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.