Cassidy (Big Sky Dreams 1) (16 page)

"To whom will you tattle?"

"Everyone," he began with great satisfaction. "Brad, Meg. I assume

132Jeanette knows, but I'll tell Heather, Jeb, Patience, Chandler, Rylan, Chas, and Miranda, just to name a few."

"But you don't know anything!"

"I know enough to raise their concerns. You'll have more people checking with you than you have hours in the day."

"You're a horrible person. Do you know that, Trace Holden?" Not at all.,,was looking very pleased with himself. "I'm just looking out for a friend."

Cassidy was opening her mouth to say more when Brad came from upstairs. He joined them in the living room, and Cassidy took full advantage.

"How's the baby?"

"She woke up, so Meg is rocking her a bit."

"She's growing so fast," Cassidy said, even as she saw Trace rise.

"As much as we want to visit," Trace said to his brother, "Cass and I have some business on the porch." Trace had come, taken Cassidy by the hand, and pulled her to her feet. Cassidy wanted to laugh again but simply walked to the porch. When her eyes met Trace's, he read the indulgence there and put both hands up.

"Humor me, Cassidy. You might be just fine, but I'd like to know the details."

Cassidy told him what had happened at the Brickel house, and Trace did not look pleased.

"Why didn't you want to tell me?" was the first question Trace asked.

"I thought you might do just what you're doing, making a bigger deal out of this than it is."

Trace was not offended that she wasn't taking it as seriously as he was, but that didn't mean his opinion would change.

"Why are you going back?" Trace wanted to know next. "I told him I would."

"Couldn't you send word that the shirts need to be picked up?" "I said I would bring them, and I will."

133Trace's head tipped a little in thought. "Why aren't you afraid?" Cassidy shrugged a little, and said, "Mr. Brickel's interest was a surprise, but he wasn't threatening."

Trace contemplated this for a while, knowing that Saturday would be busy. He would have preferred to be in town when she made this delivery, but he couldn't make that work.

"I want you to do me a favor."

"What's that?"

"Tell Rylan."

"What will that accomplish?"

"I just want him to know that you're going. I want someone other than Jeanette to be aware of the situation-a man, by the way."

Cassidy stared at her friend. She was very touched by his concern but wasn't sure it was necessary. The whole episode had not upset her-it had only surprised her.

"Cass?" Trace said, having watched her the whole time. "Hm?"

"Do you have a problem with Rylan knowing?"

"No, I just don't think it's needed. It seems to be a bit much. I'm going to finish the shirts and drop them off. That's all."

"What if he presses you to stay? What if he does something unexpected, like touches you or won't let you go?"

"If I don't come back, Jeanette will go for help."

Trace had to smile before saying, "Put like that, it does sound like I'm overreacting. But I won't feel that way if this man turns out to be threatening."

"I'll tell you what," Cassidy said, making a decision. "I'll let you speak to Rylan if you want to. I'm staying out of it. And if you do talk to him, please make it clear that I don't want or need any company that day. I'm not worried that something will go wrong." Cassidy rose to go back inside but said one more thing. "Not that I don't appreciate your concern."

Trace didn't try to detain her but simply followed her back into the living room. He would talk to Rylan without stirring things up

134unnecessarily. He was not in a panic, but he didn't know enough about Hiram Brickel. To simply do nothing wasn't an option.

"What am I doing?" Rylan asked the congregation on Sunday morning as he opened his mouth and then covered his mouth with his hand. The group gathered looked at him, most people smiling even if they were a little confused.

"Any guesses?" Rylan moved his hand and asked. "Chas?" Rylan called on that man.

"Are you yawning?"

"Maybe," Rylan said cryptically. "What else?"

"Getting sick?" someone called from the back.

"That's possible," Rylan joked.

"Surprised about something," Brad suggested.

"Gasping," Philip guessed.

"Okay," Rylan said with pleasure. "We're getting somewhere. Watch me again and ask yourself this time if I'm yawning or gasping."

Rylan put his hand back over his mouth and looked out over the group. A few seconds later, he moved his hand and began his sermon.

"Isn't it interesting how the same action can look like two very different things? If I'm yawning, you're going to rightly assume that I'm tired or bored. Watching me might even make you feel tired. It's contagious.

"However, if I'm gasping you're going to get a little excited yourself and want to know what's going on. You won't be the least bit bored or tired. You're going to want to know what I'm excited about. It will be just as contagious.

"What was your latest response to God's Word? A gasp or a yawn? Have you begun to yawn when I mention the fear of the Lord? Is that subject getting old for you, or are you still gasping?

"I want us to take some time this morning and work to grasp the greatness and holiness of our saving God. We'll start in the book

135

"Who is like unto thee,OhLORD,among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over,OhLORD,till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased. Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place,OhLORD,which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the sanctuary,OhLord, which thy hands have established. TheLORDshall reign forever and ever.'

"Did you grasp those words, my friends? This is an awesome, powerful God we serve. Turn next to the last book of the Bible. I'm going to read from Revelation 15:4: 'Who shall not fear thee,OLord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.' This verse reminds us that our God is holy and is to be feared.

"Are you grasping that yet? Are you getting it?" For emphasis, Rylan put his hand over his mouth for just a moment more. "A gasp or a yawn. We choose, don't we? We serve a great and awesome God, and that's what we need to grasp. There is nothing to be yawned at here. It's too big to waste our time yawning.

"Before I pray, I just want to send you off with one final thought. Ask God to help you grasp His greatness and holiness. Remember this one thing: A proper
grasp
leads to an appropriate
gasp."

Rylan prayed and dismissed the flock a few moments later. Cassidy

136

and Chandler had been sitting with the Vick family, and conversation wasn't long in coming.

"I needed that," Chandler admitted to the others. "I can't remember the last time I needed a sermon more."

"It was excellent, wasn't it?" Chas agreed. The women nodded in agreement.

"I won't look at yawning the same ever again," Cassidy put in. "Can you both come for lunch?" Chas suddenly asked. "I can," Chandler agreed.

"Thank you," Cassidy said, "but Jeanette asked me to join her today."

"Another time," Miranda said warmly, wondering if her husband had been doing a bit of matchmaking. She caught his eye as they said their goodbyes and found a smile lurking there. She knew in an instant that she'd guessed correctly.

"And she plans to go back this Saturday?" Rylan made sure he had the facts.

"Yes," Trace said. "She's not afraid, and I'm proud of her for that, but I just wanted you to know."

"I'll check with her on Saturday morning," Rylan said. "Thank you."

"Does she know you're telling me?"

"Yes. She didn't think it was necessary but didn't object to my mentioning it."

Rylan nodded, his eyes studying Trace for a moment. He wanted to ask if the relationship was changing from friendship to something more, but other people were visiting close by. He didn't think anyone would hear, but he wasn't willing to take a chance.

Trace broke into Rylan's thoughts when he thanked him for the sermon and went on his way. Franklin Vick was waiting to talk to

137

him, and as Rylan hunkered down to the little boy's level, he did his best to concentrate on Franklin alone.

"Have I told you," Brad began, catching Meg in the kitchen alone after Sunday dinner, "how fun it is to hug you?"

Meg smiled as his arms went around her and looked up into his eyes. "You might have missed yesterday," she teased.

Brad cuddled her close and said, "Much as I love my daughter, I certainly enjoy holding just my wife."

"You won't hear any complaints out of me," Meg said just before they kissed.

In the living room, oblivious to everyone but the little person in his arms, Trace smiled when Savanna let out a huge yawn.

"That was a big one," he said. "You must be getting sleepy."

She smiled up at him, and Trace felt the familiar sensation in his chest. He didn't know anyone could affect another person's heart the way this baby had. He loved her in a way he couldn't explain and thought he might do anything for her.

She yawned again, and Trace was suddenly back in the sermon. He'd needed the words this morning just as much as the others had. And even though they hadn't talked about it, he felt just the way Cassidy did: He would never look at yawning the same again.

138

JEANETTE HAD BEEN WORKING STEADILYalong on Wednesday after noon,

getting plenty done in Cassidy's absence, when a man stopped outside the shop. The sky was full of bright sunshine, making it hard to see through from outside, but indoors Jeanette noticed his presence and watched him for a moment. She thought he was ready to move on his way when he reached for the door handle.

"Can I help you?" Jeanette offered when he came fully inside. "I'M looking for Cassidy."

"She's not here right now. Is there something I can do?" "When do you expect her back?"

Jeanette did not like the question and suddenly realized she didn't like the man. His eyes never stayed in one place, and neither did his hands. Not caring if she lost business or not, Jeanette's chin came up a bit as she answered.

"I'm in charge right now. If you want to order something, you'll have to tell me."

"I'm still thinking about it," the man said, smiling a smile that Jeanette did not trust. "Do you make men's shirts?"

"Yes," Jeanette answered, the coldest response she'd ever given to a customer.

139"I may be back," the man said, nodding a bit, putting on his hat, and turning toward the door.

Jeanette said goodbye when he glanced back at her, but she had held her place in the shop. She only moved once the door shut so she could look out the window and see where he went. Jeanette watched him walk deeper into town, not liking or,trusting anything about him.

Chandler arrived on Thursday morning for his shirts. Cassidy had had them done for a few days but kept forgetting to take them to the bank when she made her end-of-the-day trip. He came as she opened the store. Jeanette was not there yet.

"How are you?" Chandler asked warmly, his heart suddenly real, izing how much he enjoyed being with this woman and wishing he knew how she felt about him.

"I'm fine. How are you?"

"I want to hear more than 'fine," Chandler said. "How are you really?"

Cassidy looked at him. "Do I not seem fine?"

"That's not it. I ask it that way because of me, not you. I have a tendency to ask that question and not really listen to the way people answer."

"Well, that's kind of you, Chandler, but I think the answer is still fine."

"How about financially? How are things there?"

"I've been busy and had lots of orders, and someone did give me some money."

"That was kind. Who was it?"

"It was done through Rylan. He was asked not to say. It came at a time I really needed it-not so much for my bank account but for my heart."

140

Chandler stared at her for a moment, his mind taking in that special statement.

"What did I say?" Cassidy asked, not sure what his look meant. "Your heart and bank account-I liked the way you put that." "I have to think that way or I would be prone to worry all the