Beneath the Heavens Read online

  Abby felt a spark of pride pop inside her. It was a sincere compliment, not one meant to make her feel better, but an observant opinion that was flattering. She had handled the labor, even after an all-day wagon ride. The thought gave Abby a new strength. She would go to school tomorrow and handle what was thrown at her in a mature, serene way.

  Esther asked a few more questions about Abby, her home, family, likes and dislikes. Abby felt herself relaxing as she chatted about herself while sipping a cup of tea. A homey feeling overtook her as she watched Esther methodically cut, chop, stir, and fry a masterpiece of ham with some type of savory sauce, toasted bread with honey and a mixture of vegetables with thick slices of cheese thrown in. If Abby hadn’t wanted to cook before, she very much wanted to now as rich aromas overtook the house.

  “So Michael is your son?” Abby asked after realizing that Esther had made all the inquiries in the conversation.

  “He is,” Esther smiled proudly. “The best son a woman could ask for.”

  “And what does your husband do for a living?”

  “No husband,” Esther replied unruffled.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Did he pass away?”

  Esther stopped stirring a biscuit batter briefly before answering. “No,” she said simply.

  Abby waited for a further explanation, but she received none. Instead, Esther asked a few more questions of Abby, dismissing the subject of a husband.

  The door burst open just as Esther was laying out food on the table. Michael skipped in bringing the smell of a cool summer evening. Abby watched as Esther’s whole face brightened. She held out her arms for the boy and then covered his head with her hand, kissing his curls.

  “Were you out causing trouble, handsome?” she grinned, tapping his chin as he pulled away.

  “I was talking to Pastor Will. He says the eggs need to be collected,” Michael chattered without taking a breath.

  “They do indeed, especially since I just used most of them.”

  “I’ll collect them,” Michael volunteered. It was a job he obviously enjoyed

  Esther messed his curls. “What would I do without you?” she asked, handing him a basket that was hanging on one of the walls.

  “Suffer and die of a broken heart,” Michael answered with an air of words that were memorized.

  “Exactly,” Esther winked.

  Michael beamed and began to skip out. He stopped in front of Abby. “You want to help?” he asked brightly. “You need two people to make it a game.”

  Eager for something to do, Abby agreed and followed Michael out the door.

  /

  Esther watched as Michael and Abby headed out to the hen house. For a brief moment it was quiet, just her and the sound of simmering water for dishwashing. She liked the little schoolteacher; she seemed innocent, untried, but had a strength that was evident in her. Esther sighed, remembering leaving home, leaving Boston and the East for good. Colorado had been good to her… hard at first… very hard. A single woman showing up with a baby is enough to start all sorts of rumors and unwelcome looks, but like everything she did, Esther took it a day at a time. Prayer, hard work, and Michael were what got her through it all, and now—

  A small cry broke from the back room and a splatter of giggles followed it.

  Esther smiled, wiping her hands on a cloth. She had found contentment, even a bit of peace. She and Michael were happy and well off, and nothing was going to change that.

  /

  Abby yelped as a giant rooster chased her out of the hen house. She dropped her empty basket, tripped over her dress, and would have fallen flat on her face were it not for Will, who caught her by the upper arm.

  Abby was about to thank him until she saw that he was laughing hysterically. She narrowed her eyes at him. Was it fate that she must appear ridiculous every time in front of this pastor? She was really beginning to not like him.

  “You should—” more laughter, “you should have seen—” snorts of laughter. “You should have seen your face!” Tears were gathering at the corners of his eyes. “White-faced and wide-eyed like a grizzly was chasing you.”

  Abby smoothed her dress and stood proudly. “Well, it may not be a grizzly, but that—” she pointed to the ruffled rooster. “That isn’t exactly a docile bunny, either.”

  Will shook his head. “I must say, seeing you run out of there made the whole trip to Denver worth it.”

  Abby opened her mouth for a retort but was interrupted by Michael running up to her.

  “Teacher, you don’t lift the tail feathers of a rooster. Roosters don’t lay eggs.” Michael’s face was knit with concern. “I was afraid he was going to peck your eyes out.”

  Abby smiled, touched by Michael’s worry. “Well, I learned something new today,” Abby said optimistically. She wasn’t one to stay ashamed for long. “I just hope the poor rooster can forgive me for accosting him.”

  Will erupted into more laughter and Michael looked confused. “Well, I’m gonna fetch some more eggs,” he announced. “When my dad comes, we’ll be fetching eggs every day for Momma,” he informed Abby happily, before skipping off. “You comin’ Teacher?” he called back over his shoulder.

  Abby tilted her head in puzzlement. “Pastor Will,” she lowered her voice. “Miss Esther said she has no husband, and just now Michael said something about a dad… is she engaged?” She asked hopefully, and quickly wondered why she was hoping Esther was engaged.

  Will glanced at Michael briefly. “No, she’s not engaged.” His face clouded over. “I don’t think she ever will be. Miss Esther...” he paused, looking towards the house wistfully. Abby followed his gaze.

  “Miss Esther keeps to herself, you see. She serves others, is kind and—” he sighed, “beautiful, but she isn’t interested in men, and does just a fine job supporting herself and that boy of hers.”

  Abby watched the graceful outline of Esther’s frame through the window. The excited chatter of hungry children scurrying towards the table could be heard yards away. So she was single and supported herself and a child. Abby was impressed. “Michael seems like a sweet boy,” she suddenly said, realizing the silence was becoming awkward.

  Will nodded. “Sweet as they come and the jewel of his mother’s eye. We got a saying in Tall Pine that if you hurt Michael Callen, then you might as well strap yourself in front of a pack of hungry wolves, because they’ll be easier on you than Miss Esther.”

  Abby’s lips twitched. She consented that she might resent Esther’s beauty, grace and attractive independence, as any single young girl would, but she knew one thing, and that was that she liked the midwife, and she aimed to become friends with her.

  /

  Melissa Todd was a rosy-cheeked redhead who had never considered herself of much worth. When Mark had asked for her hand in marriage, after the death of his first wife, Melissa had scarcely believed it. The thought of a man with some land, who was also hard working, godly, and kind, seemed like a dream. People gossiped that he had only married her for her beauty and youth, but when Esther saw the beaming married couple as they stared at their new miracle, she knew that the gossip was the outcome of boredom and nothing more.

  “I was so scared,” Mark sighed, kissing Melissa on the head. She nuzzled into him, stroking her little boy’s chin.

  “I was sure I was gonna die,” she giggled like it was a joke.

  Esther knocked politely on the open door.

  “Melissa, I got some food for you. Mark, I can bring a plate for you too,” she offered, coming in at Melissa’s beckoning wave.

  “Nah, Esther, it’s alright. Mark was just saying he was gonna go eat with the little ones before you came,” Melissa said.

  Mark gave one last kiss to his son’s soft cheek and another to Melissa. “I’ll go make sure they’re not overwhelming the new school teacher.” He grinned at Esther on his way out. She smiled in return, then went and placed the steaming plate, as well as a large glass of milk next to Melissa.

  “I wish
there was a way I could eat and keep holding him at the same time,” Melissa lifted her baby to her lips. “I was so sure I was gonna lose this one that I feel if I let him go he will be gone,” Melissa’s voice cracked, her bottom lip trembling slightly. The after birth emotions were so fragile.

  Esther sat on the foot of the bed, reaching her arms out for the baby.

  “I will stay right here so you can see him while you eat. I know there’s no greater fear than the thought of losing a child.”

  Melissa nodded and gently handed the baby over to Esther.

  “What are you going to name him?” Esther asked, gazing at the perfect little face. A wave of sadness washed over her. How she would love another child. To kiss the rose petal skin every day, play with the little toes and nuzzle their velvet earlobes.

  “I was thinking of Clark,” Melissa answered, sighing in delight at her first bite.

  “Clark? I love it, very manly,” Esther exclaimed. She smelled the baby; the newborn smell, in her opinion, was the best there was. “He took to nursing well, a sign of a strong man, right?”

  Melissa smiled and took a bite of ham. “I did what you told me with my last one, cupping the breast and such… worked liked a charm. I remember the first time I nursed; I cried it hurt so badly. I sure wish you’d been my midwife then.” She laughed softly. “Honestly, now, there is not a whole lot of pain besides labor that can make me cry.”

  “It’s amazing how motherhood tends to toughen up a woman in more ways than one,” Esther remarked.

  “That is as true as true can be.” Melissa glanced at her baby, the light in her eyes dimming slightly as a thought came to her. “Have you seen Mary yet?” she asked, lowering her voice and glancing at the doorway.

  “Mary Higgins?” Esther asked.

  Melissa nodded. “She’s been pregnant for a while now.”

  Esther rocked the baby, feeling uncomfortable with the topic. “Once I knew she was pregnant I tried to see her, but so far she has refused. I can’t force her.”

  “It’s probably because of Toby. Such a horrible man. Do you know what he made her do to settle and smooth over some gambling debts? Who knows if the baby is even his.”

  Esther nodded curtly; she didn’t want to hear the story again. Mary had chosen to marry Toby, a handsome and charismatic devil, despite everyone’s warnings. Mary felt so fortunate that handsome Toby had wanted her, she was willing to do anything for him, no matter how shameless.

  “Sometimes parenthood changes men for the better. Maybe this will help both Mary and Toby,” Esther said hopefully, handing Clark back to Melissa. She would eventually visit Mary, even if it meant dealing with Toby who was indeed a monster.

  Aren’t all men?

  Esther’s eyes clouded over as the dark thought brought back the even darker memories.

  When everything was washed, clean, and Melissa asleep with baby Clark snuggled to her breast, Esther went to untie her horse and prepare for the ride home.

  Will told Abby he would drop her off at her new home and then show her the old school house, which was literally right next to it. The schoolteacher looked scared, complaining that she didn’t have enough time to prepare for school the next day. Esther had to quickly turn a chuckle into a cough when Will, with all the masculine sensitivity he could muster said, “Well, given that you didn’t know the difference between a rooster and hen, maybe you can start out with them teaching you.” He was clearly exhausted with this poor girl.

  Michael pitched in defending Abby. “She’s from Texas, Pastor; maybe they don’t have roosters in Texas,” he explained logically.

  “Thanks, Michael.” Abby patted his shoulder and glared at Will. Esther walked over after hitching the horse to her wagon.

  “Michael, handsome, you ready to go? I’m afraid it is too late to go to town tonight. We’ll have to go another time for supplies,” she smiled at him.

  “School supplies.” Michael dramatically put his hand on his forehead. “I knew I was forgetting something.”

  “Miss Esther, do you want us to escort you home? It wouldn’t be too much out of the way,” Will offered politely. Esther saw Will’s nervousness as he fingered his hat. Another wave of guilt washed over her. Will, kind and innocent Will who was trying so hard to be a good pastor despite his youth. In truth, he was not exactly a boy. He was Esther’s age and yet she felt ages older than him. Life had given Will trials; it had given Esther hell. Will had tried to court her. She refused him as gently as she could, but no matter how gently she refused men, it always left them hurt.

  “Thank you, Will, but it is only about three miles away. Besides, Miss Abby is right. She will need as much time as she can to prepare for tomorrow.” Esther winked at Abby.

  “You’ll be there tomorrow won’t you? I mean to drop off and pick up Michael?” Abby asked, earnestly wringing her dainty hands.

  “Of course I will, and I should warn you that every parent will be there, as well as others without children, just to see the newcomer.”

  Abby gave a nervous laugh. “Thank you for the warning.”

  Esther nodded for Michael to come over. She helped him into the wagon and then climbed quickly up herself, before Will could help her.

  “I’ll see you both tomorrow.” She waved, and then gave the reins a slight jerk before riding off.

  /

  Michael’s head bounced softly against Esther as they rode together in the wagon, gently steered by her pinto Lancelot, a strong but gentle animal. He walked slowly over a slightly damp path shaking his head every now and then when a pesky fly would bother his nose. Michael stirred slightly. He had fallen asleep against her as he often did when they returned from a long day.

  “We almost home, Momma?” he asked sleepily. Esther kissed the top of his head.

  “One more mile to go, honey. You were such a good boy,” she told him, giving him a little squeeze. Michael smiled and straightened up a bit, his sleepy eyes scanning the beauty around him.

  “Dad will like it here, won’t he?” Michael asked. Esther looked around her. A soft meadow decorated with multicolored wildflowers that melted into wild, untamed trees. Beyond that were endless mountains that seemed constantly tipped in snow reminding her of frosting on a cake.

  “I think your dad will love it,” she answered. She loved it now, too. When she’d first come to Colorado, it had seemed so rough with its cold long nights, the wolves and grizzlies and the tough mountain people. Years had smoothed over the rough edges. Esther had since come to believe that Colorado, with its mysterious forests, beautiful wildlife, and good-hearted people was probably the finest place on earth.

  “Tell me more about Dad,” Michael yawned.

  “I will later,” Esther agreed. “First we need to bathe you, feed the animals, and then I will tell you about your dad, alright?” This time it was Esther who stifled a yawn. Why were those things so darn contagious?

  “Can you tell me where he will be from?”

  Esther chewed her lip. This was a dangerous game. One she should not play, but it made her son so happy. “Texas,” she said. Why not? She liked how the little schoolteacher spoke and liked her sun-kissed freckles. Texas seemed like a good place for Michael’s fictional father to be from.

  “Texas.” Michael pronounced it slowly. “And he is friends with Indians, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “And very brave?”

  “The bravest.” Esther smiled.

  “And he will have brown hair like me?” Michael asked eagerly with memorized detail.

  “Absolutely.” Esther hugged Michael tight. She would tell him one day, tell him that she would never marry, that she had no intention of marrying. She hoped that when the time came, Michael would be old enough to realize that they were better off alone, and he would be over the youthful desire for a father.

  Esther closed her eyes as a cool breeze kissed her skin. Tall Pine was home. All the single men had tried to win her at one time or another… there were none
left who were interested. Rumors had stilled, friends had been made, and a way of life was set. Another Colorado breeze swept over her again, chilly for summer. It would be an early autumn. Esther’s mind began to settle with thoughtless ease when a feeling stirred within her.

  Again the wind blew, and again, Esther shifted. This had been happening more and more lately. Each time she reaffirmed that she had made a home, that she had survived the hard years of being a single mother and had finally reined in the trials and tribulations victoriously, the feeling arose. It was a feeling of hunger, of emptiness, as if something was missing from her life. It ate at her, and she didn’t know why. She had everything she could hope for.

  The Lord had given her so much, and she loved what she had, but sometimes she could not help but feel that the Lord wanted something else from her, other than being a midwife and a mother to Michael. She looked down at her son. Surely there was nothing more; nothing that could bring greater happiness than Michael.

  Esther decided that fatigue was speaking. She had so much more than most, and thoughts like these could only bring about discontentment. Shaking her head, she labeled her thoughts and tucked them away, far back into the corners of her mind. She would pull them out again when she was rested and had the time.

  A small light showed through Esther’s French-paned windows. A spark of alarm lasted only a second, until Esther saw the white buggy resting beside her home. Uncle Tim and Aunt Lily had stopped by. They often did, and always made themselves at home, even when Esther was not there. Still, she was glad they had, considering they had just returned from a medical lecture in Chicago with some of the world’s leading doctors and scientists. She pulled Lancelot to a halt and scanned her home. It was a pretty house, with hardwood floors and blue and white paint that contrasted nicely with the rose bushes and potted geraniums. She was proud of it, proud of the work she had put into the rusty abandoned house it had been when she first moved to Tall Pine. Uncle Tim and Aunt Lily helped with what they could, but truth be told, they were so busy that it was not much. Still, she was grateful for even that, because she could honestly say that everything she had was hers.