November
A sharp rap at the door startled Lily. Jack was at the door, barking. She rushed over and peeked out the window to see who it was. Pastor Brown. She opened the door to let him in.
“Preacher, what can I do for you today?”
Colleen rose from the table where she worked on writing her letters. Simon stood up from where he played by the fireplace with blocks of wood Grant had given him. Both moved closer to Lily, soon clinging to her skirts.
“It is safe, children. Preacher is here for a visit.” She gave a smile. “Shall I put the hot water on?”
“I would be grateful for something warm to drink. Is Grant around?”
“He is in the barn, but I expect him in shortly. He probably saw you arrive. Won’t you sit?” She pointed to the chair closest to the fireplace. “I’ll get some coffee.” She turned to her task, swallowing down the fear that something was amiss.
* * *
Grant saw the preacher arrive, hastened through his chore, and headed to the house. He gave Jack an absentminded pat on the head as he strode in to greet the visitor. He accepted a mug from Lily and sat down in his favorite chair.
“I hated to come out here to bother you and the misses, but there is some disturbing news, Grant.”
“What kind of news?” Grant sat up straighter in his chair and Lily came to stand beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“It seems Mr. O’Neill had distant family after all. They are now inquiring about the children.”
“We just received the adoption papers signed by the judge. They can inquire all they want, but the children are now legally ours.”
“I understand. You did a generous thing, Brother Anderson. But I wouldn’t put it past this family to make trouble for you. It seemed prudent to give you some warning.”
Grant reached up and put his hand on top of Lily’s. Simon and Colleen came to stand on the other side of his chair.
“They are not going to take us away, are they, Ma?” asked Colleen.
“No,” answered Grant. “God brought you to us, and we intend to honor our promise to care for you.”
“The enemy likes to seek and destroy, Brother Anderson. Beware and be careful. Many like to take the law into their own hands.”
“Christ would not desire me to abdicate my responsibility to my family. He calls me to serve and sacrifice for them if necessary. These children are a gift from the Lord, not objects to be tossed about.”
“Grant,” Lily admonished softly. “We do not need to borrow trouble from tomorrow. Let us pray and wait and listen to God’s leading in whatever happens.”
Grant sighed and glanced to the preacher. “God has gifted my wife with wisdom. I will heed her advice in this. Thank you for coming to warn us. Better to be prepared than unaware of the battle we might face.”
“Given that the family is Catholic, there may be a strong objection to the children being raised in another faith.”
“That is irrelevant. Most Catholics I’ve met love Jesus too, and it is only our traditions and practice of our faith that differs. The children are our responsibility before God. We are subject to no one else’s dictates in the matter of faith.” Lily’s voice was stronger now. Grant nodded. Lily had been raised in the Catholic tradition.
Preacher nodded. “I will continue to pray for your family.”
Grant nodded and stood to extend his hand. “Thank you, Brother Brown.”
The preacher put on his coat and placed his hat on his head. “Peace to this house.” He nodded to the children and departed.
Five days later, when Grant went to town, there was a telegram waiting for him from Clyde O’Neill, some distant relative.
Send O’Neill children by train to Kansas City.
Grant posted a return telegram.
Children legally adopted and will remain here.
With only a few days to go before Thanksgiving, he also sent a telegram to his brother, asking for advice. The response came from a day later.
Adoption final. Fight if you must stop Law on your side.
Grant spent more and more time out in the barn, on his knees in prayer.
* * *
Thanksgiving had passed, and Lily enjoyed preparing for Christmas. No tree would decorate the living area as they planned to travel to visit family. Evergreen boughs rested on the mantle, trimmed with red ribbons and a few pinecones. Lily worked, with some help from Colleen, at making stockings for the children. She had thought she would never find joy without her own child in her arms, but these little children had sunk roots deep into her heart in such a short time. Grant explained to the children how adoption worked and how God adopted all of them into His family, if they wanted to be a part of that.
The children, who had arrived thin and wan, were now plump with rosy cheeks and ready smiles. Even little Tobin smiled for her, and Lily experienced sorrow for the mother who died without experiencing that kind of joy. How different life could be when one was lost without the hope of the cross.
* * *
December approached rapidly and Lily baked cookies with the kids while playfully slapping away little hands eager to lick frosting. She baked cakes along with loaves of bread to give to neighbors and take home on their visit to family in a few days. Grant’s parents expressed delight at the prospect of meeting their new grandchildren. Lily was sad that her own parents refused to acknowledge their little family. Because of that, Grant and Lily chose to travel early to visit his family. Lily was nervous and excited. They had not seen his family since they wed two years ago. Grant had been so busy on the farm. Lily knew her husband longed to be with his family again and show off his little family. It would be a wonderful Christmas.
* * *
A new telegram arrived.
Arriving 15 Dec to claim children.
Grant debated whether to make the sheriff aware of this potential challenge, but instead, ripped up the telegram and threw it in the stove at the General Store. He purchased more ammunition. He wouldn’t go down without a fight if that was called for. He smiled, knowing that the children were not going to be on the homestead on that date anyway.