmont train station. For days now, he’d been wrapped up in the Phipps’ case and the mine scandal, but there had been plenty of time to think about his relationship with Pup. His mind had actually moved to marriage before he’d started to think clearly. Not that he thought marriage to Pup was wrong, but it was definitely too soon.
He thought about the way she’d remembered that moment when, as a child, she’d come to Christ on the streets of Boulder. He believed with all of his heart that her conversion was genuine, but the fact that she was a believer didn’t mean they needed to rush into marriage. If, in fact, marriage was also on her mind, they both needed to be reminded that this was not something that could be entered into quickly. His emotions told him to run and find her and never let her go, but his heart, led by the Holy Spirit of God, was counseling him to go slowly.
McKay traveled so much that at times regular church attendance was difficult. Yesterday had been different. He’d been in town and able to attend the Denver church that he had been a part of for several years.
The pastor had been there for only a year, but McKay liked him immensely. He was a man who often made jokes from the pulpit, loving it when the congregation howled with laughter. There was no mistaking his sincerity, though, when as a group they turned to study the Scriptures. Newly married, Pastor Adair MacKinnon was three years younger than McKay. For a young man he had deep wisdom and a heart to know God more. He also had a heart for the unsaved in the city. The church had grown tremendously in the last several months.
After the service, several people were crowded close to question the pastor, but McKay waited his turn and had a chance to talk with him as well. The treasury agent was amazed to learn that he’d been on Pastor MacKinnon’s mind.
“I’ve been praying for you, McKay,” he told him in his soft Scottish burr.
“You have?” McKay’s raised brow was genuine.
“Indeed. I know your job takes you hither and yon, and I’ve often wondered if that doesn’t lead to temptation for a young man.”