Reverend Gaines looked up in surprise his slice of toast half way to his mouth. “Good morning Sir,” Royce greeted. “I came by to check on the children and your daughter invited me to breakfast.”
“The children are sleeping,” Faith said as she indicated one of the chairs pushed under the table. “Do sit down.” She placed a plate of eggs and bacon on the table in front of Royce before pouring his coffee. “Lucy and Pete have an Aunt. She will come by for them later today.”
Reverend Gaines gave Faith a suspicious glance. His daughter had flatly refused to marry Jim Cook was Mr. Hargadon the reason. He did not warm to the idea of his beautiful daughter married to a poor schoolteacher.
“Don’t scowl Father,” Faith said placing one hand over top of her father’s hand resting on top of the table.
“I was not scowling,” Reverend Gaines retorted. He heaved a deep sigh knowing the battle was lost before he knew it had begun. If Faith wanted to marry Mr. Hargadon there was little he could do about the matter. After all, she had her mother’s fortitude and wondered again how he had come to propose marriage to Mary. Before meeting his wife he had decided on a scholarly existence. Now, he found himself the father of five daughters and not sure how it had all come about.
Faith picked up her fork. Before she could take her first bite of breakfast someone knocked on the front door. She rose and excused herself. The parade of generous well wishers had started. She did not fault the women of Junction City. As a Minister’s daughter she knew that people’s kindness was a gift from God. Only, it was hard to remain cheerful in face of all the challenges ahead. Opening the front door she smiled at dear Mrs. Adkins.
“It is not much,” the woman apologized. “The dear wee ones,” the elderly woman shook her white head over the tragedy. “How are they?”
“They are sleeping,” Faith replied.
“If you will be so kind as to help me,” Mrs. Adkins said. “Arthritis, you know is the plague of getting old.” She smiled sadly. “It was not so bad when Chester was alive. He did so much to help around the house. He never complained about hanging out damp clothes or washing up dishes after a meal. I do miss him.”
Making soothing sounds Faith followed Mrs. Adkins out to her buggy. A box of baked goods was on the seat where Mrs. Adkins’ neighbor had placed it. “Thank you,” Faith replied.
“Baked goods of course,” Mrs. Adkins said. “I always bake on Fridays.”
“Your kindness is appreciated,” Faith replied. “Mr. Runyan’s sister will be taking the children. I will let her know you were asking after Lucy and Pete and your thoughtfulness.”
Mrs. Adkins wiped tears from her eyes and sniffed loudly. “Poor Mrs. Runyan,” she whispered. “Have you seen the streets,” she asked in the next breath. “Simply deplorable. They do say death comes in threes. I wonder who will be the next victim. It is said the new schoolteacher was shot. His students found him on the floor after Miss Ferguson unlocked the school. Such violence. There never used to be so much violence. It makes one afraid to sleep at night. I hear Mr. Hargadon is alright. Only a wound it is said.” she looked hopefully at Faith. With Lydia and Elizabeth in school Mrs. Adkins was sure Faith would know the truth of the matter.
“Mr. Hargadon is alright,” Faith replied. “It was him that rescued the Runyan children from their home just as the fire broke out.”
“I had heard as much but you never know the truth of such tales. Especially after the man being shot,” Mrs. Adkins stated. “He is nice looking. Mr. Hargadon I mean. I am sure some young woman will make a match very soon.” She gave Faith a speculative look. There was no shortage of gossip around town.
Faith smiled hoping tell-tell color did not darken her face. She felt hot. “Thank you again,” Faith said before leaving Mrs. Adkins.
Lucy was sitting on Royce’s lap when Faith walked into the kitchen. Pete was standing beside his chair and leaning his head against Royce’s arm. Helping Pete onto her chair Faith said, “You can have my breakfast.” She returned to the stove and set the skillet back over the burner before cutting off strips of bacon to fry.
“Who was at the door,” Reverend Gaines asked.
“Mrs. Adkins, she brought a box of baked goods,” Faith was not through speaking before another knock sounded on the front door.
“I will get it,” Reverend Gaines said. “You stay and look after the children.” He fled from the room.
“I don’t think your father approves of me,” Royce declared.
“Father is a dear but finds he is inadequate when it comes to dealing with children,” Faith said. “Most men do,” she added. Lucy was making herself at home on Royce’s lap, a slice of sticky toast in one hand as she clung to Royce’s shirt with the other. “You have made a conquest,” Faith said trying not to laugh.
“Young women find me appealing,” Royce replied wondering what he was doing in the Gaines’ kitchen. It felt right being with Faith with a couple of children around them. He had never considered himself a family man.
“Drink you coffee,” Faith said, color rising in her cheeks.
Royce knew he should not tease Faith but color high on her cheeks only enhanced her beauty. “I must be going,” he said sitting Lucy on his vacant chair. “I am sure you have lots to do as well.”
“Will I see you later,” Faith asked then wished she had bitten her tongue instead of speaking the words. Royce touched her chin with his thumb and forefinger. His green eyes caressing her face as
