Vivian's Morning Star

by Rachel Skatvold

  She noticed the beautiful weave on the picnic basket for the first time. “I’ve never seen a basket quite like this. It’s beautiful.”

  He smiled with a hint of pride in his eyes. “Thank you. My father taught me the weaving technique of the Penobscot people. Emmett has recently started asking me to make some baskets to sell and I have started incorporating the weaving designs into some of the chairs we make.”

  “That’s wonderful. I would love to see more of your work.”

  “Thank you. I’ll have to show you soon.”

  They made small talk while enjoying sandwiches, fruit, cheese and lemonade. When they weren’t talking, it was calming to watch the steady current of the river. It seemed her life was like the river—always changing without warning. However, even with the changes, she knew God was there. He cut new paths for her when others dried up. Her heart still ached over the loss of Connor, but she had hope her new life with Micah would be long and happy.

  Micah turned to her after they finished eating. “I used to come down here with my friends all the time when I was young. We’d fish and catch frogs. During the hottest days of summer, we’d cool off with a swim.”

  She grinned, happy memories of her own returning. “I used to have a place similar like that back in North Carolina. One day after school, Connor and I got so stuck in the mud…” She paused, surprised his name had escaped her mouth so easily. “I’m sorry. I promised myself I wouldn’t mention him, but most of my memories from childhood include him in some way. We grew up together.”

  “There is no need to apologize.” He placed his hand over hers resting on the quilt. “Most of my memories include Mary Ann, too. I think its healing to talk about them. They were important people in our lives and there’s no sense in trying to ignore that.”

  Vivian nodded with tears gathering in her eyes. “Micah, I just fear talking about him will not be fair to you. It will be a constant reminder I am still in love with Connor, even though he is gone from this world. How can I learn to love you and him at the same time?”

  He turned his face back to the river, but tightened his fingers around hers. “Our love for them will never go away, but God created our hearts to be able to love more than just once in a life time. Our capacity to love can grow more and more if we allow it to.” He gazed at her again, the intensity in his eyes making her heart pound. “Vivian, I know this won’t be easy for either of us, but I’m willing to be patient if you are.”

  Vivian managed a shaky smile while wiping her tears. “I’m willing.”

  He lifted her hand and kissed it. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. Now, what were you saying about the creek and getting stuck in the mud? I’d love to listen to the rest of the story and tell you some of my own as well.”

  Vivian swallowed hard to compose herself before continuing the story. “When I was fourteen, Connor and I went to a creek to fish after my studies for the day. My father didn’t approve of it. He said it wasn’t what a proper lady should be learning, but Connor wanted to teach me anyway, so we went to his favorite fishing hole. To get there we had to cross a fallen log over a swampy area. I slipped and Connor tried to help me, but we both fell in. The mud was so thick I lost one of my shoes.”

  Micah chuckled. “I bet your father wasn’t too happy when you returned home.”

  She shook her head. “No, not at all. He was furious and told my governess to keep a closer eye on me. It was harder to spend time with Connor after the incident, but we still managed to sneak in a moment together every now and then. He was one of the only people who accepted me for who I was. Even my father’s side of the family barely spoke to me because of my mother’s heritage. He was my best friend through the most difficult times of my childhood.”

  “I can relate to that. Mary Ann was that to me. Her father and brothers never approved of me. Most people in Niangua have been accepting, but not them. They knew my father was half Penobscot and didn’t want me anywhere near her. We married in secret as soon as we were old enough. Her father threatened me a few times, but the sheriff somehow calmed the waters eventually. After she died, Mary Ann’s family started ignoring my presence altogether. It stayed like that for many years.”

  She studied his face, recognizing the same pain she had endured. “I’m sorry to hear that. It’s a difficult thing, not to feel accepted by family.”

  He nodded. “It used to bother me, but I don’t regret my decision to marry my wife. She was such a blessing in my life and we loved a lifetime’s worth, even though our time together was cut short.”

  “I feel the same way about Connor.” They sat in silence for a while, listening to the nature around them. It was comforting to know they had both had similar experiences. After a few minutes, Vivian heard rustling in the woods behind them and moved closer to Micah for protection. “Are there any bears in Missouri?”

  He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and talked in a hushed tone. “It’s all right. We do have black bears and the occasional mountain lion, but they shouldn’t bother us if we don’t appear like a threat. Just stay still and don’t scream.”

  Vivian held her breath, eyeing the woods behind them. The rustling became louder. She resisted the urge to scream as two furry creatures emerged from the woods. They let out happy howls and their tails wagged as they dashed into the river, splashing and carrying on. “The Riley’s hound dogs!” Vivian laughed so hard she had to lean against Micah’s shoulder for support.

  “Those crazy animals are always causing mischief,” Micah said, his arm still wrapped around her as he joined in her laughter.

  Vivian noticed and sat up again, his arm falling away. She distracted herself from their unexpected moment of closeness by continuing to laugh at the dogs. Vivian had enjoyed feeling his arm around her, but something made her pull away. Perhaps her heart wasn’t quite ready for it yet.

  Chapter Eight

  “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”

  Zechariah 4:10 NLT

  On Sunday morning, Micah felt blessed to attend the little Baptist church in town with Vivian by his side. She looked lovely in a white blouse hemmed in lace and red skirt with embroidered stars. The congregation welcomed her with open arms, much to his relief. Mr. and Mrs. Clark, the owners of the general store, were especially happy to see her and came over to talk after the service.

  “We’re so glad to see you are doing so well, dear,” Mrs. Clark said, giving her a warm hug. “Please stop by the store anytime, when you’re feeling up to it, even if it’s just to chat.”

  Vivian smiled back at her. “Thank you for your kindness. I’m feeling much better and will come by soon.”

  “Oh good. When you decide on a wedding date, I’d like you to come by and pick out your fabric for a new gown.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “And something for the new baby. Both items will be my gift.”

  Micah couldn’t help noticing Vivian’s blush when Mrs. Clark mentioned the baby, but she quickly regained her composure. She and her family were the only people in town who knew she was expecting. “Oh, that’s too generous of you. I couldn’t.”

  She patted her arm as a mother would. “Oh nonsense, dear. I insist. It will be my welcome gift.”

  Vivian gave in and thanked her before they started to head toward the exit where the pastor stood shaking his congregants’ hands. They had passed the second to last pew when they almost ran into Hank Reed and his family.

  Micah nodded in Mr. Reed’s direction. “Good day to you all,” he said, but the older man just glowered at him and Vivian before shouldering past with his wife, three sons, and daughter in tow.

  They waited, allowing the family to shake the pastor’s hand first. After they left, he felt Vivian’s curious eyes on him and decided to give a brief explanation. “The Reeds are our competition in the furniture business. Our families never did get along very well. I wouldn’t pay them any mind.” V
ivian let out a relieved sigh before they approached the pastor.

  Pastor Edwards greeted them with warm handshakes. “It’s so good to meet you, Mrs. Kane. I believe the entire congregation has been praying for Micah to find a wonderful young woman like yourself for a long while.”

  Micah patted his shoulder in a playful manner. “You better watch out, Pastor. Now that I’m taken, the congregation will start praying for you to find a wife and get hitched next.”

  He chuckled, pausing to glance at his eleven-year-old daughter playing in the church yard with a few friends. “I’m afraid finding a wife for me would be a tall order. The weight of being a pastor’s wife and Abigail’s spirited nature tends to frighten away most eligible ladies I’m afraid. I would like her to have a Ma though, especially during this critical time in her life when she needs a woman’s guidance.”

  “Well, let me know if you’d like Ms. Milton’s contact information. She found a lovely bride for me. I’m certain she’d be able to find the perfect one for you, too.”

  “Thank you for the thought. Maybe I will one day.” Pastor Edwards managed a nervous grin. “Now enough about me. You all let me know when you would like your ceremony to take place and I’ll clear my schedule.”

  Micah nodded. “We will. Thank you, pastor.”

  After saying bye and heading outside to meet Emmett and his family, anxious thoughts swirled in his mind. Micah had been enjoying spending time with Vivian the past few days and getting to know each other, but had almost forgotten they would soon need to make time to discuss the important matter with her soon, especially with the baby on the way. It was known to most that she was a widow and would be understood the child had not been conceived out of wedlock. However, even in a town as friendly as Niangua, some people liked to gossip. He wouldn’t have rumors flying around about the woman he intended to marry. For proprieties’ sake, they should marry soon as possible, but broaching the subject was the hardest part. He would have to find the right moment.

  After returning to the Rileys’ home and enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by Caroline and Ma Riley, Micah asked Vivian if she’d like to see his property and take a tour of the cabin. She gladly accepted, excited to see the home they would live in.

  They borrowed Emmett’s wagon and team for the trip and then made the short ride up the road. She admired the large oak trees and wildflowers alongside the road. When they turned right onto a narrow drive leading to his cabin, Vivian caught sight of a doe with twin fawns munching on some grass in a small clearing. They were so beautiful and elegant standing there, like a work of art. Vivian longed for her sketchpad and pencil to capture their likeness. However, without either, she committed the image to memory for later that evening.

  Soon they traveled over a hill into the woods again and across a small bridge. “This creek will lead you close to the Riley Farm,” he explained as they traveled on. “You just follow it for about a mile and a half. When it forks, you travel south for another mile. The cabin really isn’t that far from their land at all. The road just takes you the long way around.”

  “Thank you. That’s a good thing to know for the future.” Vivian smiled at the handsome man beside her, watching the breeze tousle his raven hair. He had a quiet and thoughtful way about him that she admired. During lunch she could sense he was deep in thought about something, but she was too shy to ask about what it was just yet.

  When the woods opened up into a clearing peppered with a colorful array of wildflowers, she saw the cabin, nestled near the trees at the far end with a few outbuildings off to the left of it. Vivian’s breath caught in her throat, believing it to be the most beautiful and serene place she’d ever been to.

  They parked the wagon near the cabin and then Micah helped her step down. He motioned toward the cabin with a smile. “Here’s where I call home. It’s small, but I hope it will be adequate for now, until I can build something bigger.”

  She linked arms with him, still taking it all in. “It’s absolutely perfect the way it is. If we need more room someday, we can add onto it. I’ve always loved the thought of living in a log cabin.”

  Micah’s eyes lit up when she said “we” and it surprised her that she enjoyed the sound of it, too. “Would you like the grand tour of the inside?”

  “Yes, very much.”

  He escorted Vivian inside, showing her the main level of the house. There was a cook stove, small countertop and water basin on one side, along with adequate shelving for food storage and pegs to hang pots and pans. There was a table with four chairs in the center of the room and on the other side, a fireplace with two rocking chairs facing it with a basket weave on the back. She noticed the hand-woven egg basket on the counter and some more baskets on the shelves, looking similar to the picnic basket he’d woven. She wondered if he’d made them, too.

  “The largest bedroom is on the main level,” he said, indicating a room on the other side of a dividing wall. “And the smaller one is upstairs in the loft. It used to be my room when I was a child.”

  She peeked inside the larger bedroom, noticing the bed with the frame and headboard matching the furniture set he had made her. Plenty of light came into the room from the windows and it was more spacious than she expected. Then he showed her the second bedroom up in the loft. There were stairs and a door, much to her relief, since she knew it would one day become a room for her child. It was spacious as well, with slanting ceilings because of the pitch of the roof. It had a smaller bed than the bedroom downstairs, and had a dresser and wardrobe.

  After walking downstairs, Micah studied her while bracing his shoulder against the mantle. “I’ve set some money aside so you can decorate in any way you like. I’ve been a bachelor and don’t really have a good eye for that kind of thing.”

  She grinned, taking in the room once more. “I think it will do quite nicely. With some new curtains, colorful rugs and a few other finishing touches, I’ll feel right at home.”

  “It makes me happy to hear you say that. I have so many fond memories from my childhood here, but it has felt empty for a long time. I long to see it full of family and laughter again.”

  Vivian’s heart warmed at his words, surprised at how vividly she could picture their family in the house. “I do too, Micah. With time we will see those dreams come true.”

  He took her hand in his and kissed it. “Would you like to see the barn and my printing shop?”

  She nodded. “I’d love to.”

  He offered his proffered arm and escorted her outside. First, they entered the barn and Micah led her to the first two stalls. “This is Thunder and Lightning,” he said with a grin, showing her his team of dapple-gray horses.

  “Great names.” Vivian let out a light chuckle as she patted the two horses on the head. “They’re so handsome.”

  “Yeah, they’re good boys. Aren’t you?” Thunder whinnied in response, causing both of them to chuckle. Then they moved on to the next stall, where a milk cow mooed at the sight of them. “This is Ole Sally.” Micah handed Vivian some hay to give her.

  Vivian held it out and watched the cow take it from her hand. “Hey there, girl. Aren’t you the sweetest?”

  After Ole Sally finished her hay, they made their way out of the barn. “Mary Ann loved animals. We used to have more of them…chickens, ducks, goats, pigs. You name it, we probably had some, but when she passed, I had to sell most of the stock. However, if you like animals, there’s plenty of room for them.”

  “I would like that. Maybe we’ll try chickens first and work up from there. I’ve always loved having fresh eggs.”

  “Me too. Ham and cheese omelets are my favorite.”

  Vivian grinned. “I’ll have to remember that in the future.”

  Next, they visited Micah’s printing shop. She looked around in amazement at all the different stamps, letters and tools for making booklets and newspapers. “What inspired you to start a press?”

  He started gathering letters into a mold while talking to
her. “My father was always fascinated with it. He used to work at a large newspaper in Springfield when he was a young man. When my parents were married and moved here, he bought this old Gutenberg style press. He wanted to run his own newspaper, but unfortunately his dream was never realized. My mother died in childbirth and he was busy raising me and farming to make a living. When Emmett took over the furniture business for his father, he needed someone to print catalogs and my father had the press. We pooled our money together to buy the rest of the supplies.”

  “That’s an amazing story, Micah. God works in mysterious ways, doesn’t he? Putting that passion in your father’s heart, and he saw his dream fulfilled in you.”

  “I suppose you’re right. I never thought of it that way.”

  “I’m sure he was very proud of you.”

  Micah wiped his face on his sleeve and nodded. “I hope so.” She watched him load the frame with letters. Then he rolled ink evenly on sheep skin ink balls before dabbing it onto the letters. He placed the paper on the nails on an upper tray before closing it and sliding it into the press to clamp it down. “Sometimes my fingers are stained black at the end of the day, but I love it anyway.”

  “I can understand that. When I finish drawing, my fingers are smudged with lead. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked like I had dirt on my face because of it, too.”

  “That must be the tell-tale sign of a real artist.” He loosened the press. Then, he lifted the lid and carefully peeled off the paper to study it. “This is a new piece I’ve been working on. Will you take a look and let me know what you think?”

  “It would be an honor.” She took the page and scanned it, her eyes growing wide at what she saw.

  Chapter Nine