“Are we ready?” Victoria forced a smile.
“Whenever you are.”
“Let’s go.” Victoria turned toward the door and bumped into an even larger figure. “Oh, excuse me.” She glanced at her feet and tried to walk around.
“Victoria, what are you doing here?” She looked up at the sound of the familiar voice and watched as Chris extended his hand to Dylan. “Well, hello, Dylan.”
Victoria exhaled and crossed her arms in front of her chest. This is just great.
“Dylan, I don’t reckon I’ve ever seen you in here before.” Chris shook hands with his friend. “You don’t play any instruments on the sly, do you?”
Dylan shook his head and waved his hands. “Oh no.”
“Buying some jewelry for Sondra?” Chris glanced at Victoria. Her eyes had doubled their size, and she appeared as if she might keel over. “You okay?”
“Just running some errands,” answered Dylan. “So what are you doing here?”
“Looking at guitars.” The color in Victoria’s face returned. He wondered if he’d scared her when he stormed off the other morning. He probably needed to apologize. Never would he want a woman, or anyone for that matter, to be afraid of him. “Victoria, I’m sorry if I scared you the other day.”
“Vic’s all right. She’s a tough ol’ gal,” added Dylan.
Chris frowned at Dylan. He was acting mighty strangely. Glancing at Victoria, Chris smiled. “You go by Vic?”
She shrugged and half smiled. “Peewee gave me the name.”
“I’m not sure if you look like a Vic. You’re young. Innocent. With a bit of fire.” Her eyes widened and Chris laughed. “Yeah. I guess it suits you just fine.”
Victoria lifted her chin. “So what was it you said you were doing here, Chris?”
He gazed down at his guitar and the music papers in his hand. “I love to sing worship at church, but my guitar has just about given out. It’d still be good for someone who likes to fiddle around a little bit, but it won’t make it much longer being used three times a week and then whenever I feel a drawing to her in the evenings.”
“Does your guitar have a name, as well?”
Chris laughed out loud. “As a matter of fact, she does.” He lifted the guitar toward Victoria. “Vic, this is Belle. Belle, this is Vic. I’m sorry you won’t get to know each other much as I’m getting ready to trade in Belle, but you’ve been introduced just the same.”
“Do you trade in your girls often?”
“Not the ones worth keeping.” Victoria’s neck and cheeks turned crimson as she looked away. He hadn’t meant anything by his words. Did she think he spoke of her? Chris drank in her whole image as well as considered her fiery spirit that mingled with sincerity and truth. If Victoria Thankful was anything, she was definitely worth keeping. “I don’t think that came out …”
“Well, there you have it.” Dylan interrupted. He grabbed Victoria’s arm. “We best get going. Sondra’s expecting us back soon.”
“Okay.” Chris waved, feeling confident he’d made a total fool of himself. “I’ll see you at church on Sunday. Hope to see you there, Vic.”
Dylan and Victoria walked toward the door. She leaned closer to him and whispered, “What did he mean by that?”
Dylan shook his head. “Not a thing, darlin’. Don’t go overanalyzing the things men say. Sondra makes me crazy when she does that.”
Chris closed his eyes at the overheard conversation. He had hurt her feelings, but there was nothing he could do about it now. Frustrated, he turned and walked to the counter. “Hey, Vern. My guitar needs a bit of updating. Think we can make up a deal?”
“I’d reckon.” The man pointed to the guitars hanging on the wall. “Pick out what you want, and we’ll see what we can do.”
Chris selected the one that would suit his need but wouldn’t be too expensive. He set it on the counter and counted out the amount Vern wanted for the trade. “I was wondering …” He handed the money to Vern. “Did that man and woman who were just in here buy anything?”
Vern shook his head. “Nah. She just wanted to pawn a ring.” He sighed. “She had a hard time parting with it.” He handed the change to Chris. “If people would learn to pay with cash instead of credit, they wouldn’t have to give up the treasures they love.” The man clicked his tongue. “Course, then I wouldn’t be in business.”
Chris placed the change in his billfold and put it in his back pocket. “Could I see the ring she brought in?”
“Sure.” Vern grabbed a tray from underneath the counter.
Chris picked up the ring. It was actually kind of small, not something he would have expected Victoria to wear. Why would she want to pawn this small ring?
“That little ring there is actually worth a nice piece of money. It’s a perfect diamond, and they don’t make settings like that anymore. Sure, someone could try, but there’s detailing to it that proves the ring’s age.”
Chris put the ring on the tip of his pinky finger.
“Said it was her grandma’s,” Vern added.
So it was important to her. Chris didn’t understand his need to help the woman who had banged into his life and turned it upside down, but he couldn’t deny the desire was there. Each time he peered into her honest eyes, he wanted to confess a million feelings, though he still couldn’t quite put his finger on what they were. “How much do you want for it?”
The man shook his head. “I promised her I’d keep it a month, and you know I’m a man of my word.”
Chris picked up his guitar. “Yep, you are, and I’m glad of it.”
“Tell you what I can do.” Vern slid a piece of paper and a pencil in front of Chris. “Give me your number, and I’ll give you a call if she doesn’t get here in a month.”
Chris grinned. “I’d appreciate that.”
Victoria walked through the door and scooped her excited nephew off the floor. “I miss you, Vic.”
“I missed you, too, Peewee.”
She hugged him close, inhaling the sweet baby shampoo scent that lingered in his soft brown curls. “Where’s your mama?”
Matt struggled for her to put him down. She did, and he grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the kitchen. “Come. I sew you.”
“So how’d it go?” Sondra sat Emily in her highchair and belted her in. She popped open a jar of bananas and grabbed a baby spoon from the drawer. “Oh, I forgot her bib. Will you get one for me?”
Victoria took one from the drawer and fastened it around Emily’s neck. Leaning over she gave her a kiss on her cheek before the child’s face became a World War II battle zone covered in mushy bananas.
“I think I got enough to get my Suburban back, pay for three months of insurance, and even cover the court expense. Hopefully it will be small.”
“That’s wonderful.” Sondra opened her mouth to coax Emily to do so, as well. When she did, Sondra shoved a spoonful inside. Emily laughed as she blew it back out. “The little stink. She thinks this is a game.”
Victoria laughed. “It is.” She sobered and sat in a chair beside her sister-in-law.
Sondra wiped Emily’s mouth. “What’s wrong, Vic?”
“I can’t pay Chris.”
“Dylan and I will be happy to loan you the money.”
“You know I can’t take it.” She folded her arm over the back of the chair and gazed out the kitchen window above the sink. “I thought God wouldn’t give us more than we can handle, and Sondra, I just don’t think I can handle anymore.”
“Nope.” Sondra popped a glob of bananas in Emily’s mouth and smacked her lips together in an effort to get her little one to do the same. Instead Emily giggled and allowed the mush to run down her chin. Sondra groaned. “That’s not what the Bible says.”
“What?” Victoria turned and gawked at her sister-in-law.
“Yes, it does. I remember reading it.” She watched as Sondra made the spoon into a mock airplane and zoomed it around Emily’s face until it landed in her mouth.<
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“Nope. The Bible says that God will never give us more than He can handle. And, He can handle a whole lot more than we can.” Sondra scraped the bottom of the jar and popped the last bite of banana into Emily’s mouth.
“So you think he can handle Chris?”
Sondra laughed. “Chris is a wonderful Christian man. Just talk to him. You two can work something out.”
Victoria stood and walked to the kitchen window. She believed with all her heart God could control everything, but He also gave everyone a free will. Chris’s will sure seemed bent on loathing Victoria Thankful. She peered outside and watched a hog wallow in the mud. She huffed. Sure, Chris and I will work this out, when that pig grows wings and flies.
six
“Come here, Victoria. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.” Victoria scanned the crowded church lobby in the direction of Dylan’s voice. She found him standing beside another man.
“Great,” she mumbled between clenched teeth as she made her way toward them. “I hope he’s not playing matchmaker.”
“Victoria, this is Zack Bradshaw. He’s one of the loan officers at our bank.”
Victoria sucked in her breath. She needed to find a way to pay back Chris, but she wasn’t ready to take out any loans. At this point, she didn’t even have a job. Forcing a smile, she extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine. I hope this doesn’t seem too forward …”
Oh boy, here goes.
“Dylan was telling me that you’re looking for a job. One of our tellers is going on permanent maternity leave.” He laughed. “She’ll need to stay home since she’s having twins. But, anyway, I’d like to invite you to come by the bank and fill out an application.”
Victoria could hardly believe what he said. A job. He was offering her a job.
“I have it on good authority”—the banker leaned closer—“that you’d have a good chance of getting the position, seeing as I do the hiring and Dylan’s given you a gleaming recommendation.”
Victoria stared up at Dylan, appreciating him more each moment she knew him. “Thanks, Dylan.”
Glancing back at Zack, she took in his light blond hair sporting just the right length in a trendy hairstyle. His tailored gray suit spoke of the time he’d spent in the gym as well as being proof of his professional status. He wasn’t an overly big man like Chris and Dylan. In truth, he was just the right size for her to drink in the light gray flecks shimmering in his pale blue eyes. Maybe a little matchmaking wouldn’t be all that bad. She swallowed the excitement bubbling inside her and nodded. “I’ll be by first thing in the morning.”
“I’ll be watching for you.” He winked, and Victoria thought her heart would melt. The man couldn’t have been much older than thirty, and who cared about an eight or ten year age difference anyway. She surely didn’t. It had to mean something that his size and coloring fit the faceless groom she’d dreamed of so many times after watching her favorite fairy-tale shows as a young girl. She could almost hear birds chirping their approval in the background. Biting the inside of her lip to squelch a giggle, she shook her head. I have got to get a grip.
Maybe God had brought her to this small Oklahoma town. After all, He worked all things together for good for those who love Him. He could turn the bleakest situations into something beautiful. Maybe He wanted her to meet Zack Bradshaw. And what a nice, solid name.
She lowered her gaze. “Well, I’d better find Sondra and tell her the good news.” She nodded and walked away on shaky legs toward the hall she hoped led to the nursery where she and Sondra had dropped off the children before Sunday school.
Looking down at her light blue slacks and matching slip-on, heeled shoes, she smirked. “My wardrobe is definitely more fitting for a woman who works at a bank instead of a ranch.” Excitement mounted within her as she thought of what Sondra said about God giving her what He could handle. Victoria knew that God was handling everything.
“Abby”—Chris motioned for his sister to follow him down the church hall—“we need to have a talk.” He stopped a little ways before the nursery and turned to face her. I-don’t-care-what-you-want reeked from her posture and expression, and Chris squelched the desire to put her over his knee and paddle her. “You whispered with your friend all through church.”
She huffed and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Did not.”
“I watched you, Abby. You did.” He glowered at her old jeans with a hole in one knee and her long-sleeved green T-shirt that she had cut holes in the bottom of each arm for her thumbs to fit through. A dark blue, tighter tee had been pasted over that. Her hair, pulled back in that same weird band, had pointy brown wisps sticking straight up and out all around her head. She looked more like a person going to a rock concert or just stepping out of bed than someone who’d just come from God’s sanctuary to worship. “Abby, I know you’re already grounded for a month.”
She snorted. “Yeah, big brother, so whatcha gonna do now?” He thought for a moment. What could he do now? He didn’t have any experience raising children. Abby was only nine years younger than he, and they’d spent their lives bickering like siblings. He’d never been a caregiver type to her. Until last year. “Next week you’re sitting with me.”
Her mouth dropped open. “You’re kidding, right?” Chris shook his head, feeling pretty good about the discipline he’d just thought up. The punishment should fit the crime. You talk in church; you don’t get to sit by the person you talked with in church. Maybe he could do this parenting thing after all. “Not kidding. Next week you can sit with me, and if it goes well, I’ll let you sit with your friend the week after that.”
Abby smacked her hand to her hip. “This is a big joke. I can’t wait until I’m eighteen, DAD!” She popped her hand up to cover her lips. “Oops, I forgot. My dad died. You’re just my brother!” She stomped away from him.
Okay, so maybe I’m not going to be writing any child-rearing books at this point. He raked his hand through his hair and then scratched his jaw. “Abby, come back here.”
She waved him off. “I’ll be in the truck. Silent. Like a good little girl.”
“Having some trouble?”
Chris looked behind him and found Sondra holding Peewee’s hand with Emily firmly planted on her hip. Her purse and a baby bag hung haphazardly off her shoulder. “I think you’re the one having some trouble. Let me take something.” He reached for the bags, but instead she handed him the live, wiggling bundle. Emily cooed and grabbed at his hair.
“That kid loves to pull hair.” Sondra flipped several wisps behind her shoulder. “I’m going to have to cut mine short if I don’t get her broke of that and quick.”
“It’s just distracting to her, that’s all.” Chris tickled under her chin. She giggled and blew slobber bubbles at him. He wrinkled his nose and wiped her mouth with her bib.
Sondra laughed. “She’s already insolent, a complete handful. Must be the way of women, even from the very beginning.”
Chris caught the teasing tone in Sondra’s voice and looked at her. “Abby’s going to be the death of me. I don’t know how to parent her.”
“I can see that.” Sondra pushed Emily’s slipping shoe back up onto her foot. Emily protested and tried to kick it off again but failed. “Abby needs a woman in her life.”
Chris thought back to a time somewhere around ten years ago when Abby had sat on the floor in front of the couch while their mom brushed her hair. She would count each stroke and say that Abby’s locks grew softer with every one. “The woman who should be doing this ran off a year ago.”
“I know that’s hard on you both.” Sondra grabbed a pacifier from the baby bag when Emily started to fuss. Popping it into the baby’s mouth, she asked, “Have you heard from your mom?”
“Not a word. Not even an idea if she’s still alive.”
“I am sorry, but maybe there is someone who could help Abby grow into a young lady. She’s a good kid down deep. We
both know she loves the Lord.”
“Do we? Most times I don’t see any proof of the Lord in Abby’s life.”
Sondra picked up Matt who had begun to get fidgety standing in the hall. “Think of what she’s like when she’s helped me at the group home. She loves to play with the children and the baby chicks.” She hefted Matt higher on her hip. “Remember how good she was with Lizzie and Jake before Grace and Eric Nickols came home from their mission trip and took custody of them. Abby’s just struggling right now.”
Chris remembered a week before when he’d seen Abby reading her Bible late in the evening. She’d had the purity book her Sunday school teacher had purchased for the teenagers as well. Later he’d noticed she’d scribbled several notes along the sides of one of the pages. Not wanting to invade her private thoughts, he closed the book and put it on the dresser in her room. Chris sighed. “I don’t know who would be good for Abby. I don’t even know who has the time. Sweet Mrs. Nielson has tried to reach out to her, but Abby wouldn’t really open up.”
“She doesn’t seem to open up to me either.” Sondra chuckled when Emily started to whine and rub her eyes. “It may have something to do with my constant interruptions.” She set Matt back on the floor and took Emily from Chris’s arms.
“Maybe we should pray about it.”
“That’s a wonderful idea.” Chris watched as Sondra’s eyes widened, and she nodded her head. “Or maybe God has already answered our prayers.”
“Victoria.”
Victoria looked up just before colliding into Chris. He grabbed her arm when her heel slipped from beneath her. Once steady on her feet she glanced up at Chris. “Sorry.” Looking to her side, she saw Sondra standing beside her.
“How was church?” asked Sondra.
Victoria smiled. “It was terrific. The music was wonderful.” She peeked up at Chris.
“Thanks,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for weeks for Lawton’s bookstore to get that sheet music in. It’s one of my favorite songs on the radio.”
By His Hand: Truly Yours Digital Edition Page 5