he’d heard about the problems in Mrs. Hillman’s marriage, she understood humiliation too. God could heal all of their hurts if they simply let him wrap His love around their aching hearts.
“I look forward to your song, Miss Scott,” he said. “If your singing blessed your father, then I’m sure it will bless all of us who are privy to the song. I play piano a little, so if you’d like to rehearse here in the church, I’d be glad to help you.”
“We could tonight after regular rehearsal.”
He smiled. “That would be fine.”
*****
Travis thought he might not live through Miss Scott’s repeated variations of “Amazing Grace.” As much as he hated to admit it, her voice sounded like chalk scraping across a blackboard. Other choir members milled about in the back of the church.
“Let’s simply listen to the melody before you begin,” he said. “I know you want every note to be perfect.”
“And it’s not?” Miss Scott said.
“We all aim for perfection when it comes to the Lord.”
Miss Scott stood straight, then closed the hymnal. “I don’t need to see the words and notes. I have them memorized.”
Travis inwardly cringed. “A little review is always good.”
“If you insist.” She stepped beside him at the piano bench and smiled—far too sweetly. He’d seen that look before, and it made him want to run like a scared rabbit.
“I appreciate this,” she said.
“You’re welcome.”
He started to play the melody, but she stopped him.
“Would you like to come one night for dinner?” she said.
Please, I’m not husband material. “How thoughtful of you, but my evenings are spent with Zack.”
“He couldn’t stay by himself one evening?” She brushed against his shoulders while he remained seated on the piano bench.
“Miss Scott, it would not look appropriate if I came to your home for dinner. Neither of us would want gossip.”
“I could invite another couple to join us.”
“I’m sorry, but I must decline.”
“Zack has told you horrible things about me.” She sounded like a hurt little girl.
“No, ma’am. I’m simply not interested in social engagements.”
“I shall practice my song on my own. For a man who is not interested in social engagements, you certainly find the time to visit with Bonnie Kahler.” Miss Scott whirled around and headed toward the back of the church.
A twinge of guilt rushed over him at the mention of Mrs. Kahler’s name. Had anyone else noticed the time he spent with her? Surely not. He was only doing the Lord’s work in helping her and Zack. He stared after Miss Scott. He didn’t understand women and doubted if he ever would.
Chapter 15
Bonnie realized nearly four weeks had gone by since Zack had gone to live with Brother Travis, and finally tonight the two were coming to dinner. She’d given Juanita the afternoon and evening free so she herself could prepare chicken and dumplings. From what Bonnie had seen, Juanita and Thomas planned a picnic. Wedding bells would be ringing soon. Bonnie was sure of it.
A hot apple pie sat cooling in the pie safe, and fresh cream brimmed a pitcher, ready to be poured over the dessert. Bonnie wanted everything to be perfect. She’d been told her son had been practicing good manners, and Brother Travis said his schoolwork was exceptional.
But what about Zack’s relationship with her and his brother and sister? She’d love to see the three of them laughing and teasing like they used to—before Ben left them. The closer the time came for their arrival, the more nervous she became. Her stomach felt like a band of crickets had taken residence.
Stop it. Dinner will be fine. Surely she’d see progress with Zack this evening. He’d spoken to her at church and thanked her for the pie last week.
“They’re here,” Michael Paul called. “Looks like they borrowed Grandpa’s buggy.”
Bonnie took a deep breath and untied her apron. All the food had been prepared to Zack’s liking, and the table was set. If only she’d stop shaking.
Zack spoke little during dinner, but what he said displayed pleasant conversation. She’d always be grateful to Brother Travis.
“Are you coming home soon?” Lydia Anne said.
Bonnie cringed. She should have instructed the little girl not to question her brother about an uncomfortable situation.
“I don’t think so.” Zack peered up at his mother. “Brother Travis says I have lots of bothersome things inside me, and I reckon he’s right. I’m mad most of the time.”
“At me?” Lydia Anne said in her sweet little voice. “Michael Paul?”
“Hush,” Bonnie said. “Be glad your brother is with us tonight.”