Cover

Title Page

Copyright Page

The Californians 4-in-1

ISBN 978-0-7369-8798-1 (eBook)

Published by Harvest House Publishers

All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any other—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The authorized purchaser has been granted a nontransferable, nonexclusive, and noncommercial right to access and view this electronic publication, and purchaser agrees to do so only in accordance with the terms of use under which it was purchased or transmitted. Participation in or encouragement of piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of author’s and publisher’s rights is strictly prohibited.

Contents

Contents

Whatever Tomorrow Brings

Copyright © 1992 Lori Wick

ISBN 978-0-7369-1945-6 (pbk.)

ISBN 978-0-7369-3228-8 (eBook)

As Time Goes By

Copyright © 2007 Lori Wick

ISBN 978-0-7369-1946-3 (pbk.)

ISBN 978-0-7369-3122-9 (eBook)

Sean Donovan

Copyright © 1993 Lori Wick

ISBN 978-0-7369-1947-0 (pbk.)

ISBN 978-0-7369-3182-3 (eBook)

Donovan’s Daughter

Copyright © 1994 Lori Wick

ISBN 978-0-7369-1948-7 (pbk.)

ISBN 978-0-7369-3141-0 (eBook)

Books by Lori Wick

About the Author

Whatever Tomorrow Brings

Copyright Page

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to events or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Cover photos Kateryna Govorushchenko, Chris Inch, and sprout22 / iStockphoto

Cover by Dugan Design Group, Bloomington, Minnesota

ISBN 978-0-7369-1945-6 (pbk.)
ISBN 978-0-7369-3228-8 (eBook)

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Wick, Lori.

Whatever tomorrow brings / Lori Wick.

p. cm.

ISBN: 0-89081-969-6

I. Title.

PS 3573.I237W48 1992

813'.54dc20

92-38109

CIP

All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any otherwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The authorized purchaser has been granted a nontransferable, nonexclusive, and noncommercial right to access and view this electronic publication, and purchaser agrees to do so only in accordance with the terms of use under which it was purchased or transmitted. Participation in or encouragement of piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of author’s and publisher’s rights is strictly prohibited.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to

my parents, Harland and Pearl Hayes,

whose life together began in the

Hawaiian Islands. Thanks Dad and Mom

for the years of love and support,

in times of laughter and in times of tears.

I think the world of you both.

The Taylor and Donovan Families1871

The Taylor Family

William Taylor

WifeMabel (May)

ChildrenMarshall Riggs (Rigg)

Jeffrey Taylor

Gilbert Taylor

Nathan Taylor

The Donovan Family

Patrick Sean Donovan II (Patrick)

WifeTheresa

ChildrenKaitlin Donovan

Patrick Sean Donovan III (Sean)

Marcail Donovan

Maureen Donovan Lawton Kentsister to

Patrick Sean Donovan II

Percy LawtonSon to Maureen Kent

one

HawaiiJanuary 1871

Kaitlin Donovan smiled as the mid-morning sun hit her full in the face. Shed slipped from her shoes and stockings while hiking among the trees and now, as she moved toward that hot globe in the sky, her toes sank into the pure smooth sand of the beach. She walked until she was just short of the Pacific Ocean waves that lapped in easy rhythm at the shore.

The seemingly endless horizon stretched before her and the wonder of it, a wonder that never waned, made the breath catch in her chest. Kaitlin was content to stand and stare for a long minute before she walked a lazy path down the shore line.

Coming to the beach always brought her thoughts to God in a very special way. Today was no different. The vast expanse of water made her think of His overflowing love and the sand beneath her feet reminded her of a verse in Psalms that said Gods thoughts of her were as numerous as those tiny grains.

Some 50 yards up the beach Kaitlin stopped her tour of the shore line and looked once again out to sea. The rest of the world felt so far away and, in actuality, it was. But it was more than just the miles, of this she was positive, even though her remembrance of a home before this one was vague.

Her parents sometimes spoke of their life before the mission but until recently none of what they said had been of much interest to Kaitlin. She couldnt imagine living anywhere else and she believed herself to be content, but there was a restlessness rising within her that shed never experienced before. It was both confusing and exciting, as if something special was about to happen. But she couldnt think of what that something might be so there was never any relief from those restless feelings when they occurred. She prayed and tried to place her restless heart into Gods loving hands; and peace came, as she knew it would.

Much too soon the sun rose until nearly straight overhead and Kaitlin knew it was time to be home for lunch. Shed just laced her shoes when she caught sight of a couple walking along the shore. Kaitlin recognized them immediately as two of the village young people who attended her fathers services. Normally she would have called out and waved but seeing their hands linked together made her hesitate.

What would it be like to have someone hold your hand? It wasnt the first time such a question had occurred to Kaitlin and, as always, she looked down at her own hands. But again, as in times past, she found no answer as she examined her long fingers.

When Kaitlins attention was once again drawn to the shore, she saw that the couple had stopped to face each other. Sure that she was about to be an unwilling witness to an embrace, Kaitlin turned quickly into the trees and walked toward home. As she went she prayed about the restlessness that again reared its head after seeing that couple.

The suns position told her she was late for lunch and she knew shed have to apologize. But she also knew she would not be scoldednot today that is. Today was much too special. This was her twentieth birthday!

two

I dont think its fair. The little girl spoke to her mother from a stool in the corner of the kitchen.

Its very fair, Marcail, and you know it. I warned you this morning at breakfast that if you were too far away to hear me calling, then youre far enough away to be punished.

But I came as soon as Sean told me to.

I shouldnt have had to send your brother at all. If you had stayed where you were supposed to, you would have heard me calling.

Ill bet Katies been to the beach. Will she be punished for making lunch late?

The attempt to divert Theresa Donovans attention to Kaitlin didnt work and she sent her eight-year-old daughter a look that told her she had heard enough. Marcail lowered her eyes and sat quietly for her punishment, wondering as she did if someone would remember to call her for lunch.

Im sorry Im late, Mother. Kaitlin spoke as she entered the kitchen and bent to kiss her mothers cheek.

Thats all right dear, but be sure to thank Sean, he set the table for you.

What did Marc do? Kaitlin wanted to know, as she looked at her sister in the corner.

She can tell you if she wants.

Kaitlins brows rose in question and her look was kind. Marcail cocked her head to one side and admitted in a small voice, I was down at Lonis.

Kaitlin nodded. Loni was Marcails best friend but her hut was on the beach and Marcail was not allowed to go there alone. Lonis mother was dead and her father was rarely home during the day. The lack of adult supervision had forced Theresa to decide that if Marcail and Loni wanted to play, it would be at the Donovan home.

Theresa had watched the exchange between her daughters and smiled as she went back to work. Theresas sweet spirit had given her very special relationships with her children. It wasnt any wonder that Marcail responded well to Katie, who was so much like Theresa.

Not that they were alike physically. In fact Katies resemblance to her father was almost frightening. She was tall and full-figured with deep brown eyes that looked right to your soul with compassion and kindness. Her face, with its well-shaped nose and high cheekbones, would probably be considered beautiful were it not for her strong square jaw. It lent a look of stubbornness that her nature rarely exhibited.

Marcails tiny frame on the other hand, was the physical image of her mother. But there the resemblance ended. Marcails personality was very much like her fathers. Theresa didnt have half the energy her husband possessed and never once would she have questioned someone in authority over her. Marcail had no such inhibitions and that, along with her questioning mind, was enough to wear Theresa to the bone.

Sean was already at the table when the food was carried in. At fourteen his appetite was voracious. He was already showing signs of having his fathers large build. An inch taller than Kaitlin, people who didnt know them often mistook them for twins.

Theresa sat at the head of the table since she wasnt expecting her husband until evening, and looked at her children as they began to eat. As always she felt a little amazed at how, with their black hair and tanned complexions, they resembled the Hawaiian people to whom they ministered on the island.

Mother, arent you feeling well? The question came from Kaitlin who had observed her mothers untouched plate.

Im fine dear. Im just growing sentimental in my old age.

Youre not too old, Mother, Sean stated in his logical way.

Thank you, Son. His mothers tone was dry.

Will father be late tonight? Marcail chimed in.

The usual time, I think, Theresa answered, with a little sigh that made her children stare at her.

Mother, Kaitlins brow furrowed slightly, have you lost weight? Theresa became instantly alert.

Am I looking poorly, Kate? she evaded the question neatly.

Oh, no, Mother, you always look lovely. Kaitlin smiled sincerely, even as she noticed her mothers face was flushed. Kaitlin was rewarded with her mothers beautiful smile.

three

The afternoon moved by quickly as friends came to visit and some baking was done. Kaitlin found herself wishing her father would come home a little early but it was not to be. By the time the supper hour neared, Kate was pacing like a caged animal.

Katie, youre walking a hole in that floor mat.

I know, Mother, but I thought Father would be here by now.

Hell be here, Katie, hell be here, Theresa said as she worked on her school lessons for next week. She and Kaitlin taught together in the mission school which was attended by both village and missionary children.

Kaitlin flopped onto a stuffed pallet on the floor and tried not to think about her birthday supper and the gifts that would be presented in the Donovan tradition. But it was no use. Her eyes went again and again to the table already set for the meal, especially the lack of gifts next to her place.

After a thorough scrutiny of the table, her eyes swung to Sean. He usually teased her senseless about knowing what her gift was. This year he hadnt said a word.

Marcail was the next person to come under Kaitlins regard, but she was looking at a book and not at her anxious older sister. Had Katie cared to look at her mother she would have found herself being studied quite intently.

Shes a young 20, Theresa thought to herself. Not physically of course, but emotionally. Her world has been protected. Even when there was trouble in the mission, the children were never involved. Shes never known hate or rejection.

But she has the Lord, and theres nothing more I would ask for her. Oh, Father in heaven, Theresas thoughts turned to prayer, please keep her close to you. I trust You to give only what she can take. Please help her believe that too. Her world will be changing so quickly over the next weeks, please help her to keep her hand in Yours.

Its Father! Marcail bounced up a moment later, the first to hear his feet on the path. Patrick Sean Donovan II was greeted with the usual enthusiasm his family afforded him.

Every man should come home to this kind of love. It was his customary statement but hearing it often never erased the smiles from the faces of his wife and children.

Are you hungry, Father? Kaitlin asked anxiously.

Not really. I think Ill have my evening swim before we eat. Kate, so excited over her birthday, missed the twinkle in his eye. Her face fell with disappointment, but she didnt complain. Grumbling, and rightly so, was not allowed.

Father is teasing you, Kate, her mother spoke softly to her daughter and then louder to her mate, For shame, Father. If you could have seen this girl pace around in anticipation all afternoon you would not torment her.

Anticipation of what? Father asked with his eyes wide. Katie smiled, seeing that he was not done with her.

Im not sure myself, Katie teased back. Since I see no packages at my place.

Well, well have to see what we can do about that. Happy Birthday, Kaitlin. This time his smile held no teasing and the embrace he gave her warmed her to the depths of her soul. He released her to wash quickly for supper and in a few minutes they were seated around the table.

In the Donovan birthday fashion, gifts were opened before supper. Sean and Marcail were as excited as Kaitlin when father smiled at all of them and began to speak.

We dont have anything for you to open, Kaitlin.

What Father means, is that there was no way to wrap your gift. But we hope youll be pleased, Theresa quickly added with a smile.

Now, in the past, Father went on, the gift would have been strictly your own and the choice to share it would have been yours. But this year we are asking you to share your gift with all of us. He stopped a moment, meeting the confused glances of his son and younger daughter before looking back at an equally confused birthday girl.

Ive booked passage on the Pacific Flyer. We all leave for San Francisco in a month!

It took a full minute for this statement to sink in and then questions poured in a torrent from the three young Donovans.

You mean California?

Will we see Aunt Maureen?

How big is the ship?

How long will we be gone?

How long does it take to get there?

Can I have a new dress?

What of the mission and school?

Can I invite Loni?

Fathers hands were in the air in an effort to gain some quiet. His voice was full of laughter as he spoke.

Hold on, everyone, hold on. Ill explain everything to you as we eat.

Father thanked God for the food and the twenty years with Kaitlin. As dishes were passed he explained the plans for his family.

As you know, Katie, you were only five years old when we came to the islands and we havent been back to California since. Your mother and I both feel that its time.

Ive written to Aunt Maureen and shes expecting us. I havent chosen an actual date to return here to the islands, but I imagine well be at your Aunts for six to eight weeks.

Now, back to your questions. Well see if we cant come up with new dresses for each of you girls and maybe a shirt for Sean. Father took a moment to inspect his sons hair and clothing. On second thought, maybe you should just get something from my clothes. Theresa, when did he get so big?

Sean smiled at the compliment from his father and then Kate asked, What of the mission and the school?

Things are in good shape right now, Katie, and even if they werent, its time for us to have a break. Your brother and sister have never been off this island. I also think the other missionaries are overly dependent on us sometimes. We wont be gone for too long, and it will be good for them to see they can do very well in our absence.

There are at least three men who can fill in for services. Things at the school are a little trickier because both you and your mother will be gone, but Ive talked it over with everyone and Im sure theyll work it out.

You children were never aware of it, but this is not the first time weve made plans to leave Hawaii. Father saw that his words were a shock. But in the past God has always closed the door on our plans, and your mother and I have accepted that. This time I feel very certain that, even if something unexpected arises, Gods leading is for us to sail to the states.

Can Loni go with us?

Fathers eyes became very tender as he looked at his youngest daughter, so like his beloved Theresa in appearance. He slid his chair back and held his arms out to her. Marcail settled in his lap and then looked up at him. He kissed her brow.

You wouldnt want us to leave you here when we sail, would you Marcail?

No.

Well, its the same for Loni. We wouldnt want to take her away from her family. Think how lonely she would be for them. The little girl looked thoughtful and then asked if they could take Lonis whole family. Father smiled but answered with a definite no.

Marcail, you need to finish your supper dear, her mother reminded her. Tomorrow are Sunday services and I want you in bed on time. Kaitlin, Sean, please try to eat. I know youre excited but were not leaving for a month and . . . Theresa stopped talking when she saw that her children were hundreds of miles away. Husband and wife exchanged a smile.

And you thought she might be disappointed about not having something to open, Patrick whispered to Theresa, who gave him an exaggerated sigh and then chuckled.

You were right, Patrick, as always, you were right.

four

Theresa Donovan called Kaitlins name three times before she responded, and the children at the school found this highly amusing. Kate smiled good-naturedly at their laughter as she made her way to the rear, but inside she was scolding herself. The day before her father had asked her about something hed said in his sermon. Not an unusual occurrence, but Kaitlin had been very embarrassed over having to admit that she hadnt been paying attention.

Ive got to pull my mind out of the clouds, she told herself, as a child came toward her with a question. Even as she worked patiently with the little girl, she despaired of ever getting over her dreamy state. A trip to California and seeing Aunt Maureen! Who would have thought her twentieth birthday would be so wonderful?

Miss Katie, is this right? Kaitlin was surprised to see that the little girl shed been helping had returned to her seat and Joseph, one of Kaitlins favorites, was waiting for his work to be inspected.

This is very good, Joseph, but you missed question 14. Kate looked into the little boys eyes as she spoke and they told her his incomplete work had been deliberate.

Joseph, she reproved gently, and watched his eyes fill with tears.

Are you really going away, Miss Katie? Are you really leaving the island?

Yes, I am, but . . . Kate stopped just short of telling Joseph she would be back. Something inside her wouldnt let the words come. She searched for other words of comfort even as the thought persisted that she wouldnt be returning to Hawaii ever again.

Ill miss you, Joseph, very much, but youre my little brother in Christ and I know that Hell care for you. And we can remember each other in our prayers. She reached out a gentle hand then, and brushed at the tear sliding down his cheek. Then her hand went to sweep back the thick, black hair on his forehead.

Marcail appeared in the next instant and Kate had no choice but to send Joseph back to his seat. She watched him for a moment and was relieved when their eyes met and he smiled.

He has a crush on you.

Do you think so? the older sister whispered to the younger.

Yes, I do. His sister told me that he talks about you every day after school, all the way home.

Well, its too bad hes not a little older Kaitlin let the remark hang.

Scott Harper is older and I saw him holding your hand yesterday.

It wasnt what you think, Marc, Kate said, as she remembered the scene with the son of one of the other missionaries.

Youre really going, Kaitlin?

Yes, Scott, we leave in a month, Kate answered the tall, painfully thin young man who had been in love with her for years.

When will you be back? The question had been asked, almost desperately, and Scott had touched Kate for the first time, grasping one of her hands in both of his own.

Kate had no desire to encourage him but neither did she want to hurt him. My father says well be in California for about two months. Kate gently disengaged her hand as she spoke.

Scotts eyes, big and dark like her own, were looking at her in a way that always made her feel regretful. Here was a man her own age, who was in love with her, and she didnt feel anything. Oh, she cared for him and he didnt repulse her but she wasnt in love with him. With both their families involved in missionary work on the islands, it would have been very comfortable and practical if she had been in love with him.

But when shed said as much to her mother, Theresa had told her in plain terms that love was neither practical nor comfortable.

Did I upset you because I said something about Scott? Marcails soft question broke into Kates memory.

No, Marcail, Im fine and we both better be about our business.

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