A Place Called Home (A Place Called Home)

by Lori Wick

  For Mrs. Hall, Sunday afternoon was usually spent visiting her sister and family. Mrs. Hall's spirits had been up ever since she had heard from Christine. So, after a good meal and a visit with her sister, Mrs. Hall started walking out to the Bennett residence with a light step.

  "Good afternoon, Mrs. Hall."

  "Oh! Mr. Jeffers, good afternoon to you! It's lovely, is it not?" Mrs. Hall smiled at him.

  "Yes, indeed it is. May I wish you also a splendid week."

  "Why, thank you, Mr. Jeffers." Mrs. Hall continued on her way.

  Vince sat astride his bay stallion and watched the woman's light step, wondering at her exuberance. She certainly didn't look like the grieving woman he had seen before. Maybe she had had news of Christine.

  Vince heeled his horse into a walk. He had finally cooled off from his last meeting with that incompetent fool who worked for him. Maybe it was time to send for him again.

  Once again in the Bennett house, Mrs. Hall hung up her bonnet and changed her shoes. It was then that she put her finger on what was different about Vince Jeffers.

  She had grown used to his smile, a smile that never quite reached his eyes. He was so different from Mr. Bennett that it was a wonder they had ever formed a partnership. But that wasn't it. What was it, then, that was troubling her about him? He had stopped her and talked to her but didn't even ask after Christine. How odd! Rarely had he ever given her the time of day.

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  Once again Mrs. Hall experienced that strange feeling that she got whenever she saw Vince Jeffers lately, as if there were something she was supposed to tell him or remember that she couldn't quite come up with.

  Mrs. Hall did a mental shrug as she reached for A Study in Scarlet, the new Sherlock Holmes mystery novel that her sister had just finished. Whatever it was with Vince Jeffers would have to wait until tomorrow.

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  "This week has just flown by, especially since the weather has finally cooled." Grandma Em shifted. "Did you get your letter off?"

  "Yes, it's been posted. I also had another confrontation with your grandson. Why does he put up such a fuss when I try to pay on my bill?"

  Grandma Em laughed but offered no explanation. The truth of the matter was that Mark's heart was tender to a fault. He and Sue cared deeply for Christine and would do anything to ease her plight. Grandma Em also knew about pride. She knew Christine had plenty of it because she saw herself so clearly in the young woman.

  The women were now on Grandma Em's street, her house in sight.

  "Is that Luke on your porch?"

  "Yes, I believe so." Something in Grandma Em's voice made Christine ask, "Do you think something is wrong?"

  Grandma Em slowed down a bit and spoke softly. "Don't ask me how I know, Christine, but I think I'm about to get in trouble for painting my own porch."

  Near the porch now, the women exchanged a glance and then quickly looked away lest they should begin to laugh. The days they had spent painting had been wonderful. Getting to know and trust each other through paint spatters and laughter had been a tonic to Christine. Neither woman would have traded the experience for the world.

  "Hello, Luke. You're in time for lunch. Will you stay?"

  Luke answered as he took his grandmother's packages and held the door for both ladies. "Thanks, Gram."

  As lunch preparations were made, Christine was aware of Luke's eyes. They settled on both her and Grandma Em for long, intense moments. The conversation was light, but Luke seemed somewhat distracted.

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  The three made short work of thick ham slices, fresh- made bread, and cheese wedges. The peaches were ripe to perfection, sweet as candy.

  A forkful of chocolate cake was halfway to Grandma Em's mouth when Luke said offhandedly, "I heard today that Lars Larson broke his arm." Luke watched as the women across from him paused ever so slightly in their eating before rushing on, taking care not to look anywhere but at their plates.

  Luke felt a sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach. Their pause had confirmed the gossip he had heard downtown to be true.

  "Did you know he had broken his arm, Gram?"

  "Yes."

  "Was he able to get to your porch and shutters before he fell?"

  "No, he was not." Her answer was quiet, but firm.

  Luke's own eyes dropped to his plate. He was beginning to wish he hadn't even asked. A fight with his grandmother was not what he wanted, but one look at her face told him he had best step carefully or that was exactly what he would have.

  Grandma Em's chin was thrust out, her eyes sparkling with defiance. Luke nearly laughed out loud as his eyes swung to Christine. She sported the same mulish look, ready for battle. Two against one. It just wasn't fair. Luke knew that another tactic was needed here.

  "Who climbed the ladder?" he asked, as if he didn't really care.

  "I did."

  "Christine." The women answered in unison.

  Luke sat and eyed each woman in turn. Both were on the verge of speaking in their own defense when Luke stood.

  "Well, ladies, the porch looks nice. You paint very well." This said, Luke bent and kissed Grandma Em's cheek. "Thanks for lunch. I'll see you both Sunday." And with that he left.

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  You could have heard a feather drop in the kitchen after the front door shut. Neither woman spoke. Feeling shame at how defiantly they had behaved, Emily and Christine exchanged sheepish glances and moved to do the dishes. As Christine worked, she realized that Luke still didn't know how much she appreciated the verses. Feeling double the guilt, she worked on, determined to let Luke know some way on Sunday.

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  With a final look in the mirror that took in a fresh shirt and clean blue jeans, Silas headed down the hall to Luke's room. Luke, having just slipped into his suit jacket, turned to find Silas standing in his bedroom, eyebrows raised in surprise. Luke would have left the room at that time, but Silas wandered in and dropped down on the bed, eyeing his brother with amusement.

  "You've already impressed the Chambers family enough to get the horses at a good price. Why the suit?" Before Luke could answer, Silas went on. "It wouldn't have anything to do with the address of one Miss Caroline Chambers I saw on your dresser, would it?"

  "I just thought it would be nice to welcome them to Baxter smelling better than a horse." Luke's voice sounded defensive, even to his own ears, and he wasn't sure why. He really didn't expect to see Caroline, let alone encourage her if he did.

  Movement below Silas' beard told Luke he was fighting laughter. Silas looked down at himself before asking with feigned innocence, "Do I smell all right? Maybe I should change into a suit too."

  This brought a reluctant smile to Luke's face, and his voice was gruff to hide his amusement. "Get to the wagon, Silas, before I leave you home."

  Baxter's train station was uncrowded-unusual for a Saturday afternoon, but a blessing nonetheless. The three horses coming in for the Cameron ranch would be ready for a low-key arrival.

  Luke and Silas stood together and watched the train pull in. Luke's hand went to the neckline of his shirt when the second person went by and greeted him as Mark. Silas' laughter didn't help. The train had stopped and people

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  were disembarking, so there was no more time to worry about clothing.

  Within minutes Frank Chambers was on the platform, his eyes skimming over the station. Luke stepped over to him, Silas at his heels.

  "Luke!" Frank Chambers' hand was extended and his smile was friendly.

  "Good to see you, Frank. How was the trip?"

  "It was fine, just fine."

  "Where is Mrs. Chambers?"

  "She didn't come. Our niece had her baby, so Lily stayed home to play mother hen." Frank looked his disappointment.

  Luke was about to introduce Silas when Caroline stepped from behind her father. "Hello, Luke," she said softly. The look in her eyes was nothing short of worshipful.

  Feeling a bit flustered, Luke made t
he introductions. Caroline barely took time to nod in Silas' direction before her eyes once again clung to Luke. Frank didn't seem to notice. Silas left immediately after that to check on the horses. Frank went with him, leaving Luke and Caroline alone.

  "I've missed you, Luke." Caroline's voice was soft and a bit anxious, nervous eyes shining up at him.

  Luke only smiled faintly and asked about the luggage. He then bent to lift the large trunk and missed Caroline's face, her disappointment clearly revealed.

  Luke hauled the trunk into the wagon before leaving Caroline to assist the men.

  Frank had a mare's lead in each hand. Silas was holding the stallion when Luke approached. "You certainly didn't exaggerate, Luke. He's a beauty." Silas' voice more than words spoke his admiration.

  Luke smiled and patted the firm neck, speaking softly to the magnificent animal. Titan was black, completely black, from the tip of his proud nose to the end of his long tail. His eyes showed intelligence and spirit. A sound from the

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  mares caught his attention. He answered with a loud snort sidestepped, and tossed his finely shaped head.

  "Let's get this guy home. We'll drop the Chambers' at the hotel and head out."

  Some hours later the three horses were settled in their new home, fed and comfortable. As the men headed back to the house, Silas spoke. "I take it you are not headed back into town tonight?"

  "How did you know that?"

  "Miss Chambers didn't look too happy with you when we left."

  "No, she didn't, did she?" Luke replied with a frown. "It was Frank's idea. He said he was beat and that they would see us in the morning. I forgot to tell Grandma Em that there would be two more for dinner tomorrow."

  "It won't matter. I'll tell her in the morning."

  "You will? Where will / be?"

  "I figured you would go and have breakfast at the hotel with the Chambers'. I can get Gram's chores.

  "Oh. Well, thanks for the offer, Si; I'll think on it."

  The men had reached the back porch. It was getting cooler, the days shorter. The sun was sinking low.

  "What did you think of her?"

  "I didn't really get a chance to talk with her." Silas' answer was accompanied by a small shrug. But the look Luke shot him clearly stated that he believed Silas had sidestepped the question.

  With a heavy sigh Silas answered, "She seems young."

  Luke's face was pensive. "I think so too."

  The men fell silent for a time. As the sun dipped behind the trees and hills it cast an orange glow on the Cameron ranch.

  Silas stood and stretched. "I'm headed in, but I want to tell you something-something I believe with all my heart. God won't hide His answers from you. If Caroline is the woman God has for you, you'll know. If you continue to trust, He'll continue to be your guide."

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  These words said, Silas touched Luke's shoulder and went into the house. Alone now, and in deep thought, Luke sat until darkness completely covered the land.

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  "... they arrived on the 4:15 yesterday. Luke would like to bring them to dinner."

  "Of course the Chambers' can come to lunch. How did the horses do on the trip?"

  "They're fine. You'll have to get out and see them. That stallion is a beauty."

  "We'll plan on it. Christine, let's go out this week, maybe Thursday or Friday."

  "That sounds fine. I'm a little anxious to see the ranch."

  Grandma Em and Silas both stopped eating. They stared at Christine and then at each other before speaking, as though they had forgotten she was there.

  "I can't believe this, Gram. All these weeks and she hasn't seen the ranch!"

  "I feel just awful. I know she'd love it. She told me she misses her own horse. How could we have overlooked such a thing?"

  "Ahem!" Christine felt she needed to remind them of her presence.

  Grandma Em turned. "That settles it, Christine. We'll go out this week, rain or shine." With a determined nod, Grandma Em went back to her breakfast.

  Christine was left to wonder what was so special about the ranch. Her grandfather's stables housed four horses, one being Raven, Christine's own horse-her pride and joy. The thought of seeing the ranch and its horses left Christine in a buoyant mood for church.

  Driving into the church yard and being greeted by name felt good to Christine. Mrs. Nolan was in the entryway as usual. She squeezed Christine's hand and said a few words to Silas about her niece Amy.

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  A brief flash from last week went through Christine's mind and she moved quickly to be first in the pew and next to the wall.

  Pastor Nolan said he was fighting a cold. He would need to keep things short today because his throat was bothering him. Only one song was sung before the sermon began.

  "Today I would like you to turn to First John chapter 4, beginning with verse 7." Pastor Nolan read these verses and began to talk about God's love.

  "God is love. The Scriptures tell us this over and over. In John 3:16 we see the greatest expression of this love. Listen as I read John 3:16: 'For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.' Who is the only begotten Son in this verse? It's Jesus Christ. He alone is qualified to take on the sins of the world, for He is God. In John 10:30 are Jesus' own words: 'I and my father are one.' "

  Christine turned the pages and read John 10:30. A smile lit her face. She knew this verse. It was the first one on the list that Luke had given her. Shifting slightly in her seat, Christine looked past Grandma Em in hopes of catching Luke's eye. She need not have worried-Luke was already looking her way. They exchanged a quick grin before turning their attention back to the sermon.

  "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God- Romans 3:23. All have sinned/ it says. Maybe you think that's just not true. You might say, I've never sinned. I've never stolen from someone or killed anyone. Those are sins and I've never done those.' But the verse says, All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.' You see, in the light of God's holiness, we have all sinned. Pride, greed, unforgiveness, gossip-the list is a long one. God will not allow these things into His heaven. Heaven is God's home, and He alone decides who will enter.

  "But there is hope. Read on. Romans 3:24 says, 'Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.' Jesus Christ is the answer to all your

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  needs." Pastor Nolan stopped and cleared his throat. His voice was getting hoarse, but he continued. . "My throat isn't going to let me go on much longer, but I must ask you this: Do you know where you would spend eternity if you were to die today? God loves you and sent His Son for your sins. My friend, have you ever confessed your sin to God and told Him you believe that Jesus died for those sins? Have you ever opened up your heart to Him? He is waiting for you with open arms. Your prayer need not be complicated or elaborate. The Word says, 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!' Do not put it off, my friend. No one knows how long his time on earth will be. Don't wait! Go to Christ and open your heart to Him. He will gladly enter in. He is your only answer to everlasting life as well as an abundant life here on earth. Do it today!"

  The closing hymn was led by Silas. His voice was deep and clear. In his closing prayer, he asked for God's healing hand upon Pastor Nolan and for those who had not yet accepted Christ.

  Once back in the wagon, Silas managed the reins, with Grandma Em sitting beside him. Christine slid forward from her place in the backseat until her face nearly touched Grandma Em's shoulder.

  "Grandma Em?" Emily shifted around in her seat with an expectant smile on her face. "You told me your husband, Joseph, was on the other side. Did you mean heaven?" At Grandma Em's nod she went on. "He believed in Christ and you think he is in heaven?" Again Emily only nodded. "And you also believe in Christ and believe you're going to see Joseph when you die?"

  "With all my heart, Christ
ine."

  It was Christine's turn to nod. Placing a cool hand on Christine's flushed cheek, Grandma Em spoke through tears. "I know you are searching, Christine. I also know that God is your answer. God loves you so much, and I'm praying, Christine, that you will open your heart to that love."

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  Even though the horses were at a crawl, they were already pulling up to Grandma Em's house. Unlike on most Sundays, everyone including Luke and his guests had arrived ahead of Grandma Em, so she decided it was best to let things go for now.

  "If you want to talk later, Christine..." she let the sentence go unfinished. Grandma Em hugged Christine and then Silas was helping her from the wagon. Christine watched as she hurried toward the house.

  Christine was preoccupied when Silas helped her down from the wagon. So she was doubly surprised when Silas gave her a big hug. The embrace broken, Christine stood staring at him with wide, surprised eyes. It took a moment for her to realize that in Silas' own quiet way he knew she was hurting. A gentle finger came out to touch the end of her nose, and he smiled kindly at her before moving away to take care of the horses.

  Reluctant to go inside, Christine's footsteps were weary as she walked to the house. Knowing there was no way she could be alone, Christine made an effort to put her confusing thoughts aside.

  Christine had no more stepped into the entryway when a small blonde person ran through the parlor and hid behind her skirt. Within moments Charles was planted in front of Christine, hands on his small hips. "I know you're back there, Em. It's my marble and I want it back."

  "Cal gave it to me." The small voice was muffled, and Christine wondered if she were crying.

  "He can't give it to you. It's mine."

  Christine, who was needed in the kitchen, was on the verge of stepping in when Mac appeared beside his small son.

  "I hope you have a good reason for trapping Christine against the front door." John MacDonald dwarfed the five-year-old, but Charles showed no fear as he pointed toward Christine's skirt. "Emily is back there and she's got my marble."