by Lori Wick
Eddie chose that moment to ask Chase a question. His train of thought was interrupted, so he was never given a chance to ask himself why he thought he needed a woman like Rusty and not Rusty herself.
“Does he have a toy train?” Rusty asked.
“I don’t know.”
Rusty bit her tongue. If Mr. McCandles said “I don’t know” one more time, Rusty thought she might become violent. They had left the Langleys more than an hour ago, and even taken Jackie home before attempting to shop, but they were no further along in their endeavor. Rusty was becoming more frustrated by the moment. She knew Chase was not involved in his son’s life, and she knew they shared little, but unreasonable as it was, she still expected him to know what toys the child had.
“Did you notice if he had a train?” Chase asked Rusty.
She shook her head. “We spent most of the day out-of-doors and then reading his books. I did notice that he doesn’t have any little stuffed animals—you know, something to cuddle at night.”
Rusty didn’t go on as she might because Chase was already shaking his head.
“My wife didn’t want Quintin to become attached to toys. She thought that people were more important. I have given Mrs. Harding instructions about switching Quintin’s toys often.”
Rusty could have wept but told herself not to break down. Her emotions hovered right under the surface, but she knew she must keep calm and think clearly on this shopping trip.
“I understand your wife’s viewpoint, Mr. McCandles,” Rusty replied kindly, for indeed this belief was not new to her. “I think that in many cases that approach can be wise, but Quintin’s mother is gone, and you travel often. I can’t help but wonder if a little cuddle toy isn’t just what he needs.”
Chase’s eyes had been on the items on the shelves, but they now swung to Rusty. Carla had been adamant on the subject, but of course that was when Quintin was very young. What would she say now? What type of mother would she be now?
“Have I said something out of line, Mr. McCandles?”
“No.” Barely aware of the way she looked right back at him, he realized how odd his behavior must seem. “No, you haven’t. I was just thinking.”
Chase reached for a tiny figure of a bear. It was very cute but made of porcelain. While he weighed it in his hands, Rusty handed him a stuffed dog. He looked up at her in surprise.
“It’s no fun sleeping with a bear that feels like a lump of glass,” she explained. “The dog is cuddly.”
Chase couldn’t stop his smile. She was being fierce again. She was doing an admirable job hiding it, but the bantam rooster in her was coming out. Chase replaced the bear and held the dog in both hands.
“This doesn’t really look like a dog.”
“Tell me about the last gift you took to Quintin,” Rusty requested softly.
Chase shrugged. “I don’t think I ever have.”
“In that case, the last thing on his mind will be whether this toy really looks like a dog.” That was when Rusty spotted another plush toy—a bear. His face was very grumpy, but he was cute nonetheless. She handed it to Chase.
“I think this one might be better. He’ll remind Quintin of his father.”
Chase looked down into the scowling face and tried not to smile. She was being downright insulting, but he still wanted to laugh. And the bear was cute.
“I’ll take the bear,” he said at last, his voice dry as he gave as good as he got. “And not because of my sour moods. It will remind me of how many times I got frowned at during this shopping trip.”
Now it was Rusty’s turn to hide a smile. She stayed in the aisle with the toys while Chase turned for the front counter. There were a few more items of interest to her. She looked them over, but her heart was not on the toys. She meandered to the end of the row, and from there she could see Chase as he paid the proprietor.
If her cousin and sisters were any indication, Chase McCandles should be the man of her dreams. Rusty stood watching him, her heart in a muddle. He was leaving Monday, and she would probably never see him again. She couldn’t tell right now if she was pleased about that or not. No one heard her soft sigh. By the time Chase joined her, she managed to school her features and cover the myriad emotions inside.
21
“How was your meeting with Robert?”
“It went very well, thank you. There’s a piece of land I’m looking at,” Chase explained to Clayton after dinner that night. “I have houses in mind right now, but I’m open to other suggestions. Your brother-in-law knows the man who owns the tract and thinks he’ll be interested in selling.”
“Are you thinking of moving there yourself ?”
“No, and it’s strictly speculation at this point. To tell you the truth, I’m in no hurry. I’ve also met very briefly with a land agent in town. He’s looking into the matter for me.”
“But Robert was open to financing this for you?”
Chase hesitated but then explained. “Actually, I wasn’t seeing Robert about financing. I’d heard that he owned the land. He’s the one who put me in touch with the agent.”
“That’s great,” Clayton said sincerely. “I hope it will bring you into our area more often.”
“I could live with that. Boulder is a beautiful city.”
“I quite agree with you.” Clayton glanced toward the window and commented on how dark it was getting. He reached for the lantern that sat next to them on the kitchen table and turned it higher.
“I think Jackie is in the living room. Shall we join her?”
“Certainly.”
They moved to that room to find it dark. There was a tiny bit of light coming from the window in the front door, but it was quite dim. Jackie’s lone figure could be made out on the sofa.
“How come you’re sitting here in the dark?” Clayton asked as soon as he set the lantern down. Both men watched her smile and set her book aside.
“Is it dark already? I can’t say that I noticed.”
Clayton dropped a kiss onto her head before lighting the lamps and stoking the fire. He joined her on the sofa, and Chase took the rocking chair.
“Where are the kids?”
“I think Rusty and Clare are talking in Clare’s room, and Dana said something about a report on India.”
“What about Les?”
“Didn’t he tell us he was headed to Pastor’s house?”
“Oh, that’s right.”
“Did you need him?”
“No, but I wish he could hear this. Chase and I were just talking about the land he’s interested in.”
“Where is the land, Mr. McCandles?” Jackie asked.
Chase explained the location and his present plans. Jackie and Clayton had many more questions, and Chase, having clearly thought it all out, had an answer for nearly every one.
“I’ve never felt like this in my life, Rusty,” her sister Clare admitted to her. “I want to get out and see things. We go to Denver every year, and of course we visit Grandmother and Grandfather in Georgetown, but I just feel so empty inside.” Tears filled the younger girl’s eyes. “Even Manitou would be a change of pace. I’m kind of jealous of you.”
“What exactly are you looking for, Clare?” Rusty asked kindly.
“Just people, I guess. I’m studying my Bible right now more than ever, and I think the Lord has really helped me with my tongue and attitude, and that has helped me get closer to more people at school this year. Mother and Papa have both noticed, but the more I study, the more I long for something else. We’re studying India right now in geography, and I want to go there. I want to touch the sand and feel the heat of the day. I want to see the people and experience their life.”
“Maybe that’s what you’re supposed to do, Clare,” Rusty said simply. “Maybe that’s where God wants you. If you’re sinning in your discontentment, then you know that can’t be from God, but maybe this restlessness is to help you let go of home because you’re not supposed to stay here forever.”
/> “You’re the second person to say that to me,” Clare admitted quietly.
“Who was the first?”
“Papa.”
Rusty nodded and smiled. “I’m so glad you talked to him, Clare. He’s got such a huge heart. I know he cries every time I leave—Mother wrote and told me so—but he’s never tried to hold me back. When I had a heart to go and be with those children, he wrote to Paddy and Sammy immediately. And now this. I wouldn’t be too surprised if Papa hasn’t talked with Pastor Henley already to see if he knows anyone in India with whom you could correspond.”
“Do you really think so, Rusty? Would he do that?”
“That’s just what he would do. If I were you, I’d bring it up again, ask him if he has any suggestions for you. After all, you’re finished with school next month. Mother and Papa both know you’ll be needing something to do.”
“I’m supposed to work for Mrs. Wood this summer.” The 17-year-old was clearly not thrilled with the prospect.
“Mrs. Helen Wood?”
“Yes, I was going to write and tell you, but I just never did.”
“How did that come about?”
“She broke her leg this winter and is still off her feet. Her live-in housekeeper is leaving this summer for two whole months, and she needs someone to come in during the day. There was an announcement at church, and without even taking time to think, I volunteered.”
Rusty smiled and then laughed in delight.
“I don’t think it’s funny, Rusty. She’s in her seventies, and I’m dreading the whole thing.”
“Oh, Clare.” Her sister grabbed her hand. “God is so good. Don’t you know who she is? Don’t you remember anything about this woman? She came and talked to us in school one time.”
Clare frowned in concentration and then shook her head no.
“Helen Wood has been all over the world,” Rusty said with soft excitement. “If you’ve a yearning to travel to India, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if she’s been there.”
“Are you serious, Rusty?”
“Yes,” her sister told her with a huge smile. “God knew just where you needed to be, Clare Melissa Taggart. I don’t know what she’s like now, but at one time I thought Helen Wood was the most exciting person I’d ever known.”
Clare looked like she could laugh and cry all at the same time. She hugged Rusty and then jumped to her feet.
“I’ve got to tell Dana.”
“Okay,” Rusty said on a laugh, finding Clare’s excitement contagious. “I’m going to head downstairs. You and Dana should come pretty soon. This is Mr. McCandles’ last night.”
“Okay,” Clare called breathlessly as she dashed from the room. Rusty followed until she reached the stairway and then joined the adults in the living room. It wasn’t more than ten minutes before Dana and Clare came as well. Business talk was put aside long enough for Clare to tell her parents what Rusty had said about Mrs. Wood. Her father confirmed the facts and added a few of his own. By the time Leslie joined them and they had decided on a board game to play, Clare was floating on a cloud.
The train station was routinely busy for early on a Monday morning. Chase stood still, waiting for his call to board, his ticket tucked safely into the pocket of his shirt. It was hard to believe the weekend was over. He was a little tired after three late nights with the family, but you wouldn’t have known it by looking at him. He was freshly shaved and bathed and already thinking about the journey home. The only one up early that morning had been Clayton, but he had still managed to put a filling meal into his guest.
It was a little chilly, so Chase moved around some, not wanting his feet to get cold. That was when he spotted her. Coming toward him at a breakneck speed was Rusty. Her hair was slightly wild around her face, and her eyes were sleepy, but they lit up when she saw him.
“I thought I might have missed you,” she said breathlessly, a full smile in place as she stepped in front of him. “I meant to get up and tell you goodbye and to thank you one last time for everything you’ve done.”
“You’re welcome,” he said graciously. “Especially considering how late we all retired.”
“Well,” Rusty replied, at her logical best, “you were up just as late, but you still managed to get up.”
“This is true,” he said seriously and smiled at her.
“Will you tell Quintin I said hello?”
“I certainly will.”
Rusty opened her mouth to say something but then shut it again.
“Was there something else?” Chase had been watching her closely.
“Yes,” she admitted, “but it’s presumptuous on my part.”
“I doubt if you’ll offend me.”
Rusty bit her lip.
Chase’s brows rose in question, his eyes holding hers. Rusty’s comment finally came out in a whisper.
“I just hope you won’t take the bear away from him.”
Chase nodded, his face understanding. “I’ve thought a lot about that, Katherine, and I have to tell you honestly that I do plan to tell Mrs. Harding that Quintin is to keep this bear, but because he’s never been allowed to form attachments to toys, I’m not sure he’ll warm up to it.”
Rusty nodded. She had not thought of this. Her heart beat a little slower now with sadness, but she worked at not showing this to Mr. McCandles. That was no way to say goodbye to anyone.
“Well, we tried,” she said at last, her smile forced but back in place.
“I’ll be sure to tell him that we chose the gift together. He’ll enjoy knowing that.”
“But won’t that diminish some of the specialness of your taking him a gift?”
“I don’t think so,” he spoke sincerely. Chase might have gone on in an effort to convince her, but his train was called.
“That’s your train, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is. Thank you for coming to see me off, Katherine.”
“Thank you for coming,” she said right back. With that she stuck out her hand, and Chase shook it without thinking. He made himself turn and walk away right then, wondering if he should have followed his heart and given her a hug. He boarded the train and sat by the window so he could look out. She was still standing where he’d left her. When she found him at the window, he waved and noticed that she made no move to leave.
The young men gathered around her in the alley flashed through his mind again. The train jerked into motion, and Chase glanced one more time to see Rusty wave again. She was out of sight just seconds later, and by the time the train picked up speed, he had convinced himself that the only reason he felt regret about leaving was because he still thought he could have done a better job taking care of her. With this firmly rooted in his mind, Chase reached for the newspaper he had purchased and settled in for the ride.
“Did you get there in time?” Clayton asked his daughter the minute she came back in the door.
“Yes. We talked for a few minutes, and then his train was called.”
Clayton watched as she poured herself a cup of coffee and joined him across the table. Clayton put his paper aside and smiled at her.
“Sorry to see him go?”
“A little, and I don’t know why.”
“Well, you care for him, don’t you?”
“Yes, but we barely know each other.”
“Sometimes it’s like that, Rusty,” Clayton said softly. “Instant attraction. It certainly was between your mother and me.”
“You’re starting to sound like Dana.”
“What did she have to say?”
Rusty rolled her eyes. “As if we hadn’t stayed up late enough as it was, after the game last night she tells me she has to talk to me.”
“And?”
“According to Dana, I am going to marry the man.”
“Well, considering the fact that Dana is not prescient, I don’t think you need to worry about it. But why do you find her suggestion so outrageous?”
Rusty cocked her head to one side and listed
the reasons on her fingers. “For one thing he lives in Springs and I live in Manitou. He’s older than I am. He’s a businessman who travels a good deal and has a son he barely knows. I have no idea what I feel right now, and most importantly, I can see that he’s not interested in me at all.”
“Now there you’re wrong, Rusty.”
The coffee cup stopped on the way to Rusty’s mouth. “What do you mean? Has he spoken to you?”
“He didn’t have to.”
She set the cup back down and looked at her father.
“Don’t misunderstand me, honey. I’m not saying he’s getting ready to propose, but Chase McCandles is very interested in you. He’s not the first man certainly, but he is the first man whom you seem interested in as well.”
Rusty stared down at the table. She was interested, but right now she was having a hard time recognizing Mr. McCandles’ interest. He was kind and very caring, but she didn’t see that as romantic fascination. And if her father did, what had he seen? She was about to ask him when he had a question for her.
“Can you tell me what you meant when you said he doesn’t know his son?”
Rusty sighed. “It’s true. He has this huge home and a full staff, including a nanny for Quintin, but he simply doesn’t know him. They don’t talk, they don’t hug, they don’t do anything together that has meaning. Mr. McCandles doesn’t know what toys his son has and doesn’t seem to want to know.” Again she sighed. “I am interested in him, but I think I’m angry at myself for caring about a man who could have so little regard for his child.”
“Does he see it, Rusty? What you described to me—is Chase aware of it?”
“I don’t think so. I would love to show him what a lovable little boy he has, but it’s not my place.”
Clayton’s hand suddenly covered Rusty’s. “I know you, Rusty. I know you well. And I’m going to say something you must heed. I don’t know if God has a future for you and Chase, but you must not become interested in the man because you love the little boy. That’s not fair to any of you. If ever you find yourself at the receiving end of Chase McCandles’ attentions, and you accept them, you must do so out of love for him, not because you want to rescue Quintin.”