by Janice Hanna
But he would need help. Who could he call on?
All morning Gene thought about it. Several different scenarios went through his head, but none of them felt right. Around noon his mother stopped by the newly renovated jail with a plate of food.
“Don’t know what you’re up to in here,” she said. “But you’ve been working far too much lately. Thought I’d better bring some food by so you can keep up your strength.”
“Where are William and Jacob?”
“Playing marbles out front. They’re fine.”
She had a point. They were fine. In fact, they’d been mighty fine, of late—both in behavior and attitude.
He pulled the napkin off the top of the plate and smiled as he saw the chicken and dumplings underneath. “Perfect. Just what I needed today—something to stick to the ribs. It’s been quite a day.”
“It has, at that.” She chuckled. “You’re not going to believe what—or, rather, who—I just saw sitting outside the general store eating ice cream together.”
“Who?” Gene took a big bite of the chicken and dumplings, savoring its flavor.
“Molly Edwards and James Tucker. Sitting there, happy as you please, eating ice cream. And here’s the kicker…Henry is with them.”
“Eating ice cream?” Gene swallowed hard.
“Yep.”
This stirred Gene to action. He rose and reached for his hat. “Are you sure? Perhaps she laced it with cyanide. Did you notice any unusual behavior from Henry? Sick stomach? Headache?”
“Unusual indeed! He was laughing and talking up a storm.” His mother’s eyes continued to widen and her voice grew more animated. “I wouldn’t have believed this next part if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, but Molly slipped her arm around Henry’s shoulders and gave him a hug.”
Gene paced the room. “Impossible.”
“No, I saw it just now. I promise.”
Gene tossed the napkin over the plate of dumplings and headed to the door. “This, I have to see.” He sprinted across the front of the jail-house, his mother lagging behind.
“Slow down, son. I can’t keep up with you,” she huffed.
His boys met him in the street. “What is it, Papa?” William asked. “Are you off to arrest someone for suspicious behavior?”
“Possibly.” He slowed his pace as he drew near the general store.
There, in broad daylight, sat not just Molly, James, and Henry, but Jonathan and Jenny, as well. All five of them ate ice cream, laughed, and chatted with ease.
“Well, go figure.”
Gene approached the others, and Jonathan gestured for him to take a seat in one of the large rockers. Gene complied, and his mother took a seat on the bench with the boys next to her.
“What brings you out today, Sheriff?” Jonathan asked. “We haven’t seen much of you around town lately.”
“I’ve been…busy.” He couldn’t help the smile that followed.
“Busy, eh?” Joe’s voice rang out.
Gene turned to see the barber standing behind him. Apparently someone had called a town hall meeting. Or maybe everyone just felt like socializing.
Joe gestured for William and Jacob to scat, and he took the spot on the bench next to Gene’s mother, who looked over at him with a coy smile. Gene’s heart quickened. When had this happened?
Thank goodness he didn’t have long to think about it.
“Tell us what’s on your mind, son,” his mother said. “You’re up to something.”
And so he told them. He shared every last detail, right down to the part where he asked for their help. The next several minutes were spent putting together a plan of action. A workable plan. One that Rena would fall for, no doubt about it.
When they finished, everyone grew silent. Finally Molly cleared her throat. “I’ve got something to say.”
Uh-oh. Gene looked her way.
“I think it’s a grand idea,” she said. “And about time too. This will be the best thing that’s happened to this town in a month of Sundays.”
“You think?” Gene asked.
“I know.” She smiled. “And I have something to add. I’ve been thinking on it,” Molly said. “And it’s a pity for that big empty field separating my house from the children’s home to sit empty and overgrown with weeds. I’ve owned it for years but never knew what to do with it until now.” A smile turned up the edges of her lips. “What if we used it for a park? A nice big city park where all the children can play?”
“Are you serious, Molly?” Gene could hardly believe it.
“I’m serious.” Her wrinkled cheeks flushed pink, and the crinkles around her eyes deepened as she laughed. “I heard Rena and those three rhyming ladies talking about the idea, and it settled into my heart. I’ve given it a lot of thought.”
“If we plow down that field and turn it into a park, the children will have easier access to your property,” Carolina said.
“Already thought of that.” Molly’s cheeks flashed pink. “But it won’t be a problem. I’ll have help.”
“Help?” Gene couldn’t imagine what she meant.
Molly grinned. “You all might as well know that I won’t be living at my place alone anymore.” Her gaze shifted to James, who slipped his arm around her waist.
“Sold my farm,” he said. “Been meaning to retire in town for years. Just never had the courage to do it.”
“Wait.” Gene looked back and forth between them. “Are you saying…?”
“Saying we’re gettin’ hitched.” James planted a kiss on Molly’s forehead. “We’re a couple of stubborn old coots, so we go together like bread and jam.”
“Speak for yourself, old man.” Molly elbowed him then started laughing.
Before long, they were all laughing, every last one of them.
“So there you have it,” Molly said. “We’ll be Mr. and Mrs. Old Man Tucker, and we’ll live just beyond the park, not far away. If you need us, all you have to do is holler.”
Everyone joined in the celebration except Gene’s mother. She still looked concerned. “What about Mayor Albright? He won’t like the idea of a city park.”
“Pooh.” Molly waved her hand. “What’s he got to say about it? That property belongs to me. I can do with it as I wish.” She smiled and pointed to the mayor’s reelection poster, which hung on the door of the general store. “He’s too busy getting himself reelected. He won’t want to cross me or any of the other voters.”
The laughter and conversation continued, but Gene had other things on his mind. They’d better get busy.
Rena spent the morning cleaning. By the time Molly, Jenny, and Carolina arrived in the early afternoon, she had the house in tip-top condition. And the children—well, most of them—looked presentable, as well.
She struggled with her thoughts as she worked. Why, oh, why hadn’t she told Gene to send the new director packing? Rena didn’t plan to leave Daisy—not now, not ever. So why bring in someone new to tend to the children? None of this made sense.
Her friends arrived in rare form—all laughter and giggles. She’d never seen Jenny so happy. Or Carolina, for that matter. Even Molly seemed in better spirits than usual. Surely they weren’t tickled at the idea of replacing her with the new director.
“We’ve decided to walk to town,” Carolina said as she slipped her arm through Rena’s.”
“B–but…” This made no sense either. “Gene is supposed to pick us up at two thirty to drive us to the depot.”
“I thought we needed the fresh air and sunshine,” Carolina said. “And besides, we can’t fit all of the children inside the car.”
“The children?” Now Rena was really confused. “I thought you and Molly were staying here with the children while Jenny and I went to town to fetch the new director.”
“As she said, there’s been a change in plans.” Molly let out a whoop, calling for the children, who joined them in a hurry.
Rena barely had time to collect her thoughts before they pres
sed her out the door and into the street. As they walked toward town, everyone carried on about the weather, the garden, the renovations on the house…anything and everything except the obvious. Did they not see the heaviness of her heart at the idea of handing over the reins to a new director? Didn’t anyone care…even a little?
The conversation took a turn, and before long she heard some news that shocked her.
“Molly, you’re getting married?”
Molly nodded. “Yep. Ain’t it grand? James and I aren’t wasting any time, either. We’re getting married next Sunday after church.”
Off she went, talking about the wedding, their living arrangements, and the empty field she planned to donate to the children’s home. Rena found herself so confused by all this news that her thoughts were in a whirl.
What an odd day this was turning out to be. Nothing like she’d expected.
When they arrived at the depot, Rena looked around. “Where’s Gene? Is he meeting us here?”
Carolina shook her head. “No, he’s really busy today. He did ask us to stop by the jail on our way back, though. He wants to say hello to Janelle. He hasn’t seen her since they were youngsters.” She laughed. “Oh, what trouble those two used to get into. Janelle’s mama and I were best friends and spent hours together with Gene and Janelle playing at our feet. They were a handful, those two.” She went on a tangent talking about Gene and Janelle. This only served to get Rena more depressed.
The three o’clock train arrived right on schedule. Rena looked on as a woman—a beautiful woman with blond, coiffed hair—stepped off the train. Behind her appeared the cutest little boy with blond curls and an impish smile. The woman turned to give the youngster a hug then exclaimed, “We’re here, Danny-boy! We’ve arrived in Daisy.”
The youngster let out a shout, scaring the porter.
Rena took a couple of steps in her direction, following behind Carolina. She hadn’t imagined Janelle to be this lovely. In fact, she hadn’t spent much time at all thinking about the woman’s appearance.
Carolina swept Janelle into her arms and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. “You darling girl. You’re the spitting image of your mama at this age.”
“Do you think?” Janelle smiled. “What a lovely compliment.”
Rena stepped up and introduced herself. “Welcome to Daisy, Janelle.”
“I’m so happy to be here. I’ve had the strangest feeling from the start that God was drawing me here for these boys and girls.” Her gaze shifted to the children, who approached—albeit shyly. Quite a difference from the way they’d greeted Rena just seven short months ago.
She didn’t have time to think about it for long, however, because the sound of voices hollering behind them interrupted her thoughts.
“Rena!”
She turned to see Old Man Tucker doubled over to catch his breath.
Her heart quickened. “James, what is it?”
“S–something’s h–happened at the jailhouse. It’s G–gene and the boys. They—they need you.”
Without giving another thought to the new director or any of the people gathered around her, Rena hiked up her skirts and began to run. She raced all the way to the jail, friends and loved ones trailing along behind her. When she arrived, she flung wide the door and raced inside with all of the children on her tail. Then she heard Gene’s voice calling out to her from one of the cells.
“Rena!”
“Gene!” She hurried to the jail cell and was confused to find him locked inside. “What’s happening?”
He groaned. “It’s those boys of mine. They locked me in and ran off with the key.”
“W–what?”
“Yes.” He turned to Jonathan, who had appeared at Rena’s side. “Could you find Charlie? He’s the only other one who can get me out of here.”
“Sure.” Jonathan took off for the door, with Jenny following.
Rena looked after them for a moment then turned her attention back to Gene. He looked through the bars and smiled when he saw Janelle. “Well, this is a fine how-do-you-do. Quite a welcome, I’d say. How are you doing, Janelle? Good to see you again.”
She stuck her hand through the bars and shook it. “Gene Wyatt. Obviously you’re still the same rapscallion I knew as a kid.”
“Obviously.”
“Nothing new there.” She giggled.
“Some things never change, Janelle.” Gene raked his fingers through his hair and sighed.
Rena couldn’t be sure, but she thought he winked afterward. Of all the nerve! Why would he wink at another woman?
Gene gazed at Rena with a pout. “Hold my hand?” He extended his right hand through the bar.
She reached out to take his hand, more confused than ever.
At this point Carolina appeared with Jacob and William at her side. “Lookee who I found!” She extended her hand and revealed the key, which she used to open the door to the jail cell. A resounding cheer went up from the crowd.
Instead of stepping out, however, Gene gestured for Rena to join him.
“You want me to come…in there?” she asked.
He nodded, a smile curling up the edges of his lips.
Something was definitely amiss. Rena felt it. Still, the man she loved wanted her to join him inside the jail cell. In front of half the town, no less.
She didn’t want to, but the crowd pressed her in. Seconds later, Rena found herself behind bars, locked inside with Gene. Nothing about this made sense. Out of the corners of her eyes, she caught a glimpse of Sadie and Charlie entering through the front door. Sadie’s impish smile spoke of mischief, for sure. What were these folks up to?
Gene cleared his throat and Rena turned her attention back to him. He did a couple of little funny dance steps then extended his hand. She paused, wondering if, perhaps, he’d lost his mind.
“W–what are you doing?”
“Dancing,” he said. “And singing.” He lit into “‘Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do…’” then paused. Gene took Rena by the hand and added, “I’m half crazy, all for the love of you.”
Embarrassment swept over her, hearing him sing this in front of half the town. “Half crazy in love?” Rena asked. “Or just half crazy?”
He chuckled then dove back into the song. “‘It won’t be a stylish marriage—’”
“Speaking of weddings,” she interrupted, excited to give him the news. “I just heard that Molly and James are getting hitched. Can you believe it?”
He put a finger over her lips and continued the song. “‘We can’t afford a carriage….’”
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that,” she said, interrupting him again. “Did you know that James is selling his work truck? The one he used on the farm? I think it would be perfect for the children’s home. Don’t you agree?”
Gene put his finger over Rena’s lips again, which only served to make her mad. He seemed to be oblivious to this, because he kept singing: “‘But you’ll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle built for two.’”
At this point, the front door of the jailhouse opened. The crowd parted, and Jonathan and Jenny came inside riding on a…what was that? Rena gasped. “Oh, Gene! Is that what I think it is?”
He nodded and repeated the line, “‘I’m half crazy all for the love of you.’”
“You—you said that.” She giggled.
“Yes, I said it,” he whispered. “But I’ve got a few other things to add.” His voice now wavered as he sang, “‘It won’t be a stylish marriage….’”
At this point he stopped singing and dropped to one knee, which brought about a rousing cheer from the onlookers, especially Sadie and Charlie. Rena’s heart nearly stopped as she pieced it all together. She’d been had…by all in attendance, from the looks of things. Oh, but what a lovely way to be duped!
The next few seconds were a blur. Through the whoops and hollers of the children she made out a few words: “Love. You. Marry. Me?” He gazed up at her with such tenderness that
her heart took to dancing.
As she whispered, “Oh, yes!” he rose and swept her into his arms. Then, with the residents of Daisy looking on, she gave him a kiss he wouldn’t soon forget.
Chapter Thirty
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH UNRULY YOUNG’UNS—A special thanks to the new editor of the Atoka County Register, Jonathan Brewer, for allowing me to post this special article, which will appear in print on my wedding day. If anyone had told me back in October that I would marry on a beautiful midsummer day in Daisy, I would’ve said they were crazy. But here I am, ready to become Mrs. Gene Wyatt. I write this article today to thank the people of Daisy, who have shown such grace and mercy to our boys and girls at the Atoka County Children’s Home. When I think of how far we’ve come together, I can’t help but praise the Lord. Things will be different soon, but God has been preparing my heart all along. I will no longer have seventeen children under my care. I feel sure that Janelle Bradford, the new director, will thrive in her role, particularly since she will be caring for only the boys. Turns out she’s quite a wonder with them. Perhaps that’s why they’ve taken to her like flies to honey. As for the girls, well, Lilly and Callie are simply beside themselves at the news that they are to be adopted by Molly and James Tucker. I’ve never seen children so smitten. And Josephine? That darling girl—who reminds me so much of myself as a youngster—has already picked out her room in our home. The idea of raising a daughter makes me giggle with joy. I will still dedicate several hours a week to the children’s home, of course. How could I not? I’ve heard from so many of you, who are willing to share in the load of raising the children. The residents of Daisy will link arms and hearts to see that the task is done right. Together, we will raise these children up in the way they should go. And when they are old…well, we pray they will not depart from it.
—Mrs. Gene Wyatt, Lover of Small Children and Blissful Daisy Resident
Gene stood on the front porch of the children’s home, watching the children play baseball at the new park next door. James Tucker served as pitcher, with Jonathan taking the role of umpire. Molly looked on from the sidelines, cheering as each child hit the ball.