Trusting Grace

by Maggie Brendan

  She walked over to him, planting a kiss on his head. “Oh, it’s not you. I hate to admit it, but I got used to the children rather quickly, I guess, even though Tom was a little more than a handful.”

  He looked at her with sympathy. “I figured as much. I’ll bet they’ll be over next week.”

  “I don’t know. There’s more to do in town than come out here and do chores that I can’t pay them for.”

  “Then we’ll have to figure something out, won’t we?” Owen gave her a conspiratorial wink. “Since we’ll be in town for church tomorrow, maybe we’ll see them.”

  “Did you enjoy your breakfast, children?” Stella asked as she removed the plates from the table.

  “Yes, we did,” Becky answered since Tom had snatched one more biscuit and his mouth was packed like a chipmunk.

  “Miss Stella, it was wonderful. You have to remember I was the main cook, and not a good one at that.” Robert pushed back his chair, then assisted Sarah with hers.

  Sarah gazed up at him. “You weren’t the only one, Papa. Becky helped too, and Mrs. Bidwell cooked delicious meals for us.”

  Becky beamed at her young sister.

  “Right you are, Sarah. I didn’t forget.” Robert squeezed her hand gently.

  Stella paused and looked straight at him. “Mrs. Bidwell. Would she be Owen Miller’s daughter, Grace?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Robert answered. “Do you know her?”

  Stella wiped her hands on her apron. “Not really. I met her, though, the other day after I’d had coffee with her father. She seemed pleasant enough, but overly concerned with her father, I thought.”

  Robert thought that was a perceptive assumption but quickly made. “That may be true.” He turned to the children. “We’re going to church this morning so make sure you’re all in the foyer and ready by ten thirty. We don’t want to be late. Then you can have the entire afternoon to do as you’d like.”

  Tom licked the butter off his fingers, then asked, “Think we’ll see Miss Grace at church?”

  “I’m not sure, but if I had to wager on it, I bet even this light rain wouldn’t stop her.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say you take them to church. It’s mighty important to have God in your life and the sooner the better. That’s all I have, God, my cats, and my books.” Stella pushed the door to the kitchen open.

  “Miss Stella, do you think I could borrow one of your books to read this afternoon after church?” Becky implored. “I couldn’t help but notice that you have a lot of them in the parlor.”

  “Dear Becky, of course you may. I’ll be happy to lend you something to read. But don’t you have homework or something?”

  Becky shook her head. “No, school is out now.”

  “Perfect, I wouldn’t want it to get in the way of that,” she remarked with a grin.

  Grace stored her umbrella by the door and hurried inside with Owen. Eli and Dorothy, who’d just arrived and were on their way to find a seat, greeted them.

  “It’s so good to see you, Dorothy. You must tell me about Matilda,” Grace said.

  “We can catch up after church,” Dorothy suggested with a smile as they walked to the meeting room.

  Quiet chatter could be heard from the small faithful group inside who never let weather keep them from church on the Lord’s Day. Grace looked forward to hearing the message from Pastor Alderson, a staunch citizen of the community and lay preacher. Folks said he was responsible for naming Bozeman. Grace knew him to be a man of many interests, but most evident was his love of the Lord.

  A wave of hands from across the room caught her attention. Grace was mildly surprised to see it was Robert and his children. She waved back. “Pop, shall we go sit with them?”

  “You go right ahead, Grace. I just spotted Stella sitting alone, and I think I’ll join her.”

  Grace nodded to him. “All right. I’ll see you after the service is over.” She watched him wobble over, feeling a bit sad. A sudden and instinctive feeling punctured her heart as she pictured a gloomy future alone. Is everyone leaving me? She watched as Stella lifted her head to her father and gave him a reserved smile.

  Grace dragged her eyes away as Sarah rushed over to her. “Will you please sit with us?”

  Grace reached down to give her a hug. “I’d be happy to, Sarah.”

  Pastor Alderson stood by the door vigorously shaking hands with everyone as they left the service. “Pastor, I’d like to introduce you to Robert Frasier and his children,” Grace said when it was their turn. “This is Tom, Becky, and Sarah.”

  The pastor smiled down at them and then shook Robert’s hand. “I’m so glad you and your family came, Mr. Frasier. If there’s any way I can be of service to you, please don’t hesitate to seek me out.”

  “Thank you, sir,” Robert replied. “I enjoyed the service.”

  “Then I hope you’ll come back again. We are planning on building a real church for the town, and would appreciate you all being a part of that. I’ll be speaking more about that in a future sermon.”

  “Then I look forward to hearing about it.” Robert nodded at him and moved forward.

  They all continued onto the porch where everyone was retrieving their umbrellas and stood about talking. Tom sat on the porch railing to wait, and the girls began talking to another girl about Becky’s age. Eli and Robert huddled in conversation nearby.

  “Dorothy, how is Matilda doing?” Grace asked.

  “She’s doing well, but the doctor thinks she’s carrying twins so he’s ordered her to rest. Otherwise, she would be at church today. How are you and your father doing? He seems a bit more cheerful than the last time I saw him.”

  They both turned to watch Stella and Owen talking to the pastor. “Mmm . . . I think you may be right, Dorothy.” Grace folded her arms across her chest.

  “I think it’s wonderful that he’s found a companion. Everybody needs someone, especially when you start getting old. I should know,” Dorothy commented with a lighthearted laugh. “I don’t know Stella well. Only speak to her when I run into her if she’s at the store. A little eccentric, but I think she’s an agreeable person. I tell you this because I can see the concern in your face.”

  “Really? I didn’t know it showed. He is my father and very vulnerable since his health issue, you know,” Grace explained.

  Dorothy laughed. “Yes, but I have a hunch your father can take care of himself. Are you sure you’re just not happy seeing him with someone other than your mother?”

  Grace stiffened, and she turned back to look Dorothy straight in the eye. “I don’t know, Dorothy. I really don’t understand what I’m feeling.”

  Dorothy patted her arm. “Allow things to happen naturally . . . and then remember what your dear mother would want for Owen.” Then, excusing herself to retrieve Eli, she left Grace to consider what she’d said.

  Grace saw her father and Stella slowly making their way toward her and she tensed. Stella was holding on to his arm protectively.

  “Are you about ready to go, Pop?” Grace asked as Robert walked over to join them.

  “I was just asking your father to join us at the boardinghouse for a lunch of cold cuts and fruits.” Stella stared at her above her spectacles.

  “Stella owns the boardinghouse where I rented rooms,” Robert inserted.

  “Oh, we couldn’t impose,” Grace murmured.

  “Yes, we could,” Owen added with a chuckle.

  “Please say yes, or I know Owen will just go home,” Stella said. “Perhaps by then the rain will have stopped and you won’t have a wet drive home. I’m just down the street.”

  The kids crowded around, waiting expectantly for her answer. “Say yes,” Robert urged.

  “Enough arm-twisting. Okay.” Becky and Sarah clapped with joy, which did her heart good. “Pop, let’s get you in the buggy so you don’t have to walk far.”

  But Stella held on firmly to his arm. “It’s just at the end of this block. The walk will do him good,” she i
nsisted and pointed to her sign just down the street.

  “I’ll be fine, daughter. Why don’t you let the children ride with you and we’ll meet you there?” Owen’s look was more a direct order, and Grace took the hint.

  24

  Lunch at Stella’s was informal but delicious. Almost like a family affair, since most of the other boarders were either sleeping the day away or were out pursuing their own adventures.

  “Did everyone get enough to eat?” Stella asked. A chorus of comments affirmed her question. “If you’d like to stay for coffee or tea, I’ll see if I have any pie left.”

  “That sounds right fine, Stella.” Owen nodded at her with a big smile from his end of the table.

  “If you don’t mind, Pop, I’d like to go check on Ginny while I’m in town. I’m guessing she’s had morning sickness, or she and Frank would have been at church this morning.”

  “Good idea. Go ahead. I don’t think Stella will mind if I hang around here a little more.” Owen shot her a glance.

  “I’d enjoy that,” Stella said, gathering the dishes.

  “I can stay and help clean up,” Grace offered.

  Stella shook her head. “Thank you, but there’s not much to do. Please take your time.”

  Robert was suddenly at her side. “Mind if I tag along to walk with you? Tom’s off exploring and the girls are looking through Miss Stella’s book collection.”

  “If you’d like to,” Grace answered. “I won’t be long, Pop.”

  “Take all the time you need. I’ll be right here waiting for you.” He looked pleased that Robert would go with her, and yet happy to be alone with Stella. I guess I’ll have to get used to this new side of him.

  Grace took her umbrella, although it appeared to have finally stopped raining. They walked a moment or two in silence until Grace finally broke the quiet. “Do you think you and the children will enjoy staying at Stella’s?”

  “I think so. ’Course, she can’t make biscuits and gravy like you.”

  “Well, thank you for saying that. I hope that means I’ve been missed.” How did I let that slip?

  “Of course we miss you and Owen, but I did feel it was time to get out of your way. You have enough on you without the four of us.”

  “But I enjoyed the children so much.” And you.

  He paused on the sidewalk. “Look, before we get to Ginny’s . . . I wanted to tell you that I’ve accepted a job with Eli at the mercantile.”

  Grace stood looking into his ruggedly handsome face. “You did?” Then she realized what his quitting meant to her and her potato crop. She was miffed. “Suit yourself. I ran Bidwell Farms before you came, and I’m capable of doing so without your help,” she snapped, marching on ahead of him. It meant that she probably wouldn’t get to see the children either.

  He caught up with her and touched her elbow. “Grace, wait a minute. Let me explain.”

  “There’s nothing to explain.” She glared at him, removing his hand from her arm.

  “Yes, there is, so don’t get your petticoats in a tangle!”

  She felt her face turn pink. “What is there to explain? You’d rather work for Eli than me. Sounds very clear to me.” She felt her heart hammering against her ribs.

  Robert cocked a hip and rested his hand on it. “Don’t get so fired up! This is the second time I’ve seen you so angry—and both times directed at me. At least I’m getting your attention.” A smile twitched at the edge of his mouth.

  Grace folded her arms, but he quickly pulled her out of the walk to the edge of the drugstore building. His face was close to hers, making her heart pound harder. She couldn’t take her eyes off his.

  Still holding on to her hands, his eyes latched on to hers. “Now listen to me. I like working with you—I mean, for you—and I plan on continuing to do that. But I need to earn more in order to take better care of Sarah, Becky, and Tom. This morning after church, Eli asked if I’d like to work part-time for him. He’s been looking for someone since his clerk left right before he hired Tom. We worked out a plan that I can work for you in the mornings on the farm, then afternoons and Saturday, I’ll work for him.”

  “I see.”

  “Do you? The kids need a home and can’t live in a boardinghouse for long. I promise to be there the entire time for the potato harvest. I won’t let you down,” he said.

  She yanked her gaze away. “The least you could have done was talk to me about it first. Maybe I don’t want you part-time.”

  “I’m talking to you now.”

  She shrugged. “Maybe Warren was right—I ought to consider selling the farm.” She knew in her heart that she’d never do that, but she felt sorry for herself.

  “He’s wrong, unless you figure on marrying him.” He held her eyes with a steady gaze. “Funny, I didn’t see him at church this morning.”

  Why did he care one way or another? Grace drew back. “Marry him? Ha! He hasn’t even asked. If you must know, Warren is out of town. I must get going since I’ve left Pop waiting.”

  She began to move past him, but he suddenly pulled her to him, giving her a brief kiss on the mouth. Shocked, she pulled back and covered her mouth with her gloved hand. He’d kissed her right there, in full view of the town, and his lips felt full and warm . . . delicious. She felt her face and neck flame. With heat or embarrassment?

  He dropped his hands with awkwardness. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me, except when you pout like that, your lips beg to be kissed.” He guided her back to the sidewalk, looking straight ahead.

  Grace wasn’t sure she could speak and if she could, didn’t know how to respond. Her hand shook as she patted her hair in place, then tightened her grip on the reticule she held in front of her, trying to act respectable.

  “I think you’d better walk the rest of the way to Ginny’s without me,” he choked out.

  She nodded and locked eyes with him, still tongue-tied, while he spun on his boot heel back in the direction of the boardinghouse. Grace squared her shoulders, took a deep breath, and hurried away. She tried to calm the thump in her heart before she saw Ginny, who’d be full of questions if she thought something was awry.

  Frank answered the door when she arrived. “What a nice surprise,” he said. “Ginny will be so glad to see you. The morning sickness is taking its toll, I’m afraid.”

  “I figured as much,” she answered, following him to the parlor.

  “Honey, look who’s here to see you.”

  Ginny was lying on the chaise by an open window whose voile white curtains fluttered in a gentle breeze above her. She stretched out her arms to Grace in a friendly embrace when she entered. Ginny’s hair was slightly disheveled and her face paler than normal. On the table next to her were crackers and a cup of tea.

  Poor thing! Grace thought, feeling instant sympathy for her friend. “What can I do for you, Ginny? Anything at all. Please tell me.”

  Ginny smiled faintly. “You can help the time pass a little more quickly. I’m afraid that’s all anyone can do.” She pressed a delicate handkerchief against her upper lip. “I believe Frank is glad you’re here so that he can escape my predicament for a while.” She gave a weak laugh. “Besides, I’ve been wanting to talk to you about some ideas that I have for the nursery.”

  Frank coughed. “This is where I make my escape and let you ladies chat away. I’ll be in my office if you need me, dear,” he said, then leaned over to brush Ginny’s brow with his lips. “Grace, before I leave, how’s the courting going with Warren?”

  “The best word I can use is . . . slowly,” she admitted. “He doesn’t seem to be around a lot lately, but I have to say, he’s a talker.”

  Frank laughed. “Well, take your time. There’s no hurry, is there? If you need anything, ladies, I’m at your service.”

  As soon as he left, Ginny started her litany of questions.

  “I heard that Robert moved to the boardinghouse. You must be lonely without the children,” Ginny said.

 
“Oh, Ginny. I’m missing them terribly, but . . .”

  Ginny leaned forward. “But what? I can tell something is bothering you.”

  “Oh, I don’t know . . . Maybe I miss Robert as well, though I doubt he misses me.” Grace stared out the window and saw two bluebirds on the fence. A male and a female. The male was feeding the female a worm. How wonderfully sweet. That’s the way life should be. Commitment—living out your life with the one you love. Will it ever happen for me?

  “How do you know?”

  Ginny’s question brought her back to the present. “Because he told me he’d taken another job at the mercantile working for Eli. I wasn’t happy about it, but I think I understand his situation. We talked a little, and he plans to work for me in the morning, and Eli when he’s through. But what could I say? He wants to get the children in a house soon.”

  “That’s very admirable of him, Grace.”

  “Yes, until he pulled me aside and kissed me right in front of the entire town!”

  Ginny laughed until her eyes misted with tears, but Grace didn’t think it so funny. “That’s not so bad. Frank once kissed me right outside the front door of the church, after he proposed. I was mortified but exuberant at the same time.”

  “You never told me that story.”

  “Didn’t I? Well, men sometimes forget where they are when a woman has befuddled their mind. But it sure seems as though Robert misses you.”

  “Don’t be funny! I doubt anyone has befuddled Robert’s mind. He’s still angry at his first wife. Which brings to mind . . . How in the world did he marry a woman who didn’t tell him about her children?”

  “Perhaps they didn’t know each other long. You know it’s not uncommon for people to marry quickly out here. Don’t be too hard on him. Besides, you’re still seeing Warren, aren’t you? It must be nice to have two men chasing you.”

  “I see Warren when it’s convenient for him. If he had his druthers, he’d have me sign away Bidwell Farms and live in town so I could be at his beck and call at a moment’s notice. That’s not for me, and I couldn’t leave my father. What do you think of Warren?”