This surprised her. “When did you play checkers with Da?” she asked over her shoulder before going back to securing her things in the shed.
Charlie leaned against the door frame and laughed. “A fella should have some secrets, shouldn’t he?”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.” She laughed. “But I did suggest it. Remember?”
“I do, and he was quite receptive. And I lost graciously.”
“You didn’t lose on purpose, did you? Da hates when people do things like that.”
“No, he beat me fair and square, although it was close. He said I was a worthy challenger.”
Melody turned to face him. “That’s high praise coming from Da. Sometimes he finds it difficult to find someone willing to go up against him. I suppose they fear him more than desire a relaxing game. Da can be imposing, as you well know. I can play when Da is desperate for a game—and I’m pretty good—but it’s not my favorite thing. I prefer reading a good book.”
“I enjoy that myself. What do you like to read?”
“Almost anything. I’ve enjoyed fictionalized stories, as well as biographies of great men and women. I very much like to read about faraway places, and if there are illustrations, then all the better. I do hope we get a library in Cheyenne one day. I positively love libraries.”
“I do as well. I could lose myself for hours in the library back home.”
“What do you like to read, Charlie?”
“Geography has long been a favorite subject of mine. Geography stirs up images of places and that leads to events and history. It’s all very captivating.”
“Would you like to teach geography and history?”
Charlie sobered. “I’d like to teach most anything. I enjoy sharing knowledge, as well as gaining it. There is something quite satisfactory in teaching what I know.”
“Some of my favorite people in the world were those who taught me in school,” Melody said. “When I was in first grade, I attended a school with two teachers: a man and a woman. The woman was Miss Merriweather. She was always so happy and encouraging. She taught all of the regular subjects, but then went so far as to teach us about proper manners and etiquette. She was there the next year as well, and I learnedso much about how to speak properly. It’s always amazing to me how little things like that can make such a big difference.”
“Indeed. Proper manners and social training are acquired skills that will take you far.”
“If you had your own school, would you teach such subjects?”
“I would,” he replied most enthusiastically. “I find it’s often neglected in a boy’s upbringing. And out here, it might be especially relevant. Maybe save someone from getting a punch in the nose.” His grin was infectious.
Melody laughed. “I believe you would make an excellent teacher, Charlie. You have a sense of humanity and a lightness of spirit that naturally draws folks to you.”
“You’re kind to say so. Hopefully, one day I will find a way to make my dreams come true.”
“God has a plan, Charlie. Da always says that those good things we long for are the desires that God has put in our hearts. Trust Him to know what to do with your dream. If God gave it life, He’ll be good to grow it to fruition.”
Charlie thought of her words that night as he readied for bed. He found her faith and wisdom to be exactly what he needed. Her encouragement was reassuring that he was finally on the right path. Including his growing desire to court and marry her.
It had all happened so fast, however. And he was still somewhat stunned by the fact that Melody’s father had been the one to come to him. But Clancy had no doubts that God had chosen him for his daughter’s husband, and he spoke with such conviction that Charlie had no doubts either.
He smiled at the thought of Melody’s sweet expressions.The way her eyes would widen just a bit when she found something to be a wonder. Of late, he’d even begun to imagine what it would be like to take her in his arms ... to kiss her.
A sigh escaped his lips as he closed his eyes. He could see her smiling back at him. Reaching for him.
Friendship first, Charlie. Friendship first, then romance.
11
Throughout the next week, Melody focused on her work and tried not to worry about her father’s health. Thankfully, no one else spoke of it, but she couldn’t help bringing it to mind. When she sat down to tea with Marybeth and Granny Taylor, Melody wondered how she might share her concerns with them. They were always good to advise her.
“We were caught up on everything, and even supper was well on its way to being done, so Mrs. Cooper told me to take an hour or so and come back later when the laundry I hung out would be dry,” Melody told Granny Taylor and Marybeth. She had gone to see Marybeth and found Granny just happened to be there as well.
“I’m so glad you came over,” Marybeth declared, pouring the tea. “Carrie just went down for her nap, and it will be so nice just to visit. Granny stopped by to show me some of her new embroidered quilt squares.”
