Sean Donovan (The Californians, Book 3) (29 page)

"I prayed for you," she whispered.

"Thank you, darling."

It wasn't the first time Charlie had said such a thing to
him, but it never failed to give him a tight sensation in
his chest. She was so precious, and knowing they were
going to spend eternity together only heightened the
love in his heart.

Before Sean went back to work he took a moment to
remind himself of his own words to Charlie concerning
Hartley.

"You've taken it out of my hands, Lord. Please help
me to leave it with You."

Thankfully, Sean knew peace in his surrender, even
though he felt pain over the loss. Hartley was executed
the next afternoon. The date was July 1, 1876.

Sean felt it was very odd to have a hanging in town on
the first of July and a celebration on the fourth, but that
was just what Visalia had.

Nearly all businesses were closed on this special centennial day, and the livery was no exception. It felt just
like Sunday to the Donovans, and they took advantage of
the time to lounge in bed and talk. For the first time in
days the conversation was not about Hartley.

"I love the letter your sister included with the clothes
she sent. I'm going to write back to her this week."

"I should have known why Kate wanted to know your
size."

"She asked you about my size?" Charlie was surprised.

"That she did. Both she and Marcail have a weakness
for frilly underclothes, and I think they figure all women
do."

"You must have told her the terrible shape all my
clothes are in."

"Charlie!" Sean was shocked. "I would never tell my
sister such a personal thing."

"I guess you wouldn't." She sounded apologetic.

"But while we're on the subject," Sean went on, "why
don't you buy some more new underthings? You're
always picking up new things for me, but neglecting
your own wardrobe."

"I just don't care to shop for myself, and I don't have
an eye for just the right thing like Sadie does. Do you
hate my things an awful lot?"

"I don't hate them at all, but everything has holes in it.
It's not as if business is slow and we can't afford it."

"That's true. Does your sister order her things through
the mail?"

"No. Rigg carries everything imaginable for the mercantile, and Katie and Marcail usually have their pick."
Sean's voice had softened, and Charlie became very
attentive.

"You miss them, don't you?"

"More than I can say," he admitted. "Kate usually
organized a picnic on the Fourth of July, and then of
course there were always fireworks."

"I know it won't be the same, but we'll have fireworks
tonight. Everyone says they're to be spectacular, since
it's the centennial celebration!" Charlie spoke enthusiastically, trying to erase the lonely look from her husband's face.

Sean was quiet, and Charlie rolled on her pillow so she
could better see his face. He appeared resigned to the
situation, but she could see the sorrow in his eyes. It took
a moment for Sean to realize he was under her scrutiny,
but Charlie spoke before he could question her.

"Five years is a long time, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is, but in light of never seeing them again, it's
no time at all."

"If you could leave town, Sean, I would try to get
someone to take the livery."

"Thank you, darling," Sean said simply, reaching to
hold her and thinking the subject was settled. But Charlie had more on her mind.

"Sean, if you didn't have to be here for five years,
would you want us to move away?" Charlie didn't know
why she asked; she just needed to know.

The white-sand beaches of Hawaii immediately swam
before Sean's eyes as he answered. "I want us to live
wherever God wants us to live. Since I'm bound here for
five years, I don't even need to ask God about moving
right now. After that time, if we feel led to move on, I'm
confident that God will show us where and when."

"I think I knew you would say that, but what I want to
know is, where? Where would you like to move if you
could?"

"Well, I've thought about Santa Rosa and even San
Francisco, but Hawaii was home for so long, I guess my
mind always goes there first."

"Would I like Hawaii?"

The question so surprised Sean that he raised up on
one elbow to look down at her.

"Why did you ask me that?"

"I don't know. It's just that since I've been married to
you, I'm a little restless, and even though you're a great
smithy, you always look just a little out of place working
in the forge."

Sean couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You
mean you would be willing to give up the livery and
move away from Sadie?"

Charlie thought for a moment and said yes, but she
knew it was safe to do so because they wouldn't have to
make a decision for nearly five years.

The subject was dropped then, but Sean was very
pleased. It's a long time in the future, he thought, but it sure
feels good to know that Charlie is receptive to the idea of moving. It never once occurred to him that she was agreeable
partly because the possibility was years away.

Sean and Charlie went for a midmorning breakfast
over at Sadie's. They prayed together before they left the
house since Sean knew that Charlie was waiting excitedly for a time when she could share with Sadie what
had happened in her life. But Charlie told him she knew
how busy Sadie was going to be on this day and was
certain there would be no opportunity.

The town's festivities began at noon with a huge potluck lunch. Sean and Charlie sat with Lucas and Lora
Duncan, and as always, Sean felt the mix of emotions
from townspeople. He was greeted with both smiles and
glares, something he had learned to take in stride.

It would have surprised most of the people to know
that he understood completely. Not many knew of the
part he played in Hartley's arrest, and wanting to be
accepted for himself, Sean preferred it that way. But
Duncan had been at work, and all of this changed when
Judge Harrison, who had been asked to speak at the
centennial ceremonies, was closing his speech.

"It's a scorcher out here today, so I won't keep you
much longer, but recently something has been brought
to my attention, and I've acted upon it. I feel now is the
best time to share it with you.

"When I was called here in April, I judged a young
stranger who had helped rob your bank. Well, most of
you know that through fortuitous circumstances, one of
your own townswomen came forward and married that
young man, thereby rescuing him from the hangman's
noose. This was done within the bounds of the law and it
still stands, but I've amended the document I read to you
back in April.

"Patrick Sean Donovan III, 'Sean' to most of you, is
now a free man. The clause in the aforementioned document, stating that he must live in and serve the community of Visalia for no less than five years, is now
amended.

"In case any of you feel outrage at this change, I will
tell you this." Judge Harrison's voice rose with intensity.
"It was Sean Donovan's plan and his willingness to risk
personal injury that brought Hartley to the law this week
past. Hartley, a man who has long plagued your town, is
dead and will torment you no more because of the efforts
of Sheriff Lucas Duncan, Franklin Witt, and Sean Donovan."

The judge said no more, but the applause was thunderous as he exited the platform. Most of the people had
stood, but Sean and Charlie sat still in their seats, feeling
nothing but shock.

They finally stood and Sean reached for Charlie's
hand. A moment later they were surrounded by people.
There were still many who hung back, but most of the
townsfolk came up to thank or congratulate their local
outlaw-turned-hero. Even when the throng pressed close,
Sean never once let go of Charlie's hand, so he knew the
exact instant she collapsed.

Its incredibly hot out there, Sean. I'm surprised more
people haven't fainted."

"But you're not certain it's just the heat?"

"No, I can't really tell you anything else until I talk
with Charlie."

"Sean?" Charlie called to him in a confused voice.

The frightened young husband turned swiftly at the
sound of his wife's voice. They were at the doctor's
house, and Charlie was stretched out on the sofa in the
dining room that had been converted into an office. Sean
quickly knelt by her and cradled her pale cheek with his
hand.

"Hi." He spoke the small word, unsure if he should
say more. Charlie's complexion was ashen, and she
looked completely disoriented.

"Sean," her voice was desperate now, "I'm going to be
sick."

The doctor stepped in, and Sean felt every bit of his
wife's pain as she vomited into a basin. When she was
done, Sean was equally pale.

Charlie wanted to sit up after the doctor mopped her
face with a cool cloth. When she did, Sean sat next to her. She leaned her head against his shoulder, and the doctor
pulled a chair close to question her.

"Was it the heat, Charlie, or something more?"

"I don't know, Doc. I did feel pretty warm, but there
was no warning. Suddenly everything started to get
fuzzy and then black. My head hurts now."

"I can probably give you something for that, but first I
need to ask a few questions."

Charlie was questioned about whether or not the heat
had ever bothered her before, her diet, sleeping habits,
alcohol intake, everything. Charlie answered all questions with calm patience, until the last one.

"Is there a chance you're in a family way?"

Charlie blinked at the man across from her, and then
turned to look at Sean. They had talked of children, but
neither one had given much thought to the fact that
Charlie could be expecting.

The doctor took in the comical looks on the young
couple's faces, and had to stop himself from shaking his
head. To what did they think the intimate side of marriage led?

"I take it there is a possibility?" the doctor questioned
dryly. When Charlie nodded he became much more
specific. His questions made her eyes go wide, not because she was offended, but because he was able to tell
her exactly what had been happening in her body of late.
Nothing very noticeable, but distinct nevertheless.

"I thought women got sick when they were pregnant," Charlie commented. "I'm eating like I always
have."

"No, you're not," Sean cut in. "You haven't wanted
any coffee in the morning for a couple of weeks, and
you're taking in more food than I've ever seen you eat."

Sean left them alone while the doctor examined Charlie, who told her as he finished that she was going to have a child in about seven months. He advised her to go
home for the rest of the day, and even though she didn't
want to miss any of the festivities, she complied after
Sean promised to let her attend the fireworks that night.

Duncan, Lora, Sadie, and most surprisingly, Witt,
were all waiting for the Donovans outside. Upon hearing
the young couple's news, hands were shook and hugs
were given before Sean ushered his wife home and into
bed.