Resting in His Arms

by Emma A. 

Note: this could not be a contest entry because it was her third entry, so she offered it as a fan fiction story instead.  

Photo Prompt: The Bend In The Road\Trail-

Twenty three-year-old Charlotte Faith Prescott laughed aloud as she skipped along the pathway, which she had named, ‘The Bend In The Road’. Forget-me-nots, dayflowers, sunflowers, lilacs, ferns and mountain laurels covered the sides of the road, their colors standing out against the brown dirt.

She gathered the colorful blossoms into a bundle and tucked them into the crook of her arm. She breathed in the fresh scent.

Her white, soft dress flapped in the wind around her as she watched the sunrise. Lottie’s black hair twisted and caught in her face. She swiped it away with a smile. Sparkling, teasing blue eyes lit up when she caught sight of her brother Jared strolling the open field with his sweetheart, Olivia.

An idea popped into her mind and she quickly put it to use. Sneaking up behind the couple she caught her brother around the neck and covered his eyes with her hands.

“Guess who?” she sang out.

Jared laughed slightly and answered with a lilt in his deep, manly voice, “There is only one twenty three-year-old I know who still plays as a child. Maybe it is my sister Lottie?”

“You guessed correctly.” Lottie giggled as she released her brother. Olivia’s hand was tucked into Jared’s and she laughed alongside the Prescott siblings.

Lottie linked her arm with Olivia who asked sweetly, “How are you doing?”

Lottie laughed. “Wonderful, thank you. And you?”

“I’m floating on air.”

Jared laughed and said, “Maybe because you shall be her sister-in-law very soon?”

Olivia grinned. It had only been a week since Jared had told the family of his engagement to her, Olivia Harrison.

Lottie kissed Olivia’s cheek and skipped away, the blooms still in her arms..

Arriving at her home, she tossed open the door, a merry whistle on her lips. Mother turned and smiled, her hands deep in bread dough.

“You seem happy.”

Lottie held out her bundle of flowers. Mother gasped her delight at the unexpected surprise.

She pointed to a cabinet. Lottie opened it and pulled out a glass vase that shimmered in the light.

Mother watched her daughter as she rinsed the flowers and laid them in the vase all the while a happy smile on her face.

Lottie rolled up her sleeves and with a fake frown told her mother, “Scoot out of the way, Mother dear, and I’ll finish these loaves. You wash up for our guests. You need to be pretty for Father as well. Especially since this is your anniversary.”

Mother blushed and pulled her hands out of the dough. “Alright but so long as you remember to watch the bread as it cooks.”

Lottie grinned impishly. Mother swatted her and stepped out of the hot room and into her bedroom.

Lottie hummed to herself as she finished her work. Depositing the loaves in the oven she buried upstairs to change her outfit.

She rummaged through her closet and pulled out one of her mother’s old dresses that had been handed down to her girls. Slipping it on she spun around in front of her mirror.

The dress was made of light pink silk and clung close to her body. No frills or laces were needed to make the gown elegant.

Lottie alighted onto the seat before her desk on which was situated the mirror. Lottie pinched her cheeks and combed her hair. She pulled it up into an elaborate bun. Her aunt Melinda had taught it to her.

Lottie, with a final glance at herself flew down the stairs and pulled out the nicely browned bread. The wonderful aroma filled the air.

She cut it into slices and placed it on a platter. Arms wrapped around Lottie and a voice whispered, “What is my little girl doing? Helping her mother out?”

Lottie’s laughing eyes met her father’s. “Yes.  Mother needs to take a break sometime and the girls can help her out.”

Father looked around. “I don’t see Lilly, Izzy and Rilla in this kitchen. Where are they?”

Lottie flushed. “I didn’t call them. Yet.”

Father laughed deeply. “That's my girl. Always trying to juggle everyone else’s troubles.” He sobered and cupped her face in his large, rough hands. “But sweetheart, sometimes you can ask others for help. You can’t bear the whole world on your small shoulders.”

Lottie lowered her eyes and responded quietly, “I’ll try to remember in the future.”

Father smiled and was about to say more but Mother’s frantic voice called out, “Riley! I need you quickly, please.”

Father hurried away to his wife. Lottie bit her lip to keep from laughing. Mother could be so funny at times. But the stories she told of her childhood were what the children loved to hear.

Like the time when she was taken captive by Jed Hatton and then shot in the head. Or when Procopio took Mother, Aunt Lucy and Cousin Samuel to take revenge on Uncle Justin. Or when she and Father were on their honeymoon and met Uncle Troy again. Or like when-

A knock broke into her musing and she hurried to answer the door.

That night was filled with talk about the approaching war. Lottie had brushed it off thinking it was nothing.

But a few months later the nightmare began.

“Mother, Father, I’ve signed up to join the army. I’ll be leaving in two weeks.”

Olivia’s eyes were red from crying. She had been married to Jared for only four months.

Lottie choked back a scream. No! Not my brother! And to leave with Olivia pregnant too!

Mother sobbed on Father’s shoulder. Lilly, Izzy and Rilla huddled in a small group, tears glistening on their cheeks.

Twelve-year-old Hudson grinned and said to his brother, “Go shoot down those Huns! Kill them all.”

Mother looked up and sharply rebuked her son. “War is a sad thing Hudson Bryant Prescott. God does not delight in it. He hates it and so should you.”

Hudson ducked his head but Lottie noticed that the light in his eyes did not disappear.

After everyone had calmed themselves, Lottie pulled on a light sweater and stepped outside. She needed to be alone.

After walking for a while she smacked her forehead with her head and gasped, “Tonight’s the ball at Fresno’s Ball House! How could I have forgotten?”

She picked up her skirts and dashed back to the house.

As soon as she opened the door she realized that her family was already getting dressed and ready.

She bolted up the stairs and to her closet. Pulling on a corset she pulled it tight until she could barely breathe. She seized a dress, she didn’t care which, and threw it on along with those ridiculous hoops. Squirting on her perfume she snatched up her dancing shoes, gloves and purse.

Almost falling down the stairs in her haste she barely made it in time to the buggy where her family was waiting.

Lottie was helped up by Hudson, looking dashing in his suit. She situated herself and breathed a sigh of relief.

Jared leaned over and whispered, “You dressed in five minutes, little sister. Fastest I’ve ever seen.”

The family arrived at the ball which was already crowded with people.

Lottie pulled up her skirt and groaned when she realized which dress she was wearing.

This was the navy blue dress she had worn to Cousin Susie’s wedding as the maid of honor! Made with lots of frills, pomp and laciness she despised it with everything in her. Especially the puffed sleeves and the small train behind it. But now she would have to wear it until midnight and it was only five o’clock!

Mother caught her daughter’s eye sympathetically. She knew how it was to wear a dress you hated.

After dinner, she sat by herself in a corner, contemplating on how she was going to spend the rest of the time alone.

A young man from across the room looked up and caught sight of a young woman in a corner. Excusing himself from his friends, he moved across the room until he was standing beside her.

Lottie glanced up at his teasing voice, “I’m sure you are enjoying counting the tiles on this large floor.”

Lotte blushed. He laughed and asked with a slight bow, “Care to dance?”

Lottie extended her hand and they whirled away.

She found out the young man’s name was Gilbert and he lived on Double Creek Ranch.

The music came to an end and the couples bowed to each other. Gilbert suggested, “How about we get some food?”

Lottie agreed and they were soon seated on a spacious window sill, chatting away.

After many more dances, Father came and announced that they needed to leave. Lottie said goodbye to Gilbert and invited him to the ranch.

She stepped into the carriage and Mother, who was sitting beside her, joked in a low voice, “Your face is glowing so much I can hardly see.”

Lottie smiled and didn’t respond. Over the next weeks Gilbert came often and Lottie and he took long walks.

But Lottie knew it was too good to be true. That fateful day arrived.

As they were out on a walk, Gilbert took her hands and slowly said, “I’ve decided to join the navy.”

Lottie stood stock-still. No word came from her throat. She only stared at him.

Then she looked away and in a low voice said, “Then fight well. End this war and save lives. May God bring you home again.”

 

Two days later Lottie stood at the train station, enfolded in Gilbert’s warm embrace. He whispered into her ear, “Promise you’ll wait for me until I come home?”

Lottie choked back a sob and said, “I promise.”

He released her and jumped onto the train, his eyes locked on hers. Lottie waved her handkerchief and when the train disappeared from sight, she turned around and went home.

 A few days later she was walking through the slums of Fresno delivering some medicine to the wife of a soldier who had just delivered her first child. And after the birth she had found out her husband had died while saving a general’s life.

Lottie knocked on the door. After waiting for a few moments and hearing no reply she pushed open the rickety door. Her eyes adjusted to the dim light and she saw the woman lying on a pallet, eyes closed.

Lottie bent down next to her and gently shook her. No movement. Lottie looked closely and saw something she had not noticed before. The woman was not breathing.

Lottie jumped back, heart hammering, breath coming in quick gasps. She leaned against a wall and prayed, Oh God help me!

A cry came from the corner of the room. Lottie peered into that corner and realized the woman’s baby was alive.

Creeping over to that corner she pushed back a blanket and what she saw pulled at her heart.

The baby wasn't dressed in anything. He was thin and screaming at the top of his lungs. Arms flailing and legs pumping, he stared up at this stranger leaning over him.

Lottie picked him up and cooed until he had quieted. She took a deep breath then said aloud, “I’m going to Uncle Justin and I’m going to adopt a war-baby.”

Lottie wrapped the baby in a soft blanket she found and marched determinedly through the streets of Fresno.

Whispers floated through the higher end of town when they saw ‘Miss Charlotte Prescott carrying a dirty infant right to the law office!’

The bell above the door jingled and she said to the long time receptionist Tim, “I need to speak with Mr. Carter.”

Time sighed and responded, “He is busy at the moment. Sit down for a minute and he’ll be done shortly.”

Lottie tossed her mane of hair and burst into her uncle’s office.

Justin Carter looked up in surprise then chuckled. “Your mother did the exact same thing, young lady. Now who is this that you have with you?”

“Uncle Justin, I want to adopt this baby. His parents died and as far as I know he has no relations.”

Uncle Justin stared at her then said slowly, “Have you asked your parents?” His voice shook a little.

“No, but… but I will adopt this baby with or without their permission!” She tilted her chin as if daring him to go against her.

Uncle Justin smiled slightly and said, “You have your mother’s stubbornness. And I will help you as much as I can.” He filed through some papers and pushed a couple towards her. “Fill these out, honey, and go home. I’ll do the rest.”

Lottie obeyed and trooped out, guardian of the new Jim Prescott.

When she arrived at home her parents were surprised but they allowed her to adopt the baby with their full permission.

A couple months later and Jim was her baby.

Another baby was added to the family. Olivia had a baby and she named her Faith. The little girl was to grow up four years without ever seeing her father.

 The war was still continuing. Lottie received many letters from Gilbert describing the horrible conditions of war. Two of Lottie’s friends died in the battle.

The years rolled on and Lottie turned twenty seven. Then the wonderful news came that the war had ended.

People filled the streets and many celebrations were made. Lottie wept when she heard the news.

Soldiers rolled in slowly, families reunited and loved ones came home. The Prescott’s were waiting at the station when Jared’s train rolled in. Lottie looked down at her little boy, Jim. He smiled up at her.

Jared clasped Olivia in his arms and kissed her. He then knelt down beside Faith who was hiding behind her mother. Olivia whispered, “This is your daddy.”

Faith had heard stories and seen pictures of her father. She rushed forward and threw her arms around his neck. “You’re home to stay with Mama and me!”

Lottie wiped tears away as she hugged her brother and welcomed him back. Now if only Gilbert would come home.

Jared squeezed her and whispered, “I have a surprise for you.”

Lottie replied, “Just having you back is good for me.”

Jared shook his head. “I’m sure you’re wanting someone else as well.” He stepped to the side. Lottie gasped and her hands flew to her mouth and tears pricked her eyes as Gilbert leapt off the train.

She threw herself into his arms as he kissed the woman of his dreams. He held her at arms length and whispered, “I’ve come home Lottie. Home to you. Now we can finally get married.”

A month went by and then a wedding took place at the Bend In The Road among the fragrant flowers. Gilbert Ford and Charlotte Prescott were joined in marriage. They made their home on a plot near Memory Creek, with Jim as their son.

 

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33