The Brides of Chance Collection Part 38

"Marry me!"

"No, me!"

Paul stepped in front of the women and spoke in a low voice. His tone served as a warning. "This here is a guest at the Chance Ranch. If anybody wants to speak to the lady, they'll have to act like a gentleman. If you can't behave yourselves, you'll have more trouble than you can handle." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that Delilah stood in front of Miriam, her hands in her pockets.

"Aw, you Chance boys have all the luck."

"It's not fair. There weren't no decent women in the town but Reba and Priscilla when Miriam came," another interrupted.

"And Gideon got her, and t.i.tus s.n.a.t.c.hed Alisa. You Chance men can't go round taking all the women to be found. Ain't neighborly."

General mutters of agreement rumbled as the throng moved closer. "Ya oughta introduce us proper-like."

Gus White came out from behind the curtain in the back of the store, brandis.h.i.+ng a broom.

"Get out, you lazy good-fer-nothin's. You can't stick around ha.s.slin' my customers."

"But Gus, we just wanna-Hey!"

Gus thwapped the dirty ruffian on the head with the broom. Paul didn't remember the last time he'd felt so much brotherly love for any soul as he felt for Gus at that moment.

"I said git!" Gus punctuated his words with a well-placed prod to another man's backside as the crowd beat a hasty retreat.

"All right, all right. We're goin'. We didn't mean nothin'."

As soon as they left, Gus turned, his scowl replaced by a genial smile. "h.e.l.lo, Mrs. Miriam, Mrs. Alisa. Ma'am. Howdy, t.i.tus. What'dya do to your arm?"

"This un's Paul, Gus." Reba shook her head, then spoke to the women. "I declare, if there really were more women around here, he'd probably forget my name, too. Well, seems to me you've got some news to tell." She waited expectantly.

"Paul broke his arm, Reba, and this is my cousin, Delilah," Miriam quickly explained.

Reba gave Delilah an a.s.sessing once-over. "I'm right glad to see you, Miss Delilah. Don't worry none about that bunch-they're lonely, and you'll probably get more decent offers than indecent, if you take my meaning." She straightened her shoulders. "I'm afraid Doc Morris is out of town, Paul. Will you be all right?"

"Miriam already set the break, and it hasn't been troubling me too much. My arm'll be fine, Mrs. Reba. And how've you been?"

"Can't complain," Gus remarked. "What can we do for you folks today?"

Alisa rattled off a list of goods-rice, beans, flour, meal, sugar, spices, apples, cocoa, maple syrup, canning jars, b.u.t.tons, and vegetable seeds-then turned to Paul. He added tacks, ammunition, spring tonic, and a salt lick to the list.

"We slaughtered a steer yesterday, Gus. It's out in the wagon." The Chance family never bothered with store credit if they could avoid it.

"Fair enough." Gus turned when he heard the door creak open. "I told everyone to get outta here."

"We heard." A wiry man made his way to the back of the store, followed by two others.

"Howdy, Paul," one of them greeted. "We done heard you broke your arm and figgered ya'd need a hand with unloadin' your wagon."

"Perfect." Gus ushered them back out the door and called to Paul, "That ought to be about even, after what you brought me last time," before turning back to the ladies.

Delilah watched Paul leave with some regret. He'd been so strong when he stood up to that awful pack of men. True, they'd been more curious than dangerous, but there were some rough characters mingled in, and you never could tell when a crowd could turn into a mob. She knew how to take care of herself, but she'd never been up against a dozen men, and she couldn't forget Miriam and Alisa. Paul had immediately placed himself between them and the townsmen; even with a broken arm, he'd had an air of power and control she could only admire.

Her reverie was interrupted by the sound of Miriam's voice asking Gus for peppermint sticks and licorice for the girls. The whitewash she listed surprised everyone.

"You're gonna whitewash your cabin, Miriam?" Reba asked, smiling. "You'll be surprised at the difference."

Miriam nodded. "I've been wanting to for a while now. That's it for the Chance account, Reba, but there are a few other matters to settle. I've got some eggs and b.u.t.ter out in the wagon."

"b.u.t.ter? n.o.body round here bothers to make it." Gus's voice betrayed his eagerness. "I can give you, say, twenty cents a pound, Miriam."

"Oh, I'd say twenty-three is fairer. We both know you'll sell it for more than that. Anyway, I've got ten bricks I can sell you, and I'll take the other nine to Mr. Scudd at the restaurant."

"I'll give you twenty-five cents a brick if you sell it all to me."

"Deal. You'll make a tidy profit when you sell it to the restaurant, too."

"We've also brought seven dozen eggs," Alisa chimed in.

Gus nodded. "I can give you twenty cents a dozen for those. It's a bit high, but n.o.body around here really raises chickens, and the ones as do eat their own eggs. There's plenty who will pay for 'em. Let me see, that's nineteen bricks of b.u.t.ter at two bits each, and seven dozen eggs at twenty cents a dozen-that'll be six fifteen, total. Did you want cash?"

"I'll tell you what, Mr. White. Why don't you and Paul haul in the goods from the wagon while we women discuss what we'd like to do."

"I need about five yards of flannel and six of the green gingham, Reba, and a special order for baby b.u.t.tons." Reba, busily writing down the order, broke her pencil.

"Did I hear that right? Did you say *baby b.u.t.tons' just as innocently as could be? You're in the family way! So that's why your cousin is here! Oh, this'll be the first babe since your sister's, G.o.d rest her soul. And you hiding it behind your cloak! You give old Reba a hug this minute!" She came around the counter and all but smothered Miriam in a jubilant embrace. She shared an amused glance with Alisa, but Delilah felt the same way Reba did. Miriam loved Hannah and Dan's girls, but she had told Delilah in her letters how much she wanted children of her own.

Maybe someday I'll finally have a family, too.

"How far along are you? Are you feeling all right?"

"I'm doing just fine, and I expect the baby in about four months."

"Oooh. *Four months,' she says. That means you're five along and haven't told me. Shame on you! Oh, but it doesn't matter, I'm that happy for you. Which pattern of flannel would you like?"

"The blue plaid, please."

"You've already got an inkling that your babe will be a strapping boy, do you? Small wonder when your husband has five brothers. There you are. What else can I get you?"

Miriam turned to Alisa. "We earned about three dollars each, and I've spent mine. What would you like to spend your share on?"

"I brought back everything I needed from San Francisco, but it seems to me that Delilah did an awful lot of churning. You'll need a good cape and skirt for the winter- it's never too early to think about these things. I'd say we should get some good wool."

"Wonderful idea. I thought the same thing." Miriam laughed. "We'll use most of the green gingham I'm buying for a work dress."

"No. That's your money. You should spend it on yourself, both of you." Delilah didn't want any handouts.

" *The labourer is worthy of his hire,' the Bible tells us. You've done a lot of work on the homestead, and you'll need heavier clothing when it snows. Since the Lord blessed me with everything I need, I want you and Miriam to split it." Alisa was rapidly becoming the most generous person Delilah had ever known. If she refused the gift, it would hurt Alisa's feelings. Besides, they were telling her that they wanted her to stay through winter-that would mean a whole year here!

"All right." Delilah gave in as graciously as she could. "What will I need?"

"I'd say three yards of the gray plaid with black and red shooting through it for a skirt and about four yards of black for a good warm cape. You're tall but slender, so it will be enough," Alisa decided.

"Wool's the most expensive fabric for good reason. You'll be nice and cozy in it," Reba said with approval. "The seven yards comes to about two dollars' worth. What else?"

Delilah looked to Miriam and Alisa. "I'd like a charcoal pencil for my drawing and a few packets of flower seeds to plant in front of the cabin, if that's all right."

"I'd forgotten you draw, Delilah. You'll have to show me some of the pictures you've made when we get back," Miriam exclaimed.

"What a wonderful idea! We've tried, but the place still seems more masculine than anything else. Some flowers would be welcome." Alisa's approval made Delilah decide on the spot she'd plant some in front of her new friend's cabin the moment she got a chance. For now, she had a home-and they wanted her for a whole year. She might as well enjoy it while it lasted.

Chapter 6.

Delilah stepped into the kitchen with four dozen eggs and a smile. She'd now been at Chance Ranch for an entire week-longer than at any residence she'd ever known. She'd come to look forward to waking up and joining Miriam and Alisa in the kitchen, where she'd learn how to make something new and delicious.

"Are we getting started on the baked apples?" She remembered promising Bryce his favorite treat.

"No. We'll make those so we can have them right after lunch. Everybody gets one, so it wouldn't be enough for breakfast." Miriam placed a towel over a bowl of dough. "This morning we'll make French toast."

"For the Lord's Day." Alisa moved a stack of thick slices toward the stove.

"Oh." Delilah felt the smile slide off her face. The Lord's Day? For Papa, that was just a day to sleep off the effects of Sat.u.r.day's revelry since the saloons were closed, but she knew that wasn't how most people behaved. When she was a little girl, Mama would read from the Bible or, if the town were big enough, take her to hear a preacher. The very thought of listening to someone expound on the idea of what a sinner she was for hours on end made Delilah's stomach lurch.

"The rain's wiped away any chance of anyone coming over for the service, so the men can relax a bit instead of setting up outside the barn."

Miriam's words lifted Delilah's spirits. No preacher and a day of relaxation didn't sound bad at all. Besides, at least for today, Paul wouldn't have to feel bad about not being able to help his brothers until his arm healed.

"What can I do to help?" Time pa.s.sed quickly as she got swept up in making breakfast. Mixing eggs with cinnamon and milk and then dipping bread into the mixture before frying it to a golden brown was much easier than she'd thought it would be, and soon the men began filtering through the door, noses twitching appreciatively.

After breakfast, everyone pitched in to clean up. The table was cleared and the dishes done in record time. Surveying the sparkling kitchen, Delilah wondered what the men would do all day. Her question was answered when Gideon brought in a worn Bible and settled to the right of his usual position at the head of the table. As though the action were an unspoken command, the rest of the family flocked to join him. Reluctant to join in for reasons too numerous to count, Delilah wondered whether there was any way to excuse herself. Obviously this was a family religious gathering. Since she didn't believe as they did and couldn't count herself as a member of the family, there was no place for her here.

She watched as Paul took the seat at the head of the table, waited until everyone else was situated, and beckoned for her to sit at his left. When she hesitated, Gideon shot a glance at Miriam, who rose from her seat, walked over, and took Delilah's hand.

"Come on, it's time for wors.h.i.+p. It's all right if you don't know the words to the hymns t.i.tus will lead us in. Gideon will be praying for our family and friends, and Paul has chosen the scripture for today."

With that, any hope of wiggling out of the situation disappeared more quickly than the French toast had earlier. Pasting a smile on her face, Delilah slid onto the bench and bowed her head as Paul and Ginny Mae each held one of her hands. Clinging to the comfort of Paul's warm, steady grasp, she blinked back tears at Gideon's prayer.

"Lord, we come before you happy and whole and blessed beyond what we deserve. Right now, we know that across the world some people are not so fortunate. Please be with those who lost their homes and loved ones when Vesuvius burst open and rained fire upon the land. We know Thou art there, keeping watch over Thy children. Please help us never to lose sight of how blessed we are by Thy love. Amen."

t.i.tus asked if anyone had any particular hymn they'd like to sing.

"I'd love to sing *Holy, Holy, Holy,' " Alisa offered.

Delilah closed her eyes as everyone followed t.i.tus's deep baritone. Although she tried to ignore the lyrics, instead silently reciting recipes she'd learned or the kinds of flowers she'd plant in the garden, the lovely music broke through her thoughts. She didn't want to listen because she didn't agree with what was said.

How can they think that G.o.d is "merciful and mighty"? If He really exists, He took away Mama and didn't help Papa overcome his weaknesses.

"Early in the morning, our song shall rise to Thee...." The words and melody were so lovely! Even Daniel's scowl faded as Polly's little voice piped in, trilling the words in slightly off-key exuberance.

After another song Delilah didn't recognize, Paul started the lesson.

"Here we sit, surrounded by friends and family in a solid home on good land. These are only a few of the blessings G.o.d has bestowed upon us. But I've been thinking about Mama and Papa a lot lately, how proud they'd be to see how much our family has grown. They built the foundation on faith and love, and it has withstood hard times. But in chasing the past, we can easily lose track of all the wonder of the present"-his eyes met hers-"and the promise of the future.

"The Bible reading is about following the Lord wherever He sees fit to lead and giving thanks for the blessings He provides, rather than looking back on things that are no more."

The lump in her throat swelled at Paul's words, and anger pulsed at her temples. Is he talking about me? It's only right and natural to grieve when a loved one is lost! Taking a deep breath, she listened as Paul read about a city given over entirely to sin. Only one man in the entire city found favor with G.o.d. Well, she could easily believe that. After all, as far as she could see, G.o.d was mighty selective about the people He looked after. Mama prayed and read the Bible every day and did her best to be a good wife and mother. She begged for G.o.d to help Papa stop gambling and longed for the security of a home. Instead, she died in a strange town with no money to see a doctor. If Mama, whose heart held no selfishness, wasn't good enough for G.o.d, there was precious little hope left for anyone else.

Paul read on. " *And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city....And it came to pa.s.s, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee....' "

Ah, so there's the part where he was talking about not thinking on the past. Comforted that Paul hadn't been pointing her out, she listened more carefully as he continued.

" *Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life....' "

Wait a minute. G.o.d saved Lot's life from whom? From Himself? That doesn't seem very benevolent. So He saves one man and destroys entire cities, and that is magnifying His mercy? Maybe there's a turn in the middle, and He saves the cities to show His mercy! Delilah listened intently to the next verses.

" *Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.' "

Nope. He destroyed the cities. Even Lot couldn't depend on G.o.d to protect his family. No, this G.o.d who smote entire cities and turned a woman into salt simply for watching can't be the G.o.d of love, too. It just doesn't fit. Where is the lesson here?

"So the lesson here"-Paul's voice mimicked her thoughts almost exactly-"is stated by Christ Himself in Luke 17. This tale is specifically used by the Savior to remind us that we need to make Him the focus of our lives.

" *Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.' "

That makes no sense!

"Now this may seem to contradict itself," Paul clarified, "but Jesus isn't just talking about life as we know it, but eternal life, too. The only way to gain eternal life is by giving Christ this one."

His words sent s.h.i.+vers up Delilah's spine. How can I be asked to give my life to the control of someone when everyone I've depended on has let me down?

"Once we acknowledge G.o.d as the one who created us and give ourselves to Him, we will live forever in His grace. Let's pray."

Thoughts whirled through Delilah's head as the family joined hands once more. How could anyone live forever? It just isn't possible. She'd seen death in all its horrible finality-no one could escape the threat that came and stole all smiles and laughter and life.

Mama gave her life to Jesus. How can I trust Him when He took Mama away and didn't save her? And how can I tell these people who believe in salvation they're wrong when I don't understand it? Why do they have the same peace and joy in G.o.d that Mama had? Delilah's heart ached as the others sang another hymn she didn't recognize. Why can't I understand what they believe and be as happy as they are? What am I missing?

Her thoughts came to a halt as she recognized the melody everyone sang. As the words poured forth, Delilah remembered the hymn as one of her mother's favorites. Despite her resolution not to take part, she mouthed the words: "Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love..."

She snuck a glance at Paul, only to find him watching her. At his encouraging nod, she raised her voice and joined in: "The fellows.h.i.+p of kindred minds Is like to that above."

Amid the deep voices of the brothers around her, Delilah could almost hear her mother's clear soprano. By the third verse, she blinked back tears at the memory.

It was no use. G.o.d had abandoned her long ago, and there was no tie to bind her to these good people, no matter how much she wished for one. At least there was one thing she could take away from Paul's lesson. She didn't have to keep reliving the past and regretting what she couldn't change. Instead, she'd focus on these people who opened their home and hearts to her. For now.