Love's Abiding Joy (Love Comes Softly #4)(23)

The popcorn was soon ready, and Clark and Willie were called to join them in the living room. The visiting continued, as Willie and Missie asked all about the neighbors, the school, the church. With deep emotion, Willie wanted to know how his pa, Zeke LaHaye, was really doing.

"I think thet a trip on out here would do him a world of good," Clark commented. "He needs to get a fresh outlook on things. Oh, he still loves his farm, but yer brother has most taken over now. Zeke loves his grandkids too, but he still misses yer ma somethin' awful. He sent a little parcel with

US.

If--"

Missie could stand it no longer. "All of this talk of parcels an' presents from back home--an' they plan to make us wait until mornin'! How can a body sleep tonight not knowin' what's in thet there trunk?"

After some laughter and teasing, it was decided that the trunk and its contents would be brought in and enjoyed before retiring, even though the hour was late.

After the trunk was placed in the room and the straps removed, Missie dove in with a will, laying to one side those things intended for the children. She squealed and cried by



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turn, enjoying every item that had come with love from those "back home."

"We'll have Nandry's raspberry preserves for breakfast," she declared, holding up a sparkling jar.

The hour was late when they finally cleared up the clutter and said good-night.

Marty went to bed with an overflowing heart. Her prayers had been answered--and now she finally felt that she could sleep for a solid week.



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Chapter Ten




Busy Days



The next day even Marty was coaxed on horseback in order that she might be given a tour of the ranch. She enjoyed the tiny flowers that nobly bloomed beside the trail; she thrilled to the sight of Willie's herds of cattle feeding on the hillsides; she loved the placid mountains lined up against the sky in the distance. But she did not enjoy the wind sweeping across the prairie, pulling at her hair and skirt, nor the miles and miles of seeming emptiness. Missie scarcely could remember the feeling, so she did not notice her mother's silence as her eyes swept the horizon. All Missie saw now was Willie's land as she had grown to love it.

Sunday arrived and with it some visitors to the LaHaye spread. At two o'clock in the afternoon, the opening hymn of their regular Sunday service was led by Henry. Clark and Marty had been happy to renew their acquaintance with the wagon driver. Henry had changed much in those few short years. No longer a bashful, hesitant boy, instead he was a sincere and confident man, presenting an attractive wife and a



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two-year-old son, Caldwell. Henry's pride shone in his eyes.

As they sang the hymn, Marty glanced around her. Some of the cowhands were there. She couldn't remember all the names, though she had been introduced. There was Cookie-- she had no problem remembering Cookie--and Rusty and Lane. The other two she could not remember. Another neighborhood family had joined them for the service. Marty saw the small boy with the twisted arm, and her heart went out to him. These were the Newtons, a young couple with four young sons. Juan and Maria and their baby girl and young son were not in attendance this time. Missie kept an eye on the road that twisted down the hill, hoping that they would arrive, but when the service had ended they still hadn't come. Missie was worried. It was the second Sunday in a row that the De la Rosas had not showed up. They were not away from home; Scottie had seen them Friday. No one was ill, for they had all been in town together. Missie could not think of a reason for their absence. They had been so regular in attendance. She must call on them and see if there was some problem.

After the singing, Willie led the service and Clark was asked, as honored guest, to give the Bible lesson. The people were attentive, and Marty even heard an occasional quiet "Amen."

After the service had ended, Missie served coffee and some of Wong's delicious doughnuts. They sat and visited, sharing their daily experiences and joys. Marty and Clark were glad for the opportunity to get to know some of Missie and Willie's neighbors. They all seemed to feel that the service was a special time in their week.

The cowboys were the first to take their reluctant leave. It was time for their shift; Scottie would be watching for them.

Next the Newtons also left. Mr. Newton as yet did not employ many hands on his spread and needed to get back in the saddle himself. He stated that they hadn't been bothered much with rustlers lately, but one could never tell when they might decide to strike. The small, defenseless ranches were easy picking. The Newtons promised to be back again the next Sunday.



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The Henry Kleins stayed for supper. Wong was happy for the chance to show off his culinary skills. Nathan and Josiah, glad for a playmate, took Caldwell out to the patio to play with a delighted Max, who ran around in circles with excited yelps to remind them that for the last few days he had been getting very little attention.

Marty chatted with Melinda Klein while Missie fussed about the table, setting it with the good dishes and making sure that everything looked its best. Marty soon came to feel very close to this young woman. They had shared similar experiences in their introduction to the West, both having lost a young husband in tragic accidents. Marty was glad that Melinda had Henry to help her over the hurt and confusion of losing the one she loved, while so far away from friends and family. And I'm glad I had Clark, she thought with a quick glance at him across the room.