Susanna felt dampness on her cheeks and realized she was crying. She hadn’t expected the tears, but it appeared everyone here shared her heart.
“I ask you to forgive me. The woman I was is no more, and I seek to be a loving child of God.” Mother paused and released a breath as if she’d been holding it the entire time.
One by one, the women rose from their chairs to go to Mother. Susanna watched as they embraced her mother and cried in love over the lost being found.
24
How are you feeling?” Susanna asked Owen as he approached the hotel check-in desk.
“Much better. Doc took the stitches out. My hair is starting to grow in over the patch on the back where they shaved my head to put in the stitches. Doc told me I could just wear a cap or hat until it all grew back.”
Susanna smiled and motioned for him to turn around. He did, and she noted the spot. Already it was disappearing. “It doesn’t look that bad.”
“Good enough that you won’t be ashamed of me on Sunday?”
“I’ll never be ashamed of you, and I would certainly never hold your appearance against you—especially after being injured in an accident.”
Owen seemed pleased with her answer and grinned. “Can you take a walk with me? The day is perfect, the temperature is pleasant, and the there’s just enough time to get in a nice walk before sunset.”
“I’ll let my uncle and father know. I’m sure they can manage things.”
She stepped into the back room, where her father and uncle were still talking. Uncle Harrison had arrived an hour earlier by train, and he and Father were still hard at it, discussing the hotel and going over the books.
“Father, Owen has come, and I’d like to take a walk with him.”
“By all means,” her father replied. “Will you two join us for supper?”
“Of course.” She gave them a smile. “I wouldn’t want to miss it.”
She met Owen at the door and waited as he gallantly opened it for her. They headed down the street to Railroad Avenue and then turned left. Holding hands, they continued their stroll past the depot, then a few tenant houses for railroad officials, and on past the stockyards.
The river had returned to its normal levels, and there was no longer a threat of flooding, much to the relief of everyone in town. Everything seemed picturesque and lovely—like something from a landscape painting or perhaps even one of the Santa Fe’s new calendars. Later the saloons would be full of railroad men drinking and playing pool, and the dance halls would sport music and dance, but right now everything was quiet.
“I like this time of day. The men have gotten off work and are busy cleaning up or eating dinner, so they aren’t being rowdy yet.” Susanna squeezed Owen’s hand. “I was actually surprised to see you so soon—and cleaned up too.”
“Mr. Payne and the boys insisted I leave early since we’re getting married Sunday. They wanted to host a bachelor party for me tonight, but I told them no. I want to be clearheaded and without bruises or cuts for my wedding. So I left early and went home to clean up and finish packing. Are we still moving everything tomorrow?”
“Yes. Gary said he’s made some new friends at the shop and invited them to come and help. It’s not like there’s that much to be moved around, but it’s nice that he has decent friends. He’s happier than I’ve ever seen him. Who knew manual labor could give him such a sense of joy?”
“Working hard and having something to show for it makes a man feel alive,” Owen replied. “Everybody needs a reason to live, and Gary was going through life without purpose. He’s a valuable worker now that we’ve found what he’s good at. I’ve never seen anyone able to keep track of the details like he does. And, of course, he saved my life—or at least helped me overcome my humiliation.”
She laughed and squeezed his hand. “Just don’t play blackjack with him. Apparently, he can remember every card that’s been played and estimate his chances.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. He knows where every part is and how many we have. Mr. Payne says he’s going to promote Gary to assistant manager of the department.”
“That’s wonderful. I know it will please him and give a boost to his confidence.”
They walked in silence for several blocks, then turned away from the river and started back toward town.
“Has your uncle decided what he’s going to do with your mother and father yet?” Owen asked.
“No. I think he’s just as dumbfounded by the changes as we are. I know he’ll want them to prove themselves over time, but knowing how God has dealt with the two of them is impressive enough to know the change is real. Father confessed everything to Uncle Harrison. Told him about the fire and taking the hotel money. Told him about nearly wagering my house. Everything. He even told him some things I didn’t know about. Mostly thoughts and feelings he’d had, but things I hadn’t expected.”
“Maybe now your uncle will be able to teach your father what he needs to know.”
Susanna had prayed so hard that would be the case. “My mother wants us to all be close and have a family like the Mendozas’. Lia suggested we come to the ranch for Thanksgiving. She said her parents encouraged her to invite us all. I thought it sounded like fun.”
“I’d like that very much. Anytime we go to the ranch, I enjoy myself.”
“I think I’m going to enjoy just about any place so long as you are there.” Susanna’s voice was soft and full of love.
“I still can’t get over the change in you, Herbert. A part of me wants to find fault and prove it’s not true, but at every turn you seem completely changed.”
“I suppose only time will really set your mind at ease,” Herbert replied. He had known his brother would be hard to convince.
“Again, your reply only shows your sincerity. Tell me, what are your thoughts about the future?”
“Well, tomorrow we’re moving into the hotel, as I told you. Susanna and Owen will move their things to the house, where they will live. Except for tomorrow evening, when Owen is staying with his boss. Minding all the proprieties for appearance’s sake. Gary will stay at the house with Susanna.” Herbert smiled. “Susanna is a very respectable young woman. I’m proud to be her father.”
“You should be. She is a gem.”
Herbert nodded. “Gladys and I talked through this. Susanna has been teaching her how to clean the rooms. We’re not sure the laundry is something Gladys can manage, but Susanna said for the time being she would come and get the laundry each morning, then bring it back in the afternoon. While she’s on her honeymoon, Tina will manage it alone.”
“I think that sounds remarkable, given your wife would take to her bed anytime someone even suggested she do something resembling work.”
“Gladys has changed even more than I have, if that’s possible. Nearly dying completely altered her heart. She has spent hours talking to me in the evening, something we’ve never done before. She always despised me too much to want to spend time with me.” Herbert smiled. “I can hardly say what this change has done for my spirit.”