by DiAnn Mills
“I’m praying he’ll return to you soon.”
“But he must abandon his anger,” she said. “I cannot threaten military school and not be prepared to follow through.” She stared into her cup. “Has he opened up his heart to you?”
Travis hesitated. “I’d rather not say until we spend more time together.”
“You’re thinking he might stretch the truth about things?”
The thought of hurting her with what Zack and Lester had said clawed at his heart. “I want him to trust me with everything. Then he and I can sort out the truth and work through his troubles.”
Sadness shadowed her delicate features. “A boy should be able to come to his mother with the things that burden him. I pray that day comes soon.”
“It will, Mrs. Kahler. God is faithful.”
Dear Lord, don’t let this kind lady suffer too long.
Within the half hour, Lydia Anne woke and was delighted to see her grandma.
“Can I show you the horses?” the little girl said to Mrs. Rainer. “Mama lets me ride by myself.”
“Oh yes, show me.” Mrs. Rainer stood from the table and reached for her granddaughter’s hand. “We’ll leave your mama and Brother Travis to talk and drink coffee.”
Once the two left and Juanita excused herself to tend to something outside, Travis realized the utter helplessness of being alone with Bonnie Kahler.
“Now that we are without other ears, is there anything you need to tell me about Zack?” The earnest look in her face nearly made him speechless—and he was a preacher.
“I think any preconceived ideas or notions I might have need more time.”
She tilted her head and glanced into her cup. “I’ve made many mistakes as a mother. I deeply regret them.”
She’d said this before, but her past must really be bothering her. “God forgives our misdeeds, and I have plenty of my own.”
“You’re an answer to prayer, and I’ll forever be indebted.” Her soft voice reached down into his soul and gave him confidence that perhaps he could help her son.
Without another spoken word, she reached out and touched his arm. If not for his shirt and jacket covering it, he’d surely have been burned.
*****
“What do you think about taking a walk this morning to the parsonage?” Travis said to Zack a week after he’d visited Mrs. Kahler. “The reverend and your grandma asked us for breakfast. He and I have a few things to discuss afterwards.”
Zack’s face brightened.
“From the look on your face, you don’t mind giving up a couple of hours of schoolwork.”
“No, sir. Or your cooking.” He yawned.
“Very funny. Do you miss your school friends?”
A strange look swept over the boy’s face, one Travis couldn’t quite read. “Miss Scott hates me.”
“I hardly think she hates you. More like she had her fill of your behavior.”
“Same thing. Both of you say exactly what you think.” Bitterness tipped his words.
“That’s right. She doesn’t like the trouble you caused in her classroom. Has nothing to do with the young man inside of Zack Kahler.”
“You’re talkin’ in riddles.”
“One day you’ll understand what I mean.”
The anger and rebellion surfaced in Zack’s eyes. Travis regretted the miserable state of the boy, but he’d been there—and not so long ago.
“All right, let’s go,” Travis said. “Along the way, we can talk about this morning’s reading—King David putting Uriah in the front lines to get him killed.”
“Are you thinking I’ll say it was all right ’cause he was the king?”
Travis picked up his Bible and opened the door, motioning for Zack to step through. “I have no idea what you think. That’s why I asked.”
“I don’t understand why God didn’t hit him with a bolt of lightning for what he did. He knew better. Looks like murder to me.”
“If you were God, how would you have handled it?”
Zack shrugged—his familiar response. “I’m not God.”
“If God gave all of us what we deserve, none of us would be alive.”
Travis couldn’t get another word out of Zack. He’d like to think his charge was reflecting on the morning’s Bible reading, but Travis had a hunch other more pressing matters raced through the boy’s mind. The boy’s heavy eyelids showed he hadn’t gotten much sleep during the night.
The closer they drew to the parsonage, the faster Zack walked.
“You must be powerful hungry,” Travis said.
“Sure am.”
“Do you want to walk back to the schoolhouse? This early no one should be about, and it’s been a long time since you were there.”
“Not today.”
Travis lifted his head and peered off in the direction of the school. He startled. What was flapping in the breeze? He stopped dead center in the middle of the road.
“Well, if that don’t beat all.” He chuckled. “Zack, take a look at that tree in the schoolyard.”
Zack stood beside him. “What is it?”
“Looks like somebody strung up a woman’s clothes in the branches.” Travis planted his hands on his hips. A woman’s unmentionables flapped in the breeze. Three pairs of them. “We ought to see what we can do about getting them out of there. Miss Scott will be real upset.”
“I wonder who did that.”
The way Zack asked the question drove an arrow of suspicion straight into Travis’s mind. “Whoever hung those clothes up there had to be pretty spry.”
“I imagine so.”
“Clever, too. But there was a sky full of stars last night.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I doubt if the culprit had any help. Probably did it by himself.”
“Most likely.”
They walked closer and spotted the reverend in the schoolyard. He stared up into the tree, obviously wondering how to retrieve the clothes.
“Morning,” Travis called. “Somebody’s been up to mischief.”
“If I wasn’t a preacher, I’d laugh,” the reverend said. “Best we set those clothes free before Miss Scott gets here.”
“Aw, leave ’em alone, Grandpa.”
“Now, Zack, I know you don’t care for the teacher, but she deserves your respect.” The reverend reached for the nearest branch.
“We’ll do that, Reverend. I don’t think Mrs. Rainer would approve of you climbing trees.” Travis fought an urge to laugh. He glanced at Zack, whose face was the color of a ripe apple. “Should we summon the sheriff?”
“Oh, we don’t need to bother him,” Zack said.
Travis swallowed another laugh, but he couldn’t let him get by with this. “So, Zack, how long did it take you to string up Miss Scott’s clothes? Now I understand why you’re tired this morning.”
Zack didn’t say a word.
“Did you do this?” the reverend said.
“Ah . . . yes, sir.”
Travis cleared his throat and focused his attention on Zack. “I wonder if that lightning bolt is anywhere close.”
Zack took a deep breath. “How did you know?”
“I didn’t for sure. Just guessed. But you’re going to bring down every piece of those clothes. Are they Miss Scott’s?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Did you steal them from her clothesline?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Not one bite of breakfast until you’ve finished and apologized to Miss Scott.”
Zack winced. “Do I have to apologize?”
Travis narrowed his gaze. “Do you really think I’d let you get by easily?”
“No, sir.” He sighed. “Can I wait until the other kids get
here?”
Travis raised a brow.
Zack blew out an exasperated sigh and headed to the tree. Later Travis would have a good laugh. From the mirth on the reverend’s face, they’d both remember this prank for a long time.
Chapter 14
Bonnie slowed her mare as she neared the entrance to the Double H, Morgan and Casey’s ranch. She owed her sister-in-law a wagon load of apologies for the years of leaning on her and the rest of the family far too much. Guilt had kept Bonnie awake the preceding night, and it was time she did something about it. She’d apologized to Mama and Jenny, and she should have done the same with Casey that day, too.
“Mama, I like riding to Aunt Casey’s ranch,” Lydia Anne said. “Can we do this everywhere we go?”
Bonnie laughed. “Sometimes we must conduct ourselves like proper ladies and use a buggy or carriage, but we’ll ride together as much as we can. As soon as you can ride by yourself, we’ll come visiting Aunt Casey, and you can show her how well you can handle a horse.”
“Goody.” She tilted her head and looked into her mother’s face. “I’m glad you’re happy now.”
Bonnie kissed her forehead. “Me too.”
Casey met them on the front porch with a bushel basket in hand. A second basket sat on a wagon bed. A gust of wind toyed with her auburn hair, and she brushed it back. “Good morning. Are you two enjoying this cool weather?”
“No ma’am,” Lydia Anne said. “We’re enjoying this ride together.”
Casey shielded her eyes from the sun. “I’ve been meaning to stop by. How are you?”
“That is why I’m here.” Bonnie swung down from Wildflower. “Can we talk a bit?” She peered at the wagon. “Looks like you’re going apple pickin’. Need some help?”
“Sure. Shouldn’t take long with both of us. And you can take plenty home with you. I have more apples than I know what to do with.”
After Bonnie left her mare with a ranch hand, the three took the wagon and headed for the orchard. Lydia Anne rode in the back between the baskets.
“I’m sorry about Zack,” Casey said. “I know this has to be heart wrenching for you.”
Bonnie slowly nodded. “What makes it so difficult is that Zack’s behavior is my fault.”
“You shouldn’t blame yourself.”
“Casey, you and I both know that if I’d been a better mother—not so selfish in my own grieving—Zack could have talked to me during this horrible grieving time. At least it’s not too late for Michael Paul and Lydia Anne. And I pray Brother Travis is able to help Zack.”
“Aren’t you being too hard on yourself?”
“Not at all. I’m simply facing the truth.” Bonnie took a deep breath and glanced back at Lydia Anne. “I might as well simply say the rest of this so we can enjoy the morning.”
“Is something else wrong?”
“No. I hope our lives will now start to mend. I realized some ugly things about myself. Cas, do you remember way back when we first became friends? Mercy, I was eighteen and you were twenty-one. You were running from an outlaw gang and the law. To make matters worse, Morgan was pestering you to marry him. And what did I do? Nothing but spend my time dreaming about Ben and backing away from anything that might upset me. Anyway, I’ve always been the weak one, and it has to stop.”
“That’s not entirely true. You were and are my dearest friend. Have you forgotten that I deceived you about my past? Bonnie, I lied to you about being a part of an outlaw gang and even about my name.”
“Doesn’t matter. You asked me to forgive you years ago. I’m asking you to forgive me now.” Bonnie refused to become emotional and alarm Lydia Anne.
“Of course. I love you, Bonnie. You’ve always been the sister I never had.”
“We’d better start talking about something else, or I’m going to cry enough tears to float this wagon.”
Casey laughed. “What do you think of Brother Travis?”
“Oh my. He’s a good preacher and a kind man, but he’s certainly not a dandy.”
“I heard Hank offered a free haircut and shave—twice, but he refused.”
Bonnie giggled. It had been a long time since she’d felt such freedom. “I’m ashamed of myself, but I have to agree with you. Except he has to be a special man to take Zack into his home in hopes I won’t have to place him in a military school. I’ve already decided the good Lord has a special crown for him.”
“You’re right. The reverend and Jocelyn think he came straight from heaven.”
“I have to agree,” Bonnie said. “The first time I saw Brother Travis, I mistook him for a beggar. I was not pleasant.”
She and Casey exchanged glances.
“I apologized to him, too.”
“Oh, Bonnie, I’m so sorry.”
“No need. I’m going to be a better woman through this. And Ben will look down from heaven and know his wife and children are doing fine.”
“We have all been praying for you.”
“Thanks. Right now I miss Zack. I want to see him, but I’m trusting Brother Travis’s judgment as to when’s the best time.”
“Have you thought about inviting them to dinner?”
Bonnie’s heart spun. “What a wonderful idea. I’ll send word in the morning with Michael Paul. I hope it’s not too soon.”
Casey pulled the wagon to a halt by a heavily laden apple tree. “If it is, maybe Brother Travis can give you a better time. At least you’d have something to look forward to.”
“Wonderful. I’m ready to pick some apples.” Bonnie turned to Lydia Anne with another idea. “We could make an apple pie this evening and send it to Zack and Brother Travis tomorrow.”
*****
Travis lifted a fallen branch from beside his front porch. A storm had blown through the night before, and debris lay scattered about the ground. Zack helped all morning, but Travis gave him schoolwork for the afternoon. Travis had some thinking to do, and hard physical work was the answer—that and a lot of prayer.
If he’d known about the church’s association with Heaven’s Gate, he wouldn’t have taken this job. But God knew and had given him clear direction to accept the position. Why? The very horror that had driven him from Tennessee haunted him in Kahlerville. Could he conduct himself as a man of God with the painful memories of the past?
God, why? I tried and failed. I ruined Felicia’s life and failed my church. Why am I here?
Maybe he’d been given a second chance to share the gospel with those whom others turned away. He thought of all the fine people of Kahlerville who gave of their time and money. They were different. They did care. He didn’t have to walk this path alone.
You’ve never been alone.
Travis recognized the voice. So is this part of the healing, Lord? Or part of the lesson? He dragged the limb behind his house to the pile of other limbs and branches. He picked up the ax. With every crack of the split wood, his muscles burned.
“Sir, I could cut that wood,” Zack said.
Travis lifted his gaze. “Are you thinking a little work might make me a little less angry about Miss Scott’s unmentionables flying in the schoolyard tree?”
“Mama always sent me to the wood pile when I was angry.”
“Your mama is a smart woman. That’s why I’m here, but not because I’m angry with you.” Travis hoisted the ax back to his shoulder. “I’ve already forgotten about yesterday.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“But you can continue the good manners. I rather enjoy them.” He tossed Zack a smile.
“Hello. Brother Travis?” The feminine voice sounded familiar.
“That’s Mama,” Zack whispered. “Should I go back inside?”
“Not unless you want to.”
“Brother Travis?”
“
I’m back here, Mrs. Kahler.” Travis glanced up at Zack, who slipped back inside the house. Did he dislike her so much that he sought refuge?
Bonnie Kahler made her way around the side of the house. She held up her skirt from the mud with one hand and clutched a towel-covered dish with the other. The woman looked innocent and pure, reminding him of a child.
Travis hurried to her side. “Excuse me, ma’am. I should have thought about the mess back here.”
“Oh, I’ve seen plenty of mud in my lifetime.” She smiled and offered him the dish. “Lydia Anne and I picked apples and thought you and Zack might enjoy an apple pie.”
“I know I will.” He lifted the towel and inhaled the apple and cinnamon scent. “Hmm. This is my favorite pie.”
She peered around him. “Zack’s too. Is he here?”
“He’s inside.” How did he tell her that her son preferred the solitude of the house to visiting with his mother?
Sadness fell across her face. “He’s not ready to see me, is he?”
Travis shook his head. “But he’s improving.” He remembered the prank on Miss Scott and nearly laughed. However, Mrs. Kahler might not find it amusing.
She blinked. “Good. I’ll wait until he wants to see me. I wanted to invite both of you to dinner, but it must be too soon.”
“I’ll ask him. Maybe next week?” Suddenly he felt very self-conscious. “I have something for you. Do you have a moment while I fetch it?”
“Oh, yes. Would you like for me to split a little wood?”
Her teasing eased his nervousness. “I can’t pay you.”
“Not even a nickel for the huge pile?”
He shrugged. “I’m a poor preacher.” They laughed, and he disappeared into the house with the pie. He set it on the kitchen table and noted Zack was in his room with the door closed. Travis grabbed the journal wrapped in brown paper and hurried back outside.
Her blue eyes lifted to his face, and he thought his heart had melted into butter.
“What is it?” she said.
He handed her the package. “Well, I purchased one of these for you and one for Zack. I thought it might be helpful.”