Chapter 38
— chapter thirty-eight
A full week had passed since Leanna had gotten lost in the woods, ended up at the bottom of a ravine, and spent the next couple of days attempting to stay alive. In the days since, her body had begun to heal and her every whim had been catered to.
Evan had made sure of that. And when he couldn’t be around to take care of her, one of his children or one of the ladies from the widows club had filled in.
As she sat in her parlor, enjoying the warm breeze floating in through her open windows, Leanna tried to relax. It was difficult to do that, though. Mainly because Doreen had unexpectedly stopped by, and she seemed more tense than usual.
“Are you sure you would not like a cup of peppermint tea?” Leanna asked. “Or perhaps a cherry scone? I have more food here than I know what to do with.”
Doreen smiled. “Thank you, dear, but I promised myself that I wouldn’t stay long.” She folded her hands neatly on the dark apron covering her pale-gray dress. “Not this time.”
The second day after Evan brought her home from the hospital, Doreen and Fern had come over and stayed for hours. They’d helped her to and from the bathroom, sat by her bedside, and brought her meals.
Their visit was only a blurry memory. She’d been exhausted and fighting a terrible cold that she’d picked up during her adventure. All she remembered clearly was Doreen’s look of concern and her patient voice continually reminding her to take her medicine and rest.
“You were a great help when you came before. You and Fern both were.” She winced. “I hope I remembered to thank you, but I canna remember.”
Doreen’s lovely hazel eyes softened. “You did, child. And you had nothing to thank us for. We were glad to help.” Her cheeks brightened. “I’m mighty glad you are doing better now.”
“Me too.”
“How are you sleeping?”
She’d been plagued by nightmares the first couple of nights. “Better.”
“I’m glad.” Doreen released a sigh. “Well, I suppose this must be done, though I must admit to being a little sad.”
“What must be done?”
Doreen picked up her tote, dug around at the bottom, and finally pulled out a needlepoint heart about the size of Bumble’s paw. “I need to give you this, Leanna,” she added as she placed it in her hand.
Confused, Leanna looked down at the heart, running a finger over the fine stitches in pink wool. Then she read the word stitched into the design. Farewell.
“Farewell? I don’t understand.”
“Farewell is a very old word. It comes from the Old English word faran, which means journey.”
“I’m sorry, but that still makes no sense to me. I’m not going anywhere.”
“You’re moving on, Leanna. Unless I’m mistaken, handsome Evan Keim is going to marry you soon, and you’ll be on a new journey in life. Far too busy—and attached—to be a member of the Amish Widows Club.”
“I have to leave it?” She’d been kind of hoping that wasn’t the case.
“Jah. I’m afraid so. We’re not a group for married women, as I said.”
“I hope we can still be friends.”
“Oh, for sure and for certain,” Doreen said. “But things will be different, I think.”
“I feel like I should apologize. The group has given me back laughter and joy. The friends I made there are special to me.” Feeling like her words were too simple to convey the complexity of her emotions, she sniffed.
“You are too, Doreen. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t come over that day. ”
“It’s been my pleasure to get to know you better.
And please, don’t say you’re sorry for falling in love.
No apologies are allowed for following your heart.
You’re doing what you should do, I think.
” Looking even more flustered, Doreen stood up.
“Now, if you will excuse me, I have another visit to make. This one of a much different sort, if you get my drift.”
“I do. I hope this woman you’re visiting enjoys it as much as I have.”
“We’ll see.” Looking troubled, she said, “This widow is awfully young. She has a daughter too. I hope the widows will be able to give the support she needs.”
Before Leanna could respond, Doreen reached out, patted her cheek, then turned around and left.
Leanna didn’t get up. The right thing to do was to let Doreen leave on her own. Besides, hearing her front door close felt like it was closing another part of her life.
Holding the small heart in her hands, she ran a finger along the inscription. Thought about how the next part of her life as Mrs. Keim would probably have some hills and valleys too. Much like a journey should.
She wasn’t sure how long she sat there. Maybe too long? Because next thing she knew, there was another knock on her door.
Finally getting to her feet, she made her way over to open it.
And then was caught up in Evan’s arms. She held on as he twirled her in a sweet, slow circle. “What was that for?” she asked as he gently set her back on her feet.
“No real reason. I just was anxious to see my pretty fiancée,” he said as he leaned down and kissed her waiting lips. Kissed her like he was short of breath and she was the air he needed to breathe.
When he finally lifted his head, she was the one gasping. But that didn’t matter because she was back in his arms. Holding on. Holding on tight.
She had Evan to hold on to.
And that was the best feeling of all.