Lightning and Lace

chapter 17

“Brother Travis?”

Travis whirled around to face Frank Kahler’s wife, Ellen. She bounced a fussy Frank Jr. on her hip. All the others who had attended Sunday morning worship had left. Frank stood outside. Must be waiting on his wife. “Is there something I can do for you?”

The moment he stared into her eyes, he knew she’d learned the truth about his past in Tennessee. His face grew warm and hers reddened.

“I believe you must have heard from your folks in Tennessee,” he finally said.

“Yes, sir. And I’m real sorry about what happened to you. Doesn’t seem right for a body to be treated that way.”

“It was my own fault. I’ll resign this very day. No point in waiting around and deceiving the folks at Piney Woods Church any longer.”

Ellen’s face blanched. “No, please. I’d never have said a word if I thought you’d consider leaving. Frank and I don’t look at the situation as your fault. We decided no one needs to learn about your misfortune. God gave you a second chance, and we want to honor all of your hard work. You’re the perfect preacher for Piney Woods.”

Relief crept over him, but with it came an air of guilt. “I’ll tell the congregation.”

“Not on account of us, Brother Travis. What went on in Tennessee is no one’s business.”

He smiled into the face of a godly woman. “I have to be truthful to those who have befriended me.”

She shook her head. “No need. No need at all. But there’s something I want to share with you, and then you’ll understand why Frank and I feel like we do. If not for the reverend and Mrs. Rainer, I’d be living at Heaven’s Gate today or, worse yet, living in another town and not owing my every breath to Jesus.” She kissed her son’s cheek. “I worked in a brothel until a few years ago when the reverend and Mrs. Rainer offered me a place to live rather than to continue in sin. Frank’s parents gave me a job at their general store, and I met Frank. I got my second chance, and you deserve yours.”

“I had no idea.” Travis wondered if Felicia could have been as fine a woman as Ellen Kahler. He hoped so. He prayed she still remembered her promise to love the Lord for the rest of her life.

“Frank and I thought it best if you knew about us. Everyone else does, but we thought our story might make you feel a little better.”

“And what exactly did you learn about me?”

“Enough to know it’s no one’s business that your last church asked you to leave because you wanted to marry a woman they didn’t approve of.”

He smiled. Ellen’s accounting of what happened didn’t sound as bad coming from her. “I’m real glad for your and Frank’s friendship.” He touched little Frank’s bald head. “I believe this one has the finest parents I’ve ever met.”

“Then you’ll promise me you won’t do anything foolish about what we know?”

He paused to consider what she said. “For now, I’ll keep what happened to myself.”

She bid him good day and left the church. Travis glanced about at the empty pews that every Sunday and Wednesday held more people. The Holy Spirit was working in this church. Why, one of the young men had surrendered to a call to the ministry, and Travis was spending time discipling him.

The choir had grown—even if Miss Scott’s voice hadn’t improved. Tonight, he and Michael Paul planned to sing their song. Travis preferred the duet to take place on a Sunday morning, but Michael Paul had balked.

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” the boy had said. “I think I’d do better when it’s dark outside.”

Travis chuckled. “What makes you think darkness will make your song any better?”

“I heard tell a dog howls when the choir is practicin’ on Wednesday nights. I might need me a singin’ dog.”

Travis laughed until tears rolled down his cheeks. Poor Miss Scott.

The afternoon passed quickly, and as usual, Travis looked forward to the evening service. The folks were in for a real treat. Michael Paul’s voice was clear and rarely off key. Already, he envisioned the boy playing piano and singing for many services to come.

Michael Paul arrived early—a little pale.

“Are you ready to sing for God and these folks?” Travis said.

“I think so, sir, but I’m a little weak-kneed.”

“You are going to do just fine. The folks tonight will be blessed.”

“We’re singing my papa’s favorite song. He’ll be happy to hear it.”

“‘Blessed Assurance’ is a fine hymn. And your papa will clearly enjoy your solo on the second verse.”

“I hope so. I think Mama will be pleased, too.”

“She will. Now take your seat on the front row and ask God to chase away those doubts.”

Zack had entered the church and stood quietly while the two talked. “I’ll sit with you. I don’t want to miss any of it.”

Travis grinned. Oh, he remembered the times when his brothers were beside him when he needed them. He also remembered when they weren’t. “I’ll nod at you when it’s our turn. Imagine you’re standing before God, and He’s asked you to sing ‘Blessed Assurance.’ Open your heart to the song He’s given you, and it will be perfect.”

He wanted Bonnie to be very pleased. When did he start referring to her as Bonnie instead of Mrs. Kahler? Shouldn’t all the glory go to God? I’m sorry, Lord. He was attracted to her, and it scared him like a trapped rabbit. She’d never feel the same about him, especially with the way he’d changed his looks.

Let her see your heart.

Travis recognized the voice. Confusion rushed over him like a chilling rain. Later he’d think about what God meant. Right now he had a sermon to give and a song to sing with Michael Paul.

The moment Michael Paul reached the first note of his solo, perfection swept through his voice, and the crowd hushed. Travis hated to join back in. Tears filled the womenfolk’s eyes, and wide smiles spread across the men’s faces. When they finished, Jake Weathers pulled his arthritic knees up and clapped.

“Some say it ain’t right to clap in church, but I’m clappin’ for the fine voice God has given this boy—by golly, given to both of you.”

Others joined in. Travis was proud, as proud as if Michael Paul were his very own son.

*****

Bonnie stepped out of Morgan’s law office into a chilling rain. She raised her umbrella and frowned—not at the nasty weather, but at the man approaching her. Lester Hillman. The mere sight of him made her want to take a trip to the outhouse. God forgive her, but Zack was right. The man had an evil streak, and it seemed the only people in town who were aware of it were she and Zack.

He tipped his very expensive hat while holding an umbrella. “Good morning, Mrs. Kahler. You look lovely today.”

“Thank you.”

“I hear Zack is doing well under Brother Whitworth’s tutelage.”

“Indeed he is. We are all quite encouraged.” Why couldn’t Lester be this mannerly all the time?

“I miss our little visits.”

“Pardon me?”

“You know exactly what I mean.” His voice sounded low and seductive. “We could have had some pleasant times if you hadn’t been so prim and proper.”

Bonnie reached up to slap his face, but he caught her wrist.

“You are a filthy pig,” she said. “How do you run the bank when you’re so busy preying on women?”

“What do you mean by that? You’re attracted to me, and you know it. Sylvia never need learn about it.”

The door of the law office swung open. “Get your hands off my sister.”

“Maybe you should teach her some manners.” Lester released her wrist, but his face brimmed with arrogance.

“You might think you can tell other folks in this town what to do, but not the Andrews family.” Morgan’s voice roared above the rain.

Lester chuckled. “Ask your sister about her affair with Brother Whitworth.”

This time Bonnie did slap him. “Take your lies and get out of my way. Why Sylvia puts up with the likes of you amazes me.”

Morgan grabbed him by the collar. “If I ever hear of you speaking to my sister like this again or threatening her name, I’ll personally escort you out of town.”

“You and your brother have always been good at taking the law into your own hands.”

“The law speaks for me when it comes to the likes of you.”

Lester laughed. “Imagine what the good folks of this town will think when they learn the new preacher and the Widow Kahler are having an affair—and Morgan Andrews condones it.”

“You disgusting liar,” Bonnie said. “Who would ever believe you?”

“All those fine folks who have allowed me to take care of them when they didn’t have the money for food or doctoring.” Lester whirled around and stepped out across the street.

Bonnie clenched her fists. Lester had people fooled, but the truth always had a way of surfacing.

“Little sister, if he ever approaches you, I want to know about it.”

“I’d be glad to let you know, if I don’t stick his backside with the other end of a pitchfork first.”

Shock registered across his face. “When did you get that spunk?”

“When I realized a small stick of dynamite could tear up a lot of ground.” She turned toward Lester making his way across the mud-filled street. “Morgan, thanks for what you did. I don’t like that man, and God forgive me if that’s wrong.” She swung her attention back to her brother.

“You’re not alone.”

His words were a comfort. “He’s capable of spreading gossip. With Brother Travis keeping Zack, folks could easily believe his lies.”

Morgan’s gaze swept beyond her, as though his thoughts were in the past. “You’d think he’d be grateful for the town’s forgiving nature after what he did to Sylvia.”

“Lester doesn’t understand anything but what he can do for himself.” Bonnie fretted over telling Morgan about the wine. She chose not to. “Should I speak with Brother Travis about Lester’s threat?”

Morgan hesitated. “Maybe so. I can visit with him for you.”

“No, thank you. I can do this.” She smiled despite the dire circumstances. “Your little sister should have grown up a long time ago. Morgan, you’re soaked.”

He glanced at his wet jacket and trousers. “I was so mad that I didn’t take notice.”

She shook her head and twisted the knob on his office door. “Best you get inside, or you’ll catch your death of cold.”

Morgan grinned. “For a moment there, I thought I was dealing with Mama.”

“Thank you.” And she meant it. In his dry office, Bonnie set her umbrella on the floor. Water splattered around it.

“Michael Paul did a fine job last Sunday night with his song,” Morgan said.

She nodded. “Brother Travis has helped us in more ways than I could list.”

He studied her curiously, but she continued.

“That’s why I want him to hear about Lester’s accusation from me. I’ll stay on the porch to keep wagging tongues from having any more kindling.”

*****

Travis smelled something horrible—like burning beans. He should have learned by now that he couldn’t tend to more than one thing at a time. He jumped up from the table and carried the pot from the cookstove to the back porch.

“There goes dinner again.” Zack lifted his head from his reading. “I think God is punishing you.”

Frustration inched through Travis. He stepped back inside and glared at Zack. “And why is He punishing me?”

“Shakespeare. No one should be forced to read this.”

“Maybe God is punishing you, because now all we have for dinner is eggs and bread with no butter.”

Zack laughed. Good. Very good. A boy needed to laugh.

“When are we going fishing?” Zack said.

“Not today. It’s pouring down rain.”

“I was thinking about Saturday—maybe asking Michael Paul and Lydia Anne to go along.”

A warm sensation traversed through Travis’s heart. “A fine idea. Real fine. Hope it’s all right with your mama.”

“She’ll welcome it, and she can fry up some tasty fish.”

“Maybe I need to take lessons.”

Zack eyed him curiously. “Brother Travis, why do you wear clothes that are too big? And the only time you wear your spectacles is when we go somewhere. Seems like you stumble more with ’em on than without.”

How do I get out of this mess without lying? “Oh, a man sometimes has to do things to get by.”

The puzzled look on Zack’s face told Travis that he hadn’t satisfied the boy at all.

“I mean when the time is right, things will be different.”

“You make no sense at all,” Zack said.

Travis glanced up. “Mercy, your mama’s here. We can ask her about going fishing on Saturday.”

“See. God wants us to go fishing.”

Travis punched Zack lightly on the arm before answering the door. Bonnie wore a deep blue skirt and a lacy white blouse with buttons. The rain dripped off her umbrella, but she looked beautiful. She always did.

“How are you this afternoon?” he said. “Staying dry?”

She looked pale and offered a shaky smile. “I think I’ve been better.”

Zack made his way onto the front porch and gave his mother a hug. “Do you need to talk to Brother Travis alone?”

“Yes, son, I do.”

“I’ll just take a walk over to Grandma and Grandpa’s.”

Travis crossed his arms over his chest. “In the rain? Are you going to get an invite for dinner?”

“My grandma recognizes a starving boy when she sees one.”

Travis shook his head. “Get going then, but you aren’t finished with Shakespeare.”

He grinned. “Mama, can Michael Paul and Lydia Anne go fishing with me and Brother Travis on Saturday?”

“Brother Travis and me,” Travis said.

Bonnie smiled. “Of course. I’ll pack you a picnic lunch.”

Zack planted a kiss on her cheek and bounded off the porch and into the downpour. Bonnie sighed and glanced around. “He’s doing so well. Heaven will bless you for your hard work.”

I was blessed the moment you arrived. “Come inside out of the rain, Bonnie. What do you need to talk about?”

“I best stay out here on the porch. Doesn’t look proper for me to be inside your house without Zack.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry to make the invite.”

She sighed. “Lester Hillman is not happy with me. You know the story.”

“Yes, ma’am. Is he trying to get you to drink again?”

“Worse than that. When I refused to see him, he said a few things that were not appropriate. Then he threatened me.”

Travis felt his face redden. “Then we need to talk to the sheriff or your brothers.”

“No need. Morgan was there. I—I hit him. I mean Lester. Slapped him across the face. I suppose that was a sin, but it sure felt good.”

He wanted to laugh. The idea of tiny Bonnie walloping big old Lester was better than lit candles on a Christmas tree.

“In front of the town’s lawyer? Your brother? In the rain?”

Her eyes widened. “Are you making fun of me?”

“Yes.”

“At least you’re honest.”

“Have to be. I’m a preacher.”

Her lips turned up, and she began to laugh. His began as a chuckle, then a roar.

“Did you flatten him in the street?” Travis finally said.

“No. But I thought he’d look quite dandy in the mud.” Suddenly she sobered. “He was really angry. He said that you and I . . . Well, you and I were—”

Travis understood exactly what Lester had insinuated. “Were behaving shamelessly?”

She stared at her folded hands. “That’s it exactly. I wanted to warn you because he might tell others.”

He rubbed his palms together. No man should be allowed to bully a woman. “Maybe I should have a talk with him.”

“Might make it worse.”

“Lester’s not happy with me, either.” Lord, is it going to happen again? But this is different, isn’t it? Bonnie is good and kind and respectable.

“Do I dare ask why?”

“He tried to tell me how to manage the church, and I refused to follow his direction.”

“I see. Is there anything my family can do?”

She tilted her head, and he grew even warmer. Travis needed help. This woman had stolen his heart, and he couldn’t do a thing about it.

“Nothing except pray. Lester’s like a drowning man. I want to see him get saved, but he has to reach out for help.” He thought about the many people who didn’t know what Jesus had done for them. “I could give a few sermons about the evils of gossip.”

“That might help. Everyone knows Lester gives a lot to the church,” she said. “Some folks befriend him because of it.”

“But that doesn’t mean it’s his church. It’s not mine, either. The church belongs to God. He’ll handle Lester. In the meantime, we need to be ready for whatever he throws our way.”

“I’d rather have the devil throw dirt in my face.”

Would this woman never cease to amaze him? “You and I have a way of upsetting Lester. I’m not concerned.” But he was. The problem could explode like the situation at his other church.

“This is not exactly an enjoyable thing to have in common.” She moistened her lips. “I guess we have two. I forgot about Zack.”

“Zack is getting better—and at times he’s good company.”

She giggled. “I ought to cry over this, and here I am laughing.”

“It’s the best medicine. I imagine Doc Grant says that.”

She nodded, but her eyes misted. He wanted to take her hand and tell her Lester Hillman would never bother her again, but he couldn’t guarantee that. If the truth surfaced, Travis wasn’t much better of a man than Lester.