boy’s forehead, but even without feeling his hot skin he knew the boy was again fevered. “I hoped he was getting better.”
Rosie brought in a basin of water, and both women hovered at the bedside while Buck stripped the boy to the waist and sponged him.
“I don’t think this is a good sign,” Rosie murmured. “Fevers that return every day generally mean something like lung fever.”
“No.” Buck wouldn’t allow it. “He’s just run down. He’ll be fine.”
“Let’s pray for God to strengthen his little body.” Kathleen reached for Rosie’s hand.
Buck understood Rosie’s hesitation. Hadn’t their ma prayed for God to intervene? It hadn’t happened. Instead she’d died, and he and Rosie had been on their own. But for Joey, his son, he’d storm the gates of heaven if he must. He reached for Kathleen’s hand, saw her start with surprise and likely shock, and he pulled back. But she reached out and clasped his hand on one side and Rosie’s on the other. From her flowed confidence and faith that poured into his heart. God could heal his boy. He knew it. He believed it. He bowed his head.
“Dear Heavenly Father.” Kathleen’s voice rang with love and joy. “You love us so much. You are the great healer. Touch Joey. Stop the fever. Show us what part we need to play, that Your name might be glorified. Amen.”
He pulled his hand to his knee, kept his head tilted down. He’d never heard such a simple prayer, and yet he felt he had stepped into the throne room of God.
He picked up the wet cloth and continued to sponge Joey. But no longer did his spirit fret.
The fever slowly abated as it had done before. He almost dared believe this might be the last time.
Joey opened his eyes and smiled. “Hi, Buck.”
“Hi, buddy. How you feeling?”
“Maybe a little hungry.”
Buck’s laugher was joined by Rosie’s and Kathleen’s. “Surely he’s on the mend.” He turned and gripped Kathleen’s shoulder. “Thanks to you.”
“No.” She shook her head. “Thanks to God.” Her look of assurance filled him with a sense of wonder. God actually might care about him. Amazing. Or was it only Joey God cared about?
It was a question he didn’t care to answer at the moment.
Chapter Three
Kathleen couldn’t believe her boldness at taking Buck’s hand to pray. Praying came naturally enough to her. But what made her think it required holding a hand as solid and firm as the ground beneath her feet? Her palm still felt warmer than normal.
But she had no doubt God intervened for Joey’s improvement and would continue to do so. She silently prayed it would accomplish much more … that Rosie and Buck would find healing for whatever made them so fearful and kept them away from each other.
Joey ate a bowl of soup, played with the toys for a few minutes, then crawled into Buck’s lap and closed his eyes.
Kathleen watched the play of emotions on Buck’s face—worry, love, hope. He lifted his eyes to hers and allowed her to see the depth of his feelings. They caught at her heart. Then he ducked his head, pressing his cheek to Joey’s black hair.
Emotion clogged Kathleen’s throat. This kind of love awed her. Filled her heart with yearning.
She drew in a shaking breath, wondering at the lightness of the air she sucked in, which did little to relieve her need for oxygen.
Lilly slept in Rosie’s arms. Young Mattie whined.
“I need to put the little ones down for their nap.” Rosie pushed to her feet. “Come along, Junior. Time for you to have a sleep.”
“Mama, I want to play with Joey.”
Buck looked at his son. “I don’t think Joey feels much like playing at the moment. When you wake up he’ll likely be ready.”
Rosie took the children to the bedroom to settle them.
Kathleen expected Buck to do the same with Joey, but he stayed seated. She forced herself to remain still, though she longed to jump to her feet and pace the room. A crack in the wooden table caught her attention and she ran a fingernail along it.
“Is he asleep?” Buck whispered.
She looked. “I would say so.”
“Then I’ll put him down now.” He shifted the boy and carried him to the bed, covered him carefully, smoothed his hair from his forehead … all ordinary things, yet watching him made her heart ache.
He stepped back, watched his son a moment, then tiptoed from the room and pulled the door part way shut. “I didn’t want to put him down until he fell asleep. Seems like the least I can give him is lots of assurance of safety.” He returned to the chair he occupied previously and rubbed his hand across his face. “I fear I am an inadequate parent, but I’m all the poor little guy has.”
Such hope and desperation filled his voice, she couldn’t bear it. “From what I’ve seen, you are an excellent father. The way he adores you is proof enough.”
Brown eyes met hers, brimming with hunger and longing. “Do you think so?”
He loved the boy deeply and wasn’t afraid to show it. The knowledge of such love—human love—gave her the feeling she missed something vital in her life. She feared it would show in her eyes but lacked the strength to tear her gaze away. “I know so.”
A slow, intense smile filled his face. “I perceive you are a most generous person in every way.”
It was her turn to be surprised. “How nice of you to say so.” But how could he know? He’d only just met her.
His chuckle tingled along her nerves like music rushing up her veins. “You’re thinking I couldn’t possibly know, seeing as we’ve only met. But yet, I think I am correct.” He leaned closer drawing her into an intimate invisible circle including only the two of them, excluding everyone and everything else. “I know you’ve gone out of your way to make friends with Rosie, and I’m certain it’s more than what most women in your group of friends consider ordinary.”
She tried to pull her thoughts into order, but all she could think was he admired her for doing something that had indeed brought criticism from others, even beyond her parents.
“You know, I haven’t given God much consideration or due in a long time. Since … well, never mind that. But from the moment I stepped through that door—” He tipped his head in the general direction. “I’ve thought of Him several times. I think it is due to you.”
“How can that be?”
“You bring God’s presence into the house.”
“I—” She didn’t know how to answer. “If so, then I am happy to hear it.”
His soft smile thanked her. “If only more
