Matilda’s heart raced as she stepped from the carriage onto County Street. The two-story brick facade of her mother’s home—a sight she hadn’t seen for almost two years—dimmed through her tears. To know that Mother now owned it free and clear thanks to Matilda’s earnings made the sight even sweeter.
Tom’s arm around her waist, secure and comforting, calmed her as they climbed the steps to the front door. Next week, Christmas Day, would be their first wedding anniversary.
Gazing at the fruited wreath on the dark walnut door, Matilda’s mind flew back to that wonderful day on the Jamaican beach.
Again, she pictured the azure sea heaving and sighing softly behind them, its foamy fingers caressing the sparkling white sands. There, she and Tom had pledged their love and lives to each other before God and their shipmates.
Despite the buffeting of the New England winter winds and her sturdy shoes that encased her feet, she felt again the soft, warm sand between her toes. Wearing a white lace dress borrowed from a Christian missionary’s wife, and a fragrant pink hibiscus blossom in her hair, she’d wed the man who owned her heart.
To her astonishment and delight, Tom’s heart had become a raging fire for the Lord. Even when the work aboard ship left him so tired he could hardly hold his eyes open, he’d insisted they continue their evening scripture reading.
The sound of Tom rapping on the door mimicked Matilda’s pounding heart.
The door swung open to reveal Mother, who stood gaping with wide eyes. “Matilda!” With tears streaming down her face, she pulled Matilda into her arms.
After tearful hugs and introductions, Tom looked at Mother.
“Did it come?”
“Yes.” Mother led them to the parlor.
Matilda gasped and her heart seemed to stop for a long moment. The most beautiful piano she’d ever seen stood in the corner. Her eyes brimming, she looked first at Mother then at Tom.
“A late wedding present, my love.” Standing behind her, Tom wrapped his arms around her and bent to press his cheek against hers.
“Oh, Tom, I do love you so much!” Twisting in his arms, Matilda smiled at her husband through happy tears that he kissed away.
Still clinging to Tom, she turned to her mother. “You were right, Mother. God did take care of us. And I know He will continue to take care of us. All four of us.”
Mother gasped. “Matilda, do you mean…”
At Matilda’s nod, Mother’s face bloomed with excitement. “You certainly are your father’s daughter—a surprise a minute.”
“Yes, she is.” Tom’s gaze melted into Matilda’s. “Daughter of Orion.”