“Uh, well, I was just thinking of my new job and seeing you there. I thought you seemed quite content.”
“I am. The Coopers are amazing people. I love that they are devoted to God and each other, as well as their boarders. I feel like part of their family.”
“As do I. Mrs. Cooper is quite motherly, and I welcome it. My own mother died years ago.”
“I am sorry to hear that.” His expression bore compassion, but it was the tenderness in his voice that caught her attention.
“I especially miss her today. She always made me feel so special. Da does as well. In fact, we’re going out to eat tonight.”
“What’s special about today, if I might pry?”
Melody laughed and shook her head. “Sorry, that must have sounded confusing. It’s not a pry at all. It’s my birthday. I’m twenty-six.”
“I thought ladies never admitted their age,” he said, raising a brow.
“Well, I certainly have nothing to hide. Goodness, but my father just advertised to get me a husband. I certainlyhave no pride.” She laughed again, but only to cover up her embarrassment at rambling on.
“I like that you’re so open about it—your age and the situation created by your father. It’s refreshing to find that kind of confidence in a woman. Happy birthday, Melody Doyle.”
“Thank you.” She glanced to make sure the street was safe to cross. “And now I must get back to work. I have laundry to iron and a garden to plant.”
“Perhaps I’ll see you later tonight when I get home from work.”
“I doubt it. Mrs. Cooper said I won’t be needed for supper work. And I’ll be wanting to get home so I can clean up for my big night out.”
“Of course.”
She smiled. “Well, it was very nice running into you, Charlie. I hope you have a blessed day.”
“And you as well, Miss Melody.”
Charlie watched her cross the street with a spring in her step. The young woman seemed perpetually happy. Every time he encountered her, she was smiling or laughing and never seemed wont to gossip or speak negatively about any topic.
He thought of her father’s request for suitors just the night before. It seemed crude and uncalled for. Melody Doyle was quite lovely—beautiful, in fact. Her dark blue eyes and sandy-brown hair were a perfect complement to her peaches-and-cream complexion. Why in the world did she need help finding a mate?
“Charles Decker, how opportune to run into you.”
Charlie looked up and found Dr. Scott. “Good to see youagain, sir. I enjoyed all that you had to say at our services last night.”
“Thank you. Easter is one of my favorite celebrations. Nothing quite so thrilling as the resurrection of our Lord. Not to mention the benefit given to us in His death.”
“Very true. I’m certainly glad that Miss Doyle and Mrs. Cooper invited me to come.”
“They are quite vocal in their beliefs. I’ve never known two women to live their faith more evidently for the world to see. They’ve both been good to encourage believers to join our ranks, and it won’t be long before we have raised enough money to build our own place of worship.”
“That will be wonderful for everyone, I’m sure. It feels rather awkward having church services at night in the local school,” Charlie admitted.
“Yes, well, at least we have a place where we can come together. Some people of faith are meeting in homes. I suppose we can’t all be as industrious and prosperous as the Episcopalians. They have been hard at work to raise the money and build their own house of worship. The UP donated two city lots, and many of the congregants have donated their time and skills. It’s said they’ll have the church built by August. They’re calling it St. Mark’s, after their sister church in Philadelphia.”
“I had heard that the Union Pacific was generous to donate land to the churches. I suppose it supports and encourages morally sound growth in the community.”
“Yes, and they have promised us land as well. We just need to raise more money to build on it. The Episcopalians have Reverend Cook, and he seems to know just what to say to motivate his people. They raised more than five thousand dollars. It will be quite the church once it’s completed. They even plan to have a bell tower.”
“I’m sure ours will be just as lovely. I might even speak to my father about donating to the cause. I know I will be happy to support the project.”
“That’s most generous of you, Mr. Decker. The Methodists were the first organized church in Cheyenne, but we’re slow to build our own place. I am certain, however, that God is in charge of our plans. We will trust Him to show us when and where to build.”
“I’m glad you entrust the project to God, Dr. Scott. I’ve never had much confidence in projects that came at the sole discretion of man. We always seem to have a way of messing things up.”
