Z: Fourth in the Prairie Preacher Series

Copyright © 2011 by P J Hoge.

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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ISBN: 978-1-4620-3341-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4620-3342-3 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

iUniverse rev. date: 08/30/2011

Other books in the Series

Prairie Preacher

Victoria’s Nest

Rainbows and Rattlesnakes

Soon to be Released

Kartoffel Noggin

Contents

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The young physician was anxious for the weekend to begin. The April showers had brought the prairies to bloom. Farmers were out plowing in the fields and the air smelled of green grass and fresh earth. The pastures were a display of maternal love as the little white-faced calves frolicked beside their moms.

Zach turned his almost new 1968 Camaro SS 396 onto the gravel road to Merton. It was the first car he had ever owned and he was proud of it. He now owned a hot muscle car, even though it was a couple years old. He knew his father would think it was extravagant, but then there had been no contact between the two for almost three years.

Merton was a small rural town in central North Dakota. The tiny community boasted of a bank, ASCS office, drugstore, bowling alley, two high schools, a retirement home, post office and Farmer’s Union elevator and shop. There was an old hotel that had housed a doctor and dentist office in earlier time; but now, other than a few small shops, was mostly empty. Of course, as every self-respecting Midwestern town of the times, it had three bars and three churches.

He was going to stay at the Schroeder farm, which had become his home. He had met the Schroeders through one of his patients. They helped him through a near nervous breakdown and more or less adopted him in the process. He was now a part of the wacky, wonderful family.

Only a few months before, he had been unable to sleep a full night, lived like a near recluse and found little joy in his life. Because of a patient, a little girl who promised to teach him how to be a friend; he now had a whole new life. Ginger introduced him to a world that he had only imagined before.

He loved this life and it brought him more peace than he ever believed anyone would have, but he still had severe lingering doubts. His own family life had been horrible and left him deeply scarred. He was working with a psychiatrist now and it was helping, but mostly, it was his new friends that gave him the courage to find happiness.

He rarely spoke to anyone in his real family, except one sister. Ruth was struggling to keep her sanity also. When they were kids, his mother had died and his father, a radical, deranged evangelist, had virtually killed his brother. His other sister was as bad as his father, or almost worse. Both he and Ruth were terrified of Naomi.

While Zach was looking forward to marrying and starting a family with his fiancée, Suzy Heinrich; the specter of his childhood terrified him. He needed to get that resolved before he could get married. Somehow, even though things were so much better for Zach, he had the foreboding that things with his family were not over.

When he entered Merton, he remembered the first time he had gone there a few months earlier. That day, he followed Ginger’s parents out of the Schroeder farm where he was invited to a going away dance for their youngest son who was leaving for Vietnam. Zach was terrified. Andy seemed less afraid of going to Vietnam than Zach was of just talking to people socially. Now, he went out to the farm every day off and weekend that he could. As a pediatric surgeon, he had to stick close to Bismarck when he was on call. Merton was almost fifty miles from Bismarck, so he could go out there only when he had coverage. Now, when he wasn’t on call, he was at the farm.

When he got into Merton, he pulled into the Farmers Union Elevator lot and drove up to the adjoining garage. The sign overhead proclaimed, Schroeder and Sons. They sold gas, did mechanics and repaired large farm machinery. This spring was very busy because they were short-handed.

Zach parked in front of the shop and got out of the car. He waved at Kevin Schroeder, a young man in his late twenties. Kev had recently married in February and worked with his father at the shop. Since one brother, Andy was in Vietnam and the other brother, Keith was in Wisconsin, Kevin had his hands full. He was always teasing and kidding and on first glance, seemed like an irresponsible jokester. However, he was a very caring and hard working person.

About time you got here! Kevin wiped his hand on the grease rag he was holding and jammed it into the pocket of his gray coveralls. What took you so long? Rodding Main Street to show off your new wheels?

Lonesome for me, are you? I didn’t know you cared.

I don’t, then Kev got serious, I just thought if you got here soon enough, I could run home and check on my Carrie. She has been sick all day, throwing up all over the place. Her OB gave her some pills but they made her so dizzy she couldn’t stand up. So she threw them away. She hasn’t kept anything down for a day or so.

Want me to stop by and check on her on my way to the farm? Zach asked.

If you would? She will listen to you better than me. She is determined not to take those pills. Can you keep an eye on Dad while I run home and check on her? I will be right back. Then if you could see her, that would be great.

Sure. Is he behaving? Zach asked hopefully.

What do you think? He is impossible. Thanks man. Be right back. Kev jumped in his car and Zach threw the jacket of his Johnny Carson suit in the backseat of his and went inside the shop.

There was Elton Schroeder, explaining something to a couple of teenagers. One of the boys was Ken Ellison; the brother of Zach’s favorite patient and the other was Rod Anderson. The boys were learning the ropes to help out at the shop. Rod was bored sitting at home and Ken wanted to save up money for a car, so they wanted to do something with their spare time.

Hi, guys, Zach said as he joined the group, Learning a lot?

The short man with salt and pepper hair greeted him, Don’t think I can teach them much, they know most of it already.

Not really, Ken looked at Zach, But that book on mechanics that I got from you and Ginger for my birthday sure has helped.

Zach patted him on the back, I am glad. I had no idea if it would be worthwhile or not.

The bell rang out front and the teenagers went to fill gas and check the oil for a customer. Elton clapped Zach’s shoulder and said, Could I interest you in a cup of coffee or a soda pop?

Hmm, Coke sounds good. I drank too much of that stuff they pass off for coffee at the hospital. You know, it almost cured me of coffee.

Elton nodded in agreement, I know it would me.

Zach followed Elton into the office and looked out the window at the boys, How are they doing?

Elton burst with pride, Mighty good. Good boys and both are responsible and hard working. Of course, Kevin is excellent with them. That kid has a knack with teenagers. I was surprised.

Really? I wouldn’t have been. First of all, he is your kid and second he is goofy enough so the kids like him.

So, is that why your patients like you, Dr. Jeffries? Because you are as goofy as they are? Elton chuckled at his own joke.

No, they have no choice. Their parents drag them in to see me, kicking and screaming, so we are all stuck with each other! He turned from the window and sat down, So, Carrie isn’t doing well?

Elton shook his head as he handed Zach the Coke, No, having a heck of a time. Nora was over there this morning. Poor kid can’t keep a darned thing down.

Kev said that. I will stop over on my way to the farm. Some of the morning sickness is awful. Some women breeze right through it and some spend the whole nine months with their head in a bucket, Zach commented. Hopefully the worst of it will pass soon.

Yah, her doctor said that even though it is too early for the pregnancy test to be accurate, he is pretty certain she is. So, I guess the baby should be here about Christmas time, the grandfather-to-be beamed.

Zach took a sip of his Coke and looked at his dear friend, Elton, did you ever want children of your own?

Elton leaned back in his chair and lit a cigarette, I suppose I thought about it from time to time, but I have a great family. I figure I couldn’t do much better. You know, I wasn’t a kid when I married Nora. Keith was fourteen. We didn’t need to be starting out with a new batch of kids.

Yah, but Pepper was only about three, huh? I mean Keith and Kevin are really Nora’s brothers, but her real kids were five and three.

Regardless of whose kids were what; they were all ours and four is enough. You know, like little Charlie. I love that little guy, but if I had to deal with a couple of them that age now, I would probably lose my mind! Elton laughed.

Zach nodded in agreement, That’s true. I don’t know how Byron and Marly can do it some days. Lucky for them that Ken and Katie are so well behaved. How is my Ginger doing?

Ken said she is getting rambunctious. It’s killing her that it is so nice outside and she can’t be digging in the dirt. When you said she had to keep her hands clean that was about the worst thing you could have told her.

I disagree. The worst was when I told her she had to do her schoolwork at home. She was hopping mad.

That she was, Elton stood up. Well, I had better get to work. Tomorrow, the new cows will be here. Darrell is keeping Annie’s horse over at his place until her birthday party on Sunday.

Has she heard from Andy? Zach asked.

Yes, she got another letter. I tell you, I don’t know how he is doing but she is about bananas. They better be ending this war pretty soon or you will have to sedate her. She worked through her days off last week so she could have this weekend off. I hope she has a good weekend.

I am sure she will.

As soon as Kevin drove back in, he told Zach that Carrie would be waiting for him. Zach waved goodbye to the boys who were cleaning off another customer’s windshield and headed out of town. He traveled down the gravel road east of Merton until he came to the Trinity Lutheran Church approach where he turned in.

It was a pretty, brick church with a tall bell tower. A large cemetery to the south of the church overlooked a nearby pasture. On the north and west sides of the huge lot was a thick, well-kept windrow of trees. The lilacs on the interior row were almost entirely in bloom. The air was fragrant with lilac.

Zach drove up to the large porch on the south side of the church in front of the church offices. He parked his car and ran up the steps to the office. He opened the door and with a broad smile of happiness, entered the office with a bounce.

The girl at the secretary’s desk looked up from her work and jumped out of her chair. Suzy Heinrich ran over to her tall, lanky fiancée and gave him a big kiss and embrace.

Quit kissing the help! the pastor teased as he came out of his office, She won’t get another thing done today.

Then Pastor Byron Ellison came over and clapped the doctor on the back, How’s it going today?

Great, I just couldn’t wait to get here, Zach chuckled. I missed you guys.

Byron raised his eyebrow, My guess is you missed Suzy.

And Ginger. How is my girl doing?

She is crabby today. It is so nice out and she is feeling really cooped up, Ginger’s father answered as he put some paper’s on Suzy’s desk.

How is her pain? Zach asked.

Seems to be under control, Byron answered, This warm weather is killing her. She wants to be outside.

You know what? Let me go over and see her. If she is okay, can I bring her over here for a few minutes? Sound okay?

Gee, Zach. I think she would really like that, Suzy said. I will find some cookies and punch. Can we, Grinchboss?

Pastor Byron nodded, I think that sounds like fun. Maybe Marly would like to join us.

I will ask her when I go over to the house, Zach replied. I will call after I see how she is doing. Okay?

Zach walked over to the parsonage located behind the church to the east. He knocked on the door and Marly, Byron’s wife, answered and gave him a hug. Boy, Ginger has been waiting for you to show up. She really has spring fever today.

I heard. Well, let me go see her. If she is doing okay, maybe we can walk over to the church and have a tea party with Byron and Suzy. I told them we would let them know if we can come over. You game?

I think that would be fun, Marly walked to her daughter’s room. Marly opened the door and told the little girl, Look who is here?

Ginger gave Dr. Jeffries a huge, crooked grin and said, Hi Smitty! I am so glad you are here!

Marly smiled and left the two alone. Zach went over to her bed and kissed her forehead, How you feeling?

I want to go outside, Ginger announced.

I know. Well, let’s just see about that, Zach started to examine her injuries. He checked the burns on her face and the grafted skin area by her eye. It looked good. Then he checked her eyes, which also had been damaged by the chemicals. Your Mom says you don’t have pain in your eyes, huh? Do you have any halos?

No rainbows for two days. I think they are all gone now, Ginger explained dejectedly, But I still can’t see past the end of my hand.

Ah, but Ginger, it was only a couple weeks ago that you couldn’t see past the end of your nose! You’re doing pretty well. Soon, you should be able to see to your feet.

Smitty, it’s taking so long. I’ll be old pretty soon, Ginger pouted and crossed her arms.

Zach uncrossed her arms, You just turned seven two weeks ago. I don’t think that is old, yet. Remember you promised to be patient and brave.

That wasn’t fair, Smitty, Ginger complained, That was before I knew it would be this long. A guy shouldn’t have to be patient for a long time. I wish I knew about this before I put that spot remover on my face.

Yah, but you didn’t, Zach replied, You do now, though. So you won’t ever do that again. Right?

Right. How are my hands? Can I dig yet? Ginger asked anxiously.

Zach examined the left one. This one is doing very well. How is the therapy coming?

I can hold a crayon and Jeannie got me some of the fattest pencils you ever saw. I can’t make them run very good yet, but I’m getting better. Ginger bragged, Pepper says that I can run my hand better than Uncle Elton.

Zach grinned, Good for you. How about this right hand?

It isn’t as good as the other one. Smitty, will I miss my little finger? Ginger asked seriously.

Probably not that much. Like Uncle Eddie said, you have spares. You will do just fine with the fingers you have left. It just takes a while.

Ginger gave him a look of disgust. You always say that.

Zach checked her right hand, That’s because it is true.

After replacing her bandages, he said, How would you like to go to a tea party with me and your Mom?

Ginger frowned, Smitty, I would rather go dig.

I know, but you can’t. So, I guess you don’t want to go to the tea party with us then?

Oh no, Smitty! I really want to. Are you going to carry me?

Only up and down the steps. The rest of the way, you will have to walk.

Really, you are going to let me walk? Yippee! The little girl gave him a big hug. Can I walk in a mud puddle?

You have to ask your Mom about that. Your Mom can come get you ready while I call over to the church and tell them to get the cookies out. Okay? And don’t forget your sunglasses.

2-

Carrie answered the door when Zach knocked. The blonde, petite girl was very weak and pale. One look and Zach shook his head, Girl, you are dehydrated. You can’t go on this way.

Tell me about it. I need to sit down, Carrie sat on a kitchen chair and put her head in her shaky hands. I feel so darned useless. All I do is throw up. I only eat so I don’t get the dry heaves. Can a person starve to death in nine months?

I would hope that it doesn’t last that long, Zach sat next to her. When did you see your doctor?

After Carrie explained what her doctor had said and the prescription he had given her, Zach asked if he could call him.

You want to call Dr. Peterson? Why? Don’t you believe me? Carrie got defensive.

Zach gave her a hug, Don’t be silly. Of course, I believe you. I just thought that maybe I could get through to him faster than you could and get a different prescription for you.

Zach, I don’t want anything that makes me so dizzy like this last stuff. I couldn’t even make it to the phone! That was awful. Good thing Nora stopped by or I would have been lying in a heap.

Look, I won’t call if you don’t want me to, but you are on the verge of having to go in the hospital. You cannot be dehydrated and keep functioning. Neither can the baby.

Carrie started to cry and Zach put his arms around her. I am a failure. I can’t do anything right.

You squirrelly girl, Zach tried to encourage her, You can keep Kev in line! That alone is a major accomplishment. You can’t help being sick. That is the silliest thing that I ever did hear. Besides, who will milk Percifull if you don’t get well? You and Dad are the only ones that dumb cow will let near her.

Carrie smiled, And Darrell.

And Darrell, Zach gave her a hug. So, what are we going to do with you? Should I call Kevin and tell him to take you in to the hospital? Or call Dr. Peterson? Or do you want me to leave and let you collapse here on your own?

Carrie swatted him, I can’t imagine what Suzy sees in you.

Neither can I. So, what is your choice? You know, I could call Elton. He would make your decision in a fast hurry.

Oh please don’t do that. He is the best father-in-law in the whole world, she said weakly, But he would really give me the what for.

She got up and ran to the bathroom to throw up again. When she returned, she told him to call Peterson.

Zach was correct. He got through to him right away, instead of having to leave messages. They talked a few minutes, and Peterson decided on a different prescription. Kevin could pick it up in Merton on his way home.

When he hung up, he said, Okay, here’s the deal. There is one that will knock you out for about eight hours. Now listen, before you have a fit. You’ll be able to sleep and you won’t throw up, so maybe you can actually absorb something into your system. Kiddo, you need to do that. Then there is one that will calm your stomach but is much milder. It won’t be able work now, because your system is too riled up. I would suggest that you take the knock out one tonight and sleep all night. Then start on the other in the morning. If you have any reactions, have Kevin call me right away. Okay? Do you need some help around here before Kev gets home?

No. There is nothing that needs to be done except put the frozen casserole in the oven for his supper.

I will do that. You sit and tell me what to do.

Zach called the shop and told Kevin to pick up the prescriptions and then went about mixing up an orange juice drink for Carrie that had a good electrolyte balance to get her system back in shape. He was amazed for as sick as she had been that her house was neat, the refrigerator full and the laundry done. He knew some women that couldn’t do that when they felt well! They had a good visit and Zach had even set the table before Kevin got home.

Hmm. Got a new maid here, huh? Kevin joked. Not as good looking as the last one!

Zach laughed, I imagine the good ones leave as fast as they can! Hey, your lady needs to take her medicine. She has to take the knock out ones tonight, to calm her system. Then she can go on the lighter ones and only use the knock out ones if she gets a real bad bout again.

Carrie was in the bedroom and the guys talked seriously for a while. I am so worried about her, Zach. If I had any idea that someone could get that sick from morning sickness, I would have said no kids. I don’t want anything to happen to her.

Don’t worry, she will be okay. Just don’t let her not do anything about it. If she can’t keep anything down with this medication, she needs to go to the hospital. She will have to have an IV. The experts say that most women are only sick in the morning for the first three months, but I have to tell you, I have encountered women that were sicker than dogs for the whole nine months and some that never even got queasy once. But she hasn’t kept a thing down in three days. Nothing, not even much water. Did she tell you?

No. She just said that she was sicker than usual, he was shaking his head, What am I going to do with her?

You have a good talk with her and let her know that is isn’t a game. She can lie to you all she wants but it won’t change anything when she passes out. I gave her the business and I think I made an impression. She doesn’t want you to think that she is a wimp.

I don’t think that! Good grief, between her and Dad, I am about ready to bang my head against the wall! Kev looked at Zach in exasperation. I caught that man taking off his hand brace because he couldn’t twist a wrench the way he wanted! It is like babysitting for fifteen Gingers!

I will give him hell when I get over there! You are right, these people are worse than the Grandpas.

Oh, Zach, that reminds me, Kevin washed up, Grandpa Bert has a cough again. I told Byron and he went over to talk to his dad but he listens about as well as the rest of this outfit. Byron told him that he wanted to take him to the doctor and of course, the old buzzard said no.

Yea gads, I should just set up an office up here! I will specialize in stubborn people! I am sure I know who would be my first patients! Good grief! I would have to have a holding cell instead of a waiting room! Zach shook his head, as he took the casserole from the new stove Well, I better go see him so I can get him a prescription before the drug store closes. You stay home tonight with your wife. We will handle the chores, even Percifull. Okay? Hey, I really like the color of this new stove.

Yah, it is called Harvest Gold. We liked it better than the Avocado Green. I can’t thank you enough, Zach. I really appreciate it, Kevin shook his hand.

No problem. You have been working like a maniac to keep this mob under control. You need a little down time yourself or you will be the next patient!

It was almost five-thirty when Zach finally turned into the yard to put his car in the garage at the Schroeder place. Elton drove in right behind him and the two men walked back to the house together.

How’s Carrie? Elton asked, Do we have to tie her down?

She is about as obstinate as you are! Zach retorted.

Hey, don’t use those dictionary words on me. We are just tough folks.

More like ornery, I’d say. Zach stated. I hear Bert is sick.

Elton nodded, Yah. It started a couple days ago with the sniffles, then a cough, but it is getting progressively worse. Annie told him he needed to get to a doctor but you can guess how that went.

Zach rolled his eyes, I certainly can. When did Annie get home?

She got off last night. She said she actually does better when she is working, Elton explained. She says she doesn’t have as much time to worry about Andy.

I know that logic, Zach agreed, remembering how he had immersed himself in work so he didn’t have time to think. It only works for a while.

In the kitchen, Nora greeted Zach and then gave her husband Elton a big hug. Grandma Katherine kissed Zach on the cheek and told him to put his bag in his room so they could eat right away.

Zach ran upstairs and put his bag on the bed in ‘his room.’ Annie, Andy’s girlfriend, had a room next to Pepper’s room. Pepper was Schroeder’s daughter. Annie was a paramedic with the fire department and Pepper was studying to be a physical therapist. She worked in a doctor’s office and helped her Dad run the business end of the garages. None of these folks ever let any grass grown under their feet; that was a certainty.

Annie was moving the Grandpas into the kitchen for dinner and Zach helped her with Bert. Bert Ellison was not well at all and Zach was quite concerned. Have you been getting enough air, Bert?

Yah. Just got this damned cough, the old man answered, It will be okay. I just need some of Katherine’s chicken soup. That will fix me right up.

I think you need to see a doctor, Zach stated.

Well, I am looking at one right now. So, it is done. Can I get some soup now or are you going to yak at me? the old man grumped.

I can’t believe that Byron is so nice and you are so ornery! Niceness must not be hereditary. Zach raised his eyebrow.

Grandpa Bert took Zach’s arm, Byron is my kid and I know for a fact he isn’t that nice. Look, young man. I know you kids all think that we old folks should want to live forever. You are great company and all, but maybe we are just tired of it. Ever think of that?

Zach knelt down next to his chair, Yes, I have. I know it is different for you than for us, but we want you to be the healthiest you can be. You know, Bert, you might not croak as quickly as you think. You could be dragging around here and coughing all over the place for a quite a while. So, you might want to get a prescription and feel better while you are waiting to check out.

Bert stared at the doctor in his early thirties, Yah, I suppose you are right. I need to keep an eye on Lloyd. Zach, his brain is more mixed up every day. He wanders almost every night. He’ll be the death of Nora and Elton. Hell, he is even getting his wars mixed up! He talked like the Bataan Death March was in World War I! I mean, we have talked about that a million times. I thought he’d never forget that.

Alzheimer’s is a malicious disease. There’s nothing we can do for it yet. Hopefully, some day. You know, Elton and Nora just want you guys to be as comfortable as you can be.

I know, Zach. I know that it kills Byron to think that I am living over here instead of with him; him being my son and all. I feel like I should be there too but everyone is so busy. I feel like I am at least a little help here.

Bert, you are a great help with Lloyd. I don’t know we’d do without you. Can I go get my stethoscope and listen to your lung? Please? We all need you. Zach patted the old man’s hand.

Bert looked at him, Do you really mean that?

Of course, you take care of Lloyd better than anyone, Zach assured the elderly man.

Okay then, Bert agreed. Listen to my lung but don’t be slow about it. I want my chicken soup.

Zach ran to get his stethoscope. As he had figured, Bert had pneumonia again. He knelt down by him and said, Bert, I want to get you a prescription as soon as I can. Is that okay with you?

It is stupid but I suppose I will never hear the end of it if I say no, Bert groused.

You are so right, Zach smiled and patted him on the back.

After getting Bert moved to the table, Zach called the pharmacy in Merton and then called Byron to pick up his dad’s prescription. Byron said they were just about finished eating and would pick it up right after dinner. Then Ginger asked if she could come along.

Medically she can, so it is up to you.

Okay, Pastor Byron said, We will see you in a bit.

After eating quickly, Elton, Pepper, Annie and Zach did the milking. Elton struggled, but did milk Percifull. It hurt his hand a lot more than he wanted to admit but he did it. Once they were back in the house, Zach noticed that Elton took one of his pain pills. He asked Zach, Do you think I shouldn’t milk?

You know, at first, I would have said no but I think that it is probably really good exercise for your hand now. Better than taking off the brace and screwing wrenches around under a car!

Elton squinted at Zach, Kevin told you, huh?

Yes. You promised you wouldn’t do that! Dammit Elton, that twisting is the worst motion you can do. You could re-break some of those bones in your hand. Now, stop it! Do you realize that ever since I turned off the highway, I have been dealing with people who don’t follow rules? And you are about the worst.

Am not.

Well, that is neither here nor there, Zach shook his head, You are definitely bad enough. Just be good, okay?

3-

All through chores, Elton had fussed about preparations for the new milk cows. The kids reassured him several times that everything was ready but Elton rechecked until they finally threatened his life. Annie was full of curiosity about the new area for another horse. She finally accepted the vague answers, signing it off as another case of Elton being overly prepared.

The chores were no more than done when Ellison’s arrived. The kids all came along, for which Ginger was very happy. Ken and Pepper went off to do their homework and Katie sat down with Annie so they could do some beadwork. Little Charlie found a spot next to Uncle Elton and ate most of his chocolate cake, before he went off to check on Andy’s toy trucks. Ginger sat next to Zach until she got tired and fell asleep on his lap.

Byron brought the medicine and was happy that Grandpa Bert didn’t put up too much of a fuss about taking it. Although, he let everyone know that the whole thing was a dumb idea until Zach gave him a dirty look. Then he quieted down and before long, decided to go to bed. Grandpa Lloyd visited with everyone for a while but was very confused. He was frustrated and almost crabby, which was unlike him. When Bert went to bed, he decided that he should go to bed too.

Suzy stopped over to share coffee and cake with the family. After Ginger went to sleep, Zach moved her to the daybed in the sewing room to sleep. Then he and Suzy went down to the garage to take the model airplane out of the trunk of her car. Elton had set up another workbench dedicated to model plane building.

Can you believe a guy like that? Zach was amazed. You ask if you can use his workbench and he sets up a whole new one for you! He is something else.

When they got back up to the house, Suzy gave Elton a big hug and thanked him for the work area. He simply replied, If I hadn’t given you your own spot, you would have just spread your stuff all over. I wasn’t being nice, I was being selfish!

Ah, that is why you put in a new light over the new bench and got a couple new stools, huh? Zach punched him in the shoulder.

I just figured you would wear out all my flashlight batteries otherwise, he pointed out as he poured more coffee.

Byron explained to Zach, You aren’t going to win with him. I can tell you that right now. I heard you are going to name the plane for him.

It is going to be the A1-EGS, for A1—Elton Gerhardt Schroeder, Suzy beamed. How do you like it?

Elton’s face broke into a big grin, Well, that sounds mighty fine. What do you think, Preacher Man?

Byron chuckled, I think you are going to get a big head!

After Ellisons went home, the family minus the grandparents went to the garage to look over the new model. It was a 1970 Stafford Kit. Finished, the bi-plane would have almost a five-foot wingspan. They didn’t know that much about what they were doing, but they had decided they liked the looks of it, or at least the picture on the box. It would be a test case.

They looked over the model carefully and even Nora was getting excited about starting on it. It is kind of late to start now, Nora explained. I am extraordinarily tired tonight. I think I am catching Grandpa Bert’s cold.

Me, too, Elton agreed, My head is all stuffed up and I am bone tired.

Pepper raised her eyebrows, You don’t suppose that is because you guys have been up almost every night with those Grandpas, do you? You guys have to take care of yourselves! My brothers are going to have my hide if something happens to you!

Oh Hot Pepper, don’t get your feathers all ruffled. We’re just tired. You kids can get up with the old folks tonight. How does that sound? her Dad replied.

Yah, Zach gave Elton a cold stare, Like we believe you’d stay in bed! Right. Pep and I might not be the sharpest knives in the drawer, but even we know better than that!

Pepper looked at Zach with a puzzled expression, Ah, I might describe you that way, but not me. I am a pretty sharp knife!

Zach answered Elton, I think you are right, we do need a night shift around here.

Did you think I was just joking? Elton stood up and took his wife’s hand. We are going to the house. It is a fine plane, kids. It’ll be fun to work on it. We should probably think about building a hangar next!

After they left for the house, Zach sat down and fiddled with a few pieces of the plane. Pepper, I’ve been thinking. Did you say that your folks were married the first time in April?

Yah, while Mom and I were in the hospital. Then they had a big church wedding after Mom got home end of June. Why?

I really want to do something special for them. You know they’ve been so good to me. I was going to run this by you guys and see what you think. Zach said quietly.

The three girls all looked at him and then Annie said, Well, you have our attention, what’s your idea?

If you guys don’t like it, just say so.

Will you spit it out? Pepper retorted. Jiminy Christmas, Zacharias! We will be here all night waiting for you!

Zach cleared his throat, Every Sunday or celebration, we are always drag all those tables and chairs up and down from the basement to the dining room and move the living room furniture. The screened porch is never used. I was wondering if it was a good idea. I mean, I would pay for it, but I’d need your input. I was wondering if we could build an addition on in place of the porch. We could enclose it and then it could be the dining room, and instead of screens, we could have real windows.

The girls all stood there with their mouths open totally in shock. What? Pepper said after a minute. What made you think of that? That would be terribly expensive.

I can afford it. I’d hire it done and then it would be all set up for meals all the time. We could easily fit four tables that would seat twelve in there and maybe a hutch thingie. I would like to do it, but I want you to all agree.

Mom and Dad would never allow you to pay for something like that, Pepper said definitely. No way.

Pep, I can afford it, but if we did that, we could all chip in whatever. You know, like get your Mom a set of dishes large enough for everyone, and such, Zach was disappointed. I don’t want you guys to think that I am trying to throw my money around, but we can do it all together and no one would ever be the one who did the most or whatever. Know what I mean? You kids could think that it was just my share for all the years that I wasn’t part of the family.

Pepper stood studying him for a minute and then gave him a hug. I like the idea. I will have to talk to Keith and Kevin. I will write to Andy but I do have his vote. You’re right; Mom and Dad can’t keep dragging that stuff up and down those stairs forever. What do you girls think?

Annie smiled, Why are you asking us? We aren’t family.

Oh really? I thought you were! You dumb bells. Andy is your fella and Zach is yours, Suzy. What do you think girls? Pepper asked.

While they sorted the parts for the model airplane, they talked about the idea. The more they talked about it, the better they thought it was. Only problem they could see was getting Mom and Dad to accept a gift like that.

We’ll have to figure a way to con them into letting us do it, Pepper pointed out. We all know how they are. Let’s think on it, Pepper said. First we have to get through tonight; Dad’s right about the midnight wanderers. Zach, you and I are on call tonight. So don’t you go wandering off on me. Okay?

Okay, kiddo, then he suggested, Maybe we could take a big mallet up to the house with us tonight to keep everyone in bed.

4-

Annie and Pepper went in the house while Zach told Suzy goodbye. You are different when you are at the farm, Suzy smiled, holding his hand as they walked over to her car.

How do you mean? Better or worse? Zach asked, rather surprised.

More relaxed, like you are home. Suzy smiled and then leaned against the driver’s door. It is really too bad you can’t live out here.

Yah, I am relaxed when I am here, then he pulled her closer, Even if these people drive me crazy. Isn’t there one of them that takes care of themselves?

Oh yah, but none of us were raised to be whiners, you know.

I can believe that. I’d say downright stubborn, Zach got quiet as he leaned on the car next to her. What do you think of my idea? Do you think I am stupid? Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. I mean, they have carried those chairs for years. Who am I to say they need something different?

Suzy gave him a hug, Somebody who loves them and can afford it. You know, a lot of others might have thought the same thing but couldn’t begin to pay for it. I’m rather sure that Elton and Nora could pay for it themselves but they’d never spend the money on themselves. They will carry the chairs and spend the money on someone else.

Do you think we should save it for our home? then he stood and turned in front of her, Hey! Where are we going to live when we get married? Man, I never thought of that.

You are right, huh? Well, you can’t live out here all the time, and I can’t work at the church and live in Bismarck. I can’t imagine not working for Grinchboss but I know I could change my job easier than you. It would be silly to have a home in both places.

Yah and I want to be with you. I don’t want to live fifty miles away from you! I don’t want you to leave your job and life here. I mean, this is where I want to be, so why would I want you to leave here?

Suzy giggled, I guess I could drive back and forth.

What about when I am off? How would I be out here? Zach kissed her neck. I don’t think it would be right for me to bunk in with Nora and Elton as a married man or with your folks.

Knowing these folks, they wouldn’t care but you’re right. Well, we need to think about it. Let’s not do anything right away, okay? I have an idea it will all work itself out. Like Grinchboss will just fire me, or something! Suzy laughed.

Zach and Suzy kissed goodnight with the promise of seeing each other the following afternoon.

When Zach went through the living room to the steps to the upstairs bedrooms after his shower, a thought crossed his mind. If the other kids thought it was a good idea, maybe he should build the second floor over the addition and extend the bedrooms upstairs. They could add another bathroom.

It was about two-thirty, when Zach heard Annie crying softly. Within a few minutes, he heard Pepper go into her room to talk to her. He heard them talking softly and was about to drift off, when the Pa Bell went off.

The Pa Bell was the name for the alarm system that Elton had put in so that Grandpa Lloyd wouldn’t wander off in the middle of the night. Zach quickly slipped his jeans on and headed down the steps.

Grandpa Lloyd was going out the screened porch to where the old outhouse had been. Zach put his arm around him and guided him back into the house. He was just resetting the Pa Bell when Elton came out of his room.

Zach gave him a stern look, Get to bed. Pep and I have this shift, remember?

Elton started to open his mouth and Zach just said, To bed. Come on Grandpa. Let’s get to the bathroom before Elton does okay?

Elton turned to go to his room as Grandpa said, Maybe he has to go real bad. Maybe we should let him go first.

No, Grandpa, Zach assured him, He forgot; he went earlier.

Oh, does Elton forget too? I know I do. You know, he can’t fix a car worth a damn. He wrecked my Ford. Did you know that?

Zach visited calmly with his surrogate grandfather as he walked him back to bed. After closing the door, he heard Grandpa Bert coughing. He went in his room to check on him. He adjusted his oxygen and helped him sit up a while so that his lungs could clear a little. Zach visited with him about a half an hour before he got him to go back to sleep.

Zach no more than walked into his bedroom when he heard Lloyd downstairs. He went back down the steps to find Lloyd in the kitchen. He turned on the light and nearly frightened the elderly man to death, Whatcha doing, Grandpa?

Making some damned breakfast around here! A man could starve to death, Lloyd proclaimed, holding the frying pan in his hand.

There he was, in the dark, with the frying pan and a package of sausage, beginning to do anyone knows what! The thought terrified Zach. Lloyd, dear Lloyd. We can’t make breakfast now. It is three in the morning. It will be cold when everyone else gets up.

You and I can eat. They can have leftovers. Even though he was tall, thin and frail, Lloyd made his announcement with determination. Or they can get out of bed and eat when it is ready.

Zach tried to take a leaf from Elton’s book. He had watched him do it so many times. He tried to convince him to change his plan. However, he didn’t have much success. After relenting and making him have a fresh cup of coffee, it looked like he was about on his way to preparing an entire meal when he heard someone come in the kitchen.

He looked at Elton who was taking a coffee cup from the cupboard, Morning, Zach. Lloyd, he smiled, How you doing?

Zach looked at him with exasperation, How do you do it? I have been trying to convince him not to make breakfast for half an hour and all I have accomplished is making coffee!

Been there myself, a time or two. I heard you rummage around here all night, Elton said, You need to get your rest. You came out from work to rest! Not work all night.

You do this every night! I don’t. Elton, if you guys are going to treat me like family then I want to be a part of it, full measure, Zach was adamant.

Elton patted his shoulder as he sat down at his place at the table. I know and don’t think I don’t appreciate it but this is my job.

No, it isn’t just your job. We’re all in this together. That is what you always say, Zach repeated back. You and Nora are going to wear yourselves out.

Elton gave him a dirty look, Don’t even start on that nursing home lecture.

I wasn’t going to but we need to do something. I won’t have you keeling over on me. I haven’t had a family in a long time and I sure as hell don’t want to lose this one as soon as I find it. You hear?

Pretty bossy to my notion. Elton helped Grandpa Lloyd put more sugar in his coffee. I think that is enough now Lloyd. If you have any more sugar in there, you’ll get worms.

I will not. Never had worms in my life, the old man grumped. Where is the breakfast? Are we only having coffee? Maybe I should go gather eggs?

Do you want an egg, Grandpa? Zach asked. I’ll fry you an egg.

Now you’re talking.

The men visited while Grandpa ate his egg with a slice of toast and then went back to bed. After putting him down, Zach went out to the kitchen to help Elton pick up the dishes. What would you have done with him tonight?

I would have tried to con him into eating a cinnamon roll or something. I learned by experience you won’t get him to bed by trying to tell him he isn’t hungry. That doesn’t work.

Maybe we should make it a point to feed him something substantial before he goes to bed. Then he might last longer at night. I am going to look into something to help him sleep, too.

Well, it is worth a try. How is Bert? I heard you talking to him, Elton asked.

Did you sleep at all? Zach narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

Not so you’d notice, but it was nice, not to have to get up. Nora is feeling pretty tough. She has a fever and is really stuffed up.

Want me to check her now or should I wait until morning. I am going to Merton and buy a truckload of penicillin to haul out here! Zach threatened.

Morning will be fine, son, Elton clapped his friend on the back, Let’s get some shut eye while the getting is good.

5-

Pepper’s alarm woke Zach from his short sleep. He wondered how Elton could do it. Almost every night he was up at least once or twice.

Over coffee around the kitchen stove while they got ready for chores, Zach checked Nora’s fever. Then he ordered her back to the bedroom. He examined her and was not one bit surprised to find that she was well on her way to pneumonia also. She put up a fuss, but Grandma put her foot down.

Nora Girl, the elderly, diminutive lady ordered, You get to bed and hush up! I don’t need another person to worry about.

Nora did as she was told, but wasn’t happy about it. Elton came in to make sure his wife followed doctor’s orders, which was rather hilarious. It was a definite case of the proverbial pot calling the kettle black. But she was sick enough, so she did follow orders.

Grandma kicked every one out of the house so she could get on with breakfast. The kids and Elton went to do the chores. At their break around the coffee thermos, Elton asked, How do you think Bert is doing, Zach?

Zach shook his head. You know, that one lung has had pneumonia more often than anyone can count. He isn’t going to be around a lot longer, whether he keeps his oxygen on or not. It is just worn out. I think that is something that we just have to face.

Are you saying, Elton worried anxiously, That he needs to go to the hospital or nursing home? Aren’t we giving him good enough care here? Should I be looking to get a nurse?

Elton. No. I’m not saying that. He is better off here than in a hospital and certainly not a nursing home. He wants to be here. This is his home. But I am afraid that he won’t be with us by this coming fall. Hey, I might be wrong though, Zach tried to be optimistic.

We kind of already knew that, Pepper said. Do you think that Byron and Marly know?

Yah, Elton said, as he dropped his head, Byron and I have talked about it. I hate to see Preacher Man lose his dad.

Did you bring my cup? Kev asked as he came in the barn door.

Yah, Pepper teased her brother, But I see you stayed curled up in your nest until we had the milking done!

Dad, make her stop! Kevin whined.

Dad asked, How is Carrie this morning?

She’s much better, Kev poked Zach’s arm. Thanks, Man. Sleep did her a world of good and she didn’t throw up once all night! She looks a million percent better. But she is cranky that the medicine makes her feel tired.

Zach raised his eyebrow, Not as tired as she will feel if she doesn’t take it. I am glad she took the other meds this morning. Is she dizzy?

Kev got a devilish grin, No more than usual!

Pepper punched him in the arm.

That’s a relief, Elton said, We got another one down now. Mom has bronchitis and a mild pneumonia!

Kevin shook his head, What a bunch!

Zach agreed, I’m going to call in a prescription when we get back up to the house. I’ll call something in for Lloyd too, so maybe he can sleep at night. I talked to one of my colleagues and he has tried this medication on some of his Alzheimer’s patients. It either works real well, or not at all.

I’m going into the shop today Dad, I have some repairs to get finished that I didn’t get done this week, Kev said. I was thinking when school is out; we might want Ken and Rod to keep the gas station open on Saturdays. What do you guys think?

Yah, fine by me, Dad agreed. I used to do that all the time. A lot of folks go to town so they like to get gas on Saturday. What do you think, Pep?

She thought a minute, Yes. That would be a good idea. Ken and Rod can’t be working at the shop in Bismarck anyway, so they might as well keep this place humming. Then she turned to Zach and Annie, What do you guys think?

Why ask me? Annie was surprised, I don’t know anything about it.

Well, Kev shook his head, Then I think you’d best be finding out. We can’t be having any part-time family members around here!

She looked at him, You know, I love you.

Yea gads, Dad! Look, Andy is gone but a little over a month and she’s making a move on me! Kevin joked.

Don’t go buying a new hat for your big head, Kev, Dad laughed. I don’t think that is what she meant.

Okay, my opinion, I think you should keep the station open. I can help out whenever I’m home. It would be good, Annie said definitely, So there.

I agree with you all, Zach said. What is the story with the station in town?

Dad lit another cigarette, Glenn has the papers all ready and called to say we should sign off on Tuesday. This is the middle of April and so we have until late June to keep the joint running when Keith gets here. He said that he might come earlier if we need him and Darlene would just stay there and move back alone.

I don’t want her to do that, Kev said. That would be wrong. We can do it. Doug is going to help me with the machinery repairs and the boys are doing a good job with the station in Merton. Glenn has a good crew in Bismarck already, so what do you think Pep?

I was down there on Thursday and met a lot of the guys, Pepper giggled, They were all teasing me about being their boss but I told them I have big brothers to back me up. Some of them already know Dad. There were two guys that applied to fill those other two positions so whenever Dad can go interview them, we could get them on the payroll. We just need someone to check in frequently. I can do it from time to time.

I can, too. Annie offered.

Just tell me what you need me to do and I will do that too, Zach offered.

Well, see how nicely that worked out? I am getting hungry, so we had better get this work done, so we can get to house. I need to check on my Nora, Dad stood up.

And after breakfast, I think that you should take a nap. That way, you and Nora both will be out of our hair, Zach suggested as he grabbed a pitchfork.

Can’t. Got to get ready for the new cows, Elton proclaimed.

Kev shook his head, Dad, they won’t even be here until this afternoon. Zach is right. We need you and Mom to take care of yourselves. We have one hell of a spring staring us in the face and can’t do it with you two out of commission.

While Zach and Pepper were feeding the pigs, Pepper said, "Zach, I have been thinking about what you said about the addition. You know, the more I thought about it, the better I think the idea is. Mom and Dad are wearing themselves to a frazzle and we kids might help as much as we can but we are really as much trouble as we are worth.