Dr. Scott told another story or two, then concluded with prayer. He encouraged the mourners to rejoice in the knowledge that Clancy was free of pain and no doubt was hearing the Lord tell him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Church friends and railroad workers alike came and told Melody how sorry they were to lose a man like her father. Most shared stories that she had never heard. Tales of how her father had helped someone down on their luck or shared a dollar to buy someone food or medicine. By the time the last man came forward, Melody was exhausted from standing and receiving each of them, but she knew Da would expect no less.
“Miss Melody, the boys and I took up a collection. It’ll help see you through for a time and pay for the funeral.”
“Oh, you shouldn’t have. I ... don’t need ... Da made arrangements ... he, uh...” She looked to Charlie, uncertain what she should say or do.
Charlie smiled and took the pouch the man offered. “Thank you. This will be a blessing.”
She said nothing but looked back at the man and nodded. “Thank you.”
The man put his hat back on, and Melody could see his eyes were red around the rims. “I was one of them fellas your father helped. I made peace with God because of him. I’d probably be dead if not for Clancy Doyle.”
Melody reached out to take hold of the man’s hands. “Thank you for telling me that. It means the world to me to hear the things he did and see how he served God.”
“He was a good man and friend. The world is a little worse off without Clancy Doyle.”
Melody let him go and waited until he was well away from them before turning to Charlie. “I don’t need their collection. They probably put in money they really needed for themselves and their families.”
Charlie handed her the pouch. “They gave from their hearts knowing there wasn’t any other way they could honoryour father. You can’t very well ruin the situation by throwing it back at them. Let them bless you.”
She frowned and glanced at the men and women who were now walking back toward town. “But I don’t need it. What should I do with it?”
“You could donate it to the church,” Charlie said with a slight shrug. “The building fund could use it, and just imagine getting the church built all the sooner because of your father. Wouldn’t he love that?”
Melody couldn’t imagine a better plan. “Charlie, you’re brilliant. It’s absolutely perfect.”
Marybeth had invited the church members to come back to the Vogels’ house for lunch. The ladies of the church had cooked up a storm, and Edward, along with the help of some of the other men, had built temporary tables in the backyard to lay out the feast.
In the true fashion of those who knew what to expect, families furnished their own dishes, and some brought their chairs. They spread out around the yard and shared their stories and offered Melody their love. Never had she felt more cared for than that day.
Hours after everyone had eaten their fill, some of the men gathered near the back of the house with a variety of instruments and played a series of songs while the women worked to clean up the leftovers and other men helped Edward break down the tables.
When Charlie came to her, Melody didn’t even question him as he took hold of her arm and led her to the front of the house. They climbed the steps and took a seat on the porch. It was the first time they’d been alone all day.
“They did all right by Clancy,” Charlie said. “I hope folks love me even half as much when my time comes.”
“I knew folks cared for Da, but I never knew just how much. People have told me stories all day long about things he did for them. I have no idea how he had the time or energy, not to mention the ability, to reach so many.”
“God multiplied what was needed. Time. Strength. Whatever was necessary, God provided. Your father was just the willing vessel from which God could pour out those blessings.”
“Sometimes all he did was listen to a man’s sad story and pray with him. Just a little encouragement, Charlie. It changed everything. Just a few words or taking the time to pray for someone or with them.”
“I guess a few words can be a lifeline to a soul who’s drowning in a sea of troubles. Sometimes I don’t think we realize that. We figure we must do something big, or it doesn’t count. But sometimes it’s the littlest thing that turns out to be big.”
Melody knew he was right. How many times had it been true for her? Someone offered a word of kindness or just a hug. “Oh, Charlie, this was a perfect day despite losing Da. He was honored in the best of ways. I never thought I could come away from this day happy, but here I am content and filled with joy.”
“Then let me add to that joy,” Charlie said, slipping from the chair to one knee and taking hold of her hands. “I’ve fallen in love with you, Melody Doyle. I told your father that I was never one to believe in love at first sight. I thought a couple needed to have a foundation of friendship first. When I saw you, however, I knew there was something special about you. Something that I wanted to experience every day for the rest of my life.
“Your father told me he knew from the first moment I talked to him that I was the one—that I was his choice for you. I was humbled by that and scared too.” He chuckled and took hold of her hand. “I wasn’t sure that I was worthy of you, of your love, but your father was fully convinced, and that gave me courage to move forward.”
Melody could see the love he held for her in his expression and the tone of his voice. She knew with this man she would always be cared for, always safe, and never forgotten.
“I love you with all of my heart. I don’t know what the future will hold for us, but I know that if you’re by my side, I can face anything. As I’ve prayed about asking you this question, God has continued to teach me what I need to know in order to be not only a better man but a better husband, and I want to be that for you and you alone. Will you marry me?”
She smiled and gave a nod. “I will. Through all of this you’ve been a dear friend to me. I told you about all of my other suitors and their shortcomings. I told you my fears and failings. I made accusations against you, and you bore them without fault and forgave me when God showed me how wrong I was. I cannot imagine my life without you. I love you, Charlie.”
Charlie rose and pulled her to her feet. Wrapping his arm around her, he tilted her chin up. “I know this is bittersweet, but I also feel confident it is what your father would want.”
