Lightning and Lace

chapter 4

That evening after dinner, Bonnie sat in the parlor with Michael Paul and Lydia Anne. She tried to concentrate on her middle son as he read his little sister a story, but Zack hadn’t returned, and her mind and body churned with every ticking of the clock. Michael Paul said nothing about his brother’s absence. Why should he? She’d already broken her promise. If she couldn’t stop Zack from going fishing, how could she stop him from bullying his brother and sister?

Outside, she heard a wagon stop in front of the house. Her worst fears assailed her. What if something had happened to Zack, and she’d been unable to hinder his plans? He could have slipped on the riverbank or been bitten by a cottonmouth. Why hadn’t she gone looking for him? Had she become so afraid of confrontation that she didn’t care what happened to her son?

“Would you like for me to answer the door?” Michael Paul said.

She glanced his way and saw the compassion in his eyes. Dear Michael Paul, at eight years old, wanted to shelter his mother. “I’ll see who’s come to visit,” she said. “But thank you. Your reading is very good.” Although she hadn’t heard a single word.

She made her way to the door. Footsteps sounded on the porch, and then the knock startled her. Bonnie took a deep breath and opened the door.

Oh, no, not the Hillmans. “Good evening, Sylvia, Lester. How kind of you to stop by.” She opened the door wide and smiled as they walked into her home.

“Oh, we won’t be long,” Sylvia said with a voice so soft and sweet that it must rival the heavenly host. “We simply wanted to see how you and the children are doing.”

“We’re managing very well. Come on into the parlor. Michael Paul has been reading to us.”

Lester glanced around, his contemptuous attitude dominating the room. “Where is that other strapping son of yours?”

“Zack went fishing and hasn’t returned.”

“I always catch the best fish at night.” Lester seated himself beside his wife on the sofa.

Bonnie held her breath and hoped her daughter didn’t say anything that Lester and Sylvia Hillman didn’t need to hear. “Lydia Anne, would you like to help me with coffee and apple pie for our guests?”

Juanita stood in the doorway. “No need, Miss Bonnie. I’ll bring it for you.”

“Thank you.” Bonnie continued to smile after Juanita disappeared. “I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

“I’m glad Mr. Kahler was able to provide for you long after his passing,” Sylvia said.

“Yes, ma’am.” Oh, why couldn’t she have visited without Lester like she’d done in the past?

Lester cleared his throat. “How is the ranch?”

“My foreman, Thomas Reynolds, does an excellent job of running things—and keeping me informed.”

“I’d be glad to go through the books for you,” Lester said. “You could bring them to me at the bank, or I’d be glad to ride out here.”

“I appreciate your offer, Lester, but I’m really fine. My time of grieving needs to end, and that means becoming more involved with the ranch. Actually, I’m excited about it.”

Bonnie didn’t need or want he town banker meddling in her affairs. She had enough problems without adding more.

“Your children are beautiful,” Sylvia said. “And they always look so nice.”

“Grandma made me a new dress,” Lydia Anne said.

“I’d love to see it.” Sylvia smiled into Bonnie’s face. “May I?”

Bonnie understood the woman’s need to be around children. She and Lester had none of their own, and the town’s children became a substitute. “Of course. Lydia Anne, would you like to show her?”

The little girl’s blue eyes danced. She slipped her hand into Sylvia’s and started up the stairs. A moment later, the back door slammed, and Bonnie realized Zack must have come home.

“I’ll see how many fish Zack caught,” Michael Paul said.

In the next moment, Bonnie was alone with Lester.

“I have a fine bottle of wine for you,” Lester said. “It’s in the back of the carriage.”

“Please, I don’t need any more. I’m sleeping quite well on my own without it.”

“Nonsense. It will calm you down after dealing with the children. I’ll get it and be back before Sylvia returns.”

He slipped out the door before she had an opportunity to protest further. Lester was used to people doing what he said, and Bonnie worried that he might tell others about supplying her with wine. She’d simply store it somewhere. She shuddered at the thought of her family discovering she’d been drinking. It was bad enough she’d begun accepting Lester’s gifts with the “just between us” agreement, but the drinking had gotten out of hand as the empty bottle proved this morning.

Lester returned with the wine, and Bonnie set it in the sideboard. Whatever would she do if Juanita found it? As soon as the Hillmans left and everyone was in bed, Bonnie would move the bottle upstairs.

“Please, no more,” she whispered. “I have no use for it.”

He chuckled. “Show me the full bottles, and I’ll stop bringing them.”

“This is the last time that I ask you politely to stop.”

“And how would the good reverend and his wife feel about your indulgence in spirits?”

A shiver raced up and down her arms. If Ben were alive, Lester would never speak to her in such a way. Voices from the kitchen seized her attention, and her thoughts flew to Zack.

“Six big fish,” Michael Paul said. “Where did you go?”

“Upstream a little,” Zack said. “Next time I’ll take you with me.”

Bonnie swallowed hard. How long before Michael Paul no longer sought her permission to do things? Suddenly life seemed to spin in all directions, as though she were a child’s toy. Her resolve from this morning flashed across her mind. She must reach out and grab hold of her life and those she loved. But how? Jesus, help me.

“Let’s see those fish,” Lester said. “I’m glad you allow Zack to do a few things on his own. He’s growing up, and a young man needs time to think about life and what he wants to do. I’d be glad to take him fishing or hunting.”

She clenched her fists. “Morgan and Grant can do those things.”

“But your brothers are busy men. Morgan’s law practice and Grant’s medical responsibilities don’t offer much time outside of their own families.”

“The reverend is looking forward to spending his days with the children.”

Lester smiled. She used to think he was a pleasing man to look at with dark eyes and hair like Ben. He and Sylvia had been through a rough time when he had fathered two boys by a woman who once owned the town’s brothel. The woman had left town with the children, and Lester had become more involved with church. He and Sylvia appeared happy, but Bonnie wondered. What would she do if he turned his affections to her? The possibility had not crept into her thoughts until tonight. His persistence with the wine alarmed her.

“I gave the reverend a sizable check this afternoon,” Lester said. “He said it would help with the orphans and widows—not you, of course.”

She despised the implication. This ended tonight.

I’m an Andrews. My daddy started the biggest ranch in the area before he died, and my mama built it on her own while raising three children.

If Mama did it, so can I.

*****

Travis had been in Kahlerville for two days. He’d been introduced to more people than he could remember. Most of them were skeptical about his new position, if not downright rude, and he understood taking the reverend’s place might ruffle a few feathers. Looked like he’d have to prove himself. The reverend had apologized more than once for the way he’d been treated, but each time Travis had reassured him that the transition would take time.

In a few short minutes, the reverend and Mrs. Rainer’s family were expected for dinner. He’d met Mrs. Kahler but not Morgan and Grant Andrews and their families. They were influential in the community, and he hoped to make them friends. The tantalizing aroma of roast beef and potatoes swirled up the stairs and moved him not to delay a moment longer. His stomach had rumbled for hours, and he’d spent a good bit of the afternoon in prayer for tonight. The sound of voices told him the time had come.

Travis made his way down the stairs and into the dining room. The reverend stood with his back to him amid a swarm of people. He saw Mrs. Kahler, but she was talking to another woman. Lord, help me here. He touched the reverend on his back. The introductions were about to begin.

“The food smells wonderful,” Travis said.

The reverend turned and grasped his hand. “Good. You’re here. Let me introduce you to everyone.”

“Do you think the new preacher is ready for us?” a man said. “After all, you’re asking him to put up with seven stubborn, independent adults and eight lively children.” He stuck out his hand. “Morgan Andrews. I’m the oldest of the clan. This beautiful, auburn-haired woman is my wife, Casey, and these are our children: Chad, Lark, and Daniel.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Travis listened to Grant Andrews introduce his dark-haired petite wife, Jenny, and their two little girls, Rebecca and Rachel. At least he’d already met Mrs. Kahler and her children.

Near the end of dinner, Travis placed his fork beside his plate and focused his attention on the reverend at the head of the table. “The folks here refer to you as Reverend Rainer or just Reverend. I’m not used to using that title and hoped you might suggest something.”

“What did they call you back home?” The reverend picked up a jar of apple butter.

“Mostly Brother Whitworth by the congregation and Brother Travis by close friends. Although some did call me Preacher.”

“What do you prefer?”

“Brother Whitworth to start with and then Brother Travis as soon as folks feel comfortable. I also think the name difference will help make it look like I’m not taking your place. What do the rest of you think?”

Heads nodded, and Travis relaxed slightly.

“I think that will work fine,” the reverend said.

“Do you plan on getting a haircut before Sunday?” Zack sneered.

“Zack Kahler.” Mrs. Kahler stood from the table. “Leave the room this instant.”

“Can I take my plate?” he said.

“No. You are finished with dinner.” Her face matched the white tablecloth.

Zack scooted his chair back, still snickering. He grabbed a biscuit and left the room, banging the outside door in his wake.

“I’m so sorry,” Mrs. Kahler said. “I need to take the children and go home.”

“Sit down, Bonnie. Leaving is exactly what Zack wants,” Morgan said. “I’ll go talk to him in a little bit.”

She slowly sat. Her shoulders lifted and fell.

“Perhaps I’m the one who needs to talk to him,” Travis said. “He and I started out badly.”

“Zack doesn’t get along with anyone,” Morgan said. “Don’t waste your time.”

Tension sparked the air.

“He’s grieving over Ben,” Mrs. Kahler said. “I know that is no excuse for his behavior, but—”

“You’re right.” Grant tossed his napkin on the table. “Every family dinner we have is spoiled by Zack’s impudent behavior.”

“And he’s getting worse. I heard what happened at school,” Morgan said.

“Maybe we should simply stay away.” Mrs. Kahler’s voice rose, and her lips quivered.

Travis wanted to hush the rising voices. He didn’t think this was the first time the siblings’ words had flown at each other over Zack’s behavior.

“What good would that do?” Mrs. Rainer said. “I’d rather we not discuss this any further tonight. Brother Travis is our guest, and the children don’t need to hear any of this.”

Travis stood. “I could take the children for a walk if you need to talk.”

“Are you saying that we should talk about Zack? I am quite capable of taking care of my own son’s behavior.” Mrs. Kahler’s cheeks flamed red.

Travis sensed his own face growing warm beneath his beard. “Mrs. Kahler, I’m attempting to be accommodating. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“The problem is that none of you have any sympathy for what the poor child or my other children have gone through in losing their father.” Mrs. Kahler stiffened.

Morgan shook his finger in his sister’s face. “He is no longer a child, Bonnie. And you may not have noticed, but Michael Paul and Lydia Anne are well behaved. Zack is fighting and causing trouble wherever he goes.” He stopped abruptly and glanced at Travis, then his mother. “I apologize for this outburst. You’re right. Our discussion is not appropriate for our guest or our children.”

“And I apologize, too,” Grant said. “We’re not helping the situation at all.”

“Well, you can continue your dinner in peace, because the Kahlers are leaving.” Bonnie nodded at Michael Paul and Lydia Anne. In the next instant, the three were gone from the table and out the front door.

The reverend rubbed his face. No one said a word.

“I lost my temper,” Morgan said. “I just heard an earful from Chad and Lark before we got here. Guess I was already angry.” He gave each of his children a stern look. “All of you are old enough to understand that you don’t repeat family business.”

“Yes, sir,” the three echoed.

Grant’s daughters said nothing. Travis believed they were afraid to speak.

“Brother Travis, I hope the rest of your congregation is easier to deal with than we are,” Morgan said. “I was fixin’ to offer my help with whatever you need, but I have a feeling we need you more than you need us.”