A Texas Legacy Christmas (15 page)

She nodded and blinked. “Since you’ve come back to Kahlerville, I’ve seen the hand of God. You’ve taken the challenges presented to you and not given up.” She shrugged. “You’ve inspired me to seek the Lord more closely, and for that I thank you. And I also see how God has used my past to help with the twins. I’ve been homeless without a parent, and so have they.”

“You humble me, Chloe. I don’t know quite what to say.”

She shook her head. “Nothing. I said what was on my heart.”

“Living our faith is never easy but always so worth it to please our God.”

She pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed her nose. “Did you find it difficult living your faith in New York?”

“I found it hard at times, but as soon as I made a decision to get involved with a good church, it became easier. My problem was a young woman who caught my attention. She attended the same church, and we saw each other socially for a short while. Later I learned she was searching for a wealthy husband, and I no longer held her interest. I thought I’d never be the same again, but I realized she didn’t have a relationship with the Lord.” He paused. “I wouldn’t have found you if God hadn’t stepped in.”

“I’m very glad.” Her cheeks flushed, and she glanced away. “But I’m also thankful to hear you aren’t perfect.”

He laughed. “Oh, we are a good pair. Interesting how each one of us has a story. The twins are learning abut Jesus, and I pray for the day when they desire a personal relationship with Him.”

“I think it’s a legacy that we all have to pass on to the next generation.”

Would she be a part of his legacy? He hoped so. He’d have said more about the importance of her life linked with his, but he didn’t feel this was the right time. Not with her needing to talk to his dad. His desires sounded selfish, and she needed to have peace with God first before she could contemplate a life with Zack.

The next morning before the boarders were ready for breakfast, Chloe reflected on the previous day with Zack and her conversation with Brother Whitworth. He’d helped her walk through her bitterness in a way that not only brought her peace but also helped her to understand herself a little better.

Before yesterday, trusting Zack was a whole lot easier than trusting God. She loved Him. She served Him, but she couldn’t help but think that He’d created the universe, sent Jesus to this miserable world, then sat back and watched. After all, where was God when her mother died? Where was God when her father drank himself to death and burned down the house? Where was God when Eli Scott threatened her? She asked all of those questions of Brother Whitworth, and he responded honestly with scripture.

She stared out into the empty dining room with serenity filling her whole being and her heart lingering on a brighter future. Zack could have turned from her in disgust yesterday when she confessed her problem with God. Instead, he listened and helped. She was so very fortunate to have his attention. She paused in her thinking. She wasn’t fortunate but blessed.

Lord, thank You for moving me to give You all of my life, even the parts that hurt. Help me to love You more. I forgive my mother for leaving me and Pa for grieving so that he despised me. I also forgive Eli and all those who have hurt me with their words and actions.

“Are you all right, Miss Chloe?” Simeon said in the kitchen doorway. “I sure hate to see you crying.”

She whisked away the tears. “I’m fine. Simply happy.”

“Love will do that to you. Makes you laugh and cry at the same time.”

“Yes, it will. I’m grateful to God for all the things He’s given me.”

“I’m powerfully beholding to Him myself. Me and Miss Annabelle, well, I think we’ve found something special. Here I am an old man and clearly as in love as a schoolboy.”

“I think Miss Scott is partial to schoolboys.” She gave him a teasing smile.

He laughed. “I’m glad she finds me fittin’. I want to make her happy every day of her life.”

Chloe started to weep again but hastily sent the tears on their way. “I hope everything works out for you. You and Miss Scott are two of the finest people I know.” She smiled through watery eyes. “I keep dreaming for myself, but I’m afraid I’ll wake up and find out these past weeks with Zack haven’t been real—as though I’ve been living in a fairy tale.” For once she didn’t care if Simeon knew her heart had toppled for Zack Kahler. “He’s been my Prince Charming ever since I was a little girl.”

Simeon scratched his whiskered jaw. “I’ve listened to Miss Annabelle read those fairy tales to Curly and Charlie. Seems to me that every one of them is about someone fightin’ to make sure life is good. Yer a fighter, Miss Chloe, and whatever comes your way is nothin’ for the blessin’s the good Lord is planning to give you.”

Maybe Simeon should have been a preacher instead of a cook. No surprise at all that Miss Scott had found her one true love in an apron-covered, weathered old man who had more sense than a dozen other men put together.

*****

One more time Zack proofread the article about the local thief who had captured the hearts of various townspeople. He liked the human interest angle and the idea that the community could be forgiving of the thefts this time of year as long as the culprit came forward and apologized. Used to be Zack wouldn’t have felt so strongly about a situation in which someone was knowingly breaking the law, but the fact the fellow had stolen food and blankets—and Hank’s mug of coffee—had unfortunate written all over it. In any event, the power of the press was about to push the public and the thief toward reconciliation.

He turned his attention to the article:

Jacob Barton reports that a loaf of bread and a pecan pie were stolen from a windowsill at his boardinghouse. However, when he instructed his cook to place a plateful of food on the windowsill daily with a note requesting the plate and utensils be returned, the fellow obliged and has continued to comply.

“We do not want to press charges,” Sheriff Jackson said. “This is the season of the year when the community wants to reach out and help others. If the man steps forward and identifies himself, all will be forgiven.”

Zack continued to the end of the article with a final request for the man in question to make himself known.

“Are you ready with your article?” Hank said.

“Yes. I’d like to place it on the front page. With all the problems of the world and right here in Kahlerville, a bit of peace on earth and goodwill toward men sounds good. What do you think?”

“I agree. We’ll print it and see what happens. I’m sure someone in the community would give the fella a job.”

“Would you have written an article like this?”

Hank laughed. “Yes, if the idea had popped into my head. You worry too much, Zack. You’re doing a fine job. Brought in new advertisers and changed up the looks of the paper.”

“You’ll tell me when I’m starting to make a big mistake?”

Hank pushed back his cap and rubbed his bald head, swirling newspaper ink where once hair had grown. “That’s my job. I may not have ever worked for a big, fancy newspaper, but I can tell what folks want to read.”

“I know you suggested a morning edition of the paper instead of an evening, but I can’t do that and still take proper care of the twins.”

“They come first. Someday when they’re grown, you’ll wish you had a dirty face to scrub or two extra mouths to feed.”

“I want to make up for all those things they missed in New York. Every day I wake up and ask God to show me how to love them more. Guess I’m sounding a bit silly.”

“Not at all. You sound like a man who loves his children.”

“I’m that man.” Zack chuckled. “With all of this responsibility, I wonder why folks have kids.”

Hank laughed and clasped a hand on Zack’s shoulder. “’Cause we don’t know any better.”

Chloe righted a crooked candle on the parlor fireplace and adjusted a red ribbon on the Christmas tree. The holiday decorations draped throughout the boardinghouse had seemed to put everyone in a festive mood. And that appeared to enhance the romance unfolding in the kitchen between Simeon and Miss Scott. The twins were with the two lovebirds in the kitchen now. Chloe guessed the children kept Miss Scott and Simeon from speaking their true hearts. How sweet and dear for the older couple to find love in their graying years. She felt a twinge of jealousy when she had to hide her love from Zack. At least she was free to lavish her affections upon Curly and Charlie.

She giggled. The last time Miss Scott had walked the children back to the boardinghouse after their tutoring session, Simeon had arranged for all of them, including Chloe, to have cookies and milk in the kitchen. Curly had wrapped his little arm around Miss Scott’s ample waist and leaned his head against her.

“Miss Scott,” he said, “you are looking more beautiful than Miss Chloe’s Christmas tree.”

“You don’t say.” Miss Scott beamed. “That deserves a hug.”

“Watch it, little man.” Simeon shook his finger at Curly in feigned annoyance. “You’re makin’ me jealous.”

“You just have to say nice things to court a fine woman,” Curly said. “After Miss Scott goes home, I’ll give you some pointers.”

Miss Scott gasped and her face reddened.

“And how would you know about courtin’?” Simeon appeared to swallow his amusement. Goodness knows, nothing seemed to embarrass him.

“By listening to Poppy talk to Miss Chloe. I think he practices.”

Chloe held her breath. Mercy. She sensed the color flooding her cheeks while Simeon enjoyed a good laugh. Soon laughter rang through the entire downstairs. Chloe hastily excused herself and made her way through the kitchen, the dining room, and on to the front desk. She straightened the newspapers from Saturday and brushed away an invisible speck of dust.

Now as she reflected on the moment, Curly’s innocence and frankness had been amusing. Did Zack have conversations with the twins about her? She’d sure like to be a fly on the wall if he did. The bell jingled above the door.

“Good afternoon, Miss Weaver.”

She recognized Mr. Barton’s voice and offered a smile. The tender way he looked at her always made her uncomfortable. “Good afternoon.”

“The scent of pine is nearly intoxicating, don’t you think?”

“I rather enjoy it.”

“Oh, so do I. Fills me with the holiday spirit.” He walked through the dining room and stood at the entrance of the parlor. “You’ve created a breathtaking Christmas.”

“Thank you, but I believe you helped.”

“Can we have a word?”

“Certainly.” She followed him into the parlor.

“Christmas will be here in less than two weeks, and I was wondering if you had plans.”

She’d feared this awkward situation. “Yes, sir. I do.”

“With our boarder, Zack Kahler?”

Her heart thumped against her chest like the tale of a scared rabbit. “Yes, sir, with him and his family.”

Lines plowed across his forehead. “You’re spending quite a bit of time with our guest.”

She moistened her lips. “I help him with his children when my duties here are completed. I have not shirked my responsibilities.”

“I never doubted that you had or would. It’s Kahler who has no respect for working hours. He even speaks to you in the dining room, pulling you away from the other guests.”

“I—I apologize.” Heat assaulted her face and neck. “I’ll speak to him about that matter.”

“I do not blame you for his indiscretion. But it looks to me like there is something more going on than helping him with those two rambunctious children. Aren’t you concerned with what people will say? A lady’s reputation can never be righted once it has been tainted.”

Chloe’s temper quickly rose. Yet she swallowed a retort that would have placed Mr. Barton’s words where they belonged—in the outhouse—and gotten her fired. “I don’t feel I am behaving inappropriately. Mr. Kahler and I attend church and family functions together.”

“I’ve seen you a time or two together when it wasn’t Sunday or with his family.”

Was he spying on them? If she had not made plans for Christmas with Zack, the conversation with Mr. Barton would not be happening. He’d be thrilled about making plans with her. Another handful of remarks crossed her mind. Still, she held her tongue.

“Mr. Barton, can you fault my work or say that I am not dedicated to my position here at your boardinghouse?”

“Your work is flawless. You and Simeon keep this place running smoothly.” He sighed and moistened his lips as though preparing to give a speech. “I worry about gossip among the boarders and the townspeople. Meddlesome gossips can destroy you.”

Chloe took a deep breath. “I assure you that my words and actions are above reproach.”

Mr. Barton studied her for several long moments. “For your own good and for the excellent reputation of this establishment, I forbid you to spend any time with Mr. Kahler or his ill-behaved children.”

“And does this include the hours I am not in your employ?”

“Yes, it does.” His eyes narrowed as though she were an ill-behaved child.

“And if I refuse?”

“I will have no choice but to dismiss you.”

Chloe’s heart plummeted to her stomach. Was this the same man who had flirted with her? Did he think she’d ever want to spend time with him after his unreasonable demands? “I see you give me no choice since this position is my livelihood.”

He smiled. “I’m glad you see things my way. I’ll let you know about Christmas plans.”

She gasped. How dare he bully her into spending one more minute in his company? Had he been taking lessons from Eli Scott?

By the time she saw Zack in the dining room for dinner, her anger had shifted to despair. She must tell Zack about the ultimatum. But if he lost his temper and argued with Mr. Barton, she might lose her job. Without her current position, she’d be on the streets and at the mercy of those who had preyed upon her before. Every time she considered walking across the room to Zack’s table, tears pooled in her eyes, and her love for him crowded out good sense.

She caught Zack’s gaze, and he smiled. From across the room, his eyes radiated what his lips had not spoken. Surely, she was not mistaken. He did care. Didn’t he? Had he seen the same love in her eyes? Mr. Barton stood in the hallway separating the dining room from the parlor. Without a glance in his direction, she knew he watched her every move.

She skirted around the tables to where Zack and the twins sat and pasted on a smile. “Good evening. How is everyone?”

“Very well, thank you,” the twins chorused.

“Your manners are getting better and better,” she said.

“Poppy makes us practice.” Charlie’s red curls bounced.

The little girl’s charm broke through Chloe’s resolve, and she blinked back the tears.

“What’s wrong?” Zack said. “Don’t tell me ‘nothing,’ because I see it in your face.”

She pressed her lips together. If alone, she’d have wept. “Can we talk later, after the twins are asleep?”

“Of course. I see Barton is staring at us. Does he have something to do with this?”

“Yes.”

Zack frowned, but she didn’t acknowledge it. Maybe he would have a solution when they talked.

She turned her attention to Curly and Charlie. “I’ll bring your dinner right out. Simeon has made gingerbread for desert.” She breathed in so deeply that her chest hurt. Would love always feel this way?

“Goodie,” Curly said. “I’ll eat all my vegetables.”

Usually the time spent after dinner sped by until she had a few hours to spend with Zack or read in her room, but tonight she heard every beat of the clock. Its incessant click seemed to rattle through her brain. Not even Simeon or the excitement of Christmas eased the heartache threatening to destroy all she held dear.

Finally, the boardinghouse hushed, and her work was completed for the day.

“I trust you will have a pleasant evening,” Mr. Barton said with his hat in hand. “I assume you will need to tell Mr. Kahler tonight of your new terms of employment.”

“Yes, sir.” She forced herself to sound as cordial as possible when she wanted to tell him what she thought of his “terms of employment.” His mandate rose from selfishness. For that matter, her response rose from the same thing. Praying for a man when she wanted to tell him what she thought of his manner of garnering her affections was close to impossible.

“Good evening, Miss Weaver. I will see you tomorrow.”

How did his conscience allow him to make such demands? With a rise of fury, she fought asking him how he hoped to sleep tonight.

Once he left the boardinghouse, she swallowed the emotions tugging at her body. How easy it would be to crumble, but that would solve nothing. Instead, she prayed for guidance and asked for forgiveness for all the ugly thoughts firing across her mind.

Waiting for Zack proved more difficult than rehearsing the right words for telling him that she could no longer enjoy his company. Brother Whitworth had told her trials made one stronger in their faith, and her strength lay in holding on to God’s hand.

She heard the stairs creak, and without looking up, she knew it was Zack. She needed a clear mind to talk through this insurmountable problem, and maybe between Zack, herself, and God, they’d have a resolution.

“Tell me what’s wrong, Chloe,” he whispered.

She glanced up and nearly wept. How handsome and in control. How many years had she loved this man? How many years had he solved the problems in her life, but this time she needed to offer some answers.

“You look miserable.” Concern lines etched his brow. “What has Barton done to upset you?”

The sound of his voice settled on her like the warmth of a gently crackling fire on a chilly night. But this night she feared nothing would chase away the cold and emptiness inside.

“He’s forbidden me to see you or the twins. Not only here at the boardinghouse, but also during the times I’m not working.”

Zack banged his fist on the registration desk. She started and sensed the color draining from her face.

“He has no right to make such demands. Is he still here?”

“He left a few minutes ago.” She touched his arm. “Anger won’t solve this. Aren’t you the one who insists on having God direct our lives?”

He paused and glanced away. Finally, he swung his attention her way. “I’m sorry for that explosion. What’s Barton’s reason?”

She attempted to settle her nerves. “He said that it looks inappropriate—gossip could result from us being seen together. Since you live here, he fears for my reputation and that of the boardinghouse.”

Zack stared at her long and hard. “I don’t believe one word of it. He’s not giving up on you, is he?”

“I—I don’t think so.” She shook her head. “I know he’s not.”

“Jealousy.”

She shrugged.

“I’m not the least surprised. When I paid a call on him about advertising in the paper, he made clear his interest in you.” Zack sighed. “Guess I didn’t want to believe it or that he’d make it nearly impossible to see you.”

She swallowed twice to get rid of the lump in her throat. Neither time worked. “I cannot lose my position here.”

“I understand.” His voice softened. “I will not let him do this to you—to us.” He reached for her hand. “Don’t you know how much I care for you? I couldn’t any more stop seeing you than stop breathing.”

Her eyes brimmed with the tears she’d sworn not to show. How she’d longed to hear his words of tenderness, but not like this. Forced. As though he had no other choice. “What can we say or do to change his mind?”

“To begin with, I wanted this to be a surprise, but I found a house. The twins and I can move in sooner than planned.”

“I don’t think that will make a difference.”

“I want to talk to him.” He paused. “Unless you prefer his company, then—”

“No.” Was she too forward?

He smiled. “All right. I’ll find a way to persuade him. In the meantime, I’ll move my children this weekend to their new home.” He lightly squeezed her hand. “Would you trust me to work out this problem? Will you trust God to guide me in a solution?”

Before she had talked to Brother Whitworth and rededicated her life to God, she wouldn’t have been able to respond properly.

“Trust God,” Zack whispered.

Chloe took a deep breath. “I am . . . completely.” Suddenly, she was conscious of his hand still holding on to hers.

“I can’t imagine you not in my life.” He opened his mouth, then quickly closed it. “There’s so much more I’d like to say, but it’s too soon.”

She heard all she needed to believe her dreams were coming true.