To Honor and Trust (28 page)

His eyes darkened as he lowered his head and met her lips with a lingering kiss.

Over the next two days, Daisy's condition steadily improved, and last night the doctor left word he would meet with the family this morning. Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport, as well as Callie and Wesley, gathered in Daisy's room to hear the doctor's report. Wesley anticipated the doctor would release Daisy from the hospital today. If that occurred, he wasn't certain what it would mean for him, for Callie, or for their relationship.

These past two days had given them time alone to sort through their feelings and hopes for the future. Neither of them doubted their love for the other, and they were in agreement that they should go to Africa and work alongside Callie's parents. Yet neither was certain how they would make all the arrangements. Callie didn't want to leave the Bridgeports without someone to take her place, and Wesley disliked the idea of leaving the guests at Bridal Veil without a golf pro for the remainder of the season. And their marriage would need to take place before they could leave the country. There would be much to decide.

If Callie left for Indianapolis in the next day or two, Wes doubted they could wed before summer, and they would
be away from each other during the intervening months—a thought he intensely disliked. After wrestling with the thought last night, he decided that he'd follow Callie to Indianapolis. With Mr. Bridgeport's help, he could find work until after they married and were prepared to depart for Africa. And he'd do his best to help Mr. Crocker find a replacement at the links, though he doubted that would be possible.

“You appear worried.” Concern shone in Callie's eyes as she reached for his hand. “Is there something in Daisy's appearance that concerns you this morning?”

The two of them were seated near the doorway leading into Daisy's room, while Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport had each pulled a chair close to the child's bedside.

He shook his head. “No. She looks even better than yesterday. I think the doctor will release her.”

Callie immediately brightened. “Do you? That's wonderful news, isn't it? I don't understand why you look so glum if you think we'll get a good report.”

He forced a halfhearted smile. “Because I've been thinking about what will happen when she's released.”

Her countenance turned somber, and Wesley knew that the realization of what it would mean to them had taken hold. She glanced toward the bedside. “What will we do? I can't leave them just yet. I love you, Wesley, but—”

“I know. Let's wait and see what the doctor says before we try to make any decisions.”

He didn't tell her he'd been up most of the night attempting to come to some solution. His worry was enough for both of them. And his own feelings aside, he knew Daisy's return to health was a miracle. The child should not be alive, yet she was now sitting up in her bed, coloring a picture and talking to her
parents. God's hand had been at work in the child's recovery, and Wes prayed God's hand would smooth the details of their future, as well. Wes didn't have the answers, but with God's help, the two of them would overcome the mounting obstacles that remained in their path.

They all turned toward the door when they heard the doctor arrive. A nurse accompanied him into the room, carrying papers in one hand. The doctor smiled and greeted them.

He drew near the bed, his eyes fastening on Daisy's leg. “And how is my favorite little girl?”

Daisy smiled up at him. “Good.” She picked up her drawing and held it out to him. “I made you a picture.”

The doctor took a moment to examine the child's gift. “And it is a lovely picture. I'll put it in my office. Is that all right with you?”

Daisy giggled and bobbed her head. “Can I go home today?”

“I'm going to look at your leg, and then I'll tell you.” He unwrapped the bandage and, after checking the wound, gave the nurse instructions. The doctor brushed a curl from Daisy's forehead. “You may go home today, Daisy.” The child squealed with delight, and the doctor smiled before turning to Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport. “I don't think it would be wise for you to leave for Indianapolis yet. Daisy is much better, but a long train trip and the flooded conditions in the city could complicate matters should she need additional medical attention. I would guess the doctors and hospitals in the city have their hands full right now.”

Mr. Bridgeport frowned and nodded his head. “I see. You're probably right. You think we should remain in Biscayne?”

“You need not stay in Biscayne. You can return to Bridal Veil Island. If there should be any change in Daisy's condition,
you can bring her back here. I don't anticipate a problem, but I would feel better knowing she's fully recovered before you return home.”

Mr. Bridgeport looked at his wife. “I'll get a wire sent home telling Mrs. Hanson of our change in plans, and we'll follow up with a letter of instructions. It's the best we can do under the circumstances.” His frown deepened. “Of course, you could remain here with the children, and I could return home and see to things.”

Mrs. Bridgeport shook her head. “I'd rather you didn't do that right now, Luther. If Daisy continues to make progress and we hear there's a need for you to go home ahead of us, then we can decide. I don't like the idea of the family being separated, especially when we don't know what conditions we'll find in Indianapolis.”

Callie squeezed Wesley's hand. “So we'll all remain at Bridal Veil?”

“Yes. I think that would be best.” Mrs. Bridgeport smiled at Wesley. “I'm certain that decision will please you, as well. Won't it, Wes?”

“I know you have concerns about your home, but I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said I wasn't pleased with your decision to remain at Bridal Veil. And I'm sure my parents will be pleased to have an opportunity to get to know Callie.”

Callie hadn't yet had a chance to speak to the Bridgeports about the future, but from the look on Mrs. Bridgeport's face, she'd already deduced what lay in store. “I hope the two of you aren't making any impetuous plans.”

Wes met Mrs. Bridgeport's inquiring stare. “Not impetuous, but we have made a few decisions. Right now, I think you have more important matters that require your attention.
Is there anything I can do to help you either at the hotel here in Biscayne or at Fair Haven?”

The older woman sparked to attention. “Since Fair Haven has already been closed for the season, it would be helpful if it could be reopened. Dear me, it is such a shame. The cottage was closed less than a week ago and now we'll be reopening it. Yet, I suppose that's the way of things.” She leaned forward and kissed Daisy's cheek. “I'm so thankful to have Daisy well that I shouldn't even mention anything so trivial.” Mrs. Bridgeport turned her attention to Callie. “Shall we see if Lula and Jane can return for the remainder of the season? I don't see how we can get by without their help.”

Callie nodded. “Wesley and I can go speak to Jane, if you'd like. And I'm sure Lula will be pleased to return. Only this morning she mentioned that she didn't know what to do with herself and she hadn't been able to find any work.”

Both Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport agreed they would stay at the hospital and see to Daisy's discharge while Wes and Callie located Jane and saw to matters at the Biscayne hotel. Callie grasped his arm as they descended the hospital stairs. “Perhaps I should go to the hotel and begin packing. Lula can help me. If you locate Jane, we can return to the island by late this afternoon and open the cottage. Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport could remain in Biscayne and return on the launch later this evening. I'm sure Captain Fleming would agree to come over before sunset, don't you think?”

Wes nodded. “I don't know why he wouldn't. The Bridgeports own a cottage on the island, and it's his job to see to their transportation needs. I think you've come up with an excellent plan. I'll stop at the hotel and see if Lula knows Jane's address.
I'm sure the children will be delighted to learn Daisy will be discharged.”

“Indeed. And I'm sure they'll be delighted when they hear we're going to return to Bridal Veil. Thomas wasn't happy about forgoing the remainder of his golf lessons.”

As they arrived at the bottom of the stairwell, Wes pulled her close. “And what about you, Miss Deboyer? Were you unhappy that your lessons had come to an end?” He dipped his head low and stared into her eyes.

Her lips curved in a delicious smile. “Not unhappy the lessons had ended, but unhappy I'd no longer be spending time with the instructor.”

His heart soared at her words. Lowering his head, his lips grazed the tender spot along the side of her neck. “I don't think you'll need to worry about being separated from me again.” He wrapped her in a warm embrace and captured her lips in a slow, passionate kiss, thanking God for providing a way for them to remain together. He could never have let her go to Indianapolis without him. Not in a million years.

Wesley's hands turned damp as he approached the front door of Fair Haven. He had hoped to wait a bit longer before asking Callie to meet his family—an experience he feared might send her running away from him rather than into his arms. But his mother had been insistent. She'd waited long enough and wanted Callie to join them for dinner this evening. He hadn't revealed his plans to marry Callie and join her on the mission field, and he doubted the family would agree with their decisions.

At least Callie wouldn't have to deal with Charles or Daniel.
They were both in Massachusetts, but Richard might prove difficult, and who could say how Helena would react? In the past, she'd proclaimed that he should be looking for a wife, so she should be happy. Then again, his sister could be as changeable as the weather.

He strode up the steps to Fair Haven and knocked, surprised when Thomas greeted him. The boy stepped aside and invited Wes inside. “Jane and Lula were busy, so I told them I'd answer the door.” He glanced toward the stairs. “Are you here to see Miss Callie?”

Wes nodded. “I need to speak to her for a few minutes, but I promise I won't keep her for long.”

While the boy raced up the stairs, Wes waited below, trying to think how he should word the dinner invitation. He wanted to warn Callie that his family could be difficult, yet he didn't want to frighten her so much that she'd refuse to come. It would likely be best simply to be forthright. After all, they needed to have this meeting sometime, so he'd try to convince her it was best to get it over with as soon as possible. But that sounded rather ominous. He'd need to place the invitation in a more positive light, or she'd never agree to accompany him. He startled when Callie greeted him from the upper hallway.

She giggled as she descended the stairs. “I didn't mean to frighten you. Were you so lost in your thoughts you didn't hear me?”

“That's exactly right.” He gestured toward the front porch. “Could we go outside and talk for a few minutes?”

“Of course, but I'll need to return upstairs shortly or Lottie won't finish her math.” She led the way out the door and sat down on one of the wicker chairs. “What's wrong? Has something happened?”

He dropped to the chair beside her, the sweet scent of jasmine drifting on the breeze. “My parents would like you to join us for dinner tonight. They've arranged for a small private room—so everyone can get to know you. I know it's very short notice, but they are eager to meet you.”

“It is short notice. Without Maude, we'll need to make other arrangements for the care of the children. Mrs. Bridgeport is upstairs. I'll ask her if it would be possible.”

Wes scooted forward on the chair. “I would pay Jane or Lula extra wages if one of them would be willing to stay.” He rubbed his jaw. “Or if you know of someone else who might be willing to help.”

She traced her finger along the ridges in his forehead. “Don't worry so. We'll get something arranged. Let me speak to Mrs. Bridgeport.”

Wes leaned back in the chair, and though Callie wasn't gone long, it seemed an eternity. He wished his mother hadn't made the arrangements before speaking to him. The family wouldn't understand that Callie couldn't be available at their beck and call.

Callie reappeared with a bright smile curving her lips. “All is arranged. Lula said she'd be happy to stay overnight, and there's no need for any extra pay.”

“That's kind of her. I'll properly thank her when I come to pick you up this evening. Seven o'clock?”

“I'll be ready. I look forward to meeting your family, Wes. If they are as kind and loving as you, it shall be a wonderful event.”

“You may find a few of them a bit difficult, but I'll be there to protect you.” He laughed, hoping to take the edge off his words.

Callie giggled. “I can't imagine they will be anything but kind.”

Wes inwardly groaned. “You may find them somewhat overbearing, but together we'll manage the evening.” He grinned. “I won't let them eat you alive.”