“You’re right,” she said.
His mouth turned up in an impish grin. “Can’t imagine what God’s got cooking for you with ingredients like bedbugs, rattlesnakes, woodsheds and a pa that don’t write back. Yep, gonna be a mighty interesting cake.” The corners of his eye’s crinkled.
“That’s one of the best summaries of a sermon I’ve ever heard.” Meriwether pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and patted her eyes. “I’ve pondered the message a bit myself. I want to be like Joseph and learn from my experiences, move forward and forgive. I’ve been praying for courage because I tend to avoid my father, which allows me to sidestep the conflict.”
“Don’t worry. Uncle Jake and I won’t let you turn tail and run.” Zachary folded his arms over his chest.
“We must be getting close.” Jake’s voice was rough. “There’s the hotel.”
Meriwether fidgeted with the chord from her purse. “Oh yes. My father’s medical office is one block south and his house is next door.” She placed her hand on her stomach as Jake pulled the wagon to a stop.
“It looks a lot like Grandmama’s house. It even has the same white picket fence,” Zach said as he jumped from the wagon.
She stared at the blue two-story Victorian. The double bay windows sparkled in the sun. Two wicker rockers sat on the wrap-around porch, which was supported by slender posts with decorative railings. Has it really been four years since I was last here? Jake reached up to assist her from the wagon. “I’m going to see to the horses and then I’ll meet you two back here shortly.”
“The livery is two blocks down.” She bit her lip. “Or at least it used to be.”
“I’ll find it.” Jake tilted her chin and looked into her eyes. “Are you alright going in there by yourself.”
Meriwether nodded. “I’ve put this off for far too long.” She smiled. “We’ll be fine.”
CHAPTER 18
~o0o~
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
Isaiah 43:2
The sign above the side entrance read James A. Walker, M.D.
“What’s the A. stand for?” Zachary asked.
Meriwether chuckled. Two months ago, the child would barely look at me, much less talk. Now he is quite the chatterbox. “Andrew is his middle name.”
The bell on the side door tinkled, announcing their arrival. She inched the door open and entered her father’s office. The familiar scent of disinfectant greeted her. A woman with silver hair and a young boy sat on wooden chairs along the wall.
A young man in his early twenties rose from behind a desk in the center of the room. He wore stylish blue steeled-oval spectacles, a bright white shirt, a dark frock coat, matching trousers, and a tie. Everything about his appearance was neat and tidy from his short stylish hair to his perfectly waxed, handlebar moustache. “Can I help you?”
Meriwether smiled and nodded. “Hello, we’re here to see Dr. Walker.”
“I’m sorry, Dr. Walker isn’t taking new patients. I’m Mr. Randolph, the doctor’s new assistant.” He extended his arm toward the desk. “Please allow me to ask you a few questions.”
“We have an appointment.” Meriwether retrieved the telegram. “If you’ll let him know we are here, I’m sure he’ll see us. We’ve come a considerable distance.”
The man flashed a cold smile. “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. This is the young man, is it?” His eyes moved from Zachary to the top of her hat to the tip of her shoes. “Payment is due at the time of service.”
Meriwether placed the coins on the counter with a little more force than necessary and waited.
Mr. Randolph smoothed his moustache as he read the telegram. “This young man is Zachary Harrison and he is nine years old?”
“Correct.” Meriwether tapped her foot.
“If you’ll take a seat, Mrs. Harrison, I’ll see what I can do.”
Meriwether cleared her throat. “The name is Walker, Miss Meriwether Walker. If you will please let my father know I’m here.” Her skirts rustled as she turned and guided Zachary to a bench in the waiting area.
Zachary whispered. “Wow, did you see his moustache?”
“Indeed, I did.” She covered her lips to hide a smile.
“Do you think your pa is here? Or will we have to see his helper?”
Meriwether nodded toward the closed door. “I believe he’s here.” She glanced at the retreating back of Mr. Randolph as he walked toward the apothecary chest in the back room. “I’d rather you see my father as opposed to his assistant. It shouldn’t be long now.”
The bell on the door signaled the arrival of Jake. His long strides ate up the distance between them in seconds. He lowered himself onto the bench, reached for Meriwether’s hand and gave Zach a wink. “Did I miss anything?”
Meriwether put her finger over her lips and glanced toward the boy. She inclined her head towards Jake’s. “We’ll tell you later.”
A door opened and a young boy wearing his arm in a sling and a woman exited the examining room. The silver-haired woman rose to greet her. “He’s fine, Mother. It’s a bad sprain. He should be right as rain in a month or two.”
Meriwether smiled as the grandmother ruffled her grandson’s hair. Brisk steps sounded along the wooden floor behind her. “Next patient, Mr. Randolph.” Her father dropped a file on the empty desk and picked up another. “Zachary Harrison.” He tapped his hand on a clipboard and returned through the open door.
Jake tucked Meriwether’s arm in his and placed a hand on his nephew’s shoulder and they followed her father into the small office. Zachary jumped onto the examination table.
Meriwether held her breath as her father turned his attention to his patient. Small in stature, not much taller than her five-foot-three inches, and still thin. He’s still too busy to eat meals. His hair, now streaked with white, made his blond hair appear lighter.
The deep baritone voice was soothing as he questioned Zachary. He had not so much as given her and Jake a single glance. Was he ignoring her? Dr. Walker placed his hands behind his back. “Well, young man, tell me what brings you in to see me today?”
“I’m having trouble reading. I keep losing my place in my books and I get headaches a lot. My teacher thinks I might need glasses. She said you would be the one to ask.” Zachary crossed his arms across his chest and tilted his head.
Dr. Walker’s shoulders shook with laughter. “What a wonderful referral. I’m honored that your teacher holds me in such high regard.” He removed his ophthalmoscope and examined Zachary’s eyes and explained the term, farsightedness. He patted his head and said, “Bear with me a moment and let me ask your parents some questions.”
Zachary shook his head. “My mama passed away and my dad’s on a trip back east. My teacher came with my Uncle Jake. But you know her already. Her name is Miss Walker.”
Dr. Walker spun around. His mouth opened, then closed. “Meriwether?”
“Hello, Father.” She twisted her reticule in her hands. “I sent a wire and thought it was you who responded with a confirmation of the appointment. It must have been your assistant.” She blinked rapidly.
He patted her back awkwardly. “No harm done. I’m glad to see you.” He flashed a lopsided smile. “Although I’m surprised to hear you’re the teacher who is singing my praises.”
She pressed her lips together, tamping down the need to respond in kind to his cynicism. “Father, I’d like to introduce Jake Harrison. He’s Zachary’s uncle.” Heat rose from her neck to her cheeks.
“Dr. Walker.” Jake extended his hand while his other opened and closed in a fist. “Don’t be surprised that your daughter would sing your praises. When she noticed my nephew’s struggles with reading, she assured me we couldn’t find a finer doctor to assess his needs.”
Jake held her father’s hand in his gras
p. The two men stared at one another. Her father spoke first, “Thank you for trusting me with your nephew and for bringing my daughter along with you today.”
“We’re planning on doing some shopping after we get done here. Perhaps you can get away for a little while and join us for lunch? I’m sure Meriwether would appreciate spending some time with you. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you as well.” A muscle in his jaw twitched.
Dr. Walker paused, then rubbed his chin. “Yes, I’ll finish up with Zachary here, then speak to my assistant, and we can meet at the hotel restaurant at one o’ clock. Will that work?”
CHAPTER 19
~o0o~
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24
“Thank you for inviting my father to lunch. I’m afraid my first reaction after his comment was to remove myself to the waiting room and chastise myself for coming.” Meriwether placed her hand in the crook of Jake’s arm. The clunk of his boots sounded across the boardwalk as they walked toward the mercantile.
“Wow, look at those boots,” Zachary said as he ran to the picture window of a two-story stone building.
“My mother responds to situations in similar ways.” Jake inclined his head toward Meriwether and spoke softly, “She’s not cynical exactly, but her words can slice you like a knife. My pa told me once she uses sarcasm like a weapon to protect herself emotionally.”
Jake lifted her chin. His eyes searched hers. “There was something in your pa’s expression I’ve seen reflected in your eyes when you talk about him. You both share the same tragedy, and it was courageous of you to face it today. Whatever happens going forward between you and your pa, I’m here and we’ll get through it together.”
Meriwether blinked back tears and pulled her handkerchief from her sleeve.
Jake shook his head. “You’re a resourceful little thing. Sure, you’re not a magician? Hankies from out of nowhere, the ability to teach my nieces to read, and let’s not forget how you bring out smiles in my nephew. For a while, I forgot the kid had teeth.”
She giggled and patted her face. “Thank you for supporting me and making me laugh.” Her heart pounded as he leaned closer.
“Y’all come look at the fancy stitching on these boots,” Zachary called.
Jake winked at Meriwether. “Coming boy, hold your horses.”
The sign above the door read Larson’s Leather Goods and swayed slightly from a gust of wind. Meriwether admired the riding outfit created from a luxurious chestnut suede in the picture window. The split skirt had a slight flair, side pockets, and a front-flap opening. The matching vest sported a double row of pewter buttons. Zachary was spellbound by a pair of pointy-toed pull-on boots, made of a hand-tooled dark brown leather with yellow stitching.
“Those are mighty fancy,” Jake whistled. “Why don’t we go in and take a look?”
“Really?” Zachary’s mouth dropped as he stared into his uncle’s face.
“Why not? Doesn’t hurt to look, does it? Besides you’ve got a birthday coming up.”
Meriwether breathed in the rich, earthy smell of leather as she surveyed the busy shop. Several cobblers sat on benches working. One wall contained numerous wooden forms used to make and repair customers’ footwear, and rows of boot samples. The opposite side displayed vests, saddlebags and assorted riding gear.
The cobbler placed his hammer on the workbench and removed nails from his mouth. “Welcome to my shop. I’m Robert Larson. How can I help you?”
“My nephew has a birthday coming up and coincidentally needs a pair of riding boots.” Jake ruffled the boy’s hair. “The pair of pointy-toed boots with the mule-ear straps caught his eye.” Jake grinned. “And the riding skirt and matching vest ought to look mighty pretty on this young lady, who also happens to have a birthday this month as well.”
~o0o~
Meriwether took extra steps to keep up with Jake’s long strides as they hurried across the street to the hotel. She took in a deep breath of relief to eliminate the pinch in her corset as they were seated. “You okay?” Jake asked.
She nodded as she placed her hands on her cheeks. “I’m fine, just a bit out of breath.”
Jake nodded. “I thought you might be worried about having lunch with your pa.”
“No, the fact that you are with me gives me a peace about meeting him again.” Meriwether felt her cheeks warm as Jake gave her a quick smile.
“I liked your pa. He was nice. You were right, he’s a real good doctor.” Zachary smiled. “Uncle Jake, what do you think Pa’s going to say when he finds out I need to wear glasses when I do my schoolwork?”
“Your pa is going to be pleased. Especially when he sees how well you read with them.”
The headwaiter appeared with Meriwether’s father.”We are happy to have you and your guests dining with us, Dr. Walker. I can’t recall the last time you’ve joined us for lunch. Your waitress will be back shortly with coffee, and to take your orders.”
Dr. Walker took the chair opposite her. “I’m sorry to be late. It’s not often my daughter comes to see me, so there were a few adjustments to the schedule. I’m free for the next several hours.”
Meriwether swallowed and took in a deep breath. “Are you alright, daughter? You look a little flushed,” her father asked.
“I’m fine. We’ve just arrived ourselves and I became a little overheated from all the rushing around. Jake mentioned it as well. I must look a mess.”
“Not at all.” Both men answered simultaneously.
Dr. Walker chuckled. “I see you and I agree, Mr. Harrison. Except for the color of her eyes, Meriwether is the exact image of her mother, who was the love of my life and the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. Smart too—my daughter is very much like her.”
“Was she a teacher too?” Zach leaned forward.
“No, my wife helped me with the practice. She was wonderful with the patients and kept me organized in a way no one has been able to do since. She would have been an excellent doctor as well except for one thing.” Dr. Walker shook his head.
Meriwether giggled. “Father, I don’t believe that is a proper subject for the dinner table.”
“There is no one close enough to our table to hear.” He nodded his head toward the waitress who was in a deep conversation with the headwaiter. “And since no one has taken our order, I believe these two gentlemen might enjoy hearing about what kept you and your mother both from studying to be physicians.” Her father’s face grew somber.
Jake reached for Meriwether’s hand. “I’ve only heard you talk about how you always wanted to be a teacher.”
“Go ahead and tell them, Father. You have their attention. I’m sure they are imagining all sorts of things.” Meriwether smiled.
Dr. Walker cleared his throat. “You see, my daughter and her mother both suffer from hemophobia.” He reached for a glass and took a sip of water.
Meriwether gave a half smile. “Or in other words, I faint at the sight of blood.”
Zachary scrunched his nose while everyone laughed. The waitress approached to pour coffee and take their orders.
“Tell me, Meriwether, how did you become acquainted with Mr. Harrison and his nephew? Was he a former student in Bluebonnet?” Dr. Walker leaned back in his chair.
Meriwether felt her cheeks warm. She shot a glance toward Jake. “We met a little over two months ago after I moved back to the ranch. Mr. Harrison and his family own the property adjacent to Uncle Marcus’s, and they have been leasing the log home and land surrounding it for quite some time.”
Dr. Walker’s eyebrows shot up. “If they are leasing the property, where are you living?”
“I’ve been staying next door with Mr. and Mrs. Baker for the time being. Jake and his brother are in the process of designing a home, which will accommodate them both along with Zachary and his two sisters.”
“My grandmama is coming too.” Zachary’s feet bounced u
nderneath the table.
“It’s nice to have family living close by. Meriwether loved visiting with her aunt and uncle at the ranch when she was your age. She and her mother spent many hours exploring and fishing.”
“You don’t like to fish, Dr. Walker?” Jake asked.
“I enjoy it for an hour or two. But after that, I start thinking about what I need to do or which patient I need to check on, and the amusement wears off. Unlike my daughter, I’ve always enjoyed living in town as opposed to the country.” Dr. Walker took a sip of his coffee and leaned forward. “Although the area has built up quite a bit, the log home is still in a remote location. Are you prepared to give up your teaching career to live there?”
“I enjoy teaching very much, just not the nomadic lifestyle which goes along with it.” Meriwether twisted her napkin in her lap.
Zachary inclined his head toward Dr. Walker. “That means she don’t like living in the woodshed.”
CHAPTER 20
~o0o~
“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.”
Psalm 119:114
The wagon rattled along the last mile of the dusty road toward the log home. The late afternoon sun cast a soft pink glow over the horizon below the blue sky. Meriwether let out a contented sigh. “I don’t know what it is, but everything seems more beautiful the closer we get to the ranch.”
“Part of it might be leaving behind the hustle of town. There’s a sense of peacefulness about living in the country. One day soon I want to get you back on a horse. We can travel a lot more quickly without the wagon. There’s so much beautiful landscape to enjoy. You’ve hardly seen any of my property yet.”
A Promised Land Page 8