Lightning and Lace by DiAnn Mills

any of them. His gaze moved to the veranda, where a pair of rocking chairs looked as inviting as a fresh-baked apple pie. Huge baskets of ferns dripped water ever so lightly unto the wooden porch. Travis clearly heard the hustle and bustle of ranch hands in the distance. He couldn’t make out their whoops and hollers, but nevertheless they were there. A cow bawled. A dog barked.
    Travis planted his foot on the first step leading up to the carved oak door, then hesitated. He’d already offended Mrs. Kahler more than once. Perhaps he should take care of his errand at the back door like other hired folks. After all, he did come with a job to do.
    Travis retraced his steps to the front of the house, then followed a path to the back door. A young Mexican woman answered his call and asked what he wanted.
    He removed his hat. “I’m Brother Travis Whitworth, here to repair the roof.”
    She disappeared, leaving him standing outside. He suspected his workmanship may not be to Mrs. Kahler’s standards. Before he had an opportunity to further question his abilities, however, she stood at the door, dressed in a pale gray and ivory dress. He attempted to ignore what her beauty did to him. A man of God had no right to think of such things. The past had already proved that.
    “I didn’t know if you would truly come this morning,” she said with her hands neatly folded in front of her. “But I’m glad you did. Are you settling in?”
    Travis couldn’t stop the smile. Mrs. Kahler had a way of looking at him that made him want to look at her all day. “I’m doing fine, thank you. The reverend and his wife are gracious people.” He pulled his gaze away from her lovely face and glanced up at the roof. “I’ve allowed two days to do the repairs. I hope it’s long enough.”
    “I’m sure it will be fine.” She nodded, and for a moment he doubted his ability to climb onto the roof. “I’ll have my foreman show you about. Have a good day, Brother Whitworth.”
    Bonnie called for Zack to escort Travis to one of the stables. The boy appeared annoyed at the request, but he didn’t argue with his mother. Travis started to bid her a good morning, but the door shut soundly before he could speak.
    “All right, son, lead the way,” Travis said.
    “I’m not your son,” the boy said.
    Travis rubbed beneath his nose. Must I always be offending some member of this family? “I’m sorry, Zack.”
    “You don’t have to put on airs with me, Preacher, ’cause I don’t care about anything you have to say. You’re hired help, that’s all.”
    “You must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed,” Travis said.
    “That’s none of your business.”
    “Disrespect is my business.” Travis swung his stride ahead of the boy and eyed him squarely. “And you have been taught how to respect others.”
    “I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to.”
    The rebellion in Zack’s stance told Travis this boy would have to fall hard before he walked straight.
    “If you would give me a chance, I’d like to be your friend, but friendship means each of us has to treat the other fairly.”
    “I don’t need any preacher friends.” Zack pointed to the stable door. “The foreman’s in there. His name’s Thomas. I’m headin’ to school.”
    A short time later, Travis nailed pieces of shingle onto the roof of the house. My, how he loved the touch and smell of wood. Somehow knowing the Lord worked as a carpenter made him feel just a little closer to Him. The sun crept across the sky, warming his back and removing any traces of early morning chill.
    Travis whistled his favorite hymn of the day—“Abide with Me”—until the words and melody took form. One hymn after another filled the air around him while he worked and considered the sermon for Wednesday night. He’d nearly drowned with Sunday morning’s pitiful message, but at least he had a second chance. He prayed his words would be filled with the Holy Spirit—and not