He smiled back at her. “And I love ya more than life itself, me darlin’ girl.”
7
On Wednesday, Melody used her midday break to run to the bank for their weekly money. Da said he’d be busy all morning and asked her to take care of going to the bank, as well as stopping by the mercantile on her way home that day. Melody had no idea what was going to occupy him, but he seemed to have his thoughts elsewhere. Perhaps he was interviewing potential suitors. After all, they needed to move quickly. On the other hand, he had still said nothing about the letter from Uncle David.
The bank was unusually quiet when she entered. A quick glance at the large lobby clock revealed five minutes past the noon hour.
“Hello?” She saw nothing of Jefferson, and the door to the president’s office was closed. She thought perhaps she’d leave, but then the door opened and two men exited. One was Charlie, and he shook hands with the other.
“I’ll look forward to hearing back from you, Mr. Dawes.”
“I should have all the information by Friday.” With that, the man turned to go. He spied Melody and tipped his hat. “Ma’am.”
Melody nodded with a smile and waited for him to leave before approaching Charlie. “I’ve come to withdraw some money from our savings,” she told him.
“How’s your father feeling?” Charlie asked as he made his way to the teller’s cage.
“He’s doing well, thank you for asking.” She pushed a slip of paper to him with the amount she needed written down. Charlie glanced at it, then went to work getting the money and noting the withdrawal in the ledger.
“I’m glad to hear it,” he said after counting out the money in front of her.
Melody slipped the cash into her little purse. “Da’s got a strong constitution and a heart of gold.”
“From what little chance I’ve had to talk to him, I have to say I found him to be quite amiable. His faith is clearly revealed in his actions and speech.”
“It wasn’t always so. Before Da found the Lord, he was always drinking and fighting. He once told me that people in five counties of Ireland regretted seeing him come their way.”
“Well, he certainly changed for the better.”
She nodded with a smile. “He did, to be sure. God nearly had to kill him to get his attention, but Da finally learned his lesson and changed his tune. Now he’s better than most men. And I don’t just say that because he’s my da.”
“Of course not. I wouldn’t say such things about my father, necessarily. He’s not a bad man, just very serious and driven in regard to his goals and accomplishments. I fear he may have never truly enjoyed his life for even a single day.”
“That is something very sad. My da taught me early on that life should be enjoyed, as well as worked.”
“I agree with him. If there is nothing but strict adherence to work, we suffer in other areas. In our spiritual well-being,for instance. I think we should devote time to spiritual renewal. My father thinks that kind of thought is a waste of time. He believes God will show us what He will and draw from us the things He wants. Otherwise, prayers and spiritual meditations should be left to Sunday services.”
“I know a great many people who are like that. They put God in a trunk until they need Him. That would never work for me. If I didn’t have my quiet time with God, I doubt I could face tomorrow or even the rest of the day.”
“I agree. There is just something special about sitting with God in the still of the morning. Then taking time to reflect on His mercy and goodness through the day. I recall to mind some Scripture or promise He’s given, and it bolsters my spirit.” Charlie closed the ledger book. “Some folks would call me overly religious, I suppose.”
“I wouldn’t. In fact, your words could well be my own.” Melody hoped he didn’t think her forward. “I would go so far as to say our hearts are one on that matter.”
Charlie smiled. “It does me good to hear you say as much. It’s a comfort knowing someone understands, especially when living so far away from friends and family.”
“Well, you have a friend in me, Charlie Decker. You needn’t fear being alone. You should stop by and see Da sometime. He loves a rousing game of checkers and to tell tales of Ireland. You might find yourself completely entertained.”
“I might at that. I’ll try to take you up on the offer as soon as possible.”
Melody bid him good day and headed back to the Coopers’ house. She checked in with Mrs. Cooper, then went immediately to work in the garden. Mr. Cooper had ordered a load of manure, and she had promised to help spread it around the garden.
Working in the garden was another moment when Melody found time to meditate upon God and pray. She hadn’t done much gardening here in Cheyenne, but elsewhere she had learned quite a bit about growing fruits and vegetables. Potatoes had always been a mainstay to her Irish ancestors, and now in America was no exception. Da loved potatoes in almost any form. A good boiled potato with a few pinches of salt was an entire meal to him. Melody had already made sure to plant several hills of potatoes in the community garden near their tent, knowing they would benefit the others if she and Da moved on. Mrs. Cooper was anxious to get her potatoes planted as well.
Melody and Mr. Cooper had managed to thoroughly mix the manure into the plowed soil when Marybeth Vogel and her daughter, Carrie, arrived.
“I brought those potato eyes,” Marybeth announced, holding up a bulging flour sack. Carrie had a smaller sack and held hers up as well.
“Perfect timing. I was just getting ready to make rows. I should be able to have all of those planted in no time at all.” Melody went to where Carrie stood. “Thank you for bringing me potatoes, Miss Carrie.”
