by Lori Wick
“Maybe you can,” Doug told him, and, pulling a handful of grass, coaxed the young bull to the fence. However, it did not come too close, and the moment Thomas started to move toward the bull calf, it bawled like a baby and darted away. The little boy’s look of disappointment was keen. Doug swung him up into his arms.
“It’s all right,” he said, looking into Thomas’s dark eyes. “There’ll be another time.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Possibly.”
“Is Aunt Rusty going to be here tomorrow?” Lizzy asked.
“Why don’t you ask her when we go back to the house?” Jessie suggested and began to pray.
Lizzy seemed content with that, so they didn’t hurry back. In fact, they’d been gone more than an hour when they finally gained the porch and found Chase and Rusty sitting in the same chairs as the night before.
At first there was no talk of anyone going anywhere—the children were too excited about the cows to talk about anything else—but soon after, Jessie informed them it was bedtime. The children came forward to kiss Rusty, and Lizzy tentatively posed her question.
“Will you be here tomorrow, Aunt Rusty?”
“Yes, Lizzy. I’ll be here until Monday.”
“What day is this?”
“This is Friday. So I’ll be here all day tomorrow and all day Sunday, and then I’ll leave first thing Monday morning.”
The little girl thought a moment and then said, “Will we go with you?”
“If you want to, Lizzy.” Her voice was gentle as her hand stroked the small, dark head. “You may come back to the orphanage with me if you want to.”
Lizzy needed to think about this, so she said nothing. Thomas, on the other hand, wanted his Aunt Rusty to know how he felt.
“I want to stay.”
“I’m glad you told me, Thomas. We’ll keep talking about it and do what’s best for everyone.”
“I want Lizzy to stay too.”
“Of course you do,” Rusty answered, making herself ignore the anxious couple waiting by the door. “You’ll either both stay or both go back with me, and I don’t want you to worry about it. Everything will be fine.” Rusty turned back to Lizzy.
“I’ll tell you what, Lizzy, in the morning you and I will find someplace where we can talk. You can tell me how you’re feeling about things. How would that be?”
Lizzy nodded.
“I don’t want you to worry about this tonight. I want you to go up, climb into that new nightgown, and sleep very well the whole night. Can you do that?”
“I don’t think I can stay.” Lizzy’s voice quavered, but Rusty’s was calm.
“That’s fine. I’m glad you told me, but it’s been a big day, and we will wait for morning before we talk about it.”
Lizzy nodded, her face already losing its anxiety. Both children kissed her goodnight and went on their way. Rusty seemed completely normal on the outside, but Chase knew better; she had not told the children to bid him goodnight.
“You’re upset,” he said after a few minutes of quiet.
“I am a little.” Her voice was soft, and her eyes were on the horizon. “I’ve been prepared to do whatever Lizzy needed, but I thought she would give it more time.”
“So you think we should still leave Monday?”
“Yes, I do, and I still appreciate your suggesting it. There are only so many decisions that an eight-year-old should be expected to make, but Lizzy’s case is different. I can’t leave her here if she’ll be terrified and miserable.”
“So you think she might be?”
Rusty turned her head and looked at him for the first time. “No, I don’t,” she admitted. “I think she’ll miss me and others at home. I think there will be some tears, but I know in my heart that this is the home for those children; they’ll be happier than they’ve ever been in their lives. However, my aunt told her she didn’t have to stay unless she wanted to, and I must abide by that.”
“You’re doing the right thing,” Chase told her, not because he wanted to ease her mind, but because it was true. Sammy O’Brien had wisely laid down the guidelines, and Rusty had only to carry them out.
Rusty continued to look at him. It was nice to know that someone thought she was on the right track. She heard movement inside just then and steeled herself for the Davidsons’ return. She was certain that Jessie would be upset. She was wrong.
“We want you to know,” Doug began as soon as they’d taken seats on the porch, “that we understand your position completely, Rusty. We know you have to take the children if Lizzy wants to go, but we also want you to know that we’re praying she changes her mind. We’re asking God to work a miracle in her little heart and to help her to see that this is where she belongs.”
“Then we’re praying for the same thing,” Rusty told them, thinking how good God was to them all. “I won’t say that her announcement didn’t upset me, but I’ve been praying for that very miracle since you left.”
“Thank you,” Jessie said to her, now looking close to tears.
“How did it go upstairs?”
“Very well,” Doug told them, giving his wife a moment to compose herself. “They were as pleased as last night about their new nightclothing, and I even got a hug from Lizzy. She thanked me for taking her to school.”
“I didn’t get a hug,” Jessie added, “but both gave me shy smiles when I kissed them and said I love you.”
Rusty’s chest rose with a sigh. “That’s wonderful. I’ll talk to Lizzy in the morning. Something tells me she’ll have changed her mind.”
“That might happen more than once in the next two days,” Chase inserted.
“I think you’re probably right,” Doug agreed. “But we’re still going to pray, and like you said, Rusty, just because they leave doesn’t mean it’s over.”
It was so good to see the Davidsons treating this with a practical view. Rusty’s decision would not have changed had they been unreasonable, but it would have made things all the more uncomfortable.
The sun finally dropped until it was too dark to remain on the porch. Jessie asked everyone in for coffee, and they ended up around the table in the kitchen playing cards. Although the children were still on everyone’s mind, the subject of their staying was dropped for the evening, giving a tranquil end to an already wonderful day.
8
“I want to stay,” Lizzy told Rusty, and surprisingly enough, it was the first time she had said it. Saturday and most of Sunday had flown by, and in those days Chase and Rusty had watched a miracle transpire. Lizzy Parks had fallen in love with the Davidsons. She spoke as soon as someone talked to her—no more lowered head or eyes—and she went willingly into Doug and Jessie’s arms the many times they reached for her.
It was now Sunday night, and Rusty was conducting her final interview. She had already spoken to Thomas, who had not changed his mind about staying. As planned, Rusty had spoken with Lizzy on Saturday morning, and the little girl had still been headed back to Manitou. Telling her she would not try to talk her out of her decision, Rusty now asked Lizzy what her final word was. Eyes shining with peace, Lizzy told her she would stay on the ranch.
“I’ll miss you, Lizzy.” Rusty felt she could be honest. “But I know how much you’re going to love it here.”
“They like us,” she told Rusty. “And Jessie said that we can visit you sometime.”
“Of course you can. How fun that will be. And think of the school, Lizzy. Miss Kay was so nice.”
“She was. I’ll have my own desk.”
Rusty drew her into her arms and held her close. With another 53 children waiting for her in Manitou, it didn’t make sense that she would miss this one little girl, but it was true. She moved back and looked her in the eye.
“Shall we go tell the others?”
Lizzy nodded, and they ventured onto the front porch. Betsy, the tiny black kitten, padded toward them, and Lizzy lifted her into her arms. Her face rather set against the emotions she felt inside, Rusty slipped
into a chair and pulled Lizzy and the kitten near to her.
“Lizzy has something she wants to tell you,” Rusty said gently. It was a blessing that Lizzy wasted no time. The little girl looked at Doug and then at Jessie.
“I want to stay.”
There was no stopping the tears. Jessie’s hand came to her face, and Doug shut his eyes against the onslaught of emotions. Lizzy’s eyes flew to Rusty’s.
“Do you remember,” Rusty began gently, “that day when Aunt Sammy handed you your slate and said you were going to school?”
“I cried.”
“That’s right, you did. It’s like that for Doug and Jessie. They’re so happy you’re staying that they can’t do anything but cry.”
Lizzy nodded and turned back to look at Jessie. Jessie gave her a watery smile, and Lizzy returned it.
“Come here, Lizzy,” she said softly, and a moment later she was in Jessie’s arms.
“I’m staying too,” Thomas exclaimed, having sat very quietly through this exchange.
“Of course you are!” Doug told him boisterously and scooped him into his arms. “Of course you are. I’m going to need help with the calves, and the kittens would miss you so much if you left. And, before you know it, you’ll be in school too.”
“Will I have a slate?”
“Yes, you will. Your very own.”
Thomas looked over at his sister. Lizzy was looking right back. The adults looked on as the two exchanged a smile of pure delight. Doug felt his throat clog all over again. He turned his face and laid his cheek against Thomas’ hair. It was all too wonderful to be real.
As much as he wanted to hold this child for hours on end, it was a relief when Jessie announced just a short time later that it was bedtime. Doug carried both children on his back amid much laughter, and after they left, Rusty felt too emotional to speak. Her eyes slid shut against a rush of tears.
You did it, Father, You worked a miracle in her heart. Thank You, Lord; thank You from the bottom of my heart.
Watching her from his seat, Chase remained quiet. His own prayers were much along the same vein.
“I think the children and I should go with you to the train.”
“Are you certain, Jessie?” Rusty questioned, concern lowering her brow. She and Doug had returned from seeing the children to bed, and she had wasted no time in telling Rusty what was on her mind.
“Yes. I’ve thought a lot about it, and Doug agrees.” She paused for just a moment. “I have this horrible image of Doug taking the two of you off tomorrow and the children and me here on the porch watching you go. I’m so afraid that one of them will turn to me and say they want to go too. And here I’ll be watching the dust of the wagon with nothing I can do about it.
“The train is more final. Doug and I will be together as we watch you leave. The children, Lizzy specifically, may have second thoughts, but the four of us can stay in town and make a day of it. We can take the children to the bank and set up savings accounts in their names, like we’ve always dreamed of doing. Then we’ll stop at the schoolhouse on the way home and talk with Miss Kay about the best time for Lizzy to start. I don’t want to bribe the children, but I honestly think it’s better this way.”
Rusty found herself looking at Chase. “How can I argue with that?”
“I don’t think you can,” he told Rusty, complimenting Jessie at the same time. “It’s an excellent idea.”
“I never got that train schedule from you, Mr. McCandles,” Rusty suddenly recalled. “What time do we need to leave?”
“The morning train pulls out at 8:25.”
“All right. I think we should be on it. Will that work for you?” Rusty asked, turning to her hosts.
“Certainly,” Doug assured her. “Whenever you need to leave.”
Conversation turned to the final preparations. Rusty had documents on the children’s births that she brought down from her room, as well as some papers from the orphanage for Doug and Jessie to sign. It was not late when Doug asked her if all was settled, but as soon as Rusty rechecked everything, she took herself off to bed, her heart still overflowing with thanks. Tired as she was, she did not fall right to sleep, but that was all right. The job was complete, and she knew nothing but peace. She took the next minutes to pray for each and every child still at the orphanage in Manitou. She got through the girls but fell asleep somewhere between Bradley Coffers and Jimmy Kettlesen.
Chase thought she might cry, but it didn’t happen. She was quiet while they found their seats and stowed their bags, but she did not cry. Even after the train pulled away and she waved to the children from the window, her eyes were dry. She had not exhibited signs of being the weepy type, but for some reason Chase still expected tears.
Even having seen otherwise, he still asked, “Are you all right?”
“Yes.” Her voice was soft, her eyes focused straight ahead. “It helped that the children were so pleased and Lizzy only bit her lip once. It also helped to see that glow in Jessie Davidson’s eyes.”
“They did look happy.”
It was the last thing either of them said for several minutes. The past days were starting to blur. So much had been seen and talked about; it was almost too much to take in. Rusty decided that she didn’t want to try. She turned to her seat companion and found him sitting quietly.
“Would you think me rude if I read for a time?”
“Not at all,” he told her kindly. “I have some papers I should go over. Is your book in your bag?”
“Yes.”
He fetched her handbag, which she decided to keep at her feet, as well as his own portfolio of papers, and both settled down to read. Almost 45 minutes passed in silence, whereupon Rusty’s stomach growled. She started a little and looked at Chase. The man was smiling.
“I think I forgot to eat breakfast,” she told him.
Chase only nodded. He had noticed how centered she was on the children at the breakfast table, leaving her own plate untouched, but remembered his resolve not to treat her as a child.
“Didn’t Jessie send some food?”
“Oh, yes,” Rusty brightened. “I’d forgotten.” Digging in her bag, she found the parcel of food and offered some to Chase. He declined. In the process Rusty noticed that he had put the papers away.
“All done with your work?” she asked before biting into a roll that Jessie had stuffed with beef and cheese.
“Yes. It’s nothing too urgent.”
“I’ve never asked you, Mr. McCandles—what type of business are you involved in?”
“Mostly land investments and developments.”
“Anything in particular?”
“It’s a wide range,” he told her, wondering if she knew he was a benefactor to the orphanage. “I own property in several cities in the state, but most are in Colorado Springs.”
“And do you always carry papers with you?”
“No, but I have a meeting coming up and thought I might need to go over them.”
“Whom will you meet with?”
“A rancher in Pueblo.”
“Pueblo?” Rusty’s face showed her distress. “Why, we were almost there. You could have gone right to your meeting.”
Chase felt himself blink. In his opinion she was not safe on her own, but he couldn’t tell her that. Indeed, when they arrived at Springs he would have to send her on alone—something that made him very uncomfortable.
“I hope my staying until today didn’t completely mess things up.”
“Not at all.” He stared down at her, finding her profile suddenly very distracting.
“Are you certain you don’t care for something to eat? Jessie sent plenty.”
“I’m certain. Thank you.”
“I thought you were staring at my sandwich,” she told him with a small shrug and smile.
Chase was again reminded of her innocence. “No, I ate plenty of breakfast. Jessie’s a good cook,” Chase said to take his mind off leaving her on her own in Colorado Springs. Sti
ll, it bothered him.
“Yes she is,” Rusty agreed with him. But Chase barely heard her.
“You’re taking the train to Boulder when we arrive, is that right?” He couldn’t let the matter drop.
“Yes. I’ll be home tonight.”
“Your parents’ home?”
“Yes.” Her smile was soft. “I haven’t seen them since Christmas.”
“Do you have siblings?”
“Three. Two sisters and a brother.”
“Let me guess—you’re the baby?”
Rusty smiled. “No, I’m the oldest. How about you?”
“I’m an only child.”
Rusty turned to him. “Are your parents still living?”
“My mother is. She used to live in Springs, but she moved to Texas about six years ago when she remarried.”
Although listening, Rusty put the lunch away, her movements all very proper and neat. They reminded Chase of her way with the children. The thought made him smile. Rusty chose that moment to look back at him.
For the space of several heartbeats, Rusty was taken with his face. He was smiling at her, his eyes kind, and Rusty couldn’t look away. Chase looked right back but didn’t comment. Still she studied him.
“Did I miss something?” he asked, his voice kind so she didn’t feel ashamed to be gawking at him.
“I was just thinking about your father.”
“My father?” His brows rose.
Rusty nodded. “I think he must have been very nice-looking,” she told him, her eyes young and honest.
It took a moment for Chase to understand that he’d been complimented, but such things were so foreign to him that he had no idea what to say.
“Would it bother you if I went back to my book now, Mr. McCandles?” she asked softly.
“Not at all.” Chase’s voice was equally soft.
Rusty picked it up and immediately turned to the correct page. Chase watched her for a minute and then shifted his attention to the others in the train car. His mind, however, was still wholly centered on the woman beside him.
9
Makepeace
The train pulled into the station at Makepeace just a short time later. Since Chase and Rusty had been riding for little more than an hour, neither one felt compelled to stand and stretch their legs. As the train moved to get back underway, their thoughts went to the homes to which each was heading. However, they didn’t reckon with mechanical trouble. Seconds after a loud metallic pop ricocheted off the depot, the train shuddered to a stop. The conductor came through announcing that there would be a delay and asking all passengers to disembark and take their carry-on baggage with them. Chase and Rusty naturally complied, gathering their bags and heading for the door. It was a small station and platform, and they were joined by two dozen other passengers, a few with children, others alone, and all carrying their baggage.