Love Finds a Home (Anthologies)

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “What did your father do before that?”

  Glenna had only been five at the time, but she still remembered. “Daddy used to run a mercantile up in Sioux City, Nebraska. We had a house of our own and everything.”

  David offered her a sympathetic look. “After your mother died, did your father sell his home and business?”

  She nodded. “He sold out to the first man to make an offer.”

  “And then?”

  “We left Sioux City and traveled from town to town. Daddy gambled in order to make a living, and I remained in the care of the boardinghouse keepers when he was gone.”

  “Did the women who ran the boarding homes educate you?” he asked.

  Her forehead wrinkled. “Educate me? In what way?”

  He smiled. “The three Rs—reading, writing, and arithmetic. Your manner of speech indicates that you are not uneducated.”

  Glenna shrugged. “We never stayed anywhere long enough for me to go to school with other children. Daddy was an educated man though. He always took time out to teach me reading and sums.” Lost in memories, she stared down at her hands until they blurred out of focus. She’d always felt as if Daddy loved her. At least until today when he’d jumped off the train. How did he think she could care for herself? Why hadn’t Daddy ever gotten a real job so he could be a real father?

  A shallow sigh escaped Glenna’s lips as she continued her story. “Once, when I was about ten years old, I thought Daddy might actually change.”

  “In what way?”

  “He met a lady. I think she really loved him.”

  David smiled. “Many a good woman has been responsible for helping tame a man.” He patted his jacket pocket, where he’d replaced the small Bible. “Of course, no one but God can ever really change a person’s heart.”

  Glenna grimaced. “Daddy needed Jesus. Not even Sally Jeffers could heal his hurting heart. When she started making demands, Daddy packed our bags, and we left Omaha for good.”

  “Demands? What kind of demands did she make?”

  “Asking him to settle down, get a job, and marry her.” Glenna’s eyes clouded with fresh tears, and she turned her head toward the window. There was no point in talking about all this now. Daddy hadn’t married Sally, and he sure enough hadn’t settled down. She drew in a deep breath. Life was so unfair.

  David shifted uneasily in his seat as he glanced across the aisle at the poet whose nose was stuck in a book. The events of the last hour had been a bit too much … even for someone like himself. Maybe he should have remained in his seat, listening to Alexander go on and on about his writing and many ailments. Perhaps he shouldn’t have involved himself in Glenna’s life at all. The pastor part of him was as pleased as honey that she’d responded to his invitation to accept Christ as her Savior. The only fly in the ointment was the fact that Glenna’s father was gone, and she had no other family to turn to. The man part of him felt responsible for someone who obviously could not care for herself. How could David abandon this woman? Glenna had relied on her father all these years, and she really needed someone now that he was gone.

  David’s thoughts drifted to the letter he kept tucked in an inside jacket pocket—the letter from the deacon at his new church. The congregation at Idaho City Community Church thought their new pastor was married. If he showed up without a wife, it could affect his standing in the church and maybe even the entire community. A wife could be a real asset in the home, as well as in the ministry.

  For several moments David sat there quietly, thinking about a way to solve both of their problems. Then, impulsively he reached for Glenna’s hand. “I–I’ve been thinking.”

  She turned to face him, an eager, almost childlike look on her face. “Yes?”

  “I was wondering—how would you like to get married?”

  CHAPTER 6

  David didn’t know what Glenna’s reaction to his question might be. He thought she would probably say she wanted to think about it awhile. After all, they’d only known each other a few hours. The last thing he’d expected was for Glenna to throw herself into his arms, but that’s exactly what she did.

  “Yes, yes, I’ll marry you!” Glenna sobbed. “Thank you, David. Thank you so much!”

  Just as she pulled away, the train gave a sudden lurch, and David nearly fell off the bench. He gripped the edge of his seat to steady himself. The jolt was enough to get him thinking straight, and the sudden realization of his surprising proposal hit him full in the face. What had he been thinking? Glenna was no doubt in shock over her father’s unexpected actions. She probably only agreed to marry him because she wasn’t rational right now.

  David glanced her way. She was looking at him as though nothing was wrong. He had to admit, he was intrigued with the young woman, and he did find her beauty to his liking. There was another concern though. What was he was going to do with a wife he barely knew?

  The hint of a smile tweaked Glenna’s lips. “I know what you’re thinking.”

  “You do?”

  She nodded soberly. “You think I accepted your proposal too readily.” Before David could respond, she rushed on. “I know we don’t really know each other yet, but I’m sure this will work out for both of us. I’m all alone now, and I need a man.” She leaned over close to him and whispered, “I will be a good wife. I promise.”

  David swallowed hard. Glenna Moore was pleasant and rather easy to talk to, but was this the right thing for either of them? Another concern he had was over her ability to fulfill the role of a preacher’s wife. She’d only been a Christian a few hours. What did she really know about God’s ways or the expectations which would no doubt be placed upon her?

  “When will we get married, and who will perform the ceremony?” she asked, breaking into his troubling thoughts.

  “A close friend of mine is a minister. He lives in Granger, Wyoming, so we can get married when the trains stops there.”

  The mention of Granger caused Glenna’s heart to ache. Daddy had a friend living there, too. That’s why he’d purchased their tickets to Granger. How ironic, she thought. Soon I’ll be leaving Nebraska far behind and marrying a man I’ve only just met. Then we’ll be going to Idaho City, where I’ll begin a whole new life as a pastor’s wife. Glenna sucked in her breath and pressed her nose against the dust-covered window. It wasn’t as if she had many other choices right now. Daddy wouldn’t be going to Granger or meeting up with his friend. Daddy was dead—probably crushed under the iron wheels of the train. Glenna had to think about her own needs now, and Reverend David Green was willing to take care of her. Getting married may not be the perfect situation, but at least she had somewhere to go and someone to look out for her.

  Daddy cared more about himself than he did me, so now I’ll do what I think is best, Glenna fumed. She bit back the bile of bitterness threatening to strip away her newfound faith. She was no longer Daddy’s girl, and she never would be again.

  David and Glenna spent the next few days learning a bit more about one another. He shared a seat with her during the day and slept beside his chum, Alexander, at night.

  The eccentric poet often complained about the feeble illumination of the small oil lamps, glimmering at intervals along the walls of their car. At least there was enough light for David to keep an eye on Glenna. Once they were married, he would worry a whole lot less about her safety. That wouldn’t stop him from worrying about his new ministry, however. Was he really ready to take on the responsibility of full-time pastoring? From what he’d learned so far, Glenna had experienced a lot of pain and emotional trauma in her past. Her newfound faith was weak yet, although she did seem eager to learn. While David felt it was God’s leading that caused him to propose marriage, he could only hope and pray that she would be an asset and not a hindrance to his calling.

  David glanced over at Glenna, sitting beside him now. It was another warm day, and she was fanning herself with one hand as she stared down at his Bible, lying in her lap. He was pleased that she�
��d asked to read the scriptures. As a new Christian, she needed to be fed with the bread of life.

  “Would you care for a paper, sir?” the freckle-faced news butcher asked as he sauntered up the aisle, peddling his wares.

  “I believe I will take one,” David answered with a friendly smile. “I can catch up on the local news and help my lady friend to cool off at the same time.”

  The young boy wrinkled his forehead, but agreeably he gave David a newspaper.

  As soon as he’d paid the lad, David got right down to business. He glanced quickly through the paper and found the page full of advertisements. He ripped it out, then began folding the sheet, accordion-style, until he’d made a suitable fan. When he finished, he handed it to Glenna with a smile. “Here, this might work better than your hand.”

  Glenna reached for the handmade contraption and immediately began to fan her face. “Ah, much better. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome,” he said with a wink. I wonder if she’ll always be so easy to please. It gives me pleasure to make her happy. Maybe my worries about our future are totally unfounded.

  The conductor moved swiftly down the aisle, calling, “Next stop … Granger, Wyoming!”

  As the train slowed, then jerked to an abrupt halt, Glenna felt her whole body begin to tremble. This was where she and Daddy were supposed to be getting off. This was where they would have begun a new life, in a new town, with new people—and the same old problems of Daddy’s gambling and erratic drinking.

  That wasn’t going to happen though. Instead of searching for a suitable boardinghouse, Glenna and David would be seeking out a preacher. From the moment Glenna said “I do,” her life would never be the same. Could she really go through with this crazy plan to marry a man she barely knew? But what other choice did she have? She had no money, no job, and no place to go. David offered security and a home. He was a good-looking man, not to mention pleasant and easygoing. He’d shown no signs of a temper or even any bad habits. David would be easy to love, she thought wistfully. But can he ever love me? I’m a gambler’s daughter, and I’ve only recently found forgiveness for my sins. What if I do or say something to embarrass David in front of his new congregation? What if I don’t measure up?

  David grabbed his suitcase, and Glenna carried hers. He reached for Glenna’s free hand, and the two of them picked their way down the narrow aisle toward the door. “Everything will be fine. You’ll see,” he whispered.

  When they stepped inside the church, a middle-aged man with bright-red hair and a mustache to match greeted David with a warm smile and a hearty handshake. “My friend, it’s so good to see you.” His gaze lit on Glenna. “And who is this lovely creature?”

  David slipped an arm around Glenna’s waist, and her face turned crimson. “Pastor Jim Hunter, this is Glenna Moore. We plan to get married and want you to perform the ceremony.” He grinned sheepishly. “That is, if you’re willing and have the time.”

  Jim slapped David on the back. “For you, I always have time.” He glanced at Glenna again but spoke to David. “I’m surprised to see you. I thought you were on the way to your new pastorate.”

  David knew his old friend well. The look on Jim’s face said volumes. He was a lot more curious about the sudden appearance of David’s fiancée than he was about his whereabouts. He knew, too, that Jim wasn’t about to perform any marriage ceremony until he’d heard the details of this unplanned stop in Granger.

  “If Alice is at home, maybe Glenna could go next door and freshen up a bit,” David suggested.

  Jim nodded. “She’s home, and I’m sure my dear wife would be most happy to meet Glenna. She’ll no doubt offer us all some refreshments. Then Glenna can bathe and rest awhile.” He began moving toward the church’s front door. “I’ll walk the two of you over there, we’ll say howdy to Alice, then David and I can come back here for a little chat while you get ready for the wedding. How’s that sound?”

  Glenna smiled and tipped her head. “I’m coated with dust from head to toe, so a bath sounds absolutely wonderful.”

  A short time later, they were all at the parsonage, sitting around a huge wooden table. A slightly plump, middle-aged Alice was happily playing hostess. After a cup of hot coffee and a slice of gingerbread, the men excused themselves to go back over to the church.

  David wasted no time telling his friend the story that led up to his betrothal, and soon the two men found themselves on their knees in front of the altar. While Pastor Jim hadn’t actually condoned David’s unconventional behavior, he didn’t lecture him either. Prayers went up on David’s behalf, and both men beseeched the Lord for young Glenna and her new role as a minister’s wife. David felt certain that Alice was probably giving his wife-to-be a few pointers as well.

  Glenna felt her eyelids flutter as she forced a mind full of doubts to concentrate fully on the words Pastor Hunter was saying. She glanced nervously at her groom and sucked in her breath while he offered a reassuring smile. David had shaved off his beard and bathed before the wedding. His dark hair was still slightly damp, and as he stepped closer, the clean, fresh smell of soap assaulted her senses. This man she was about to marry was a handsome one indeed! But was she worthy of such a man? Her past life had been full of sin and lies—being forced to move from one town to another, watching Daddy drink and gamble, then making excuses for his disgusting behavior.

  Glenna glanced down at the pale yellow gown she’d changed into after her bath. Made of pure silk, with a touch of lace at the neck and sleeves, it was the only nice thing she owned anymore. When she looked to her left, Alice Hunter, who stood as her witness, smiled sweetly. To David’s right was Richard Hunter, the pastor’s sixteen-year-old son, who was acting as David’s attester. There were no flowers or music, and no one else was in the audience to share in this unusual yet auspicious occasion. Pastor Hunter stood before them, holding a Bible in his hands and wearing a solemn expression on his rotund face. As he shared several scriptures and some insights on marriage, it was obvious to Glenna that he took his job quite seriously.

  A surge of panic rushed through her veins, and she nibbled on the inside of her cheek, wondering if she could really go through with this wedding. It was too late for second thoughts, though, so she forced herself to concentrate on the remainder of the ceremony.

  “And now, whom God has joined together as one, let no man put asunder. I do here and now pronounce them to be man and wife,” the minister said in a booming voice. “David, you may kiss your bride.”

  Glenna swallowed hard, steeling herself for what was to come. It was done. She was married to Reverend David Green. Would her husband’s kiss be as gentle as his melodic voice? Would it send shivers of delight up her spine, causing her knees to go weak? She’d seen many women swoon after being kissed by a man, yet she’d never experienced any such thing herself. In fact, except for her father’s quick pecks, Glenna had never known any man’s lips.

  Much to her surprise, and yes, even to her disappointment, David merely bent his head and brushed a fleeting kiss across her cheek. She was sure he had his reasons for marrying her, but love was obviously not one of them. Does he find me unattractive or too unappealing to kiss me on the mouth? she cried inwardly. Did he marry me only out of obligation?

  Taking her by surprise, David bent down and whispered in Glenna’s ear, “You make a beautiful bride.”

  Self-consciously, she lifted a hand to touch the soft curl that lay next to her ear. She’d pulled her long hair away from her face and secured it with the tortoise shell combs she often wore. However, unruly curls had a mind of their own, and a few had managed to escape.

  “How would you like to have dinner in the hotel dining room before we check into our room?” David asked.

  Her head jerked up. “Hotel? Are we spending the night in Granger?”

  A soft chuckle escaped his lips. “Of course. There won’t be another train heading west until midday tomorrow.”

  Glenna nodded, feeling suddenly foolis
h and more than a bit flustered.

  A short time later, David and Glenna said good-bye to Pastor Hunter, his wife, and their son. Soon they were seated at a table for two in the Hotel Granger’s dining room. A gold-colored tablecloth graced with a cut glass vase full of daisies created a cozy, yet romantic scene.

  Glenna had been subjected to some luxuries over the course of her eighteen years, but that was only when Daddy had been winning big. Winning or cheating? a little voice niggled at the back of her mind. Did Daddy ever win any money in a fair game of cards?

  “What appeals to you?” David asked, breaking into her disconcerting thoughts.

  She shrugged and stared blankly at the menu lying before her. “Whatever you’re planning to have is fine.”

  When the waitress came, David placed for each of them an order for pot roast with potatoes and carrots on the side, along with a plate of fresh greens. They had coffee and tall glasses of water to drink, and a basket of freshly baked bread was brought before the main part of the meal.