Chapter Fifteen

Just before noon on Friday, Sam Gorman set his coffee cup down on the table in the Country Diner. “I wouldn’t worry too much, Paul. Young folks today have a lot of optimism, and that’s not a bad thing. They haven’t had to go through the struggles we faced, but they’re smart. Just point them in the right direction so they’ll know where to turn, and you’ll have done a good job.”

“Thanks, Sam. It’s easy to tell people how important it is to be open and honest, but usually the lightbulbs don’t come on until things get dark. I’d sure like to get that point across before those difficult times come.”

“God’ll give you the right words like he always does.” Sam rose and started fishing out his wallet. “I’d love to stay, but I’d better get back to the store. Got a rush shipment coming in.” He tossed two dollars on the table. “This’ll cover my coffee.”

Paul watched Sam leave, thinking of how good a friend and stalwart supporter Sam had become since Paul and Kate had moved to Copper Mill.

Paul debated leaving too, but he smelled meat loaf, and his stomach grumbled, so he decided to stay for lunch. LuAnne Matthews came by with the coffeepot.

“Looks like that cup’s empty. Can’t have that now. No charge for the refills. Ya’ll know that.” LuAnne held the pot over his cup and winked at him like she’d made a joke.

Paul chuckled. “Thanks. I think I’ll order lunch too. That meat loaf smells great. And I’ll have mashed potatoes.”

“Comes with green beans and fried apples. And you want the potatoes smothered, right?”

He hesitated. “Better go easy on the gravy. Just a dab. Have to watch my cholesterol.” He smiled up at the waitress. LuAnne was jolly and friendly and took good care of her customers.

She removed Sam’s coffee cup, filled Paul’s and then left to turn in his order. A moment later, the front door opened, and Brian Levy came in. He looked around, spotted Paul and gave a nod of recognition. Paul took the opportunity to wave for Brian to join him. The young man ambled down the aisle to the booth where Paul sat.

“Morning,” Paul said, though it only lacked a couple of minutes to noon. He reached up to shake Brian’s hand. “Care to join me?”

Brian shook Paul’s hand, then slid into the booth across from him. “Thanks. Looks like the diner is full.”

“Are you meeting someone? There’s room for more,” Paul said.

“No. I was in town and got hungry.” He glanced around. LuAnne came over, poured him a cup of coffee and took his order.

“Are you enjoying your visit to Copper Mill?” Paul asked.

“Yes. I grew up here, you know. Not too many of my friends are still around, though. ’Course, Gordon’s like family to me.”

“He seems like a great guy.”

“Yeah.”

Brian’s response didn’t sound very enthusiastic. Paul knew that Kate had witnessed a disagreement between the two men, but that happened in all relationships.

Their orders came. Paul offered to pray, and Brian nodded, then bowed his head. Paul said a short blessing on the meal and their time together.

“I haven’t attended church in a long time,” Brian said, “except these past few weeks with Jessica. I miss it. With ranch chores and racing season, seems like I’m always busy.”

Paul nodded. “It’s easy to get out of the habit. You’re always welcome, though, no matter how long it’s been.”

“Thanks.” He bit into his crispy chicken. “Mmm. This place still serves the best fried chicken in the world. I told Loretta I’d buy her out if she’d come cook for the ranch, but she wouldn’t have it.”

Paul chuckled. “I’m glad. I’d miss her cooking.” He ate a bite of meat loaf and mashed potatoes. “How long you planning to be in town?” he asked when he finished chewing.

“I don’t know. A few more weeks. Things are slow at the ranch, and I need a break. Come the end of January when we start foaling, I won’t get a chance to breathe, let alone leave.”

“Well, Copper Mill is a beautiful place to visit,” Paul said. “Where are you staying?”

“The Hamilton Springs.” Brian shrugged.

“Pretty fancy.”

“Yeah. Gordon suggested I put it on the ranch’s account.” Brian took another bite from his drumstick.

“So do you train horses like your father?”

“No. He runs the stables. He’s one of the best horse trainers in the industry. I just manage the company. It works well.”

Paul tried to form a picture of Brian’s relationship with his father. He didn’t get a sense that they were close. “It’s always wonderful to discover our purpose in life. It sounds like you’ve found yours.”

“Perhaps.” He pushed the green beans around with his fork, then looked up at Paul. “How does a person know for sure?”

“That’s a good question. The answer’s not so simple, though. Opportunity. Desire. Aptitude.” Paul gave Brian a half smile. “And a whole lot more. I always check with God. He has a plan for all of us, you know.”

“Yeah, so I’ve heard. Jessica’s mother used to tell me that. She was something special.” He chewed thoughtfully for a moment. “Did you always know you were going to be a preacher?”

“I suppose so. I felt the Lord’s call when I was still living at home. My pastor had a great influence on me and helped guide me along.” Paul considered the young man across from him. Was he doubting his choices? Or regretting missed opportunities?

“You grew up around horses,” Paul said. “Did you ever think of doing something else?”

“Not really. I guess I knew at an early age that I wanted to be around horses. They’re so uncomplicated and comforting. I had an aptitude for numbers and organizing things, though, so I went into the business end. I guess that goes along with your answer. I might do some things differently. Different timing, anyways.”

“Like what?” Paul asked, since Brian seemed to want to talk something out.

“I dunno. Just...things.”

Paul felt like he was missing something, but he had no idea what. He just looked at Brian, waiting to hear what else he’d say.

“I’ve always believed loyalty and honor are about the most important virtues a man can have,” Brian said at last. “So when do you pick one over the other? Which one is most important?”

“Whew.” Paul let out a whistle. “You don’t ask easy questions, do you? I’d advise you to pray. That’s the most helpful way I know to get priorities straight.”

“Hmm.” Brian pursed his lips and frowned as if a weight was pressing on his brow.

“Sometimes when I need wisdom or direction, I read through Proverbs in the Bible. There’s a world of wisdom there. You might find your answer,” Paul said and decided to add Brian to his prayer list. He could tell something was disturbing him, and Paul had a feeling it involved the Mackenzies in some way.

Brian’s brow rose. “Good idea. I’ll do it tonight.”

After they’d finished their lunches, LuAnne came back to the booth. “Pecan pie and ice cream’s really good today. I’ve got two pieces back there with your names on them,” she said.

“Don’t tempt me,” Paul said, smiling. “I’m full. Brian?”

“No, thanks. But I’ll take the check,” he said.

“You sure?” Paul asked.

“It’s my pleasure. Thanks for sharing your table with me.”

“Next time, it’s on me.”

Brian grinned. “You’ve got a deal.”

KATE WAS LEAVING THE HOUSE Friday afternoon when the phone rang. She opened the door to the garage, intent on ignoring it, when it rang a second time. It could be one of her children or Jessica with a change of plans about the dress fitting. Turning, she hurried back to the kitchen. Caller ID listed the number as unknown. She grabbed the receiver.

“Hello.”

“Is this Kate Hanlon?”

“Yes, it is.”

“You don’t know me. I’m with the Special Olympics in Virginia. You sent an inquiry about Art and Tim Franklin.” The man on the other end of the line paused. “I’m afraid I have bad news for you. Tim Franklin passed away five months ago.”

“Oh no.” Kate sucked in her breath. “I’m so sorry to hear that. I don’t know them personally, but a young man in our church, Trace Jackson, used to work with Art. In fact, I think Trace was a coach with the Special Olympics.”

“I remember Trace. Nice guy. He was terrific with the kids. Little Tim called him Uncle Trace. Haven’t seen Trace in ages. How’s he doing?”

“He’s well. He’s living in Pine Ridge, Tennessee, and he’s getting married next month. My husband is one of the local pastors, and he’s officiating at the wedding.”

“That’s cool. I’ll tell Art next time I see him. He hasn’t been to a Special Olympics event in months, but he’s still around. He and Trace were thick.”

“Actually, I really need to get in touch with Art. It’s about Trace.” Kate didn’t know if he could help, but he seemed the best hope.

“I’ve got your phone number and e-mail address. I’ll ask him to contact you.”

“Thank you so much. This would mean the world to Trace. Could you try to talk to Art soon?”

“Sure. I’ll try. I can’t promise he’ll get in touch with you, though. He’s still pretty raw about Tim.”

“I understand. Thank you for calling me back. Tell Art this is really important.”

“Will do.”

“I didn’t get...”

He’d hung up. Kate didn’t know the man’s name or how to call him back.