“I would imagine. Why don’t you just pack the things that you’ll be needing in the week to come? I can help if you need.”
“If you just sit and keep me company,” she replied, “I can pack it all myself. There’s not that much to worry about.” She frowned. “I don’t have a black dress.”
“That’s easy enough to get. I’ll help you figure it out after you settle in with Marybeth. I’m sure she’ll have ideas as well. Probably better than anything I could come up with.”
Melody hesitated as she glanced toward the tent. Charlie saw her bite her lower lip. This was her first time facing her home without her father. No doubt it was a daunting thought.
“Would you like me to go first?” he asked.
“Please.”
The word was barely whispered, but it was enough for Charlie. He stepped around her and pushed back the flap. He tied the waxed canvas to the side to allow the light tofilter in. Even at that, it wasn’t very bright inside, so he lit the lantern as he’d seen Melody do on other occasions.
“There, now you can see better.”
Melody walked inside and silently surveyed the room. “It won’t be the same without him here.”
“No. I don’t suppose it will.”
“I’m glad I don’t have to stay here alone.”
Charlie felt an overwhelming urge to take her in his arms. He went to where she stood and paused only a moment until he saw her reach for him. Pulling her close, Charlie’s heart overflowed with love for her. He couldn’t imagine his life without her.
19
“This room is yours for as long as you need it,” Marybeth Vogel told Melody. “If you need anything at all, you have only to ask. Just consider our home yours.”
Melody glanced around the room. “I’m so grateful to you for taking me in. I couldn’t bear the idea of staying at the tent without Da. Just being there made me sadder than I can even put into words.”
“I know how that feels. Coming home after my father’s funeral was almost more than I could stand, and I had Carrie to take my mind off things. Still, the house was so incredibly empty without him, and I’m sure your tent felt the same way. And even though Cheyenne is much safer than it was even a few months ago, it still wouldn’t be wise for you to stay there alone. It’s far too easy for someone to break in to a tent.”
Melody nodded and plopped down on the edge of the bed. She really wasn’t worried about her own safety right now—it was the dreaded void left by her father that seemed more threatening.
“I don’t know why, but I thought we’d have more time. I mean, I knew he was failing quickly. He slept almost aroundthe clock and wasn’t eating or drinking anything.” She could remember times when Da had eaten huge meals and had greatly enjoyed himself. He always loved a good meal and appreciated her cooking. “I don’t know how to go on without him in my life. I just didn’t plan for this.”
“I know. It’s a hard thing to face.”
“I wouldn’t have wanted him to have to go on hurting. The look of pain on his face was more than I could bear. I guess I feel guilty and angry at myself for not having seen it sooner. For not having known how bad it was.”
“He didn’t want you to know,” Marybeth said, coming to sit beside her. She took Melody’s hand. “He wanted to spare you the pain and sorrow for as long as possible.”
“I know, but I was so selfish. I took a job because I wanted to prove to him how I could remain behind in Cheyenne, even if we didn’t find someone for me to marry. I wanted him to see that I could take care of myself.”
“And you can. You’re strong and capable. You can go back to work for Mrs. Cooper and live here with us, or, if you don’t want to share the house, you could live in the little woodshop out back. We lived there quite snugly, and I know you could as well.”
“Thank you. Thank you for everything. I feel so silly in some ways. I mean, I had planned to stay here without him. But I knew I could visit him if I needed to. I could talk to him about my troubles. This isn’t the same at all.” She paused and looked at Marybeth. “He has been my mainstay. My everything.”
Melody shook her head. “I keep thinking that somehow I replaced God with Da. I never meant to, but I did. I would talk out a thing with Da until I felt I understood or had an answer. I shared all my joys and plans with Da. I asked Da fordirections and advice. I’m ashamed to say it, but my prayers are hollow when compared.”
“God gave you a good father for the very purposes you mentioned. Don’t feel guilty for seeking his guidance. Maybe you did lose sight of God—I can’t judge that. However, I know God is still there waiting for you.” Marybeth smiled. “He’ll be happy to guide and direct, cheer and encourage. God will show you where to go from here.”
Melody knew she was right. “I guess I need to spend some time in prayer.”
“Then I’ll let you be alone to do so.” Marybeth got up and headed for the bedroom door. “Just rest and pray. You’ll find it helps more than anything else.”
Knocking sounded from downstairs. Marybeth frowned. “I wonder who that might be.” She left the room, and Melody could soon hear her talking to someone. In a few minutes, she returned.
“Sorry to bother you, but it’s Dr. Scott. He wants to talk to you. He said it won’t take long.”
