Whispers of Moonlight (27 page)

Again she sighed. "It's funny really; it's the first love-hate relationship I've ever been in. I love it when they let me hold them or when they stand still while I talk to them, but when they wrestle on my bed and get into my clothes and makeup, I could kill them."

Preston was quiet for a few minutes, his eyes still on her as he weighed his next words. Finally he ventured, "Have you ever thought that it might be a relief for Rebecca if you were gone."

Angel's brows rose.

"I mean," he went on easily, "the boys could have your room, and she wouldn't have to worry about them disturbing your things."

He could see that he'd made her think, but her face quickly clouded.

"She couldn't afford it, Preston. She does all the domestic work around the house, but she isn't even doing outside laundry right now, so mine is the only income."

"Well, give her some warning. She could have a small business going by the time you leave."

"She's tired enough right now with just the boys and the house."

"Well, if she doesn't like the idea of supporting herself, she could go home to her husband."

Angel flinched. He sounded so cold, but part of her was complimented. He wanted her to move in badly enough that he was willing to dump Rebecca in the street.

"Tell me something. Angel." His voice was now soft and beguiling.

"What?"

"If Rebecca wasn't in the picture, what would your answer be?"

"Yes," she answered instantly and noticed that he did nothing to hide his pleasure. She was feeling pretty pleased herself and joked, "Should I be afraid that you're going to have my friend and her sons disappear?"

"No." Preston's mouth was stretched into a grin. "But if Rebecca and the boys are the only thing holding you back, then just leave it to me."

Angel's face suddenly grew serious, but she wanted this as much as he did.

"You'll be gentle, won't you, Preston?"

"Indeed I will, almost as gentle as I am with you."

Angel's eyes turned tender with love. She had learned many things about Preston in the last few weeks, and at the top of the list was that when he cared for someone it was with his whole heart. Angel found herself hoping that Rebecca would take the news well, because in her mind she was already half-packed.

Boulder

"I wish you had come to me, Travis, and told me what was on your mind. I could tell you were searching, but I wasn't sure what the questions were."

"It was pride," Travis replied, his voice telling of his peace. "I thought I had to do this on my own. I see now that it was only pride."

"Tell me about it."

"Well, do you remember about five weeks back when I first came to church?"

"Of course."

"You knew I was fighting God. I was tormented all the way home, and when I got there I went for a Bible that has been in an office drawer for years. I picked it up and began to read. At first I was taken aback by how swiftly violence entered the world, but then I remembered what you said about God's purpose for sending His Son. If people hadn't sinned there would have been no need.

"I still have questions," Travis now added, "but I also know, just like Job, that my Redeemer lives and that I'll see Him some day."

Robert's smile was huge. "I've prayed, Travis. I've prayed with all my heart that you would understand and believe. What was it, Travis? What was the turning point for you?"

"I think a combination of things, like the reading I was doing. I read through the book of Genesis but then went to the New Testament. Matthew is a
great book, and I saw for myself that Christ was more than just a man; He was God's Son. Also, you said something when
we met on Wednesday. You said that your grandfather told you God was very patient, but also that no man knows when he is going to die. I thought about Morgan. Did he take care c>f things between himself and God before it was too late? It's impossible for me to know, but I would say probably not since he never planned to die.

"I went home that night and thought of nothing else for the next 48 hours. Then it was so late last night when I finally knew I wanted to believe that I waited until this morning to come."

Robert's chest rose on a deep breath. The men were sitting in the banker's office, and he was pleased they hadn't been disturbed.

"There are no words to tell you what I'm feeling right now, Travis."

"I think I understand. I do have questions, though. Is there a time we can get together?"

"Sure. Today after work or tomorrow after church. Either one is fine, and I'll tell you all I can."

"Let's do it tomorrow. Today I'm headed to the reading room to see if there are any books over there."

"That's fine, Travis, but I will warn you of one thing." Robert reached out and tapped Travis' Bible. "This must be your final authority. God's Word
alone must be believed and obeyed."

Travis looked a little uncertain about Robert's remark, and Robert prayed for him. Travis was a child when it came to a saving knowledge of Christ, and Robert recognized it might take time for his friend to understand that there
are no half measures with God, that God wants to be everything to His children. Indeed, Robert knew He would settle for nothing less.

Rebecca stood very still. Preston had been gone for some time, but it felt as if time stood still. She didn't want to cry, and she wasn't angry. She only felt numb. Did Preston know that just that morning Dan had come to tell her he was marrying his girlfriend? Dahlia was pregnant, and Dan had found that he really did care for her. Rebecca was pleased—she didn't want him pining over her—but she suddenly felt all alone in the world. Dan was getting married, and Angel was moving in with Preston.

Two weeks. Preston said that he and Angel had decided two weeks ago that this was what they wanted, and he'd been working since then to make it possible for all of them.

"Every single worker at the Bell complains about not having their laundry done right," he'd told her. "It could be a huge business for you."

"But where am I going to do this, Preston? It's hard enough to boil water now without fear of the boys being scalded."

"The dining room," he had answered immediately. "I've got a plan to convert the dining room for you, a plan that includes a partition; well, a gate actually. You can look out, but the boys won't be able to get in."

And that had been just the beginning. For every question Rebecca raised, Preston was ready with an answer. She had thought he'd come to
see Angel, who was still asleep upstairs, but he'd come to tell her the news.

A noise came from upstairs, and Rebecca's head turned toward it. The boys would be tumbling down anytime now. She could never get them to bed on time, but at least they slept late in the morning. And then there was Angel. Once the boys came down, she would soon follow. In the past she had been able to sleep through anything, but now the boys were too boisterous.

Rebecca didn't have to ask if that was part of the reason Angel was going; she knew her housemate had no patience with her overactive sons. But did Angel know that Preston was going to talk to her today? Because she felt like they had plotted against her, the question raced around the small blonde's mind. There seemed to be no answers.

Rebecca turned now and looked toward the dining room. The table and chairs were made of a lovely wood, but no one ever used them. Everyone always ate in the kitchen. Rebecca hadn't mentioned this to Preston, but she now thought about how tired she was with just the boys and housework. How would she ever make it through days and days of laundry? Of course, Preston had said that Angel would rent the house to her for as long as she lived in Pine Grove. If that was the case she wouldn't have to clean it at all.

On that thought her chin rose in the air. The boys were laughing their way down the stairs right now, and Rebecca went to kiss them good morning. She still felt like her world was caving in, but no one—not Angel, Dan, or Preston—was ever going to know that.

"What in the world do you have on?" Angel exclaimed as she found Rebecca in the living room. Rebecca smiled before she turned in a circle to model the sacklike dress she wore. It gave her no shape, and the color was dreadful.

"Don't you like it?" Rebecca faced her and asked.

"No, it's hideous," Angel told her bluntly, which only widened Rebecca's smile.

"Good! Maybe my male customers will get the hint."

"Becky." Angel's voice took on a patient tone, but Rebecca stopped her with a hand in the air.

"You are the
last
person who can give me advice about men, Angel.
You knew Preston for four years before you would even get near the man."

"Rut Becky, I still dated, at least a little. You don't have anyone."

"That's the way I want it," she said firmly. "I'm just surprised that it's taken me this many months to figure out what I should do about it. I do not want to attract attention. I'm not into casual flings, and the men who bring
me their laundry are not looking to settle down with a ready-made family."

As if she'd mentioned the family by name, the boys suddenly came bursting into the room.

"Angel!" they shrieked, and the older of the two women steeled herself against their onslaught. They flew at her as usual, each bumping and shoving the other for position to hug her. Angel ended up with one in the front and one in the back. She was smiling down at them until someone mashed her toe.

"Boys!" Rebecca warned when she saw Angel's face. "Stop it! Garrett! Wyatt! That's enough!" But in typical fashion they ignored her. It was some minutes before Rebecca made herself heard, but the boys left Angel's tangled skirts only because they heard a dog barking out front. Angel sighed, straightened her skirt, and then sent Rebecca a telling look.

"You might find a man who wants a ready-made family if you would discipline those boys once in a while, Becky."

"I know, Angel," she said tiredly. "I try, but I just can't seem to punish them."

Angel only looked at her. "I've got to go."

"All right. Don't forget the boys* birthday is Friday. We're having cake at 7:00."

"Preston and I will be here," Angel assured her, parting on those words. What she didn't tell Rebecca was that she would plan on wearing one of her older gowns. The twins, with the excitement of their second birthday, would certainly be more out of control than usual.

Boulder

"Well, friend, this is your last Christmas as a single man."

Robert's eyes twinkled. "It's a tough job, but someone has to do it."

Travis chuckled and reached again for the turkey platter before passing it to his guest. Robert declined, but had some more potatoes and gravy. Both men were more than satisfied when they set their napkins by their plates.

"Well, that was the meal to end all meals," Robert told his host as he rocked onto the back legs of his chair.

"Lavena is a real find, I assure you, Robert. If your Eddie needs any help with the house or cooking, just pop out here to the ranch for a few tips."

Robert chuckled, thinking of the scones and tea Eddie had prepared when he visited in September. He shook his head at Travis. "I think my Eddie will do just fine, but thanks for the offer.''