It was nine o’clock when the doctor returned. Pastor Lewis and Father came with him, as well as Gary.
Susanna collapsed on the sofa in the living room while the others were with her mother. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but she couldn’t help it. When she woke up a few hours later, the house was dark except for a single candle burning on the table.
“Mother!” she exclaimed and jumped to her feet. She hurried into the bedroom and halted just inside.
“I promise, if I live . . . things will be . . . different,” her mother said in a raspy voice.
Susanna’s father sat at her bedside with his back to the door. Neither had apparently heard Susanna approach.
Father held Mother’s hand. “I promise you the same. I’ve learned my lesson. Losing everything, and now possibly losing you . . . I’m not the same man. I’ll never be that man again.”
Susanna smiled and backed out of the room. She curled back up on the sofa and closed her eyes. What a peace it was to know that God was in control.
21
Owen learned from Gary that Mrs. Ragsdale was sick. He hadn’t seen Susanna the night before, and Manuel had told him she had business with her family. He wanted to be with her, but he thought perhaps her uncle had returned. He was expected at any time, and Susanna had been hoping to talk to him.
“I know Susanna would appreciate seeing you,” Gary said. “She’s hardly done anything but take turns with Mother. Father hired a girl to do her work at the hotel, and he’s done plenty of it himself. I’ve never seen my father clean before, but he’s doing it now.”
“I guess a man does what he must when times demand it,” Owen replied. “Do you think Susanna would mind if I dropped by the house?”
“I think she’d be hurt if you didn’t,” Gary said, smiling. “You two set a date yet?”
Owen was surprised by his question. “Did Susanna tell you we were engaged, or did you just guess?”
“Not much of a guess. You two seem so natural together.”
“The sooner we marry, the better.” Owen thought he saw apprehension in Gary’s expression. “I love your sister. I hope you know that, Gary.”
“I do. I wasn’t sure I wanted you as a brother-in-law, back when you were my boss.”
“And now?” Owen looked at the younger man. He’d grown up a lot since coming to New Mexico that summer.
“Now I know what kind of man you are. You’re honorable and kind. You’re patient, and that’s something a lot of folks can’t say. Not that Susanna has ever been one to try patience in anyone.” Gary shrugged. “I guess it’s something I notice because I’ve needed it a lot.”
“So you would agree to letting me marry your sister?”
“She couldn’t find anyone better. I’m sorry I didn’t want her to marry you at first. I didn’t want you to take her away from us. Susanna’s the only one of us who has any sense.”
Owen chuckled. “Was she always around, even after she got married?”
“No, not exactly. Mother and Father had them come to dinner a lot, so we saw them all the time. But, well . . .” He fell silent. After a moment, he shrugged. “I guess living in Topeka was something we all took for granted. Not just being rich but also knowing how things worked. Down here we know nothing, and yet Susanna seems quite comfortable. We’ve all relied on her since our arrival, and knowing that you took to her right away made me worried that we wouldn’t be able to get through this without her. I only just figured that out.”
“We will always be here for you. Susanna and I have no plans to leave the area. At least not right now. We’ll help in any way we need to.”
“If my mother dies, it’s going to be really bad for Father.”
“I’m sure it would be. Do you really think your mother is that bad off?”
Gary nodded. “The doctor says she’s very sick and he doesn’t know if she’ll make it.”
Owen frowned. “I had no idea. What are you even doing here? You should be at home with your father and sister.”
Gary shook his head. “I feel better being here. I can hardly bear to just sit around watching and waiting. I need to be busy. Working in the shops keeps me so busy I can’t think of much else. Especially if I’m going to get the right parts to the right people.”
“Well, just know that if you want, I’ll talk to Mr. Payne for you. I’m sure he’d give you time away.”
“Thanks, Owen.” Gary gave him a weak smile. “No one’s been better to me than you.”
When work was over, Owen hurried to clean up and get to Susanna’s house as soon as possible. He was hungry but didn’t want to take the time to eat. It was a good thing he hadn’t, because the minute he walked into the house, he could see that the ladies of the church had been busy. There were food dishes lined up all over the kitchen.
“Hungry?” Susanna asked.
“I am. I was so anxious to get over here and see how things were going that I didn’t eat.”
“Well, we have plenty. The church women have been stopping by all day. I knew they did this when someone died but wasn’t expecting it for us. However, Mrs. Lewis told me that when the wife or mother of a family was sick, this was their routine. I think it’s a very nice one. Poor Father could hardly cook for himself.” She handed Owen a plate. “Just help yourself. Gary’s already been through here, so there’s a spoon in a few of the dishes. Just use the same one for the others. It won’t matter.”
“How’s your mother?” Owen asked, dishing up what looked like creamed chicken pie. If it was Mrs. Payne’s dish, he knew it would be incredible. He’d eaten it at many a church covered-dish dinner.
“I really don’t know how Mother is doing. The doctor says so little. I don’t think he knows either.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Owen said.
By the time he finished gathering food, Owen’s mouth was watering and his stomach was growling. Susanna had cleared off a place for him at the table and had even brought him iced tea to drink.
“You’ll make someone a good wife,” he teased.
“I already got me a fella picked out,” she countered with a wink.
As Owen took his first bite, Mr. Ragsdale came out of his wife’s sickroom. His eyes were red, and it looked as if he’d been crying.
Susanna stiffened. “Is Mother . . . did she . . .”
“She’s still alive,” her father replied. “It’s just so hard to see her like that.” He sat down opposite Owen at the table. “Your brother is talking to her now, but she’s barely conscious. Fades in and out. I don’t think she knows we’re here.”
“I’m sure she knows.” She turned to Owen. “Would you mind if I ran over to the hotel for a change of clothes? I’ll be right back, and it will give you time to eat.”
“Yes, of course,” Owen said, and Susanna smiled and hurried from the house.
Owen ate in silence, not wanting to be a nuisance to Mr. Ragsdale. The man obviously had a lot on his mind.
“What are your intentions toward my daughter?” Ragsdale asked out of the blue.