Travis retraced his steps to the front of the house, then followed a path to the back door. A young Mexican woman answered his call and asked what he wanted.
He removed his hat. “I’m Brother Travis Whitworth, here to repair the roof.”
She disappeared, leaving him standing outside. He suspected his workmanship may not be to Mrs. Kahler’s standards. Before he had an opportunity to further question his abilities, however, she stood at the door, dressed in a pale gray and ivory dress. He attempted to ignore what her beauty did to him. A man of God had no right to think of such things. The past had already proved that.
“I didn’t know if you would truly come this morning,” she said with her hands neatly folded in front of her. “But I’m glad you did. Are you settling in?”
Travis couldn’t stop the smile. Mrs. Kahler had a way of looking at him that made him want to look at her all day. “I’m doing fine, thank you. The reverend and his wife are gracious people.” He pulled his gaze away from her lovely face and glanced up at the roof. “I’ve allowed two days to do the repairs. I hope it’s long enough.”
“I’m sure it will be fine.” She nodded, and for a moment he doubted his ability to climb onto the roof. “I’ll have my foreman show you about. Have a good day, Brother Whitworth.”
Bonnie called for Zack to escort Travis to one of the stables. The boy appeared annoyed at the request, but he didn’t argue with his mother. Travis started to bid her a good morning, but the door shut soundly before he could speak.
“All right, son, lead the way,” Travis said.
“I’m not your son,” the boy said.
Travis rubbed beneath his nose. Must I always be offending some member of this family? “I’m sorry, Zack.”
“You don’t have to put on airs with me, Preacher, ’cause I don’t care about anything you have to say. You’re hired help, that’s all.”
“You must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed,” Travis said.
“That’s none of your business.”
“Disrespect is my business.” Travis swung his stride ahead of the boy and eyed him squarely. “And you have been taught how to respect others.”
“I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to.”
The rebellion in Zack’s stance told Travis this boy would have to fall hard before he walked straight.
“If you would give me a chance, I’d like to be your friend, but friendship means each of us has to treat the other fairly.”
“I don’t need any preacher friends.” Zack pointed to the stable door. “The foreman’s in there. His name’s Thomas. I’m headin’ to school.”
A short time later, Travis nailed pieces of shingle onto the roof of the house. My, how he loved the touch and smell of wood. Somehow knowing the Lord worked as a carpenter made him feel just a little closer to Him. The sun crept across the sky, warming his back and removing any traces of early morning chill.
Travis whistled his favorite hymn of the day—“Abide with Me”—until the words and melody took form. One hymn after another filled the air around him while he worked and considered the sermon for Wednesday night. He’d nearly drowned with Sunday morning’s pitiful message, but at least he had a second chance. He prayed his words would be filled with the Holy Spirit—and not Travis Whitworth. He pondered over scripture passages, rolling the meanings around in his mind. Nothing came to mind, so he kept singing on through the afternoon.
Zack. The boy’s spiteful words repeated through his mind again. Not only did Zack need to learn respect for himself and others, but more important, he needed to find a relationship with Jesus.
Such a job You have given me, Lord.
“Brother Whitworth,” a young voice called.
Travis peered around one of the chimneys to see Michael Paul staring up and shielding his eyes from the afternoon sun.
“Yes, Michael Paul. Did you have a fine day at school?”
“Yes, sir. Juanita has fried chicken, green beans, corn bread, and cold buttermilk for you.” Michael Paul held up a basket and pitcher for Travis to see.
“Wonderful. I’m powerful hungry.” He made his way across the steep roof onto a ladder bringing him down beside the boy. “Would you like to share this with me?”
“No, sir. I had lunch at school, and we’ll have dinner later on. Thank you just the same.”