Dylan stood in his parent’s dining room, now converted to Reggie’s recovery room, and watched Reggie’s closed eyelids. Her breathing was steady and peaceful and her color looked better than the last time he’d seen her. Careful not to disturb her, he closed the door and walked towards the kitchen.
His mom’s voice drifted out to him as she sang. He smiled. He loved hearing her sing, but when she sang old hymns, it brought tears to his eyes. When he entered the kitchen, two cups of coffee sat on the table waiting.
She left the dirty dishes in the sink and walked to the table. The expression on her face said it all. She had something on her mind. No doubt about that. “How’s Reggie doing?”
“Asleep now. She seems to be getting stronger every day.”
His mother nodded and held up a pie pan. “Want some apple pie to go with the coffee?”
“Sounds great, Mom.” He knew the small talk was leading up to the big talk, but that was fine. They could go at his mom’s pace.
She walked over with a saucer filled with pie and set it down in front of him. She sat in her own chair and took a sip of coffee. “How are you doing?”
He lifted up the hot coffee and took a big gulp. “I’m fine. I’m not the one who got shot, remember?”
Mellie set the coffee mug down and stared at Dylan. “True, but if I recall correctly, falling in love can be almost as painful.”
“It shows, does it?” Couldn’t hide anything from her. She knew him too well.
She nodded but said nothing. She took a deep breath. Here goes, he thought. His mother wasn’t one to mince words.
“I’m sure Reggie is a wonderful person but…” His mother’s voice trailed off as she struggled to find the right words. “But I’m not sure she’s the right woman for you, Dylan.”
“I know things have been crazy the past few weeks, but—”
“It’s not that Dylan. I’m glad you stepped up and helped her. In fact, I’m quite proud of my son, the hero. Daniella would be, too.”
Their eyes met and he nodded. He‘d known that wasn‘t the real problem. He stared at his mom waiting for the other shoe to drop. His mother wasn’t known for being subtle when she thought her children were about to make stupid mistakes.
“Don’t give me that innocent look, Dylan Charles Monroe. You know exactly what the problem is. She isn’t a Christian. Now, I can, and do love, many people who aren’t Christians, but it’s never a good idea to marry—”
“I know.” His voice was miserable. “It’s not always easy to put God’s wisdom into action.”
Her words were gentle, but her point had been made. “That doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. There’s a little thing called time. Just ask your father.”
“It’s not like we need to get married tomorrow.”
His mother laughed. “I hope not. You only met her a few weeks ago.”
He took another bite, savoring the sweet cinnamon taste. “It seems as if I’ve known her forever.”
His mother patted his hand. “It always does, dear. I know-”
Someone knocked on the kitchen door, and a moment later Joni walked in.
“Coffee’s already made.” Mellie said.
“No thanks. I’m too excited. Any coffee and I’ll jump out of my skin.“
Dylan laughed. “What’s got you happier than an elephant with a bagful of peanuts?”
“Jeffrey sold all my paintings Reggie gave him.”
“Oh, my goodness. That’s wonderful.” Mellie smiled. “I’ve always known God gave you such a gift with your artwork.”
“I guess Jeffrey’s feeling better. The last time I saw him he was on a gurney and on his way to the hospital.” Dylan said.
“Much better.” With a flourish, she pulled a check out of her shirt pocket and showed it to them. “Look at this.”
Dylan whistled as he looked at the numbers. “No way. How’d he do that?”
Joni stuck her tongue out at him. “Maybe, I’m just that good. Did you think of that?”
“Oh, I know you’re good, but that doesn’t explain that much money.”
“According to Jeffrey, he simply called several of his best customers and told them he’d discovered a fresh new talent. That’s me. Once they saw my paintings they loved them. He gave them first option to buy with the understanding I would have a major art show within the next several months. He told them that he had no doubt that the value would more than double. ”
“Amazing. How’s Richard feel about it?”
“He’s thrilled. Really. He couldn’t be more supportive.”
My daughter, an artist.” Mellie wiped tears away with the corner of her apron.
“Uh, oh. Mom’s getting emotional.” Dylan stood. “Time for me to go. That’s wonderful, sis.”
Joni wiped tears away. “You have no idea. This will get us back on track with our bills and we’ll be able to give the kids a great Christmas. God is so amazing.”
“Yes, He is.” He leaned down and kissed his sister’s cheek, glad things were turning around for her and Richard.
“This is an answered prayer.” Joni closed her eyes and sat quietly for a few moments. When she opened her eyes, her smile was bright and light-hearted.
“Looks like Reggie could be the answer to more than one prayer.” Dylan looked back towards the other end of the house. “I guess I better get going. I was hoping Reggie would wake up but I guess I’ll have to wait.”
“Good things come to those who wait.” His mother looked at him, her words thick with meaning.
He stared at his mother. She wasn’t talking about waiting for Reggie to wake up. Reggie’s injury gave him time to win her heart. God, please soften her heart. I won’t go against your word, but I sure do love her. She might not know it yet, but she sure does need me. And You.
****
Reggie attempted to sit up but winced in pain. Never had she been so dependent on others and she hated it. But how good of God to put these wonderful people in her life. Wow. Where had that thought come from?
She shook her head. She’d never had a thought like that in her life. But with all that happened, she had to admit there was a God who loved her and answered prayers, after all. It had to be the reason she survived. There could be no other explanation.
“Knock. Knock.”
Just hearing his voice made her smile. “Come in, Dylan.”
He walked in with a huge bouquet of red roses, with tiny white baby’s breath sprinkled in. Several vases already decorated her makeshift sick room. “These are for you.”
“Dylan, it’s not that I don’t appreciate the beautiful flowers, but...,” Reggie gestured around the room. “You’ve already given me more than enough.”
“I know, but these are different.”
She laughed. That’s what he said every time he brought her another bouquet. “Why?”
“Because I’m here to declare my intentions to court you.”
She giggled. Affecting a Scarlett O’Hara accent, she said, “Oh, you are. My, but that does sound like fun.”
“More fun than you can imagine. And I have a surprise for you tonight, if you feeling like going out for awhile.”
She clapped her hands. “Goody. I need some fun. It feels like I haven’t been out of this room in a year.”
“Good to hear. We’re having dinner at my house. That is, if you’re up to it.” He set the flowers on the stand beside her hospital bed.
“I am so up for it, but I need clothes.”
“Not to fear. Joni and I went to your apartment, and brought some clothes for you.”
“I just can’t believe all you and your family have done for me.” He opened his mouth but before he could say anything she kept talking. “I know, I know. You say it’s because you’re Christians, but I’ve known other Christians and they didn’t act like you and your family.”
“Perhaps, we take loving others to the extreme, but it’s what Jesus told us to do. We just follow his example as best we can. Believe me, we don’t always succeed.”
“I find that hard to believe. Your family has been unbelievably kind. You, I can understand, but your family. They are so special.”
“They are special. God blessed me when He stuck me with them. Of course, don’t tell them I said that.”
“I’m beginning to understand the love part, but what about all the rules you have to follow? Isn’t that hard?”
He pulled the chair closer to her bed. “What kind of rules are those?”
She stammered. “I don’t know but…but.. I know there are rules. You always hear about the rules.”
He picked up her hand. “God has standards of behavior he expects us to follow, but…a lot of people have misconceptions about Christianity and rules. It’s not the way you think.”
Reggie yawned.
“Sorry to be keeping you awake. You need to rest. Time for me to go.” Dylan announced.
“I’m sorry. It’s not that I’m not interested. I’m just tired.”
“See you later.” He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips and left. She touched her lips and fell asleep smiling.
****
“I don’t know why you keep that hair of yours straight. It’s perfectly beautiful with its natural curl.” Mellie said, as she sprayed conditioner into Reggie’s hair and used her fingers to fluff it.
“People don’t take me as seriously when my hair is curly.” Reggie laughed as she heard her own words. “I know it sounds silly, but it’s true. I’m a lawyer. I have to look and act serious.”
“In that case, I’m glad I’m not a lawyer.” Mellie set the conditioner on the TV tray acting as a nightstand for Reggie.
Reggie was dressed for the evening events with time to spare.
Mellie held up a mirror.
“It looks great. Thanks, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
She hugged Reggie and sat down. “It’s not a problem at all. I’m enjoying having you here.”
“That’s nice of you to say, but I’m planning on going home tomorrow.”
“That’s not a good idea.”
“Why not? I’d think you’d want to get your family room back.”
“I agree you’re getting better, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to push your recovery. But the second and by far most important reason is that Christmas is in a few days.”
“What’s that got to do with me?”
Mellie clucked her tongue. “Because I want you to spend Christmas with us, of course. I think a much better plan is for us to go furniture shopping tomorrow. Dylan and some buddies can get rid of the old stuff. And by the time Christmas is over, your house will be livable again.”
Overwhelmed by the love and acceptance of this family, Reggie sat quietly for several moments. Finally, she found her voice. “Mellie, can you tell me about Jesus?”