Chapter Three
Everything went better on Thursday. Not that her kindergartners behaved any differently, Skye realized, but her attitude had
changed. Instead of finding herself constantly on edge, she was more relaxed and at ease with the children.
Skye decided to stay after class and tie up a few loose ends. As part of the educational budget cutbacks, the janitor cleaned
the classrooms only twice a week. But a high sense of neatness drove her to sweep the floors once or twice a week herself.
After she’d swept and straightened the small desks into even rows, Skye cut out the letters for the bulletin board she had
designed for the month of April. There would be plenty of time to do it during vacation week, but she knew she wouldn’t rest
easy until the project was finished.
She was sitting at her desk cutting jaggedly shaped letters from brightly colored paper when a gruff voice interrupted her.
“Need any help, little sister?”
“Brad!” she exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”
“What’s the matter, aren’t I welcome?” Brad Garvin was a taller version of Skye. Lean and angular, he had blond hair and vivid blue eyes that mirrored those of his sister.
“Of course you are.” A certain amount of curiosity entered her eyes. Brad had been unemployed for several weeks, caught in
the economic slump of the construction trade. New housing starts were at a record low; because he was a carpenter, things
didn’t look promising. But from the smile on his face, whatever news he had must be good.
“I tried to phone you last night, but you weren’t home. Don’t tell me you were on some hot date.”
“You’re right, I’m not telling,” she teased lightly, and threw a dusting cloth at his mocking grin. Five years separated them,
but throughout their youth and into adulthood they had remained close.
Without so much as a flinch Brad neatly caught the rag. “Be careful, little sister. I could pull your pigtails.”
“In case you haven’t noticed I don’t have pigtails any longer.” A smile lit up her face. “If you weren’t so infuriating, I’d
admit it was good to see you. What have you been up to?”
“Not much.” He sat on her desk, one leg dangling over the edge. “I talked to Mom last night. Moving in with Aunt Vi has been
great for her. Janey is counting the shopping days left until her ninth birthday and, oh, Peggy’s pregnant.”
“Pregnant?” Skye breathed in disbelief, her blue eyes widening. “You’re not teasing, are you?”
Brad and Peggy had given up hope of having another child even though the doctors assured them there was no medical reason
for their difficulties. Certainly Janey, born a year after their wedding, proved they were capable of having children.
Brad didn’t need to answer her doubts; his laughing blue eyes said it all.
With a burst of joy Skye stood and enthusiastically hugged her brother. “Oh, Brad, I’m so pleased. When is the baby due? How is Peggy feeling? Is Janey happy?”
“Slow down. One question at a time.” He laughed at her enthusiasm.
“You’ve had time to get used to the idea, and don’t tell me you weren’t just as excited when Peggy told you.” A knowing look
flashed from her eyes.
Brad shook his head. “I’m still having trouble believing it. We’ve tried so hard for so many years, and now, when we can least
afford it and haven’t got a penny of insurance, Peggy gets pregnant.”
“Listen, count your blessings. Wasn’t it you who told me God’s timing is always perfect? Besides, if you need help . . .”
“No,” he said, raising his voice with pride. “Don’t even offer, Skye. You’ve done enough for us already. The baby’s not due
until November, and I’m sure to have found some kind of employment by then.”
“All right, but I’m going to pray up a storm . . . Remember, the effective prayer of a righteous woman availeth much.”
“That seems to be a slight misquote of that verse. But for heaven’s sake, don’t let that stop you: Pray! By the way, where
were you last night?” he asked.
“Out.” She batted her eyelashes wickedly. It wasn’t like her to hold back anything from her brother, but to explain about
Jordan would be pointless. Skye had decided not to see him again, and with the decision came a relaxed freedom. Jordan had
the uncanny ability to stir awake feelings she had long considered dead. He was too astute, too perceptive. Her simple defenses
would easily crumble under the force of his personality. The uncomplicated pattern of her life suited her, and there was no
reason to openly invite disruption.
Playfully her tightened fist punched his upper arm. “A baby after all these years. You had it in you after all, you big brute.”
Brad was a wonderful husband and father. He had been a solid rock supporting her in a dark world after Glen’s death. If anyone
deserved happiness, it was Brad.
The children’s ward was bustling with the pre-dinner rush, and after a hasty visit with Billy and Sally, Skye resumed her
volunteer duties. As was her custom, the piano playing and singing followed dinner. Several of the children dissolved into
fits of laughter over Skye’s cleverly worded jingles. Cheers and applause filled the recreation room as parents and staff
joined the merriment. Skye’s own elated mood became infectious, and even the most cynical could not help being drawn in and
touched by the joy shining from the eyes of the children.
Her closing number was one that held deep meaning for Skye. She had composed it herself, and it spoke of darkness and light,
sorrow and joy, the contrast between the valley and the mountaintop. The final words brought huge smiles of awe and appreciation
from the audience.
Don’t let the song escape from your life
For every life must have a song
A song to ring out loud and long
Let Jesus be your heartsong.
“Sometimes I think I know you so well, Skye Garvin, and then there are times like these and I realize I don’t know you at
all.” Sally looked at Skye, her brow marred by a puzzled frown.
“What makes you say that?” Skye questioned.
“I’m not exactly sure. The quality of your voice when you’re especially happy.
” She shrugged. “There are times I have the impression that one reason you are able to communicate so well with these families is that you’ve walked through some deep valley yourself.
And yet you’re so outgoing and positive, it’s almost as if you’ve never known a minute’s worry.
” They slowly continued down the hall. “Like Betty Fisher.” Sally paused.
“There’s a communication, an understanding between you that’s beyond compassion. ”
If Sally was seeking confidences, Skye wasn’t going to share them. Glen, his death, and all that followed was in the past.
Reliving those terrible months would be like tearing open a half-healed wound. And yet Sally was her friend, and she didn’t
wish to offend her.
“Things are not always as they appear,” Skye admitted cryptically. “But I do know that one has to walk through the valley
to know the exultation of a mountaintop.”
Sally looked far from appeased but changed her line of questioning. “What did you bring for dinner?” she asked. “Yogurt and
sunflower seeds again?” she teased lightly, and added, “I certainly hope you’re not planning to wear that outfit to visit
Jordan Kiley.”
“What?” Skye exploded. “Who said I was visiting him?” Her suspicions immediately bobbed to the surface. How like Jordan to
try to outwit her. He must have guessed she would change her mind and back out of her promise. But involving Sally seemed
underhanded and unfair.
“You said you were visiting him.”
“I most certainly did not,” Skye denied hotly.
“It seems to me I distinctly recall you saying you’d visit him and clear away any half-truths Billy and I may have inadvertently
spread about you,” Sally insisted, annoyed.
“Oh.” Skye sighed in relief. “I guess I did say something to that effect.”
“Well, are you going?”
Skye knew from past experience there would be no appeasing her friend until she conceded. If she made a quick stop on the third floor and left a message for Jordan saying she couldn’t make it after all, she’d be satisfying him and at the same time satisfying Sally.
“I suppose a few minutes wouldn’t hurt,” she said with a twinge of guilt.
A bubble of elation rose from Sally. “You’re not wearing that, are you?”
Skye’s gaze slid down over the cream-colored silk blouse and caramel wool suit. She hadn’t changed clothes, coming directly
from school to the hospital. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“Have you got a year?” Sally asked with an exasperated sigh. “You really should think about going home and changing.”
“You’re being ridiculous,” Skye said with a bit of disbelief. The outfit was one of her best. Although plain and practical,
it suited her.
“Well, we’ll just have to make the best of what we’ve got.”
“Sally”—Skye expelled the name in a long, drawn-out breath—“I look fine. I’m going exactly as I am.” It was easy to read the
disappointment in Sally’s eyes.
“Unfasten the top buttons at least,” Sally entreated.
“No.” Skye shook her head but couldn’t help smiling at her friend’s insistence.
“Okay, but at least let your hair down. I never have understood why you insist on wearing it up when it’s so pretty down.”
“I very seldom wear my hair down.” Skye flushed slightly, remembering she had done so the day before. No, it would be far
safer to keep her hair in its tightly coiled chignon. “Another time maybe.” She smiled gently.
The large doors of the elevator glided open silently, welcoming Skye to the third floor. The nurse she’d met in Jordan’s room
the night before nodded in recognition.
“Hello,” Skye said, and smiled. “I wonder if it would be possible to leave a message for Mr. Kiley in room 324.”
Dark eyes stared back at Skye blankly for a moment. “I’m sorry, dear, but Jordan Kiley was discharged this afternoon.”
“Oh.” Skye felt at a sudden loss for words.
“It’s my understanding he’s returning to Los Angeles.” The nurse continued, “Perhaps the hospital can relay his address if