Epilogue
Nikki leaned over and gave Mary a kiss on the cheek.
“Whoa, careful there,” Mary said, patting Nikki’s stomach. “I don’t want to squish her.”
“Or him. Gideon thinks it’s a boy.”
“You going to find out?”
“We’re undecided, but I like being prepared.”
The two women moved to the side as a flood of people filtered past them and out of the church.
“Ty and I found out. We couldn’t stand not knowing.”
“That was a great message he did this morning, by the way.”
“Since officially becoming the pastor, Ty’s been really digging into the Word. This is really stretching him. Stretching us both.”
“It shows.”
“You know, we all thought it would be you to take over the church. ”
“I kind of did at the start. When I think back on it, even though I didn’t continue, I know God had me there for a season, and now I’m in a new season. I like this one better.”
“Being a mom is unlike anything else. It will be the best and also the hardest thing you’ve ever done.”
“I don’t know. I’ve been through some tough stuff.”
“Just wait. And I mean that in the most positive way.”
The women laughed.
“Hey, did you hear the good news from Isabel?”
“About her sister coming over? Yeah. She’s so excited.”
“That’s another woman who’s had a rough road.”
“I wasn’t sure there for a while. It wasn’t looking good.”
“At least she doesn’t have to worry about being in the country anymore.”
“Hey.” Gideon joined them. “You ready to go?” he said before kissing Nikki’s head. “I’m starving.”
“ You’re starving?”
“I know, I know. You’re eating for two, but it’s your mom’s pot roast. That kid in there doesn’t know how good he has it.”
“Or she.”
“Whichever. Your mom’s already gone home. She’s probably pulling the meat out right now. Hey, did I tell you what I found?”
“No.”
“I bought a bird whistle from the markets the day we met. ”
“That wasn’t the first day we met.”
“Okay then, the day we re-met. I was going through a few boxes in the garage, and I found it. The one you pour water into it, and it sounds like a bird.”
“I know the one.” She groaned.
“It’s been years since you’ve done a market stall. You can’t still be tired of hearing it. Our kid will love it.”
“I’m sure he or she will. By the way, did Mom tell you she’s making those rolls you love?”
“I love that woman.”
“I’ll talk to you later in the week, Mary.”
“Have a nice afternoon, you two.”
Nikki wove her arm through Gideon’s as they walked to the car. “Did you want to stop by the cemetery first?”
“No, I’m okay.”
It had only been a month since Gideon’s dad had passed away. He’d had another stroke.
“I can’t help but be thankful for the time I had with him. And knowing that he gave his life to Jesus before he died… God’s done so much. Too much. We don’t deserve it.”
“Yeah.”
“It gives me hope for my brother.”
“How much time does Noah have left?”
“Eighteen months.”
“And he’s still not speaking to you?”
“No. But he’ll get over it. He always does. I think he finds it hard to see me doing so well. Makes him feel like a failure. Maybe once the baby’s born, he’ll open up.”
“We’ll keep praying.”
“But we won’t stop giving thanks.”
“No. We’ll never stop giving thanks.”