Free The Promise of Morning by Ann Shorey

gazed into her sister-in-law’s anguished eyes, then read through the note once more, hoping she’d missed something. Texas again. It takes men and doesn’t give them back . She returned the note to Molly. “How long has James been gone? Maybe you could catch up to him, bring him home.”
    Karl shook his head. “He’s got a goodly start on us. He told us he was going to help with the planting on Russells’ farm and wouldn’t be home for a couple of days. Then a few minutes ago Molly found that message under the stove black.” Karl’s eyes narrowed. “James knew she wouldn’t be cleaning the stove until today. He and Billy Russell must’ve had this planned. I’m surprised Billy’s pa didn’t stop them.”
    Tears slid down Molly’s cheeks. “He probably told them he had our permission.”
    Ellie closed her eyes and fought off the desire to weep with her. Once started, she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to stop.
    “Your other children will be home from school soon,” Matthew said. “You’ll only upset them, carrying on like this.”
    Karl rested his chin on the top of Molly’s head. “That’s what I told her.”
    Matthew’s remonstrance grated on Ellie’s ears. Leaning close to Molly’s ear, she whispered, “I know how you feel. Go ahead and cry.”
    Molly cast her a grateful glance, but took a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her eyes. She looked at Matthew. “Karl knows the girls will be upset anyway. Luellen in particular. She idolizes her big brother.”
    “I’m afraid Franklin will think he’s already a hero,” Karl said. He stroked Molly’s hair. “We’ll have to find some way to take the glory out of James’s enlistment without overly frightening our daughters.” He seemed to be talking to himself as much as to the group.
    Matthew moved next to Karl. “There’s nothing we can do right now to make James come home. But we can all join together in asking the Lord to be with him and protect him.”
    Ellie’s mind slid sideways while he prayed. Besides considering James’s whereabouts, she thought of her possible brothers and sisters living in Texas. Lord, keep them safe if the fighting comes to their door. Give me the chance to know my family.

    A week later, Jimmy and Johnny banged into the kitchen after school, their auburn hair wet with sweat. Ellie turned from the stove and smiled at the twins. Their enthusiasm for life lit the room like a row of candles.
    “You look like you ran all the way home. Where’s Harrison and Maria?”
    Between gasps for breath, Johnny said, “They’re down the road a ways. We wanted to be first to tell you.”
    “Tell me what?”
    Jimmy pushed in front of his twin. “Franklin’s got a job.”
    Elbowing him to one side, Johnny said, “As a stagehand.”
    “For that play,” both boys said together. They made the word “play” sound like their cousin had hired on in Hades itself.
    “Oh my word.” Ellie dropped into her rocking chair.
    “What do you think Papa will say?” Johnny asked.
    “I have no idea.”
    Yesterday’s sermon had hit on the evils of make-believe, and stage plays in particular. Matthew had thrown in references to the temptations performers placed in the path of vulnerable young people . She leaned forward in the chair and contemplated his possible reaction . Was the play really all that important to him? Or had he got himself out on a limb and was too stubborn to back down? She wished she knew.
    Ellie paced to the window and stared out, arms folded across her chest, while the twins each dipped a cup of water from the crock next to the wall. Waiting for Matthew’s response was like seeing clouds on the horizon. A storm was coming—she just didn’t know how serious it would be.
    Jimmy pulled a chair out from the table and straddled it, facing her. “Papa told us to help him with the corn soon’s we got home. D’you think we should tell him?”
    Ellie shrugged. “I don’t see why not. He’ll hear about it