Chapter 16 #3
Gram welcomed her with open arms, and Muffin ran circles around Mikey, yapping happily.
“It’s about time you paid me a visit.”
“Thank you for all the business you are sending my way.”
“I’m happy to. I’m thinking of retiring completely.”
Emily wondered at the brightness in Gram’s cheeks. “I’ve come to invite you and Jesse to join me for dinner after church tomorrow.”
“Oh, that would be lovely, dear. I’m anxious to see your house.”
“You’re welcome to visit anytime.”
Gram drew her inside and served tea. Later, Emily returned to her house, smiling in anticipation of her plans.
Sunday morning arrived, and with it a song in her heart and on her lips.
She checked the roast in the oven and the rest of the meal preparation.
She’d made a beautiful chocolate cake with thick butter frosting plus cookies for later in the afternoon should Jesse linger.
And Gram, she added. She hadn’t forgotten Gram.
Mikey sat at the table swinging his feet. “Yesse come? Gam come?”
Emily bent over the child to hug him and plant a kiss on his head. “Yes, sweet boy, they are coming after church.”
She had loved all the children at the orphanage but none as much as Mikey. As she always did when she thought of her hope to adopt him, she prayed for God to make it possible.
Cooking for the children and staff had been one of the tasks she enjoyed, and it had certainly taught her how to prepare large meals. It was a challenge to remind herself that she only had herself and Mikey to cook for. Today, she would double that.
“How about I wash your hands and face, and we leave for church?”
“’Kay.”
They were soon on their way. Jesse stepped into the street ahead of them. She had timed it perfectly. He looked both ways and waited when he saw them. Mikey ran headlong into his arms, and there he remained, his arm around Jesse’s neck.
“Good morning,” Jesse said. “I understand we are having dinner at your place.”
“That’s right.” Their gazes caught and held, full of warmth and wonder as she recalled a previous Sunday afternoon spent at her house. Her hope and prayer was that today would be every bit as memorable.
She hadn’t planned to sit beside him. On the other hand, she didn’t object as they slid into a pew next to Gram. It was as if nothing had changed.
The thought sobered her. She had changed. Now she knew who she was and how she’d been judged for a foolish decision.
Hugh took his place. His gaze found her, and he smiled. He’d been so kind and helpful the few days she’d spent at his house. No wonder Annie had fallen in love with him.
The hymns were familiar, and joy flooded her being.
Then Hugh announced his text. “Second Corinthians chapter five, verse seventeen: ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’”
She drank in hope and assurance as he spoke of the work Christ had done for His followers. Just like new. Unblemished. She clung to the word. In her mind, she saw the scarlet ribbon someone had pinned to her door removed by a loving Hand, the label given her taken away.
She knew she was innocent, but it was even better to know she did not have to carry her past with her.
Grandfather Marshall called her name as they left the church. “How is your new home?”
“Lovely, thank you. I’ve invited Jesse and Gram to have dinner with me.”
“I wouldn’t mind seeing how you’ve fixed up the house.” He waggled his bushy brows and darted a look at Gram.
Seems the matchmaker had found his own match. Good for them both. “Would you care to join us?”
“What a generous offer.” He winked. “I accept.”
She looked at his canes.
He nodded. “I can walk that far. I will just take longer than you young folk. You go ahead. I’ll get Grace to keep me company.”
“You do that.” Emily laughed as she looked for Mikey. He perched in Jesse’s arms.
Jesse joined her. “Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes, please.”
Jesse looked around as they entered her house. “You’ve made it very cozy.”
“It’s through the generosity of the Marshalls and Gram. I have nothing of my own.” She hoped he wouldn’t think she complained because she was feeling more than blessed. Already, her business was thriving. In time, she would replace the borrowed items with her own things.
“Can I help with the meal?” Jesse asked.
“Can you set the table for me?”
He grinned. “Lady, Gram had taught me to set a proper table by the time I was eight.” He reached past her for plates.
She held very still, ignoring the urge to turn into his arms and press her face to his chest.
He moved away. The air between them crackled with tension.
She stirred the gravy with undue vigor.
By the time Grandfather and Gram arrived, the table was set, and the meal was on the table.
She might have worried that the tension between herself and Jesse would make conversation awkward, but Mikey told a long, involved story about Evan’s dog that had them laughing, and Gram and Grandfather told stories of their childhoods.
They finished up with her cake, and it earned her lots of praise.
As soon as the dishes were done and the food put away, she turned to Jesse.
“I have something to show you.” She glanced at the older couple, not wanting to exclude them.
Gram waved her away. “I’d like to sit if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Mikey opted to stay with Gram and show her the little booklet he and Emily had made with pictures he drew—with a little help from Emily.
Emily and Jesse went outdoors and stood side by side, admiring the garden. “I haven’t thanked you properly for all the work you did for me. Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
They reached the gazebo, but she paused without going in. “You said actions speak louder than words. I’d like to hear what words you meant.” She faced him, wanting to...needing to see his eyes and his mouth as he responded to her request.
He looked down at her, dark eyes inviting her to explore. She opened her thoughts to him, as well, holding nothing back, hoping he would see all that was in her heart.
He lifted his hand and pressed his palm to her jaw.
She leaned into his touch.
He cleared his throat. “There are so many words. First, I want to say that I don’t in any way brand you as those in your past have. Second, I want to make sure you understand that I think you belong here.”
“In Bella Creek?”
He pressed his free hand to his chest. “And here.”
Her breath lodged somewhere in her throat.
“If you choose.” His voice deepened to a groan.
She couldn’t let his uncertainty remain. “I choose.”
“Really?” Joy wreathed his face.
“Yes. Come inside.”
He followed her into the gazebo. She’d cut flowers and greenery to fill jars in each corner. She’d prepared a little picnic basket. “I know you’re not hungry, but I thought you might enjoy some fudge.”
He caught her hand. “Is this how your actions speak louder than words?”
She moved closer. “Flowers and candy are supposed to say something special.”
“They’re romantic.”
She nodded.
“Does it mean what I hope it means?”
“Depends on what you hope.”
“I hope it means you feel for me like I feel about you.”
“And what would that be?”
“Emily, I love you. Forever and always. I know I should take my time, but I can’t. I want to share your life. Make a home with you and Mikey. Will you marry me?” He paused, hope and uncertainty in his eyes.
“Jesse Hill, I love you so much my insides feel full of fudge. Yes, I will marry you.”
His arms closed about her, and he bent his head to give her a sweet, promising kiss. In his embrace, she knew exactly who she was—a woman loved by a noble and strong man.