June (21 page)

Freckles stood out on Sam's pale features. Her eyes were red from weeping. "I'm not sure, lovey; I haven't been about askin' 'im, yet." She walked to the small window and stared out. A heart-wrenching sadness filled her voice. "I suppose he will.... I just assume he'll be stayin'. Ain't like he's got a bloomin' lot of places to be goin' ... if you know what I mean."

June nodded. The orphanage was the only home Joe had known for many years. He was an old man now; starting over would be difficult.

"If he's not set on stayin' . . . suppose I could send for me mum.... But she's up in years herself. As white headed as the snow on them mountains. Done raised her family, she has. And a second one as well, what with me bein' born so late in life. Don't think she has the energy to take on all these kiddies." Sam wiped her hands on her faded apron. "No ... wouldn't be right to ask me mum to do such a thing. Would be the death of her, I'm thinkin'."

June chose her words carefully. Papa had always said, "Say what you mean, and mean what you say, lest you live to regret it." That's how she tried to live her life: meaning what she said. "Well, regardless of whether Joe does or doesn't stay, you're going to need help."

"Ow, that be the gospel for sure. No blasphemy intended." Sam's words faded to a whisper. "But I'll tell you this, June Kallahan: I'll be doin' it meself if necessary."

"Sam, that's a frightening responsibility for one person to assume.

The familiar spit-and-vinegar spirit Sam ordinarily possessed suddenly bloomed with a vengeance. "I'll not be shippin' them poor kiddies off in a million different directions! They may not be me blood kin, but they're family. We're family. And we'll stay a family no matter what."

June grinned. That's what she wanted to hear! The old Sam was back. "And I'll be right beside you," she declared.

Sam blew her nose. "You're a good woman, June Kallahan." Her thin shoulders trembled beneath her thin dress. "Sorry I'm so blessed testy. I should've known you had somethin' up your sleeve. But, me dear, dear friend, you've already given so much of your free time helpin' out 'round here. Not to mention time making those pretty necklaces so the kiddies can have shoes and peppermint sticks. You got your responsibilities with the crusade, and Sunday services at the loggin' camps. I don't see how you can manage to spare another hour."

"Don't worry about me. I can fit in a lot more when it comes to the Lord's work." June met Sam's teary gaze. "I've been thinking. I want to help more around the orphanage-and I could, if I spent less time traveling back and forth."

Sam wiped at her eyes. "I expect that's true."

June gently squeezed Sam's hand. "The complex is old and drafty. So is the orphanage, for that matter, so I wouldn't be any better off there than here. I want to stay here awhile-if you'll have me."

"Have you?" Sam started laughing and crying at the same time. "I'd be plumb off me bean to refuse the offer! Oh, June. The kids love you so. And you're the best friend I've ever had. A sister to me, you are. A real sister. Of course I'll have you!"

"Then it's settled. I'll move in first thing tomorrow morn„ ing.

"Me prayers have surely been answered!"

"What prayers?" June teased. "I thought you didn't like all that praying."

"Out loud, lovey. When I be by meself, me and the Lord have jolly good talks."

June was proud of the progress Sam was making. It was the Lord's doing, but she liked to think she had a small hand in it.

"Sam, I know sometimes it doesn't always feel like it, nor do circumstances always go according to what we want, but God answers prayers. In his own time and in his own way-sometimes he says yes; sometimes he says no; sometimes he says wait. But always, always, Sam, he answers us."

"I know he surely does, lovey." Sam playfully pulled June's nose. "Lord knows he's makin' me see that more and more lately."

June spotted Joe standing outside the kitchen doorway. "Do you think Joe would mind helping me fetch my things from the complex?"

"I'm sure he wouldn't." Sam frowned. "But what about Reverend Inman? What's he gonna think about all this movin' about?"

June toyed with a loose strand of hair, avoiding Sam's anxious look. What would Reverend Inman think about her moving into the orphanage? She didn't want to hurt his feelings, and she would work just as hard or even harder for the crusade. Sam desperately needed her help, and other than counting money and collecting donations, she wasn't really needed at the complex. She could be at nightly services; her job with the ministry would be unaffected. How could Reverend Inman object to her helping a friend in need?

Sam's hazel eyes widened with disbelief. "You mean you haven't talked with him about movin' in with a bunch of bloomin' ragamuffins?"

"You're not ragamuffins!" June chided. "Besides, it isn't like I've deliberately kept anything from him. I really haven't had a chance to talk to him. He isn't a monster, Sam. He'll recognize the need and insist that I help out."

"He'll throw a tizzy fit, he will." Sam shook her head. "He might be a godly man, but he's a stubborn one, wearing horse blinders when it comes to that tabernacle. He'll be hurt, he will."

A rush of pity washed over June. Her decision to move into the orphanage probably would hurt Reverend Inman's feelings. After all, he'd been gracious enough to take her in after Eli's death. But surely he would understand her motives, especially now that Aunt Angeline was gone.

"Reverend Inman will understand. He will consider the circumstances and agree that it's the only Christian thing to do."

Sam eyed her skeptically. It was easy to see she didn't agree with June's logic.

"Oh, stop worrying. If my decision bothers him-well, I'lljust have to cross that bridge when I get to it."

"You best be mindin' your crossin' and don't go fallin' off that bridge," Sam cautioned.

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"The reverend has a way-how do you Yanks say?-a way of wantin' his own way. Just like a man, eh, lovey?"

"Reverend Inman would never try to talk me out of doing charitable work," June defended.

"Maybe. Maybe not. But if it comes down to you not bein' as involved with the crusade-"

"It won't. My work with the crusade won't be affected. I'll make very sure of that."

Sam's silence was more eloquent than any words.

June's impatience surfaced. "Everyone seems to think the tabernacle is all Reverend Inman is concerned about. It isn't. He cares about his flock-about his people." June was suddenly trembling, and she didn't know why. Parker, and now Sam, had implied that Reverend Inman was blinded by greed.

Sam patted her hand. "Maybe I'm bein' a tad hasty. Who am I to judge the reverend? You know him better than anyone, what with the time you spend with him."

"I do, and I've seen how he works from daylight to dusk, down on his knees day after day, praying for guidance. Everyone connected with Reverend Inman wants to see the tabernacle raised. But that doesn't mean we aren't allowed to carry on God's work in other ways.

"You don't need to convince me," Sam assured her with a warm smile. "I may not know Reverend Isaac Inman, but I know you like the back of me hand. You wouldn't defend anyone not worth defendin'."

"Thank you, Sam." June got so heated when she talked about the tabernacle. She was tired of defending it and Reverend Inman.

"I knew the very day we met on the steamer that our friendship was a keeper."

June laughed softly. "Kindred spirits, that's what we are. Everything happens for a reason, Sam. Nothing happens by chance. The Lord brought our paths together for a specific purpose.

Sam added with a serious note, "You've certainly been a godsend to me and the children."

It was nearing dark when the last wagon rolled out of the orphanage yard. June stayed to clean up while Sam put the children to bed. Parker was one of the last to leave, offering June a ride back to the complex. She thanked him but declined his offer. His day had started before sunup. By the time he waited around for her to finish, took her to the complex, then rode back to camp, it would nearly be time for his new day to start.

Reverend Inman stopped by the kitchen to offer his assistance. June expressed her gratitude but insisted he go ahead, explaining that she wanted to keep Sam company for a while.

Part of her reason was that she wasn't ready to discuss her plans with Reverend Inman yet. She needed time to digest her decision, think it through, prepare a valid argument.

When she defended Reverend Inman, she meant what she said. He was caring, and giving, and concerned about others. But some of what Sam contended was true as well. Reverend Inman could be very persuasive when he wanted. It wasn't that she was afraid he'd talk her out of moving to the orphanage; she had her mind made up about that. She just didn't want a confrontation, especially after the emotionally draining day.

The rain had stopped, and a cold moon hung low in the sky when O1' Joe stopped the wagon in front of the complex. The Indian waited until she was safely inside, then waved and drove away into the night.

Stretching out across the bed, June closed her eyes, her head swimming. The day had been long and difficult.

Eventually she rose, changed into her flannel gown, then said her prayers. Lord, help the children.... She fell asleep before she could complete her train of thought.

The sun was peeking over the horizon when she awoke, feeling as tired as when she'd gone to bed. Quickly she washed and dressed, then set about packing her few belongings.

She spread the worn patchwork quilt on the single bed and fluffed the pillow, stood back, and then rearranged them, realizing she was procrastinating.

You're being silly. Reverend Inman will be awake now. Go to him, tell him your plans, share breakfast with him, then ask him to come with you to the orphanage possibly spend the day with the children. Ol' Joe will be coming soon. She had no reason to feel such dread. What she was doing was right. The children needed her. And it wasn't as though she would be neglecting her other responsibilities.

She'd delayed the inevitable as long as she could. Even at this early hour she knew exactly where to find Reverend Inman. He would be in the revival tent, absorbed in his moming devotions. Leaving the complex, she hurried to the tent.

Reverend Inman was kneeling at the altar in prayer. He started each new day in the same manner before preparing the subject of his nightly message. June slipped into the front pew to wait.

When Reverend Inman finished and stood up, he looked around, and a quick smile crossed his face. "June. I didn't expect to see you up and about so early. You must have stayed at the orphanage quite late. I listened for your return, but I was overcome by exhaustion."

"It was late when O1' Joe brought me home."

Tight lines around Reverend Inman's eyes made him look older this morning. June worried that he wasn't getting enough rest.

He nodded. "I'm told we can expect another large crowd tonight."

"Praise God."

"Yes, indeed. Praise his name. Seems there's a new logging camp not far from the grounds. As unusual as it is, most of the men have brought their families with them. The foreman rode out just yesterday, and we had a pleasant visit. Said he'd heard about our revival all the way to Portland. He's excited about joining us in worship and promised that others from the camp would be accompanying him."

"That's wonderful, Reverend."

"Yes, it's exciting to know God's work is being recognized throughout this great land."

"Reverend Inman." June cleared her throat. She needed to get this over with. "I have something I need to tell you."

His smiled faded, and he suddenly looked very old. Shoulders slumped, he sank to the bench. "I suspected as much. You're leaving me, aren't you?"

"No, no, Reverend, I'm not leaving you."

"No, I know you are. I've been expecting this."

June knelt beside the pew, wanting to ease the terrible pain creasing his face. "Reverend Inman, now that Sam's aunt is gone, she can't care for all those children by herself. Even if O1' Joe stays on, the responsibility is too much for her." She paused, and the silence was deafening. "I'm moving to the orphanage."

Sadness played across his face. It seemed an eternity before he spoke. "You want to live at the orphanage?"

"Yes. Sam desperately needs my help. Ol' Joe is old and not able to keep up with the younger children."

"But you're needed here. You give the orphanage hours of service each week." Reverend Inman ran his fingers through a rim of silvery gray hair. "I don't understand. Why would you want to abandon Eli's work? Have you forgotten your calling? Have I been unkind-insensitive?"

"No, you've been wonderful, but I am called to do the work of the Lord-"

"Yes!" His voice lost its timidity and swelled with conviction. "And the Lord's work is here! Have you forgotten the tabernacle?"

No, she hadn't forgotten the tabernacle, but at times she wished she could. For just one sane moment, she wished she could forget the madness, the sense of urgency that consumed them all. "I'll contribute no less time-"