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“Two more days, and I’ll get to see Roland, but what’s better is that we get to talk.” Jeanne peeked through the bedroom window blind and eyed her niece and nephew playing amiably in the backyard. Brice’s big brother persona was obvious to his sister, or could it be bossiness? Even though Marie shook a spoon at him earlier, stating that very thing—no, not this kindhearted little man.
Jeanne held back a giggle as the little girl bounced on her toes. “Please...please, push me in the swing, brother.”
He nodded and helped her onto the seat. The little girl sailed higher and higher, and then after the next shove, Marie almost knocked Brice to the ground when he moved too slowly, getting out of her way. He stepped aside quick as a flash of lightning after his next push. Lesson learned.
The cold breeze from the north changed direction and brought in warmer temperatures. Puddles were everywhere in the backyard. Surely the kids will stay out of the mud and track nothing into the house. She giggled at the thought. A boy was playing outside. What made her think puddles and boys didn’t mix? Her older brothers often tracked mud into their home in Hopewell, and cleaning the floors was her chore. She would stand guard at the back door to ensure no one trampled across one board with muddy or dirty shoes, but they got wise and detoured through the front door.
Her questions about marriage, having a family, and the other reason for her fast get away from home, the misinterpreted Bible verse, all remained at the forefront of her thoughts on the visit. Would she marry a man who wanted children? She’d love to have at least three, two boys and a girl. But how could she marry without love? Thoughts for a later day. Right now, her goal to attend college and work alongside children was important. Miserable doubt reared its ugliness the closer she came to going home, but between now and then, she must stick with the life-changing decision and hoped it was the Lord’s chosen path. If not, she was certain He’d guide her steps in an alternative direction.
Jeanne flipped the blind shut and sat on the bed. “Roland,” she whispered and closed her eyes, remembering their visit at the pastor’s house. He’d cleaned up nicely and looked far better than when she first saw him at the center. Gone was the unattractive, messy beard. The man had no idea how glad she’d been to see his handsome face, and he looked much younger. His gorgeous blue-violet eyes, strong jawline, and sweet smile held her captive while they chatted. But then he shared why he had left home years before, and the pain in those striking eyes nearly crushed her.
When he asked if she would assist him at church and the youth group, he’d offered her a ray of hope that he was interested, and then again, wretched doubt seeped into her spirit. “Or was he simply being nice? Maybe no one else volunteered. After all, the class did need two teachers. But he promised to call me, and he hasn’t even texted. What if he changed his mind?” Stop thinking that way, Jeanne. “He’ll contact me soon.”
She glanced at her phone for the umpteenth time—and the morning wasn’t even over. A heavy sigh escaped, and then she questioned whether he even had a cell phone. “If he wants me to help, he’ll find a way of contacting me. Better get going. Chores wait for nothing.”
Jeanne shut the bedroom door and trudged the length of the hall toward the kitchen. She planned to treat the kids to the ice cream parlor after lunch. But first, she had promised Renee to help with the laundry. Marie and Brice would tromp through the back door any minute, hungry.
As she neared the kitchen, a prominent male voice came into earshot. That’s Winston. Why is he home? Is something wrong? She stopped in the doorway, surprised to find Roland, her sister, and her brother-in-law at the table chatting. All eyes turned toward her. “Um. I’m sorry to intrude.” Her gaze met Roland’s, and she froze in place, unable to move forward or backward. The floor held her shoes captive. She tried to force herself to turn around, but nothing happened. Please help me, Renee. Say something, ‘cause I can’t.
Renee’s voice broke through and brought her out of the beguilement. “Jeanne, it’s all right. You can stay.”
“I, I, ...all right. You guys pretend I’m not here.” She gave a little wave, padded to the cupboard, removed a glass, and turned on the faucet.
Renee met her at the sink. “Come sit with us,” she whispered. “We’re all together as a family again.” Jeanne nodded, refilled the glass she’d barely drunk, and Renee accompanied her to the table.
Jeanne lowered herself across the table from Roland. Wide-mile smiles plastered across both brothers’ faces. Their happiness filled Jeanne with peace. She’d prayed daily for this to happen, and now it had. Joy seemed to ooze from his soul, which is exactly what she longed for him. Witnessing his pain the other day hadn’t been easy. Now it appeared a heavy weight had lifted off him and the family.
Roland smiled at Jeanne. He held up a folder and waved it back and forth. “I brought sheet music and the Wednesday night lesson we discussed the other day. I meant to call you this morning, but Winston left a message with Sister Cheryl, and I hurried right over. I’m sorry. Will you forgive me? Are you still game to help me?”
An inward smile filled her, driving away the miserable doubt for good. “Yes. You’re forgiven, and I can’t wait to get started. We can work in the living room. How about we run the lesson by Renee’s children later? Is that all right?”
Roland’s eyes widened. “Wow. I forgot all about the little ones. Where are they?” He tilted his head and glanced down the hall.
Renee giggled. “In the backyard playing. Lunch is coming up in a few minutes, so they’ll be in shortly. Did you want to stay? It’d be great to have a family meal again.”
“Of course. I’d love to.”
Jeanne stood and placed her glass in the sink. “I plan on treating them to ice cream after lunch at the shop on the square. Roland, will you help me wrangle the kiddos? Otherwise, they’ll get a sugar high for sure.”
Renee waggled a finger at Jeanne. “Not too much sugar. They won’t sleep tonight.”
Roland smiled and refilled his cup. “Don’t worry, sis. We can visit the park afterward. I’m sure they’ll burn off all their energy before getting home. Is that okay with you, Jeanne?”
“Sure.” Jeanne cupped her cheek. “Oh. I can’t go to the park. I promised to help Renee do the laundry. Another time would be great.”
“We can always wash tomorrow. It’s not going anywhere.” Renee peeked at the full baskets beside the washer. “I can get a couple of loads done while you and the kids are gone.”
Roland rose and stood between Winston and Renee. “Since we’re all together, I’ve got some wonderful news. Well, I hope you’ll think it is, and I wanted to tell you guys before someone beat me to it—Pastor Eli or Sister Cheryl, for instance.” He grinned and then beckoned Jeanne closer. “You too, come on over. Eli and I met this morning. He offered me the youth minister position. I’d already prayed about the responsibility it’d entail, so I went ahead and accepted it. The job has a part-time salary. The pastor wants me to stay in his extra guest room until I get enough money to find my own place. I have already put my resumé in several places around town. Hopefully, soon, I’ll be working two part-time jobs.”
He placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “Winston, I want you and Renee to know how much I appreciate your generosity and love, but I can’t come back to the house to live. Too many memories, some bad but mostly good ones. I must move forward on the path God has set my feet on. Please, don’t be angry.”
Winston stood. “You’re welcome here anytime. This old house has plenty of room for all of us if you change your mind...we’re family. I understand completely, and I’m not mad.”
“Thanks, brother. You have a family to raise, and this house will be a great place to do it in. One day I’ll have a place of my own. Three.” His smile widened, and he met Jeanne’s gaze.
Winston’s brow crinkled. “Three what?”
“Three kiddos, two boys and a girl.”
Jeanne’s heartbeat stilled in her chest. Is this the man God has blessed me with? Oh, are You showing me the new direction in my life that You whispered to me? You have shown such grace to both Roland and me. I read the Isaiah forty-three passage, and it gave me much hope for my future.
She gave a sharp head nod. “Roland, let’s go to the living room to review the lesson and hymns. We only have a short time to coordinate. Let’s make the most of it.”
He grabbed the folder and followed. In the living room, he spread the contents on the coffee table. They sat, and he handed her the itinerary but quickly snatched it back. “Jeanne, we’ve only known each other a short while.”
“Y-yeah.” A breathy reply floated on the room’s silence. Jeanne never wanted Roland’s gorgeous blue-violet eyes to look away.
“To be honest, I’d like to get to know you better, and I’d sure like it if you didn’t leave Grove Hill and return to Hopewell. Would you consider making this small town your home? I know this is fast, but when I saw you that day at the center, you captured my heart, and I’ve been falling for you ever since. I love you, Jeanne Adams.” Roland glanced at his hands. “All I have to offer is my heart and these hard-working hands.” He turned over his palms toward her. “One day, that’ll all change. But right now, because of how I have lived the last few years, I feel unworthy to even speak to you, much less share my feelings.”
Jeanne slid her hands into his calloused ones. “Oh, Roland, you have plenty to offer. Jesus is in your heart foremost, I’ve seen that since we met, and I’ll always be happy to be second to Him in your life. You also captured my heart that day at the center—even though you were a bit grungy.”
Roland laughed.
Jeanne’s cheeks blushed, but she continued. “I love you too. Your sweet words of affirmation have aided in my future decision. I’ve prayed about this, and now I know His answer. I’m leaving next Thursday and will be gone for about a week, no longer than two. Renee and Winston have offered to let me live here, and they will talk to my father.” She flashed a tender but teasing grin. “I might be too independent to suit you. We briefly touched on the subject the other day before Sister Cheryl returned, but I’d like to attend college and much, much more. Also...three.” She waited for his response, expecting an honest but favorable reply of his steadfast love and the assurance of God’s path.
“No, you’re not at all too independent. I remember that you wanted to work with teen girls.”
“I haven’t told Renee or any of my family any of this. Working as a sitter each week in the church nursery isn’t what I want. Don’t get me wrong, I’d count it a blessing to work in the nursery. My greatest joy would be to lead these young people to the Lord and help the girls with their daily issues. We get off track and need a little nudge back onto the rails. I know it’s a big aspiration, but I want to be a licensed counselor or therapist for teen girls.”
“This is great.” His eyes shone like bright blue stars. “We can work as a team, me with the boys, girls for you to start with, but eventually, I feel my purpose is to be a clergyman. We can attend college together and see if our next steps lead us to seminary. Whatever we decide on, we’ll do it as a couple.” He paused, drew a breath, then tilted his head and hiked one dark eyebrow. “So...what did you mean by what you said...three?” He gently settled his hand on hers.
“Two boys and a girl.” She giggled, and heat rose in her cheeks.
Roland lifted her hand while he held her gaze. Then he gently pressed the back of her hand against her lips and leaned in to kiss the palm. “Thank You, Lord,” he whispered.
A small breath escaped from Jeanne’s lips. She gently moved her hand away from her mouth but knew she would never forget that first oddly moving kiss...her hand against her lips, his lips against her hand. Even at the memory, her palm tingled. “Roland, I have so much to tell you. But I’d like to talk later at the park while the kids play.”
“Sure.” His smile ignited all the dark, numb places in her heart. “Let’s go over the lesson.”
Jeanne lifted a silent, thankful prayer heavenward. In Your infinite wisdom, You have brought me to Roland and him to me. We never knew what awaited us at the doorsteps of Your grace, but I’m so glad for the love You have bestowed upon our hearts. No matter what happens, we can be sure that our destiny is in Your hands. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Joy bubbled in her soul as she sat close beside the man whom God had selected to be her companion in life. She met his gaze with a warm smile and found him waiting for her.
Her first. Her last. Her forever.