Pa sang too, a surprisingly deep rumbling bass. Her eyes stung. This was a hint of the man he’d once been.
The song service ended, and Pastor Stone beamed at them. “Today’s text focuses on Hebrews thirteen, verses five and six. ‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.’”
His encouraging message offered exactly what Amelia needed.
But Pa grew restless. He and Poppy twiddled their fingers.
Amelia glanced at Zach, and her concern reflected in his eyes. He draped his arms around his pa’s shoulders and squeezed.
As soon asthe pastor gave the benediction, Zach helped Pa to his feet, and they headed for the door.
Several called out to them, no doubt wanting to welcome Amelia and greet Pa, but they needed to get him home before confusion overtook him.
“Kat,” Zach called.
She turned from visiting her friends. She might have argued, but after one glance at her pa, she rushed to join them.
They got everyone into the wagon and drove from town.
Kat poked her head between Zach and Amelia. “He’s getting real restless.”
In the back, Pa sat up, clutching at the sides of the wagon as if he meant to jump out.
Zach caught him. “Pa, sit down. We’ll soon be home.”
Pa shook his hand off. “I have to go.”
“Go where, Pa?” Kat asked, her fear and worry palpable as her voice wobbled up an octave.
His poor sister. Not only had she lost her mother, but day by day, she was losing her father. And Zach had no idea how to comfort and encourage her.
“Stop the wagon,” Amelia said.
“If I do, he’ll get out.”
“Hold him while I get in the back.” She handed Poppy to Kat. “Pa, look, Poppy wants to sit with you.”
He glanced at the baby, smiled, and then seemed to forget her as he turned, trying to climb out. Zach held him while Amelia got into the back. She pulled at his arm to get his attention. “Sit with me and help me sing. What’s your favorite song?”
For the space of a heartbeat, Pa focused on her and began to sit, but then grabbed the side of the wagon again.
Zach held his shoulder so he couldn’t climb out.
Amelia took his hand and began singing “Amazing Grace.” Bit by bit, Pa relaxed, and she pulled him down to sit beside her.
Zach joined in the singing. Then Pa. Kat rolled her eyes as if this was too silly for words, but then in her clear sweet voice, she sang too.
If Zach needed any more reasonnotto ask Amelia to stay, this trip to church provided it. Pa was requiring more and more care. It wasn’t the sort of life a decent man would ask a woman to share. No, he’d have to find a man capable of caring for Pa. Maybe someone who could also keep Gil in line. If not for his ma’s friendship with Gil’s mother, Zach would let the man go.
They reached home, and he guided his father inside.
There was no just-like-Ma-used-to-make dinner ready. The stove was cold, and Gil was missing.
“I’ll stay with your pa while you find Gil.” Amelia led Pa to the table and had him and Poppy sit side by side. The two reached for each other’s hands.
Zach stared at the pair of clasped fingers on the tabletop. If only he could grab someone and find such comfort. But he had to accept the reality of his life.
Amelia started a fire in the stove and set the coffee to boil, then opened cupboards looking for something for dinner.
