21

Several days later, Grace stared at her reflection in her bedroom mirror. She was too thin and her muslin nightgown was loose. Too much work and not enough rest the last couple of years. Her wedding band slid down on her finger as proof, and she feared she might lose it. She fingered the thin gold band, deciding she ought to remove it. It had been three years. She’d kept it on mainly as a sweet reminder of Victor and to ward off the men in town when she had no desire at all for another relationship.

Am I ready now? Should she take it off? Was it time to leave the past behind her? She knew she’d never stop loving Victor. Never. Nothing could erase what they’d had together with its sweet memories, but wasn’t God about a future and a hope for her life? He’d said so in Jeremiah. She wished she knew what that would be.

She sighed heavily, then slid the wedding band off and placed it in a carved wooden jewelry box her father had made for her as a young girl. Her hand felt naked without it.

It felt freeing to remove it, but at the same time, she felt a little guilty. Would Victor want her to move forward with her life? She would want him to if she had preceded him. Probably he would want the same.

Robert helped Owen out of the wagon, which he’d parked near the mercantile. Earlier he’d asked Owen if he wanted to take a short ride into town with him. Owen had quickly agreed and seemed eager about it.

When they got to the porch in front of the store, Owen said, “I’d like to sit out here while you go speak to Eli about Tom. You don’t need me for that.”

“It’s up to you.” Robert led him to one of the rocking chairs and Owen took a seat. “Want me to bring you some of that stuff Eli calls coffee?” He chuckled.

“Naw, I’ll pass for now. I’m content to sit here and watch the goings-on.”

“This won’t take long.” Robert strode away, looking for Eli.

Inside the store, Eli was busy with customers, so Robert strolled about the store waiting for a chance to speak to him. He paused, looking through the stack of shirts. Picking up a deep-blue flannel one, he fingered its softness but saw the price tag and put it back. He looked over at the stacks of fabric where two ladies were discussing the different designs. One of them held up a pretty green that would look wonderful on Grace. It was a mighty sweet thing she did, buying the children an outfit when she probably hadn’t bought a new dress since her husband died.

Why he was thinking more about Grace lately, he couldn’t grasp.

Finally, Eli approached him. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Robert. It’s hard to find good help and I’ve been a little shorthanded.”

“No problem, Eli. I wanted to talk to you without an audience if I could.”

Eli’s heavy brows formed a straight line above his eyes. “Oh. Well, we’re alone now. What’s on your mind, son? Everything okay at Bidwell Farms?”

Robert waved his hand. “Yes it is. I wanted to talk to you about Tom.” Robert watched as the older man took a deep breath and realized what this was about.

“He finally told you?” Eli asked.

“Not exactly, but I won’t allow him to skip school, and he knows that now. I wish you had told me.”

Eli scratched his beard. “I considered it, but the boy was adamant that I not tell you, and I figured he’d get found out sooner or later. I think I understood the struggle he felt—wanting to grow up, but not quite there. Don’t we all feel that at some time? Why didn’t the teacher tell you?”

“Good question. I figure a lot of kids his age stay home to work the family farms. I wondered if you might consider letting him work here once school is out—that is, if you’re still in need of help around here.”

Eli grinned at him. “I might be able to do that, even if I have help by then. I’m busier than ever, and our town is growing faster than I can keep up, it seems. I’m missing a large order that should’ve been here a week ago—when it does arrive, I’ll need a stock boy. After school is out, send him over.”

“I appreciate that. I’m trying to do the best I can with him and his sisters, but it’s hard.”

“Ginny stopped by yesterday and mentioned that Grace had taken you all in.”

“Word gets around fast, doesn’t it? Yes, Grace has been very generous. The girls live at the house and me and Tom in the barn, but I’m going to move us to the boardinghouse soon.”

“I see. Well, I’m happy for Grace. Owen told me she’s always wanted children.”

“I didn’t know that, but I’m not surprised. She’s very good with them and can get them to listen to her when I can’t.”

“Now, don’t go getting discouraged. Life’s too short for that, son. You let the Lord lead and you’ll see that things always work out for the best.”

“Ha-ha! I never would have thought that could happen.”

“Just goes to show you, no one can really know another’s heart.” Eli stared into Robert’s eyes. “Know what I mean?”

“I’m not sure, but I might have an idea. I’d better be off now. I left Owen outside.”

“And he didn’t come in to say hello?”

“I have a feelin’ he was hoping Stella might be walking around town today. He saw her at church, and I think they have a mutual understanding.” Robert chuckled.

When both of them stepped outside, Owen was nowhere to be found. “Perhaps he ran into Stella and they took a walk or something,” Robert said, looking up and down the street but seeing no sign of him.

“Could be. It’s like I said before—the heart can make one do funny things.”

Robert nodded in agreement. “Don’t I know it.”

Owen wasn’t searching for Stella. He’d decided to pay the doctor a brief visit to ease his mind.

Dr. Avery listened to Owen’s heart and then stepped back thoughtfully. “Friend, everything sounds good, and I’m glad to see you walk to my office alone. I’m very surprised.” Earlier the doctor had checked Owen’s reflexes in his hands and legs but said nothing.

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. The feeling in my legs comes and goes—sometimes they tingle, sometimes they feel so weak that I can barely stand. Other times my feet feel like they’re on fire.”

The doctor narrowed his eyes. “How’s your energy level been?”

“That’s the strange thing, Doc. Sometimes I go for days and I only want to sit and read. Other times I have energy and help Grace with chores, but I don’t usually last for too long. Then my back aches a lot and my arms feel weak. Oh, and another thing—I sometimes have deep pains in my thighs.”

“Owen, I’m not sure what to think now. Some symptoms you exhibit are signs of stroke, but others are not. Do you mind if I share your condition with a colleague of mine back East?”

Owen’s heart sped up. “Am I dying?”

“No, it’s nothing like that, but I hate to admit I’m stumped by your illness. It’s almost as if it waxes and wanes.”

“Yes! That’s exactly what I meant to say. I think if I knew what ails me, I’d be better able to deal with it. I don’t mind if you talk with your doctor friend. Unless I’m about to have another stroke or heart attack—if you think that’s what it is.”

Owen watched the doctor take notes on his pad, then look up at him with a serious gaze. “I don’t believe that’ll happen, but I too would like to understand more of what’s happening with your health.”

Owen hopped down off the examining table and buttoned his shirt.

Dr. Avery gave him a reassuring smile. “I’d say you’re in much better shape than when I last saw you.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear.” Owen stuck his hand out and shook the doctor’s hand. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”

“Any time at all, and let me know if anything changes.”

Owen left and slowly made his way back to the general store. From where he was he could see Robert on the boardwalk, and he waved. Robert waved back and started in his direction. That boy warmed his heart. He was always trying to help him and encourage him to use his legs as often as Owen felt able. Owen was just happy to know that his ol’ ticker was as sound as ever. Maybe he’d have a few more years left to explore new possibilities, and that had him smiling when Robert walked up and took his arm.