I must distance myself until I know what I’m supposed to do. I don’t want to hurt Morgan. He’s endured so much already.
Chapter 29
After the funeral, Morgan helped Casey pack up her belongings from the parsonage and move to the ranch. He understood she had to live somewhere, but he regretted not having her nearby. When he had arranged to live at the boardinghouse, the answers to the problems between them looked easier to solve. He could see her every day, court her properly—bring her flowers, tell her how beautiful she was and how much he loved her. Now they were separated again. He struggled with how to talk to her about the way she distanced herself from him. Most days, he suspected he’d chased her off for good. If he could figure out what to do, he’d do it. But this way, he felt helpless. And frustrated.
Two days later, Morgan volunteered to help his mother, sister, and Casey assist the reverend in going through Sarah’s things. He sensed it was his last chance to rekindle what he and Casey once had. Casey didn’t look pleased to see him. She rarely did anymore.
“You’re an answer to prayer,” the reverend said at the sight of the group. He led them to the kitchen, where Casey made coffee. “If left to me, I’m afraid none of this would get done. Every time I think about it, I feel like I’m destroying her memory.”
“It’s better this way. I remember what it feels like.” Morgan shrugged, then offered a smile. “Reverend, I’ll make sure these women get everything in order.”
Bonnie poked him in the ribs. “Who’s going to make you work?”
His mother and Bonnie pointed at Casey, but she took a step back. “I don’t own a whip. Besides, I have plants to move.”
“Morgan, I think you and I are at the mercy of these women.” The reverend laughed, but it sounded forced. “Do you mind if I take these pies and cakes to needy families? I’m afraid they’re going to spoil if something isn’t done with them soon.”
“By all means. I don’t think you’ll ever eat them all.” Jocelyn waved her hand over the table. “It’s a shame to let it go to waste.”
“I thought I might wait until you ladies are finished sorting through Sarah’s clothes, but you could be busy all day.” He obviously needed something to occupy his time.
“We’ll be done in about three hours if you want to deliver the extras now.”
The reverend agreed, and Morgan quickly loaded much of the food into the back of the wagon. Once he had the reverend headed down the road, he made his way up the stairs to find Casey. She bent over a plant and scooted it out of the bedroom.
“I think you need some help there.” Morgan slid into his teasing mode in the hope that she’d tear down that barbed-wire fence around her heart.
She stood and massaged her back. “Oh, kind gentleman, I accept your offer.”
He lifted the plant through the doorway, and the two carried it into the upper hallway.
“Do you need another pair of hands?” Bonnie said.
“I think we can manage.” Morgan turned his attention back to Casey. “What is this called?”
“I don’t know. It looks like a stalk of corn or a small tree to me. I meant to ask Sarah, but I kept forgetting.”
“Well, it’s fixin’ to grow right up through the ceiling.”
“That’s why it’s going outside. Hopefully, a heavy frost won’t damage it. Sarah said if it did, all I’d have to do is cut it back.” Casey tilted her head. “I may trim it a bit today.”
“Shawne, where are the other plants?” His mother stepped into the hallway with Sarah’s few dresses draped across her arms.
“The African violets are sitting on a kitchen windowsill. I’ve written the reverend a note explaining how to take care of them. The soil has to stay moist, and he shouldn’t let water touch the leaves. The ferns are in a shady area on the front porch along with the ivy.”
“I guess you have it all taken care of,” his mother said.
“Do you think the plants will sadden him? They’re a constant reminder of Sarah.” Bonnie stepped into the hallway. She, too, had her arms laden with clothes.
“Perhaps,” his mother said. “We’ll check in on him now and then. I’d think keeping them alive and healthy would be in