A Texas Legacy Christmas (19 page)

“Trust God to work out those problems. I believe He has a special plan for the four of you. I don’t think He’s brought you and Chloe together to break your heart.”

“They love Chloe, but would that love turn to hurt? Remember how much Lydia Anne loved Dad before you married, and how she later resented you two together? I can’t risk hurting them.”

“Your dad and I will be praying for His will in all of this.”

“Thanks, Mama. I’m stopping by the boardinghouse for breakfast in the morning before taking the twins to school. I need to tell her about Eli.”

“Do I need to say a special prayer?”

“Ah, yes. This may be difficult for her.” I want her to trust me, but she can’t hear this from anyone else.

Chloe startled when Zack and the twins entered the boardinghouse for breakfast the following morning. Without a doubt, she knew why he was there. Eli Scott. Had Zack given him a place to stay at his home? Anger and hurt twisted inside her—made her stomach churn and her head pound.

“Are you going to get into trouble about us being here for breakfast?” Zack said.

She smiled in an attempt not to reveal her dismay. “I don’t think so.”

“We’ll have our breakfast and not linger, just as Jacob stated, but I need a moment of your time to tell you something.”

Her heart sunk to her toes, but she refused to reveal what plagued her mind. “All right. I’ll get you some coffee and some milk for my favorite twins.” She pointed to a table along the window wall. “Have a seat there, and I’ll be right over.”

Chloe took a deep breath and poured their drinks. Plastering on another smile, she weaved around the tables to Zack and the twins. “Scrambled eggs and bacon with some extra-good biscuits this morning.”

Zack eyed her strangely. She hadn’t fooled him for a minute. “That sounds fine. Have you heard anything about Eli Scott?”

It is true. “Yes. Mr. Barton said he saw you two yesterday.”

“Eli was the one taking the food and other things.”

Zack appeared as nervous as she, and the twins weren’t saying a word. With them listening, he must choose his words carefully. He cleared his throat. “I found him at my place, sleeping in the barn. I’d like to tell you the whole story. Can I stop by midmorning?”

She lifted her chin. “I suppose. Is he staying with you now?”

“No. Dad and Mama are letting him sleep in the bunkhouse. Not sure if it will work out or not. It’s up to him.”

Mixed feelings swirled through her. Did she want Eli to suffer? God stated otherwise. She hesitated. “I’m glad you were able to help him.”

Zack glanced at the twins, then up at her. “Are you upset with me?” he whispered.

She had to consider those words. “I didn’t like hearing about it from Mr. Barton, but that’s not your fault. I’m working on forgiving Eli, and I know God commands it. But it’s hard.”

“I understand. It was hard for me, too.”

“Us too,” Curly said.

Did those two hear everything?

Suddenly she didn’t want him to be concerned about the matter at all. He had responded to Eli as a Christian man. “It’s all right. I’m proud you were able to help.” She nodded. “I’ll get your breakfast.”

“Are you sure?”

She laughed lightly. “Absolutely.”

*****

Chloe busied herself all morning while keeping one eye on the clock. Zack said he’d stop by midmorning, and he would. Still . . . Eli’s improper behavior toward her and the things he’d done to the twins occupied her thoughts. One minute she’d forgiven him, and in the next, she wanted him punished. Zack’s dealings with Eli might very well end their fledging relationship. How could she trust a man who ignored her feelings? Dear God, help me put this to rest.

Zack arrived promptly at ten. The smile from this morning had faded, and his normally bright eyes were dull.

“Is Jacob around?” he said and removed his hat.

“No, but I don’t want to take advantage of his absence.”

“Neither do I.” He moistened his lips. “I want to tell you about Eli and what happened. But first, I want to apologize for causing you discomfort.” He took a deep breath.

Poor Zack. Maybe she should tell him that the story wasn’t important. But it was.

“I told you I found him in my barn. From his belligerent attitude, you’d have thought I had trespassed on his property. Anyway, I told him he could have a bath and breakfast in exchange for an apology to Curly and Charlie.”

“And he agreed?”

“Yes. Before the twins realized he was there, we talked about forgiveness of those who hurt us.”

She stiffened. Had this turned into a lecture? Calm down.

“It was hard for them, but they handled his apology wonderfully. On the way to school, they talked about telling the kids at school about Eli. So I told them to keep it a secret for now. I put him to work at the newspaper, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was gone when I get back.” He paused and studied her.

“Go on, Zack. I’m listening.”

“We took a trip to Sheriff Jackson’s office, and Eli owned up to stealing. The sheriff did a good job of letting him know about the future of a lawbreaker. After we left there, we ran into Jacob, and Eli apologized to him. When the paper closed, I took him and the twins to my parents. If he can behave himself, he can live there in the bunkhouse, and Dad will see if he can make a man out of him.”

“What about Lydia Anne?”

“Dad and I made it clear what was expected of him, and that he would complete his schoolwork.”

Chloe nodded. Zack deserved a reply. “I’m—I’m proud of what you’re attempting with Eli.”

“I haven’t forgotten what he’s done to the twins or to you.”

“I know you haven’t.”

“Am I forgiven?”

She smiled. “Zack, there’s nothing to forgive. Yes, I was very hurt when Mr. Barton told me that you’d given him a job, but that was before I learned the circumstances. I hope for his sake and yours that he abides by the rules and makes some changes in his life.”

“Thanks, Chloe. I hope you understand I wouldn’t purposely do anything to jeopardize our relationship.”

She crossed her arms. “You may be stuck with me. The way I look at it, I’m simply one more homeless waif who needs Zack Kahler to rescue her.”

He chuckled. “Wish I shared your confidence, especially when I’m the one who needs you.”

What could she say? She blinked back a tear. “You’d better get out of here before Mr. Barton pays an unexpected call.”

He grinned and left the boardinghouse. The rest of the morning and into the afternoon she reflected on her Zack, the knight in shining armor. Oh how she appreciated his visit. His caring was evident in every carefully selected word.

Zack really had so many responsibilities with the children and the newspaper. Even his new home added more care and work for him. She didn’t regret their move, for they were happy and had a beautiful home. She imagined Zack would soon find a dog for them—possibly a pony, too. Miss Scott claimed Curly and Charlie were doing quite well with their tutoring, but that meant Simeon and Miss Scott did not have the opportunity to see each other as often.

However, Miss Scott and Rose had come by the boardinghouse again this afternoon and stayed on past dinner. She saw Rose speak-ing with Mr. Barton. He had to be blind not to notice her interest. Simeon and Miss Scott laughed about something. Simeon could afford a wife, and the two of them didn’t have many years left to dawdle.

“It’s much quieter since Zack Kahler and his children have moved out.”

Chloe recognized Mr. Barton’s voice and placed a stack of plates on the sideboard. He’d left Rose alone to speak with her. “Oh, I miss the sound of the children’s voices and the laughter.”

“And Mr. Kahler?”

Chloe slowly turned to face her employer. Must he continue to quiz her about Zack? Did he think her heart might change in a matter of a few hours or a few days? The vulnerable look on his face caused her to pity him despite his attempts to separate her and Zack.

“Yes sir. I miss seeing him.”

“I wish you’d give me an opportunity to win your affections.”

The many times others had hurt her filled Chloe with guilt, for she had done the same to Mr. Barton. His ways to win her were wrong, but she couldn’t hold a grudge toward him or Eli. “I’m sorry.”

“I could give you many fine things.”

“But without love, we’d have nothing together. I believe you deserve more than a one-sided relationship.”

“I haven’t given up completely. Let’s see if Simeon has some pie left from dinner. We could share it with Miss Scott and Simeon. Both Miss Scotts.”

She wanted to refuse, but Mr. Barton was her employer. “I’ll check with him.”

A short while later, she sat with Mr. Barton at a table while waiting for the other two women and Simeon to join them. Simeon wanted to show them his birdhouse in back of the boardinghouse. Uneasiness slammed into her and whirled her thoughts like the tornado that Zack had talked about.

“I’m thinking of building a new house,” he said. “I could use a woman’s touch to assist me in laying out the rooms, especially the kitchen.”

“I’m sure it will be lovely. You’ve done a fine job with the boardinghouse.”

“If you will only say yes, Chloe, that house could be yours.”

“Mr. Barton—”

“Please, Jacob.”

“Mr. Barton, I refuse to take advantage of your kindness. You deserve a woman who would be devoted to you all of her life.”

He chuckled. “I don’t take no for an answer, and you are just as determined.”

“I understand my heart.”

“And it’s smitten with Zack Kahler.”

She nodded.

“I fear he is merely using you to help him with his children. But when you realize that truth, I’ll be here.”

Mr. Barton was wrong. Zack cared, and she was sure of it. Why couldn’t he see that Rose was attracted to him? “Zack is not like that at all.”

“I see. Unfortunately, you have been duped by a man from the big city. When you are ready, I’ll be waiting. Since you don’t have any living family members, as your employer, I’ve taken on the role of guardian. I do know what is best for you.” He looked beyond her to the three moving their way.

Chloe watched the expression on Rose’s face. The young woman flushed and appeared definitely uneasy. If only Rose and Mr. Barton could talk, get to know each other. Chloe glanced at Mr. Barton and saw he had his gaze fixed on her.

Not me. Rose is the one for you. Perhaps she should look for another job. But when would she find the time to call on other establishments? Her duties kept her busy sunup to sundown, and approaching business owners on Sunday was inappropriate. She inwardly gasped. If Mr. Barton learned about her seeking another employer, he might dismiss her on grounds of disloyalty. He had her in a very vulnerable position, and he knew it.

*****

The days at the boardinghouse grew longer. At first Chloe thought she’d get used to not seeing Zack and the twins every day, but the peace and contentment she longed for hadn’t arrived. Maybe it was because she loved the three of them, and being with them was the only thing that eased the longing in her heart. Sunday was just two days away, but it still seemed so far, and Sunday always sped by like a racehorse lunging toward the finish line.

She opened the third jar of green beans for dinner, drained the liquid, and dumped the contents into a huge pot. Her thoughts turned to Christmas. Even if Mr. Barton stood his ground and did not let her spend the day with Zack and his family, she still wanted to give them all something special. And apple jelly was not what she wanted to give to Zack. She planned to purchase candy and new pencils for the twins, but what about Zack? How strange that what she wanted to give to him was her heart—and that couldn’t be bought at the general store.

“Simeon, I can’t think of a proper gift for Zack.”

He sighed and appeared to contemplate her dilemma. Without glancing down, he turned a piece of frying chicken. The grease crackled and sputtered.

“Sometimes the most expensive gift in the whole world is not what a man wants.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“To pray about it, Miss Chloe.”

“I have been. What are you giving Miss Scott?”

“A poetry book.”

Chloe swallowed her surprise, or rather her amusement.

“You find that funny?”

“Not at all. I think she’d love a book of poems.”

“Thank you. Just because I’m a cook and I don’t talk good doesn’t mean I don’t have good taste.”

Good taste? That sounded like something Miss Scott would have said. “I’m sorry, Simeon. Do you think Zack might like a poetry book, too?”

He narrowed his eyes. “No. You come up with your own idea.” He laughed. “Got ya going there didn’t I? But I did buy that there book.”

Without an answer to her problem, Chloe went about her task of helping Simeon with dinner and listening for the bell over the front door. Only four days until Christmas, and she needed an idea soon.

*****

Zack’s mind spun with the news of the day and how best to report it. Miss Scott had given him a few recipes and gift ideas for the women’s section and a lengthy article about the first Christmas at Piney Woods Church. Morgan had the church history and had passed it on to her. Zack decided to print an article about how New York City celebrated Christmas to contrast with Miss Scott’s historical piece. He recalled the ornate churches and cathedrals and the storefronts that glistened with gifts galore, and he tied both articles together with city and country reaching out to help the poor and less fortunate. Kahlerville suited Zack better than any site on earth.

From the neighboring communities, he’d gathered news about the times of their worship services, pageants, and caroling, as well as when they planned to assemble food baskets for the needy. Sure was easy for him to fill up the daily paper during the holiday season. For a moment, he contemplated how his family worshiped during this time, but it was never enough in response to God’s giving.

He heard the newspaper office door open. It creaked like an old man with arthritis. His petite mother stepped inside, and he made his way to greet her.

“Mornin’, pretty lady.” He bent and kissed her cheek.

“How’s my favorite son in the newspaper business?”

“Very good. Glad you clarified my position since I’m your only son in the newspaper business.”

She laughed. “Michael Paul and Stuart have their special talents, too.”

“And Lydia Anne? I’ve been meaning to talk to you about her. She’s entirely too pretty for a sixteen-year-old.”

“I see you’ve noticed. Travis is ready to send her to an all-girls school until she’s thirty.”

“Grand idea. I’ll escort her.”

They laughed again. “Are you ready for Christmas?” he said.

“I think so. I’ve done more sewing than in the past.”

“Have you made another batch of the ginger crinkle cookies?”