13

Adam hurried into the coffee shop, anxious to talk to Kathryn. She’d disappeared into the kitchen after Thanksgiving dinner, and before he knew it, he was caught up in the football game, and she was gone. He’d managed to sneak a few glances at her during dinner. She was a natural with her niece, even when Emma managed to fling cranberry sauce all over Kathryn’s white sweater. He smiled at the memory.

He ordered his coffee and a corn muffin and chose a table facing the door. Two cups of coffee and another corn muffin later, he faced the facts. She wasn’t coming. If only he had her number. He’d tried, but she always countered with “I’ll see you next Saturday.” He considered getting her number from Mark but figured that would upset her. Maybe something came up. Much as he hated to do it, he decided to let her be, and prayed that she would meet him next week.

~*~

Kathryn stayed at work exactly two hours and thirteen minutes. Of that time, she spent approximately twenty minutes doing actual work, and the remaining time agonizing over her decision to miss her meeting with Adam. After coming to terms with the fact that there was no point in her being there, she decided to go for a drive.

She soon found herself in Mark and Anne’s neighborhood. She hadn’t talked to Anne one-on-one in weeks. There was too much commotion on Thanksgiving, and she was so preoccupied with Adam’s presence that she didn’t visit much with anyone.

Maybe it was long enough ago that Mark wouldn’t bring up their last talk. Since nothing out of the ordinary had happened since the accident, it must not have had anything to do with Charlie. Logically, it made sense that she was safe. There was no reason to come after her. If she hadn’t squealed yet, why would she start now? Maybe she was free from Charlie and those “friends” of his, but she’d never be free from what she’d done.

She pulled into the Campbells’ driveway, hoping for a distraction.

She knocked on the front door, and Eileen answered it. “Katie!” I’m so glad you’re here. I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to visit much on Thursday.” She opened the door wide. “Come on in. Mark and Anne went to lunch. They haven’t gotten out much since Robert passed. He was their main babysitter.” She reached to take Kathryn’s coat. “I should get here more often, but with still working full time, and volunteering at the church, I don’t make the drive as often as I should. I thought I’d take advantage of the long weekend and spend it with my family.”

Kathryn dropped her gaze to her shoes. She hadn’t even considered offering to watch the kids for Anne and Mark. She’d try to make a point of it.

Eileen got right to the heart of the matter. “What brings you here unannounced? Do you need to talk? I know what it’s like to lose a husband, so I’m all ears if you need me. Now come on in, I’m feeding the kids lunch.”

Kathryn followed Eileen into the kitchen and Emma and Ben squealed with delight.

“Auntie Katie, eat pena butta with us!” Emma called.

Kathryn chuckled and pulled a chair to the table. Yes, this was the medicine she needed. After a lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, grapes, and goldfish crackers, life regained some normalcy.

She and Eileen took the kids upstairs for their nap, and she soon found herself in the midst of a heart-to-heart with her former mother-in-law.

“Anne tells me you’re spending all your time at work these days.” Eileen patted Kathryn’s hand. “Running away from the pain doesn’t make it go away. When I lost my David, I thought my world was over. I worked oodles of extra jobs to make ends meet. Poor Robert grew up fast. He was only 12, but he was such a help with his little sister. I don’t know what I would’ve done without him. Now he’s gone, too.” Eileen wiped a tear from her eye before continuing. “So, I understand your grief. But don’t you worry, David and Robert are having a wonderful time up there having the best reunion you can imagine.” Her gaze lifted upward, as if imagining the scene.

Kathryn followed her gaze. Was there actually something there?

Eileen continued. “I couldn’t have made it through that time on my own. It was only having the Lord with me every step of the way that kept me going. I don’t know how you can possibly be dealing with this without that comfort. Honey, don’t you forget. There’s only one way to fill that empty place in your heart, and that’s with the Lord. He’s patient, but He’s waiting for you.”

Kathryn stared at her hands. “I wish I could believe, Eileen, but I’m not ready yet.”

Eileen turned toward the picture window, her hand over her eyes. “There they are, back from their date. He’s opening the car door for her. His mama raised him right.” She turned back to Kathryn. “You think about what I said.”

Kathryn stood with Eileen. “Thank you for your advice.”

Anne and Mark came in, looking surprised and pleased to see her. Mark checked his watch.

“The kids should be asleep for another 45 minutes or so. Are you up for a board game?”

Kathryn swallowed a lump in her throat. She and Robert played board games with Anne and Mark many times, always enjoying the friendly competition.

Anne, always the observant one, glanced her way. “It’s OK, Katie. Robert would be happy that we were enjoying the time together.”

After winning decisively, Kathryn grinned at Eileen. “You’re quite the partner. Robert and I never beat these two at this game.”

Eileen grinned back. “Who do you think taught Robert and Anne how to play? I may be old, but I’ve still got it.”

Noise from upstairs told them the adult time was over. After spending time building blocks with Ben, Kathryn made her way home, grateful she was still part of a family, even if Robert no longer connected her to them.

~*~

Adam made sure he got to church on time. The message was what he needed, and the worship songs spoke to his heart. After the service, he headed to the preschool classroom, ready to spend time with the little ones. As Anne brought Ben to his room, he brought up the subject of Kathryn. “Have you talked to your sister-in-law since Thanksgiving? How is she doing?”

“It’ll take time,” Anne answered, “but she stopped by unexpectedly on Saturday. My mom said she seemed upset when she got there, but by the time she left, it was as if she was her old self.”

“You guys must be good for her.” Adam was relieved Kathryn was doing better but bothered by the fact she’d missed their date. No. Not a date. A friend God brought into his life to help through a rough time. But why is she shutting me out now?

Adam cut his thoughts short when a cry of “Johnny pushed me!” sounded behind him. He set to the task of trying to instill order in the chaos.