“Trent has his lawyer looking into it. If anyone can find out anything, Jack Taylor will.”
“Charles, has that man been hitting Faith, too? She has a bruise on her cheek.”
“Apparently, yes.” He reached over and ran a thumb down her cheek. “Don’t worry, we’ll get to the bottom of all this.”
A thrill ran down Livvy’s cheek where he’d touched her. This was the second time he’d done that. Were his feelings for her changing? She snapped back to reality. It wouldn’t do to get her hopes up. And it wouldn’t do for her to show him how she felt about him.
* * *
Charles reached over to stroke Livvy’s cheek again, then pulled back. What was he doing? It was a wonder she hadn’t slapped him silly. She probably hadn’t thought anything of it. Livvy was his best friend and he didn’t want to undermine their friendship. But he knew his feelings for her were changing. He’d be an idiot not to realize it.
Hooves pounded up the road and voices shouted.
Charles and Livvy both jumped up and headed for the churchyard.
Ezra Bines and the Hedley boys stood talking to Livvy’s father, their hands motioning wildly.
Charles dashed over just as the reverend ran inside the church. “What’s going on?” he asked Ezra.
“Woods back of Matt Jenkins’s place are on fire. Will you get Trent and Albert and meet us there? We’re rounding folks up to help. Bring plows.” Ezra and the Hedleys whirled their horses around and galloped down the lane.
The church bell began to ring in loud peals. That would bring people.
“Livvy, I have to go. Ask your father to load up his plow and bring it. I’ll swing by the school for Howard and Albert, then ride over to let Trent and Solomon know.”
“Be careful, Charles.”
He barely heard her whisper, but her face had gone ashen-white. Without thinking, he leaned over and kissed her brow.
He rushed to the stable where Jake had his horse ready. Jumping in the saddle, he bounded down the road.
Livvy stood and stared after him, then realized that Father was driving the wagon out of the barn. He’d tossed both their plows inside. Jake jumped up beside him.
“Father, do you have to go?” Her cry was shrill to her own ears.
“Livvy, they’ll need every man and every plow. We have to plow up the pastures to keep them from catching fire.” He smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’ve done this dozens of times through the years. Look after your mama until I get back.”
“Watch out for him, Jake. Please?”
The kind employee and friend gave her a nod and then they were gone.
Livvy stumbled into the house. Regardless of what Father had said, forest fires were dangerous. Every year she heard of someone getting killed while trying to put out the roaring flames.
The house was silent. Livvy slipped into the parlor where she found her mother on her knees in front of her high-back rocking chair. Her Bible lay open on the seat cushion.
She looked up when Livvy entered. Peace filled her eyes as she rose from the floor.
“Let’s go have a cup of tea.” She patted Livvy on the shoulder. “How does that sound?”
“All right, Mama.”
When they were seated at the kitchen table, Livvy gave her mother a curious glance. “How do you do it, Mama?”
“Do what, dear?” She set her cup on the table and gave Livvy her attention.
“How do you keep your faith and your peace at times like this?” She bit her lip. “I know you must worry, but somehow, once you pray, the peace is all over you.”
Mama reached over and patted Livvy’s hand. “It’s not always easy, dear. But then I remember—your father is safe in God’s hands. No matter what happens, he’s safe in God’s hands. And that gives me peace.”
Chapter 12
“Pa!” Livvy let the screen door slam behind her and ran to the wagon. “Pa, are you all right?”
The smell of smoke and burned wood clung to Father and Jake as they drove the wagon to the barn after midnight.
Pa ran a hand over his eyes then glanced down at her from the wagon seat. “I’m fine, daughter.” A smile crossed his face. “You haven’t called me Pa in ten years. I like it.”
Relief washed over Livvy. If Pa was joking, he was all right. “I like it, too. I’ve no idea why I started saying Father. That sounds too formal.” Her voice shook. What if something had happened to her father?
She glanced at Jake. “How about you, Jake?”
“I’m just fine, Miss Livvy. Don’t go worrying about me.” He groaned and stretched his arm above his shoulders. “Mighty tired, though. Think I’ll unhitch the mules and go to bed.”