Families! the Good, Bad and Wobbly: Fourteenth of the Prairie Preacher Series

By PJ Hoge

May of 1972 finds the folks of the Engelmann clan preparing for the long-awaited wedding of Matt Harrington and Diane Waggoner. Numerous family members from out East will be attending the event. In the past, members of both their families had shown vehement objection to the wedding; but as of late, most of those things seemed settled. They had hopes of having a fun family reunion.

As the event nears, other families appear and attend the wedding. There are many characters and subplots revealing themselves before the nuptials take place. In the end, the Engelmann clan learns to value their clan even more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jun 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781475994087

PJ Hoge

P J HOGE grew up in Washington state and North Dakota. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, PJ worked as a Cytotechnologist for many years. PJ’s family farmed in central North Dakota until the mid-1980”s when they relocated to Nevada, where she still resides. PJ is the author of the Prairie Preacher series.

Book preview

Copyright © 2013 PJ Hoge.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

iUniverse

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4759-9407-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-9408-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013909971

iUniverse rev. date: 6/6/2013

CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

For Aunt Louise

Special thanks to Terrie, Melissa and Mike H.

Families form the core for most people’s life. That is the one set of people that can be relied on, for good or bad. Many wonderful things have been said, written, and sung about family. In a perfect world, it can be the ultimate of love, acceptance and peace.

But human beings, being human, usually fall a bit short of that. These people have shared and know more about us than any other human beings on earth. Thus, our families are the one set of folks who always feel they have the right to pontificate about our shortcomings, dredge up all our previous failings and point out the potential failure of any future endeavors. They know which buttons to push and when to push them for maximum reaction.

Inevitably, we still love them. Often they are more correct than we care to admit and likely, we have done the same thing to them. But the biggest reason is that they are loved by the same folks we deeply love. And after all, they are our family.

1

S pring was warming the northern prairies that late April in 1971. There were areas turning green interspersed with tilled soil and a few patches of dirty snow. Farmers had been in the fields for some time and most of the crops were in. The gardens were planted earlier than usual. Late frosts were still likely, so young seedling plants had not been set out yet. Although some brave souls had planted theirs already.

Elton Schroeder watched his neighbor across the road to the north, Carl Kincaid, plant about an acre of something between the county road and his home. He had it tilled and then rototilled it repeatedly until the soil was very smooth, much smoother than necessary for a crop. He set sprinkler lines across it so he could water it. Carl insisted it wasn’t a garden spot, but he wouldn’t tell a soul what it was, even his wife. He seeded it himself and didn’t allow anyone else to watch what he was doing. After it was seeded, he had some friends help him cover it all with Visqueen plastic sheeting, creating a makeshift greenhouse. This only spiked Elton’s curiosity.

Elton and Carl were good friends, to be sure, but they competed about everything. The men were about the same age, early to mid-sixties, and both accomplished in their own right. However, they had to outdo each other at every turn. If one man grilled something outdoors, the other man threw a luau. If one man had a friend stay at his place, the other would have an entire family. Everyone thought it was funny, except their wives. Nora and Mo (Maureen) were the best of friends who spent most of their time keeping their husbands under control.

May was going to be especially challenging for the two men. Matt Harrington, Carl’s stepson, and Diane Waggoner, Elton’s surrogate daughter, were getting married on the 22nd. There would be family from out East visiting. Neither man would allow it be said that his contribution to the events surrounding the wedding was in any way less than the other’s attempt! Their own wives rolled their eyes trying to keep from smothering them in their sleep.

There was a flurry of activities and work surrounding the upcoming wedding. Nearly every conversation somehow ended up about the wedding. The couple had a rollercoaster courtship, interspersed with trauma, hospital visits, and near death experiences. Even though they loved each other, their past lives penetrated their newfound happiness and demanded attention. Things were finally in a more settled place and they were looking forward to the nuptials.

The early spring had been interesting, as the clan had welcomed the Grey Hawk kids into the group and were happy when Social Services gave their stamp of approval to Elton and Nora as foster parents for the five. The Schroeders were now working with their attorney to set things in motion for adoption.

The Engelmann Clan was a group of friends and family that hung out together and shared their lives. They were all friends of Grandpa Lloyd Engelmann, the Alzheimer’s patient who thought they were, somehow, his biological family.

The clan also recently had welcomed a former neighbor, Harold Effan, who went by the nickname Kid, into the clan. Kid lived with Schroeders but owned the land south of their place. The buildings on the Effan place were not livable and Kid was a recovering heroin addict with a broken arm. He was taking steps towards building a new life, and appeared to be making good progress. Kid was especially close to another new clanner, Jeff Wilson, who lived with Carl and Mo Kincaid. Jeff was a former priest who was just beginning a new job in Mandan as a counselor at the state reformatory.

Their previous lives had been worlds apart, but Kid and Jeff enjoyed each other’s sense of humor and outlook on life. They became good friends. Jeff was beginning to test his wings in the romance department, having recently met Sister Abigail’s niece, Kathleen Finch, in Montana. He and Kid had that in common. Kid hadn’t had a steady girl because of his tours of duty in Vietnam, his stint with an outlaw biker club, Satan’s Horde, and his time in prison. Even though both men were about thirty, dating and being in love were new experiences for them. Neither was very confident and relished having another newcomer to the romance scene to talk to, since most men their age had been dating or married for some time.

The clan also looked forward to another expansion, the birth of Zach and Suzy’s twins. The babies were due at any time and everyone was excited. Suzy worked as Pastor Ellison’s secretary at Trinity Lutheran Church and Zach was a pediatric surgeon in Bismarck. He also served as the ‘family doctor’ for most of the clan, including Kid. He was usually calm and cool in medical emergencies, but when it came to the impending arrival of his children, he was as nervous as any other new father.

It was the last day of April and things at the Schroeder home were the usual mass commotion. Clarence Grey Hawk was eight and the oldest of his siblings who had always taken the responsibility of his brothers and sisters very seriously. He hadn’t wanted to leave their home on the Pine Ridge Reservation when his parents were killed in a car crash. The authorities said the children would be split up in foster care, since there were five of them.

Elton and Nora Schroeder had accompanied Jackson Fielding, the Gray Hawk children’s older stepbrother, down to Pine Ridge. He was nineteen and staying at the Schroeder’s home while recuperating from the injuries he had received in Vietnam. The Grey Hawk children had hoped he would come to the rescue and stay there with them. Jackson wanted to do that, but he was not well enough. Clarence finally realized there was little choice. His younger siblings would follow his lead. He desperately wanted to be together. He finally said they would go to Schroeders on a trial basis, but he let it be known he was very leery and reticent.

Nora and Elton talked to the child welfare people, and even though they were not Sioux Indian, they were allowed to be their temporary foster parents, since Jackson lived with them. It was a great relief to everyone. After several heart-to-heart discussions with Elton, whom the kids called Mister, Clarence reluctantly relented, but only to ‘give him a chance’. If things didn’t work out, he could leave whenever he wanted.

Things at the Schroeder farm had been good for the kids those past months. There was always heat in the house, plenty of food, and no one traded away their clothing. There were plenty of friendly folks around. Things had never been so good for his siblings and himself.

Three-year-old Claudia had hearing aids now, so she was starting to talk and was rarely sick anymore. Clarissa, the five-year-old, was happier than Clarence thought possible.

Clarence did not have to babysit all the time. He spent a lot of time at the neighbors helping with their goatherd. He had earned twin goat kids as payment for helping them during calving and kidding time. He loved his little goats, Hansel and Gretel. Darrell, his boss, had said he could take them home as soon as they were weaned from their mom. Clarissa had a baby calf and CJ, his seven-year-old brother, was now partners with his good friend in a rabbit business.

Back in Pine Ridge, Mister had promised Clarence that when it got warm out, they would go fishing, just the two of them. Now, the boy was waiting to see if that promise would be fulfilled. Clarence’s real dad had always promised he would take him fishing someday, when he was not busy; but that day never came. Clarence was rather certain that Mister would be too busy, too.

Mister was a busy person. He had the farm and a garage/gas station in Merton, the small town near where they lived. He also had another one in Bismarck, about an hour’s drive away. His oldest son, Keith, operated that one, but Mister helped him. He did all sorts of other stuff too, so Clarence could see why he might not have time. That made Clarence even more certain that Mister would forget.

Clarence’s own dad did not have a job, but he spent his time with his friends. They all liked whiskey and that took a lot of time. Clarence knew that Mister wasn’t like his own dad. In fact, none of these men he had met were. These men all spent time with kids and treated them like people. Clarence knew he could count on the men in the clan.

Clarence had almost made up his mind to stay in North Dakota. His brothers and sisters would never leave and they were doing very well. He was glad about that, but Clarence still missed his old home and his dad. Mister never said he had to stay in North Dakota forever nor did he ever say anything bad about his old home or his dad. Clarence thought he was a pretty okay person, but he still wasn’t his dad. He was going to wait and see just how good of a dad he really was.

On Friday after school while feeding cows, Elton told Clarence that he would not to go to Darrell’s place on Saturday. The little guy frowned, But Mister, he’s expecting me to help with chores.

I already talked to him. He’ll take care of Hansel and Gretel for you. We have other things that we need to do.

Oh, Clarence’s face fell. What do we have to do?

We have to get our fishing gear ready tonight and then talk real nice to Grandma and Nora. Maybe we can see if they’ll fix us a big lunch basket! We’re going fishing tomorrow! You and me, like we planned! Don’t tell me you forgot?

Clarence was very reserved and seldom showed emotion; but this time, he forgot all that. His face lit up and he threw his arms around the slight man with salt and pepper hair, in a huge hug. I didn’t forget! I thought you did!

How could I forget? It’s our important fishing trip! You got worms? the man grinned with a sparkle in his bright blue eyes.

Clarence’s face filled with horror and his eyes widened, No. Oh, no! I didn’t think about it! What’re we going to do?

We’ll use bait. Elton chuckled, I was teasing. Okay, we need to get all our things organized after chores and then hit the sack. I got the car gassed up. Or do you think we should take the old pickup?

Oh, can we? I love the pickup! the little guy almost bounced with excitement.

We can do that. It might be a good idea in case we catch so many fish we might fill the whole back end! Huh? Elton laughed.

Do you think we’re going to catch that many fish, Mister? the little boy grinned broadly.

No, Elton smiled. We won’t and besides there is a limit on how many we can catch. You’d better get your clothes laid out for tomorrow, so you can jump right in them when you get out of bed. We want to get there before the fish wake up! We’ll leave tomorrow morning while these jug heads do the chores. Kevin said he’ll take care of things for us! Isn’t that neat?

It is! Maybe if we catch a fish, we can give him one!

Elton frowned, What do you mean, —if? Of course, we’ll catch a fish!

Elton Schroeder and his foster son, Clarence Grey Hawk, would go on their fishing trip on Saturday. They would go May 1st and it would be the fulfillment of a promise Elton had made to the little eight-year old boy on the day of his parent’s funeral that January.

After the little boy went to bed, Elton went to the appliance shop where Andy and Jackson were working. How’s it going, guys?

Very good, Andy, Elton’s twenty-one year old son, set down the toaster oven he was working on. I think we can almost see the light of day.

Jackson nodded, Good thing, too. I’m helping at the church tomorrow.

Clarence and I are going fishing tomorrow, Elton stated. I just wanted to let you guys know.

Bet he’s excited, Jackson laughed. He’s really looking forward to it.

I hear a lot of hammering going on next door, Elton said, referring to the noise from the garage. Do you think those guys have any idea what they’re doing with that greenhouse?

Andy chuckled, Go ask them. We’re afraid. They might just put us to work!

Elton entered the garage portion of his huge Quonset building, which usually held several of the family’s cars and pickups. Now, it housed parts of a greenhouse. Kid and Jeff were working feverishly on the 14’ X 16’ greenhouse. Secretly, they were also working on a smaller version that would be a wedding gift to Matt and Diane.

Since they had no way of concealing their work, they built it right in the middle of the other greenhouse. No one ever asked what went where or even imagined there was a smaller one in the midst of the parts for the large one. They had ordered it at the same time. Everyone assumed all the parts were for the big one.

How’s it coming? Elton asked. Is your arm cast causing a lot of hindrance, Kid?

No, the former motorcyclist answered, I’m using the drill and screwing the metal strips. Jeff is using the hammer.

Elton chuckled, Good. So, it is going together easily?

Jeff shook his head, I wouldn’t say easily. I don’t know how long it took us to figure out what some of the parts were! They should’ve been labeled better, but we finally got it. We should have the frames up by tomorrow night.

Clarence and I are going fishing tomorrow, so I won’t be able to help. After that, I’ll help as much as I can, Elton said.

That’s okay. We all know how much the fishing trip means to Clarence. What are you fishing for? Jeff asked.

Whatever we can catch! Elton laughed. I don’t much think that Clarence cares as long as it has scales and swims. Hanson’s Lake has some walleye pike, yellow perch and blue gills.

What time do you expect to get back?

Whenever we’re finished. I don’t want to rush our adventure. We’re going to make a day of it, Elton said. I’m going to hit the hay now; but if you need any of my tools or supplies, help yourselves. You know my only rule: put it back where you found it.

Will do.

The little boy could hardly sleep all night. He thought about everything that he knew about fishing. A neighbor man, Harrington who worked at Mister’s garage, helped him learn a lot about fishing. He helped him learn the names of hooks, fish, and parts of the fishing pole. Harrington also helped him practice casting. They put out old tires around the yard and then practiced casting into them. Clarence actually was pretty good at it now. Harrington was waiting until after Mister’s fishing trip before they’d go together, but he was planning it. Clarence knew it would be a lot of fun, because he always had fun with Harrington. Harrington called him his ‘little fishing buddy’.

No matter that Mister had never went back on his word, or that anything seemed amiss, Clarence still harbored an enormous doubt they would ever truly go fishing. He was almost certain something would come up in the morning that Mister would have to do instead.

In the morning while they were eating breakfast, the others were getting ready to do the chores. Kevin, Mister’s middle son, sat with them for a minute. Clarence, I have something for you. It is my good-luck fishing lure. I always take it with me when I go fishing. I thought maybe you’d like to use it.

Wow! That is really neat! I’ll take good care of it for you. The little boy turned the lure in his hand, Did it work good?

Yes, it did, Kevin chuckled. So, where are you going?

Don’t know, Clarence shrugged. I guess Mister knows.

I thought we’d go to Hanson’s Lake. I heard the fishing is good there this spring. Elton smiled, What do you think?

It’s usually good. I haven’t heard anything this year. Well, you guys have fun. We have chores covered for tonight too, so don’t hurry home.

Before long, the pair were heading down the road to Hanson’s Lake. Clarence sat as tall as he could in the passenger seat of the ’54 blue Chevy pickup with his arm on the passenger window. This is so cool. I didn’t think that you’d have time to take me fishing.

Hey, I’ve been looking forward to it! It is our thing, right?

Yes sir, the little boy nodded, But you’re so busy.

Everybody is always busy. We have to make time for the important things. This, young man, is important.

You really think doing something with me is important?

Of course I do, you knothead. Besides, I missed you. I know you’ve been helping at Darrell’s and you love your goats, but I hardly get to see you anymore! This is good, because now we can catch up!

The boy looked at the man in surprised curiosity, Catch up on what?

Elton chuckled, On whatever we missed out on.

Oh. The little guy frowned, Did we miss something?

That is just a way of saying, we can visit. Elton grinned, So, how are the baby goats doing?

They visited about Clarence helping with the calving and kidding at Darrell’s place. He had become adept at milking and doing chores, and at telling when a cow or nanny was about to deliver.

We’re almost done. Mr. Darrell said we only have a week or so left, before we’re all done. I really love helping the mommas have their babies. Miss Joallyn and I are pretty good at it now.

I heard that. You and Joallyn are pretty good friends, huh?

Yes. She is nice and treats me like a grownup. She says we are a team. Did you know that she works with Chatterbox Olson? He builds houses and she paints them. That is way cool.

Which do you think you’d rather do; build houses or have a dairy like Darrell?

I don’t know. I like them both, but you know, Mister, I mostly want to read the whole library. Miss Jeannie and Mr. Matt are helping me get books and stuff. I’m so happy that Miss Jeannie taught me how to read books. There are sure a lot of them to read!

You said you’re going to read the whole library. Still think so?

Well, Mr. Matt says that maybe I won’t want to read all of it. You know, there are some things about sewing and stuff I might not like. Clarence was dead serious. Mr. Matt says I could try them, but if I’m not interested, that’s okay.

He’s right.

2

T he older man and the young boy had been driving down the gravel road about twenty miles, when they hit a rough patch of road. Traffic had produced muddy tracks from earlier rains, which dried into steep ruts that had not been graded smooth. The heavy rains also brought some sharp rocks to the surface in one area. Even though Mister was careful, one of the sharp rocks gashed a huge hole in a rear tire causing a blowout.

Elton pulled over and the two clambered out of the pickup. Clarence looked at the flat tire and started to cry. Elton eyes flew open in shock because the boy rarely showed much emotion. He put his arm around him and said calmly, There are a couple things a guy should never cry about. One is spilled milk and the other is a flat tire.

Clarence looked up at his foster father and tried to smile, But it will ruin our fishing trip!

It might slow it down, but it won’t ruin it, unless we let it. What do you say? Should you and I get to work and change that tire?

I don’t know how.

Can you learn it yesterday? Elton squinted at the kid.

Of course not! Clarence answered with a bit of a grin.

Then, best be learning today! Elton chuckled. Lesson one. Dry your tears. You’ll get mud on your face, if you don’t.

The next half an hour, the two worked to change the blown tire with the spare and get back on the road. Back in the pickup, Clarence gave Mister a worried look, Are we going home now?

Home? Elton asked, Did you already forget? We’re going fishing! I think you might want to write that down! The fish might be up by now, but they still won’t have had their coffee yet when we get there! Speaking of which, would you pour me some coffee from that thermos?

Yes sir! I will. The little boy beamed, Do you think I should have some chocolate milk?

Mostly likely, young man. Most likely.

##

After chores and breakfast, the men of the Schroeder household headed off to their various tasks for the day. Jackson went to the church to help in the office, while Andy manned their small appliance shop. Kid started to work on the greenhouse until Jeff could join him. Matt was going to pick up CJ to go to the library in Bismarck, after his morning chores were finished. The other two fellas, Grandpa and High Pockets (twenty-month-old Clancy Grey Hawk) sat together in Grandpa’s big rocking chair discussing the Treaty of Versailles. They both seemed to enjoy their discussions. Grandpa would bestow his wisdom upon High Pockets, who would from time to time, interject ‘Iwo Jima!’ or ‘Pershing!’ Grandpa would beam with pride and they would continue until they nodded off.

While walking toward the Quonset that housed both the appliance shop and the garage, Andy chuckled to Kid, Grandpa would be lost without High Pockets. There is little he loves more than discussing politics and wars.

Kid grinned, I love it when High Pockets answers him. Grandpa is so proud of his student! He was teaching him to say Eisenhower yesterday!

I wonder if Clancy will remember any of it. He’ll have to unlearn half of what Grandpa says. He used to really know his stuff. He and Grandpa Bert, Pastor’s father, used to discuss wars all day, every day. That is, when they weren’t playing matchmaker. They always told us guys that we had to buy a cow before we got married!

The first day Grandpa saw me, he told me I had to shave my beard because I’d never get a woman! Kid chuckled, And then scared the hell out of me one night. He volunteered to shave it for me with his straight edge!

Yikes! Andy laughed, That could’ve had a bloody ending!

You got that right! Kid agreed as they entered the shop, Well, see you in a bit.

Kid, if you need help before Jeff gets here, just yell.

Thanks, I’ll remember that.

About an hour later, Jeff came in through the shop door. Kid seemed engrossed in assembling an aluminum beam. When Jeff asked how it was going, Kid jumped about two feet. Then he laughed, You scared the daylights out of me! Elton is right. We need a doorbell! How are you today?

Good, Jeff chuckled. Brought you some fresh coffee. I figured you’d have drained the last of the thermos.

You’re a man after my own heart, Kid smiled, as he filled his cup.

The two men stood quietly studying the mass of parts and sheets of glass spread all over the garage. After a couple minutes, Jeff commented, What do you say? Shall we get in the car and just drive until we run out of gas? Maybe no one would ever realize that we didn’t know what we were talking about when we said we could do this!

Hate to break it to you, Jeff, Kid said as he set down his cup. I think they already know!

You’re right. Hey, be prepared for a knock at the door, Jeff alerted Kid.

Why?

The little girls, under the direction of Kate and Diane, are heading out with their May Day baskets. Yea gads! I wouldn’t want to be on that mission!

Which girls?

Clarissa, Kitten, Gopher, Ginger, and Maddie Lynn, Jeff grinned. I helped them a little with packing the car. I doubt they’ll all survive. I think Katie was considering becoming an alcoholic already by nine this morning!

Was Kitten behaving?

Oh yah, she’s always good, but the rest are borderline! I bet they had fifty little paper baskets with the paper flowers they made. Katie set some of Clarissa’s next to Ginger’s and one of Maddie Lynn’s basket got in Gopher’s pile. It was brutal, I tell yah! Diane pointed out they had to stack them to get them all in the car. They would sort them out as they used them. The only good thing about that was that they were all upset!

Good grief, Kid shook his head. I know Grandma had to clamp down on the production of the flower baskets when it degenerated into a brawl! Some of the girls had picked dandelions, but they wilted before they got in the baskets. Those sweet little girls fought as viciously as any prison fight I ever saw! Except Kitten. She came in and sat on the chair in my room and played with her cat while the rest duked it out.

Think she’ll ever stand up for herself?

I hope so, but I also don’t want her to be a barroom brawler! Kid stopped what he was doing and turned to Jeff. I just realized that both of the ladies in my life need to do that.

You mean Savannah?

Yah, I wish that Cody had a boot put up his butt for how he treated her.

I think it was motivated by guilt, Jeff said without looking up from his work. He was driving the car that caused her head injury. I bet while she was in rehab, he felt guilty for causing the accident; so he started running around with that teenager because she didn’t remind him of his guilt.

Kid shrugged as he picked up another aluminum beam, But why did he keep tormenting her when he knew it made her stutter more?

I don’t know, Jeff said. Maybe to justify his running around. How would I know? Could you help me hold this brace in place?

Kid came over and held the brace, From what Savannah’s Aunt Margie told Nora, he made fun of her mercilessly while she was trying to regain her speech. He called her a retard and stuff like that, in public. She got so she could hardly talk at all.

I’ll never understand humans, Jeff answered. I think that he probably always had a wandering eye and gave into it while she was in the hospital.

Yah, I thought that, too. The rest was just to put her down while he was messing around on her.

He was stupid. She is beautiful with a great figure. If I hadn’t met Kathleen, I would be thanking God I was no longer a priest so I could make a play for her, Jeff winked.

I don’t know about either you or Matt! Your Kathleen is no piker in the looks department! Kid chuckled. So, how many days until Kathleen arrives?

Twenty days, her plane lands late afternoon on May 20. She’ll be here until that Sunday night, the 23rd. Jeff looked exasperated. Kid, I can’t wait for her to get here and I want her to stay forever, but what am I going to do while she’s here?

Spend time together! What else would you do? You are dumber than a rock, know that?

Sadly, I do. Jeff shrugged nervously, I never even imagined that someone could feel this way about someone else. I mean, I heard people say it; but I never really understood. I think of her all the time and can’t wait for her to call in the evening. Between you and me, I think I’m in love.

Kid laughed, I hate to break it to you; but everyone already knows! You guys got along while you were in Montana. Why do you think that you won’t know what to do when she is here?

I’ve never had a girlfriend in my life. I want it to be perfect.

Kid came over and sat down next to his friend, It won’t be. So, get that out of your head, right now. Nothing is ever perfect. However, if you care about her and show it, that’s all that is important.

Jeff narrowed his eyes, I suppose you figured that out all by yourself?

No, Elton told me, Kid laughed. Now, Savannah and I? That’s a major mess!

Jeff frowned, Why? Did something happen? I thought you guys were doing great.

Yah, Kid agreed. I know her Aunt Margie likes me and her Uncle Alex, even though he is the Sheriff, approves. Although Alex gives me hell all the time and never ceases to remind me of all the paperwork he had to fill out when those creeps from my old biker club came up here to raise hell, but he thinks I’m alright. Her Mom and Dad don’t know any of my history except that I was in the Marines in Vietnam and own a farm. If they knew I had been in prison, they probably wouldn’t let me anywhere near Savannah.

What does Savannah say?

Savannah says it’ll be okay, but I’m not so certain. Other things she says point out that they have very high standards, especially when it comes to their girls. I’m pretty certain I won’t be acceptable. I know I wouldn’t want Kitten to go with a guy that has my record!

Jeff smiled and raised his eyebrow, Maybe after you met him, you might change your mind.

Kid’s face broke into a huge grin, Nah, that wouldn’t do it. I doubt I’ll ever think that anyone is good enough for Kitten.

Jeff laughed, You sound like you’re her dad.

I feel like she’s my daughter. I love that little kid.

I know you do. Jeff moved the wooden frame, She thinks the world of you, too. Now, about Kathleen!

You sap! If she didn’t dump you already, I doubt if she will when she comes out for the wedding. I, for one, can’t begin to imagine why she gave you the time of day in the first place!

Why do I talk to you? Jeff hammered the nail into the board, Did anyone figure out that Grandma, you and me planted that begonia by Matt’s cabin?

Not that I heard, Kid grinned. She was so funny when she was being sneaky, covering tracks and stuff. Anyone would have thought we were pulling a bank job! I really got a bang out of her!

She’s a sweetheart. What happens if Matt digs up your root when he plants his?

He already planted his, Kid explained. Diane said that he did it when no one was around, but we didn’t dig into any root. Diane said his beloved begonia was deader than a doornail, but he is determined the stupid thing will bloom. Blind faith.

Jeff shot a serious look in Kid’s direction, Don’t be too quick to discount faith! But I have to say, there is a time when one should accept death as inevitable.

An hour later, there was a knock at the side garage door and Jeff grinned, I imagine it’s our May Day girls.

Sure enough, when they answered the door, they saw the homemade baskets on the step and the little girls running off. The men caught them and gave them each a kiss. Then they gave a hug and kiss to Diane and Kate, who were looking rather disheveled by that point.

Yea gads, the teenaged Kate decreed. If I never see another basket of flowers, it’ll be too soon!

Me, too. Diane agreed. For sweet little girls, they can be awful.

Are you about done with your deliveries? Jeff asked.

Yes, just Andy and then the ladies in the house. Diane answered, Oh, guess what? Uncle Bill is taking Suzy to the hospital. Suzy’s in labor! Ruthie called Zach to tell him they’re on their way, and he spazzed out! Isn’t it exciting?

Even though the adults wanted to talk more, they had to put if off because the little girls were anxious to get the rest of their May Day baskets delivered. The men went back into the garage and shook their heads.

May Day baskets are pretty dumb, huh? Jeff shrugged, Nothing wrong with them, but I never knew why you’d run away and expect someone to give you a kiss?

Kid laughed, I guess it’s no worse than Halloween. You scare someone and then expect them to give you candy!

They both agreed the world was probably fortunate they weren’t in charge of holiday customs. While they were chatting and refreshing their coffees, the phone rang. It was Savannah for Kid.

Hello Savannah, Kid beamed as he heard her voice. What’s up?

Jeff took his coffee and went back to work while Kid visited. When he hung up, he looked a bit depressed. What’s the trouble, Kid? Wanna talk about it?

I don’t know. Maybe it’s nothing. Savannah wanted to let me know that she and Uncle Alex were going to Bismarck. She is going to take her driver’s test today. She’ll come out afterwards.

She drove in Milwaukee, didn’t she? I’m sure she’ll pass her test.

Yah, I know, Kid nodded, absently.

So, why the worry?

Kid said, I guess I’m just being stupid. She’ll have her driver’s license and I won’t. Of course, I can’t take my motorcycle license until I can ride my bike. That will have to wait until after I get this cast off. That means I’ll have to be driven around like at little kid until then.

Now she can drive, Jeff scrunched up his face. You can’t be so macho that bothers you, are you?

Not really. Then he sat on the stool by the workbench, and rolled the screwdriver in his hand. That wasn’t what bothers me the most. She said she wanted to talk to me about her folks coming out.

Okay, that’s a problem. What about? Jeff put down his hammer and joined his friend.

Savannah said that she needed to talk to me about that. She told me that Alex told his brother about me the other day. I suppose they want her to break up with me.

You sure took that leap in one straight run, didn’t you? Did she say any of that?

No, Kid shrugged. Jeff, she was stuttering like crazy, and she hardly does that at all anymore unless she is really nervous about something. I’d bet that’s it. I knew it was coming. I should just give up this living-a-normal-life crap. Who am I kidding? I’m a drug addicted ex-con. I don’t deserve a decent person like Savannah.

Jeff snapped at Kid, Oh bull! You make me sick! Look what her husband, that ‘upstanding’ person, did to her! You’re a good guy, if you get off your pity-pot!

I’m not on a pity-pot. It’s the truth and it’s very important to me. Kid looked directly at Jeff, I want to make my life with her. I was thinking, after I get my act together, I’d ask her to marry me. I’m in love with her, Jeff. Can you believe that?

Yes, I can. She loves you, too. Jeff smiled warmly, I think it’s a bit soon to be getting married, but I can certainly see it going that way. Parents, or no parents, I think you two are meant for each other. Don’t borrow trouble. Wait until you talk to her this afternoon, before you carve the epitaph. Promise?

Yah, you’re right. I could really go for a joint right now.

That would be the best idea! Good grief, grow up! Jeff scowled. Get back to work! We have a frame to build!

After Andy got his May Day basket, he came in to inspect the men’s work. I needed a break after all the hugs and kisses. Those little girls are something, huh? What color flowers did you get?

Purple, yellow and I got pink. Jeff got blue.

I got some brown ones, too, Jeff grinned. Maybe they forgot to water them.

Andy laughed, You guys are really coming along with this greenhouse. Well, I’d better go see what I can do with a steam iron. That baby was so corroded, no wonder it couldn’t steam!

3

T he fishermen arrived at the lake and drove over the dirt road that circled the small dam and the lake that it backed up. Keep watch for a good place. We want one that has a nice bank to the water, since we don’t have a boat. Okay? Elton explained to Clarence.

About halfway around the lake, they found a perfect spot. There was a three-foot drop off instead of a gradual beach into the water. Elton parked the old pickup and they walked over to the bank to see how deep the water was or if there was much underbrush around to tangle up their fishing lines.

The ground was soft from earlier rains, but after checking it over; the two decided it was a good spot. The water was about three feet deep off the three-foot bank. There were some submerged logs below, but not a lot of vegetation to tangle up lines. Elton explained he was a bit concerned about the soft soil and discussed the necessity of watching out for loose soil beneath the sod. Clarence said, I promise to be careful.

They moved their pickup to a level area behind their chosen spot. They put out the folding chairs, cooler, and fishing gear. Then Elton announced they would build a small campfire.

What are we going to cook? Clarence asked. Don’t you think we should start fishing, right away?

We can’t put our cart before our horse! We haven’t even got our poles fixed up yet. I’m putting a pot of coffee on for me and chocolate milk for you that we could heat up. Then we can get our poles ready. Okay?

Isn’t the coffee in your thermos hot enough?

We need a campfire. We can set the pot of beef stew on the edge of the fire, so it will be warm and ready when we’re hungry. What do you think?

The little Indian boy thought a minute before he answered, I guess that’d be okay, but we are going to catch fish, right?

I think we will, but we should be ready in case we don’t, right off. Do you know how to build a campfire?

No. My dad said we shouldn’t play with fire. I made fires in the cook stove, but that wasn’t playing.

A campfire isn’t playing, either. If you know how to start a cook stove, you have a good idea how to fix our campfire. Let’s quit gabbing and get to work.

The two worked fast and before long, had a nice campfire. Elton let him do most of it. Did I do good, Mister? the little boy asked, expectantly.

Mighty fine. Elton patted his back, I’ll never worry that you don’t know how.

Clarence put his hands out to warm over the fire, Did my old grandparents used to cook like this? You know, on a campfire?

I think they did, but they probably didn’t have cast iron kettles and stuff.

How did they do it?

Don’t really know for sure. I imagine they cooked it over a spit or buried it underground over a fire.

The boy frowned, Wouldn’t it just get all dirty?

First you burn your fire until it is just hot, red coals. Then you put the coals in a hole in the ground. Wrap your meat or whatever in big leaves and then put it on top of the coals. If you bury the whole thing, it will bake. Maybe we can try that this summer. What do you say?

What would we cook?

I don’t know. We can talk to Annie and Jackson. They are both half-Indian and Annie is a good cook.

Clarence made a face and then shrugged, We might want Grandma to make us a real dinner on the stove, in case it doesn’t turn out, huh?

Might be a good idea. Elton chuckled, Okay, this is ready. Let’s get our poles set up.

The sun was still just barely over the horizon, when the two sportsmen cast their lines in the water and settled in their chairs. They sat quietly for a bit and then Clarence turned to Elton with a big grin, This is so cool.

Elton smiled back, Yes, son, it is.

##

Matt drove into the yard at Schroder’s farm and parked his car in front of the huge, two-story farmhouse. He was halfway up the steps when five-year-old Clarissa came out to meet him. Didn’t you just love your May baskets the mostest ever?

Yes, I did. The slender, dark-haired man grinned, I have them on my table at home.

I bet you wanted to just stay home and look at them all day, huh?

I would have, but I have a lot of things to do today. I’m taking CJ and Charlie to town with me. We are going to the library and the grocery store. I have to get some food in my house, or I’ll go hungry.

No, you won’t, Clarissa assured him, taking his hand. You can just come to eat at our house or with your Mommy. Did you hear that Miss Suzy and Mr. Zach are going to pick out their babies at the hospital today? I sure wish I could’ve gone along. I’m a really good picker.

Matt followed her into the house. Clarissa continued, I’d never pick a sooky calf or a boy baby. I only like happy, pink girls with sunshine hair.

Oh, you mean if I was a baby, you wouldn’t bring me home? Matt acted hurt.

She studied him, Oh, I suppose so; but I could never hold you on my lap. You would squash me!

He ruffled her hair, I guess you have a point.

Matt gave Nora and tiny Grandma a hug . He asked if CJ was ready to go.

He is changing his shirt. He somehow managed to get syrup on it, Diane said, as she gave her fiancé a kiss. Did Miss Clarissa tell you the news?

About the babies? Yes. He smiled, She sure did. I heard that Gilda will be helping Mom at the Patch after the babies become Gophers, huh?

Nora Schroeder, Elton’s wife, poured him a cup of coffee, That’s the plan. Who’d have ever thought that grouchy, old FBI agent would turn his retirement home into the community babysitting center! The Petunia Patch, indeed!

I know, huh? Matt chuckled. You should see the huge sign that goofball is building! It is about six feet long and four feet high. He wants to put it by the gate to his front yard. It has big letters stating, The Petunia Patch, Home of Coot’s Gophers. Mom is about ready to stifle him! He wants it up before the wedding.

Nora laughed, I know. I heard about it. How many Gophers will they have now?

I have no idea. I know it’s every little kid in the clan or their family. There’s a pile of them!

Diane took Matt’s hand, It is nice to know that one day when we have children, they’ll be Gophers, too, and have a place at the Petunia Patch.

Matt teased, When Mom and Coot finally retire, you can take over running the Patch for them.

Don’t think so, buddy. As much as I love kids, being in my sixties and having to deal with cribs and playpens is not my idea of retirement. Diane filled her coffee cup, I better go back to help Katie with my wedding dress. She was a nervous wreck by the time she got back from the May basket deliveries.

Clarissa nodded with a deep sigh, Yes, some of the other girls didn’t ‘hāve’. I was the most goodest at being ‘hāve’.

Matt laughed, I just bet.

I think you mean behaving, Clarissa. Nora gave her a look, I wouldn’t be bragging on myself, if I was you.

Sorry, Missus. Clarissa dropped her head, Mr. Jeff said I was kind of a rowdy. I don’t think it was good.

Before long, Matt had CJ and his best little friend, Charlie Ellison, in his car on the hour trip to the Bismarck Public Library.

##

Shortly before noon, Andy came to the door of the garage, Jeff, there’s a phone call for you. Can you pick it up out there?

Thanks, Jeff went over to answer the phone and yelled to Andy that he had it. Hello?

Hello, Jeff, Sister Abigail said. I’m sorry to bother you, but I need to speak to you.

Anytime, Sister. You know that. I never consider you a bother. What is it? It sounds like you were crying.

Well, I had a distressing call from Grant in Kalispell. In fact, I hung up just a bit ago. Could you possibly come in?

You mean Kathleen’s father, Grant? Jeff asked barely above a whisper. Is something wrong? Is it about Kathleen?

I’m sorry to say, yes to all. Could you come in? I’d rather talk to you in person?

Jeff’s voice was shaking. Is Kathleen okay?

She’s okay for now. Can you?

I can come right now, Jeff stated. I can be there in minutes.

Jeff, please be calm. This isn’t a panic thing. Maybe you should have someone come with you. You seem shook up.

So do you, Sister. I know you that well. Jeff lowered his voice, I’ll ask Kid to ride with me, okay?

Okay, Sister answered. Drive carefully and see you soon.

Within half an hour, Father Landers welcomed Jeff and Kid into St. John’s Rectory in the small, rural town of Merton. Come in. Sister will join us in a minute. She is on the phone with her brother-in-law. I’ll pour you some coffee.

The men sat at the table in the kitchen with their coffees. The middle-aged Father Landers