4

With muscles stretched taut, Wade hoisted another armload of hubs and carried them to his worktable. “I can’t say that working from a tent is easy. Every night I have to load my tools and supplies back into the wagon to take home because of all the looting. I know the law is trying to keep things under control, but there are always those who want to help themselves.” He looked to his best friend, Thane Patton, and shook his head. “Not only that, but I’ve made more money working construction for other people than in getting my wainwright business back to where it was.”

“Maybe God is leading you in a different direction. Maybe construction is something He wants you to do. I know He’s taking me in a different direction.”

Wade put down a stack of felloes and gave Thane his full attention. “And what direction is that?”

“Militine and I are leaving Seattle. I wasn’t sure how to break the news to you, but I figure you and I both prefer just coming right out with it.”

The news took Wade by surprise. “But I thought you liked it here.”

“I do, but Militine would be happier if we got farther away from where she grew up. She’s always afraid of running into someone who knows her. I figured California might be the place to go. I wrote a letter to the fire chief in San Francisco and applied for a position of full-time fireman. I just got a letter back offering me a job.”

“Well, I’ll be. I have to say this isn’t at all what I expected.” He tried not to sound disapproving. “I hope you know what you’re doing. Making a big move like that won’t be easy.”

“It’ll be easy enough, since I lost most everything in the fire,” Thane said with a shrug. “Militine doesn’t have that much, either. We have a little bit of cash set aside from money given to us at the wedding, and with what I’ve been making working on the rebuilding, I think we’ll be just fine.”

“I’m sure you will be. You’ve always been able to take care of yourself. It’ll be hard not having you around, however. We’ve had a lot of years looking out for each other.”

Thane laughed. “That’s true enough. I know I’d be a lot worse for it if you hadn’t come to my rescue a few times.”

Wade shook his head with a smile. “As would I. You’ve kept me out of trouble more than once. It won’t be the same here without you.”

“Who knows, maybe you and Abrianna will want to relocate one day, as well. It would be great to have you join us there.”

“I don’t see that happening. Abrianna would fret about her aunts, and there’s the fact that her father just came back into her life.”

Thane nodded, his expression one of complete understanding. “Do you figure to live at the school after you’re married?”

Wade shook his head. “That isn’t what I want. I want a house of our own. I’m hoping Abrianna will feel the same way. I don’t think it would be all that comfortable to discover life as a married couple with all those folks looking over our shoulder.”

Thane laughed. “It hasn’t been easy for Militine and me, but we’ve made do.”

“So when do you plan to leave for San Francisco?”

“The end of next week.”

Wade pushed back his sweaty hair. “That soon, eh? Well, I suppose it’s just as well. You need to get out of here and settled before the weather turns.”

“We had hoped to be around when you and Abrianna got married. Have you set a date yet?”

Wade shook his head and went to retrieve another box of goods. “You wanna give me a hand?” Thane immediately came to his aid. Together they hoisted the crate atop the table. “Been so busy I haven’t even asked her father for his blessing. Fact is, I feel it’s probably more appropriate to ask the old ladies. Either way, I didn’t want to break with propriety. Abrianna knows that marriage is what I plan for us.”

“I know you’ll get their permission, whether it comes from one or all. Militine tells me the old ladies and Mr. Cunningham have had nothing but elated joy when talking about it. Seems they can’t think of two people who are more perfectly matched.”

Using a pry bar, Wade opened the crate. Inside were some of the tools he’d ordered to replace those lost in the fire. “I’m glad they feel that way.” He smiled at Thane and shook his head. “I don’t know if it would matter to me if they disapproved. I love her, and I can’t get her out of my thoughts.”

“I know how you feel. I’ve felt that way about Militine for a long time now. I remember you once asked me how I could be sure it was love. I suppose you understand the answer to that question now.”

Wade remembered the conversation. It seemed to have taken place years ago rather than just months. “I do, but I would be hard-pressed to explain it to anyone else.”

Thane laughed. “Exactly.”

“Well, I hoped I might find you here,” Brother Mitchell, the head elder of the church, announced as he entered Wade’s tent. “I’ve had to ask all over for directions. The city is in such disrepair, what with them widening and replatting the streets.”

“Come on in, Brother Mitchell. It’s good to see you. What can I do for you? Need a wagon repaired?” Wade put aside the tools he’d been pulling from the box.

“No, nothing wagon related, but there is something I need to talk to you about.”

Wade dusted off his hands. He couldn’t imagine what the elder wanted with him. “I wish I could offer you some refreshment, but I’m afraid I have nothing.”

“Not to worry. I’m here on business. Church business.”

As a deacon of the church, Wade often found himself brought into the confidences of the elders regarding church needs. “Is it all right if Thane stays?”

Brother Mitchell looked to Thane and nodded. “Of course. Although I would ask you both to keep this conversation confidential until a formal announcement can be made.”

“A formal announcement of what?” Wade asked.

“We elders met on several occasions and have spent a great deal of time in prayer on the matter of finding another pastor. We don’t want to feel rushed into a decision, as we did last time. But we have come to a decision. We would like to ask you to be our pastor in the interim while we search.”

“Me?” Wade couldn’t fathom why they would come to him. “I have no formal training.”

“But I have heard you lead the men in prayer and Bible study. I was present at several of your studies with the friendless. I can tell you now that the purpose at that time was for extending a request for you to take a position as elder.” He held up his hand, seeming to expect Wade’s protest. “I know you feel that being young and unmarried disqualifies you for a position of authority, but we have searched the Scriptures and find that not to be the case. In every situation we have seen only support for your placement. With this new need, we believe you perfect for the job. Besides, others in the congregation have suggested you for the position.”

“Me? But why?” This was all news to Wade. He looked to Thane, but he just shrugged.

“Folks liked the way you dealt with Pastor Walker. They felt you were led of the Lord. Not only that, but they know you, know that you’re honorable. They feel that God has His hand on you and you need to answer His call.”

“I have to say you’ve taken me by surprise. I have never thought of taking the pulpit as a profession or calling.”

“We only ask that you pray on the matter. And speak also to your intended.” He smiled. “I know Miss Cunningham’s heart for mission work. She has long presented herself as a strong woman of God.” His expression changed slightly to one of concern. “Although, I will say she has always been given to speaking first and rushing in to take charge of a matter. I suppose it could be a virtue in a man, but in a woman it oft feels disconcerting.”

Wade chuckled. “I’ll say. But as for prayer and speaking to Abrianna, I give you my word to do both. If God is directing me to help the church out in this manner, I want to do whatever I can. The church has been good to me, just as it was good to my folks. I owe the congregation that much.”

“Wonderful,” Brother Mitchell said, his face brightening. “I will tell the elders. We will anxiously await your decision.”

Wade shook the man’s hand. Once the elder left, Wade turned to Thane. “Well, what do you think of that?”

“Well, Pastor Ackerman,” Thane replied with a grin, “I think the Lord works in mysterious ways.”

“That He does,” Wade replied. Never in his life had he thought of taking on such a position. Never had he felt qualified, but of late he had to admit that God kept putting him in positions of teaching. “Maybe God’s taking me in a new direction, just as He has you and Militine.”

“What do you think Abrianna will say?”

Wade shrugged. “Who can ever tell what she’s going to say? For all the love I hold for her, I can’t begin to suppose I know what goes on inside that busy little head of hers.”

“Women can be a real mystery.”

“That they can.” Wade shook his head. “Especially when it comes to my future wife.”

Abrianna reached across several new rosebuds to reach one in full bloom. The pink rose gave off a scent so sweet that for a moment all she could do was inhale and enjoy the aroma. She touched the delicate petal, and for some reason her mother came to mind.

“I wish you were here to advise me,” she murmured. “I wish I could have known you.” Tears blurred her vision. At times, the loss of her mother was a dull ache, and other times it was a piercing pain—as it was now. For a moment Abrianna felt just as she had when she was a little girl awakening from a bad dream. There was a sense of fear and loss that caused her to tremble. Back then, one of her aunts would come and soothe her back to sleep with stories about her mother. But for this moment there was no one who could help her.

She buried her longing and wiped the tears. I would never want my aunts to think me ungrateful. It seems so ridiculous that I should desire what I cannot have, given the fact that God has blessed me with so much. What a selfish girl I can be. She glanced heavenward. Forgive me, Father.

“You have a lovely garden,” a woman said. Abrianna straightened to find Mrs. Snyder walking down the path. “I can’t remember seeing anything this nice in Tacoma.”

“My aunts are quite enthusiastic about flowers and keeping the grounds beautiful. When we were located downtown we had no opportunity to garden, and it very much vexed them. We haven’t been here all that long, but the former owners arranged these lovely gardens. My aunts have great plans for future weddings and parties on the lawn.”

“I think one would be quite fortunate to have a wedding here.”

Abrianna looked across the garden and nodded. “Yes, I believe I would like to be married here.”

“Are you engaged?”

“In a manner,” she replied and put the rose in the basket with the other flowers. “We haven’t made a formal announcement, but we have declared our love. Although I suppose a declaration of love isn’t a true commitment. Still, I feel that my declaration is a commitment and obligates me to put aside any other interests. Oh dear, I suppose obligate makes it sound as if I’m not at all pleased. Loving Wade isn’t at all an obligation, so please don’t misunderstand me.” She drew a breath and could see the woman’s confusion. Smiling, Abrianna offered an apology. “You’ll have to forgive me. I do tend to prattle on.”

“It’s not a problem, I assure you. My Flora can be just the same.” The woman glanced around the yard, then fixed her gaze back on Abrianna. “You’re Mr. Cunningham’s daughter, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Abrianna Cunningham.” She frowned. “We met this morning when you and Flora were introduced to the students. Perhaps your journey here caused you fatigue. Then again, I can’t say that I’m the most memorable person. Especially when you came here with thoughts of seeing your niece enrolled. Still, my red hair usually causes folks to recall me without effort.”

Mrs. Snyder looked at her with an odd smile. “I am rather poor at keeping track of names and faces. I do recall your beautiful hair, however.”

Abrianna smiled at the reference to beauty. “It has been a troublesome burden to me all of my life. Redheaded women are most complicated, in case you didn’t know. My aunt Miriam says that we are given to fits of temper and exploits too numerous to list. She said it is as if God made our hair red as a warning to others that mischief was afoot.”

Mrs. Snyder smiled. “I can’t imagine that is true of you.”

“Oh, but you do not know the half of it.” Abrianna shrugged. “I am quite strong-willed. I see a matter that needs attending, and rather than seek the advice of others, I simply step in and take care of the need. It’s both a curse and a blessing, but I know that it has been a great burden to my aunts. Many has been the time I have overheard them praying for wisdom in how to deal with me, as well as asking the Almighty to keep me from causing harm to myself or others.”

“And is your father of that same vein? Does he plunge in to attend a matter regardless of advice?”

Abrianna grew thoughtful. How could she explain to this woman that she was just now getting to know her father? She supposed the truth was best, but of late it seemed the truth only served to stir things up into a frenzy. She couldn’t lie, however. That wouldn’t be right, what with her new goal to be open and honest, even when it proved difficult.

“In truth, I cannot say that I know whether he is that kind of man or not. You see, he has just come back into my life after being absent for all my growing years.”

“Truly? What caused such an absence?”

Abrianna sighed. If she wasn’t careful she might very well find herself in tears once again. “He was wrongly accused of a crime he didn’t commit.” She frowned. “I suppose if you are wrongly accused it goes without saying that you didn’t commit the crime, so forgive my unnecessary words. He was imprisoned until the rightful criminal was found and confessed. Unfortunately, that cost my father twenty years of his life and robbed me of his presence in mine.”

“My word! What a terrible tragedy.” Mrs. Snyder had her hand to her throat and looked very shocked.

“I hope I haven’t caused you undue worry. He is a good man and quite kind.”

“He strikes me as a very considerate man. Do you know he offered to drive me around Seattle? I’m afraid it didn’t work out this afternoon, but we have a plan to do just that tomorrow morning.”

Abrianna got the distinct feeling that this woman was interested in her father for more than a tour around the city. There was a glimmer in her eyes that Abrianna had once seen when Lenore first met Kolbein. Goodness, but could Mrs. Snyder be taken with Father?

“At last I’ve found you,” Wade declared, coming from behind them.

Abrianna turned so quick that her skirts caught in the roses, and she started to fall. Wade, ever her hero, caught her in his arms and righted her.

“You must forgive her,” he said to Mrs. Snyder. “Abrianna is always throwing herself at me.”

The older woman chuckled. “You must be her fiancé. I am Mrs. Snyder. My niece Flora has just arrived to attend the school.”

“Wade Ackerman.” He didn’t let go his hold on Abrianna.

“Well, if you’ll excuse me,” Mrs. Snyder said, “I will leave you two a moment for yourselves.” She left before Abrianna could say a word, for Wade was already turning her in his arms.

“I’ve thought of nothing but this moment all day long.” He kissed her gently and pulled back with a smile. “I think I’m really starting to get the hang of this.”

“Oh, Wade.” Abrianna nudged him, but he held her fast. “You completely embarrassed me in front of Mrs. Snyder. She’ll think I’m positively wanton.”

“You’re the one who pretended to fall.”

“I did not pretend.” Abrianna pushed harder this time. “You are insufferable.”

Wade laughed and lifted her at the waist. “You may call me anything you like, so long as you tell me that you’ll love me forever.”

She smiled down at him, feeling much of her worry and fears melt away. “I certainly cannot lie about that matter, for my heart is yours now, as it always has been.” She shook her head as he lowered her. Once her feet were firmly on the ground, Abrianna motioned to the pump. “You smell like sweat and ash. I will not bear another of your embraces until you clean up.”

Wade made as if he would pull her into his arms again, and Abrianna let out a little squeal and jumped back. “I mean it. You smell something frightful.” She took two more steps back.

He walked slowly toward her. Abrianna continued to back up. “Wade Ackerman, I have spoken my piece.”

“So you have. You seem to speak quite a few pieces, but I have learned the trick to closing that mouth of yours.” His eyes seemed to sparkle in mischievous delight, and his lips were curled in a wicked grin.

Abrianna found his playfulness rather seductive, and for the life of her couldn’t remember why she was backing away. She stopped, fully expecting him to take her in his arms and kiss her with the same passion he had on the Fourth of July and more recently. Instead, after crossing the distance between them, he stopped and merely looked down at her. Abrianna lifted her face to make it all the more easy for him to kiss her lips and closed her eyes. She heard him chuckle, and instead of kissing her, he tweaked her nose. Her eyes flashed open as he turned away.

“Perhaps I should wash up, after all. I wouldn’t want to offend the other ladies at supper.”

She watched him go as a sense of disappointment washed over her. He really didn’t smell that bad.

“Oh, by the way,” Wade said, turning around in midstep. “The elders have asked me to take over the pulpit until they can find a pastor for the church. What do you think of that?”

“I think it’s wonderful.” She hesitated before continuing. “Pride goeth before a fall, but I must say I am proud of you. I suppose, however, that pride in someone serving God isn’t the same as pride in one’s own accomplishments. Therefore, I rest on my previous declaration. I’m proud of you. I believe you’ll make a wonderful pastor.”

His lips twitched in just a hint of a smile. “Did you ever think you’d be married to a preacher?”

Abrianna shrugged. “I never thought I’d be married, so all of this is pretty new to me.”

His smile widened. “Well, you’d better get your mind around it. I intend to talk to your pa as soon as I can find him.”