by Gay N. Lewis
“Did ya ever see anything so fancy?” Sarah gazed upward at the crystal chandelier.
“Not in a ranch home. If the rest of this house is as spectacular as this, it should be pictured in a magazine. We’d better remove our wet shoes.”
They placed footwear and coats in the closet, and then Sarah in white socks and Emily with bare feet waited for Josiah.
He returned with a broad smile. “Ladies, Grandmother wants to welcome you and she’d like to meet you. Come on into the den. I’ll move the truck, then take you into her bedroom for y’all to say hello.”
Sarah and Emily trailed Josiah into a room behind the art gallery. A huge stone fireplace took up most of the space on the vestibule divider’s wall. Sarah drifted close to the cozy hearth while Emily inspected the rest of the magnificent chamber. The ceiling soared two stories and the room was filled with comfortable, brown leather furniture. The far glass wall opposite the fireplace had double doors opening to a courtyard. With the exterior light blazing, a tile floor and another wood burning fireplace could be seen highlighting the covered patio.
“Make yourselves at home. I’ll be right back.” Josiah nodded, stepped into the entry, retrieved his outside gear, and then strode from the house.
Sarah and Emily chose a sofa and sat close together.
“This is a perfect place to be stuck in a storm,” Sarah whispered and hoped Emily would copy her tone. No telling who Grandmother was or if she’d like them. What if she sent them packing?
“Remarkable how God provides,” Emily responded with a soft voice.
“He amazes me. The Great One always plans for us even if we aren’t aware of it.”
“This certainly has been a surprising day. I went to work this morning expecting to meet my fiancé for lunch, and here I am at midnight, sitting with strangers in an unexpected place.”
Sarah grinned. “Me too. I never know where God will place me next. I get teased from time to time. The Superiors often tell me they don’t know what I’ll do next in an unusual circumstance.”
Emily’s eyes widened. “I beg your pardon? I assumed you were retired. You have superiors who tease you?”
Sarah gulped. Poopty doopty. How did I forget my human disguise? I’m not talking to another angel friend. Emily is a human contact. “Oh, pshaw! Don’t ya know? The supervisors at the nursing home never know what to expect from me.”
“You live in a convalescent center?”
“No, no. I just visit ’em. Good place to meet eligible men, don’t ya know.”
Emily’s grin emerged. “I suppose so. Is that where you met the boyfriend in Dallas?”
“No. I drifted down to Dallas and conjured him up at a restaurant, but it didn’t last long. I don’t suit his style.”
Emily nodded. “At least you know why your guy wasn’t interested. I don’t know why mine broke our engagement.” She glanced at her hand. “Oh! I’ve still got the ring on.” She removed it and jammed the thing into her handbag as if it were a hot potato. “Maybe I’ll sell it when I get to Austin. I could use money and I don’t need an unwanted ring to remind me of a wretched day.” A tear escaped and Emily brushed it away.
“Well, dearie, you’ve got a marvelous idea there. The ring looks like it will bring more than pocket money. Maybe ya can trade in Old Girl and get ya a new buggy.”
Emily nodded. “That’s exactly what I’ll do. The money should make a down payment on a decent vehicle, but I’ve got to get a job first.”
“Are ya gonna go back to Dallas?”
“I’ll have to live with my parents until I find work in Austin. Dad will take me to Dallas as soon as possible. I’ll get my deposit back and move my things to their house.”
“Sounds like ya got good parents.”
“I do. I should have stayed nearby. They didn’t want me to move away, but I got a job in Dallas and had to go.” Her voice cracked and she gulped. “It was an entry level position and barely paid a livable wage, that’s why I don’t have much money saved, but I felt it was an opportunity, so I took it. If I’d known the economy was going south, I’d have stayed home and looked for work in a different field. I’ve wasted a year of my life. I’m a failure—should have stayed in Austin.”
“Oh, not so, dearie. We all think we’re failures when bewildering stuff happens, but bad times aren’t always our fault. The sun shines down upon mankind, but we also get the rain showers too. Don’t ya know? It doesn’t matter if we’re rich, poor, young, old, good, or bad. Good times come to us, and so do the bad ones. It’s up to us to make the most of what the sun or rain brings our way.”
“You sound like a preacher.” Emily sniffed.
“Nah. I’m just an old lady who has been lost around the globe a few times. I haven’t learned all I should, but I keep working to be all Christ wants me to be.” Sarah closed one eye. “Hmmm, come to think of it, the Apostle Paul said something like that in the New Testament…somewhere around the third chapter in that book called Philippians.” Sarah shrugged. “If that faithful man could admit that he wasn’t perfect and needed help, we can too. Puts us in good company. And remember this—a lot of bad stuff came his way that wasn’t his doing. I expect it’s the same with you.”
Emily smiled. “You have a way of bringing comfort. You know that?”
Sarah knew her smile must equal a thousand stars in brightness. Hearing words of encouragement from an earthling? How about those apples? “Thank ya, honey.”
Josiah came into the room from the rear of the house. “I’m back. It’s getting worse out there. This is an unbelievable freaky storm, especially in this part of the state. Talk about a real shocker, I’ve never seen anything like it. Texas isn’t known for whiteouts, but we’ve got one tonight.” He chuckled. “That is, if it’s possible to have total white in the midst of absolute black. I guess we have an oxymoron out there.”
Emily smiled. “I suppose so.”
Sarah furrowed her brows. “You found an ox and someone you call a moron out there in this blizzard? Where are they? Shouldn’t we take care of ’em? Maybe bring ’em inside?”
Josiah and Emily howled with laughter.
Sarah widened her eyes. What did I say that sounds off-the-wall this time?
CHAPTER EIGHT
Josiah recovered first. “No, sorry, Miss Estella. That’s a figure of speech.” He coughed as he bit back more chuckles. “Are y’all ready to meet Grandmother?”
As Sarah stood, she made sure her knees creaked. “We’re looking forward to it.”
Emily joined Sarah and together, they followed Josiah into a hallway off the great room. He pointed to a bedroom as they walked by. “One of you can sleep in here, and the other one can have the next room—y’all choose. The linens are clean. Both have bathrooms so you don’t need to share one. Towels are in cabinets near the tubs. Grandmother is at the end of this hall.”
Josiah knocked on the door. “Grandmother?”
“Come in, Josiah, and bring our guests with you.”
Josiah opened the door and waited for Emily and Sarah to enter before him.
The room was furnished with dusty rose carpet, and a light shade of pink paint covered the walls. Fabrics of lavender, blue, and pink prints covered the bed and windows. A chair with matching fabric and ottoman sat in a corner. A huge field of Texas Bluebonnets hung on the wall behind the bed.
A beautiful woman with short, white hair and vibrant blue eyes sat propped against a stack of pillows. A dressing gown of white lace and satin accented her features. She could have been the perfect model for a magazine advertising prestigious sleepwear. An aura of peace surrounded her.
“Grandmother, this is Miss Estella and Emily. Ladies, this is my grandmother, Mrs. Edie Kenyan.” A look of chagrin came to his face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your last names when we met in the truck.” Josiah glanced from one guest to the other.
“I’m Emily Stanton. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Kenyan. Josiah rescued us from the blizzard. Thank you for shar
ing your hospitality with us.”
“I’m Estella McCloud. Happy to meet ya, and thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful home.”
Edie stared at Estella for a full minute before speaking. Her eyes sought out every detail of Sarah’s features.
Josiah frowned and Emily glanced at Sarah with questioning eyes.
Sarah fidgeted. Why hadn’t she made up a common name like Smith or Jones? McCloud popped into her head and she used it. She slept on clouds most of the time and tried to stay as true to her roots as possible, but it wasn’t always easy in these disguises. Why was Edie gaping at her? Did she look weird to the lady? Had she said something strange again?
“I like your unusual last name. Are you of Native American descent?”
“No, ’fraid not. I’m just a cloud person.”
Edie smiled. “I didn’t think you were of Native American blood. With a name like McCloud, maybe you are Irish?”
“No. I don’t think so.”
Edie folded her hands across her bosom. “No matter. I’m just curious. I hope you’ll make yourselves at home, and if you need anything, my sweet grandson will find it for you. We’ll breakfast together in the morning. I’m looking forward to hearing all about tonight’s adventure.”
Josiah stepped to the bedside and kissed his grandmother’s cheek. “Goodnight, Grandmother. Call me if you need anything.” He made sure a cell phone was close by on the night side table.
The trio walked away and Josiah closed the door. “Now, let’s get you two settled. I’ve brought your things in. Miss Estella, which bedroom do you want?”
“They both are lovely. I’ll take this one close to your grandmother. Okay with ya, Emily?”
Emily nodded. I’ll be next door.” She turned to Josiah. “I’ll help you bring in our things.”
“I’ll wait for you two in here.” Sarah waved and watched the couple retreat down the corridor. She then entered the bedroom designated for her and closed the door behind her. She’d give those two a chance to be alone, and then she needed to find ways to make sure they lingered in each other’s company. She could tell Josiah was interested in Emily—he’d wasted no time stealing glances at her. He’d taken a gander at her ring finger a few minutes ago, but she’d already removed the diamond. Had he noticed the ring earlier? Maybe not—she’d worn gloves off and on through the evening. Emily was attractive, wholesome and sweet, and Josiah saw it too. On the other hand, Emily was traumatized by the bizarre way her fiancé cancelled their engagement and she showed no romantic interest in Josiah. Sarah had to make her consider this handsome, gentleman cowboy. He was the one the Almighty intended for that kind female human. God often placed couples together, but it was up to them to work a relationship out and stay united. Other times, men and women got together without consulting the Creator—like James and Emily did before the Father obstructed the relationship. Sure hope I can think of something to make Emily and Josiah see they are right for each other.
Sarah glanced around at the serene room she’d chosen. The community areas and hallway of the home had hardwood floors, but the bedrooms were covered in carpet. Sarah dubbed this chamber the blue room. With flooring the color of Texas Bluebonnets and walls the color of fresh cream, a sense of peace filled Sarah to the core. Case goods stained in ivory and gold blended with the walls. The tray ceiling held a tranquil shade of navy with a brass and crystal chandelier hanging from the center. A chair and ottoman in shades of blue, wine-red, and cream appealed to her senses. Corresponding fabric adorned the windows. The attractive bedspread featured satin and lace in a solid cream color and attracted a weary traveler to crawl beneath it. A gigantic landscape of Texas Bluebonnets hung above the almond-colored bed.
“This is beautiful. Humans do a good job, but just wait till they get to The Heavenlies and see what God has prepared for them. It’ll boggle their artistic minds,” she murmured softly as she admired the surroundings.
Sarah walked to the bathroom and turned on water. If anyone knocked on the door, they’d think she was using the facilities. Now to become invisible and check on Emily and Josiah.
She found them placing Emily’s luggage in the bedroom.
Emily spoke as she gazed at the surroundings. “This is a beautiful room.”
Sarah nodded. It was a carbon copy of the one she was in.
“Grandmother loves the color blue—says it reminds her of spring time in Texas. She adores wildflowers.”
“But her room is in mostly shades of rose.”
“She also likes lavender mixed with blues and pinks.” Josiah shook his head. “I’m a brown man myself, but I wanted her to choose colors to make her happy.”
“Everything seems new. Have you lived here long?”
“About two years. My grandparents owned this spread and I’m inheriting it due to my grandfather’s death. It becomes officially mine after my grandmother passes, but I’m hoping that is years away. They lived in a smaller house up the way, but when Grandmother became ill, I moved back from Austin, built this house, and moved her into it. I spend most of my time as a rancher now but also continue my CPA practice from an upstairs office.”
“Moving back was thoughtful and generous.”
“Not really. I love my grandparents. They raised me from infancy. My parents were killed in a car crash on roads similar to the ones we were on tonight.”
Emily nodded. “No wonder you’re concerned about travelers. Your grandmother appears healthy now.”
Josiah nodded. “She has good and bad days. Today was a good one.”
The couple headed toward Sarah’s room. She darted back inside and turned off the water, and then stood peering through the wall as she listened to the couple.
“Estella’s bag is light. I hope she has everything she needs in here.” Emily lifted the bag as if it were a feather.
“If she doesn’t, we’ll find her something. She and Grandmother are about the same size. I think you said earlier that you two had just met?”
Emily sighed. “This has been the worst day of my life—oddest too.” Her face contorted into a grimace. “My car isn’t in the best of shape. Estella was stranded as she waited for a bus. I thought there was safety in numbers, so I invited her to ride with me.”
Josiah gave a low whistle. “Estella seems harmless, but I doubt she could help much if danger came along. And you’re right about your car. You have major repairs headed your way.”
“I was hoping my dad would set me up with a reputable mechanic. Those guys sometimes take advantage of women who don’t know much about vehicles.”
“Grandmother says the same thing.”
“Well, anyway, I mentioned I was going to Austin at a gas station. Estella heard me and requested a ride.”
“A perfect stranger in a store? Even though she looks harmless, you picked up someone who might hurt you and took her in?”
Emily choked as if a bite of food obstructed her breathing. “You did the same thing. In fact, you are letting us—two perfect strangers—sleep under your roof.”
Josiah chuckled. “I guess I did. Touché.”
“Besides, does Estella look as though she’s a mob boss for a gang of criminals?”
Josiah titled his head back, placed thumbs in his pockets, and narrowed his eyes. He seemed to be picturing Estella as a hooligan, and then he laughed heartily. “I see your point. No, that image doesn’t fit her. But she seems a little daffy at times—like asking me if I’d found an ox and a moron outside.” He grinned and two dimples appeared. “She also asked if I’d been kicked in the head by one of my horses.”
In midair above their heads, Sarah tapped her tiny foot. Ugh. Can I help it if I don’t understand all the phrases you humans use? She didn’t know much about human occupations either. What was a mob boss?
“She says strange things, but I assume it is because she’s from a different generation than we are. Would you believe she doesn’t know how to drive?”
“Seriously?”
> Emily absently rubbed her bare finger. “I think she’s just a sweet, older lady who hasn’t matured and doesn’t know all things adult.”
Josiah touched Emily’s shoulder. “Or maybe she’s from another planet.”
Emily scrunched her face and slugged his arm.
“Just kidding.” Josiah took a step back, but gave Emily a teasing smile as he did so.
Sarah blew out a frustrated breath.
CHAPTER NINE
Hearing a knock on the door, Sarah opened it to find Emily and Josiah grinning at her like naughty children.
“Here’s your luggage.” Emily handed the bag to Sarah.
“Thank ya, honey. If ya don’t mind, I’ll turn in, but if I were you two young’uns, I’d have a hot cup of cocoa before hitting the sack. ’Night, and thanks again, Josiah, for the rescue.” Sarah waved. “Toodle-oo.” She closed the door and then turned to peer through it to see if the couple would take her suggestion.
“Actually, hot chocolate sounds just the thing. You game?” Josiah offered his arm in an antiquated, gentlemanly fashion to Emily.
“Thanks, I’d love some. May I help?” Emily placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and the two began a saunter up the hallway.
“Sure. I’d like that. You can visit with me while I rustle us up some soup and crackers. I’m hungry. You?”
Emily nodded. “I’m not sure I’ve eaten today.”
An invisible, miniature angel followed them into a pristine kitchen.
The meal preparation area was a dream. Off the great room, it featured espresso-colored cabinets with cream granite counter tops. Stainless steel appliances completed the traditional look. A window over the sink looked out to the covered porch and the yard beyond, but at this moment, falling snow was the only sight to see.
“This is a beautiful kitchen. Do you do the cooking?” Emily took a seat at the island, and Josiah moved to the work areas.
Sarah floated to the far corner.
“Most of the time. I don’t do fancy stuff. Grill steak and bake potatoes, make hamburgers—that sort of thing. When grandmother feels like it, she prepares casseroles and that give us a variety.” Josiah assembled a pan, milk, sugar, and cocoa.
