Page 11 of Married By Midnight
“Where?”
“They were painted on the corner, facing the road.”
“Oh, those.” Sarah sunk down in her chair. “My mother designated this a safe place for the train jumpers. They can stay out in the barn and get a hot meal before they jump the next train.”
“Sounds exciting.”
“For us? Or the jumpers?”
“To be able to travel anywhere like that. Imagine all the things they have seen.”
“I guess. I never really thought about it.”
“You need to find someone that isn’t from around here. Someone who will remind you of your inner beauty.”
Sarah shrugged. “I can’t imagine that happening.” Her eyes were getting heavy as she looked at the fire. “Oh! I forgot about the tea.”
“Don’t worry, Sarah. I’ll pour myself a cup.” Mrs. Pennyworth stood and floated over to the desk. Sarah could hear her hum. “Pretty soon, I believe you will meet such a man.”
Sarah’s eyes opened. “What makes you say that?”
“I just know these things. It will be up to you to help him remember who he is. In return, he will help you find who you are.”
“I’ve had enough of this nonsense. What makes you even say something like that?”
Mrs. Pennyworth looked at her once more. “Because, Sarah, I’m your guardian angel.”
Sarah scoffed. “Angel? I don’t think so.” She looked Mrs. Pennyworth from top to bottom. “Don’t angels have wings?”
“Not all of us. Believe what you want, Sarah, but it is true. My husband and I were sent to Creede to help couples in need find love.”
“I don’t want to find love.”
Mrs. Pennyworth shrugged. “Alright. How about an answer to your problem?” Sarah turned and looked back at the flames. She caught Mrs. Pennyworth standing next to her from the corner of her eye. “Keep looking at the fire, Sarah. Fire is wonderful for forging things. Refining things. Refining people. Soon you’ll realize everything I said was correct.” Sarah felt her eyes grow heavier as she listened to the soothing sound of Mrs. Pennyworth’s voice. She tried to fight falling asleep, but she was so tired.Maybe a five-minute nap would be alright?
Sarah woke up with a start. She forgot she was in her father’s office. The fire had turned cold and it was getting darker outside. Sarah listened. She could hear rain hitting the glass but nothing else.
“Mrs. Pennyworth?” She tilted her head to listen for the older woman but didn’t hear anything. “Mrs. Pennyworth?” The basket at the foot of the chair was gone. Mrs. Pennyworth must have let herself out while Sarah was asleep. What kind of hostess was she that she fell asleep on her guest?
She stood and stretched. Then she spied the tea tray and groaned. The pot was still under its wrap and the cups were untouched. Even the cheese and crackers remained.
Sarah felt the tea pot. It was still warm. Not hot, but warm. Picking up a cracker, she shoved it into her mouth and chewed, thinking about her discussion with Mrs. Pennyworth.How dare that woman insist she was her guardian angel?Sarah found it hard to believe.She must have dreamed up the whole thing.She did feel rather tired even though she just had a nap.
Sarah poured herself a cup of tea from the pot and added a drop of milk. Taking the cup, she walked back to the window facing the road. The rain was coming down harder.
The road will be completely washed out now,she thought. She said a quick prayer that Mrs. Pennyworth would make it to her destination safely.
With the road washed out, Sarah knew she wouldn’t be able to get to town for at least two days. The water would have to subside and then drain off into the field. Sometimes living on the side of a mountain could be a bother, but she wouldn’t trade it for the world.
She walked over to the other window to look at the barn. Dusty and Dell appeared to be arguing over something. Dusty had his hands in the air as he moved closer to Dell.
Dell said something to the younger man as Dusty dropped his arms and disappeared into the barn. Dell followed and soon came out of the barn carrying something.
Sarah couldn’t see what it was from this distance and through the rain. It looked rather large though.Was it an animal?
Dusty followed with what looked like a package. Sarah sipped her tea and grimaced. It was cold. She placed the cup on the table and returned to watching the events in the yard.
She could see that Dusty was still upset about whatever it was. He would occasionally punch the air towards the Snyder homestead. As the pair moved closer, Sarah was able to see what Dell was carrying.
