Magnolia Storms

by Janet W. Ferguson

  The bed had been made with fresh sheets. His heart both raced and broke as he imagined Maggie sleeping here. He ran his fingers across the comforter, and he sucked in a deep breath, hoping to find a hint of sweet perfume lingering.

  It was missing. Gone. Like she would be soon enough.

  Regret swarmed over him. Life was so messy in the first place, but he seemed to keep making his into a landfill. He opened the computer and waited for it to boot. The file with a list of babysitter and nanny recommendations was still in his documents. He’d email his real estate agent about finding a house and then set up appointments for nanny interviews starting Monday.

  His phone vibrated with a call. The number wasn’t in his contacts, but it could be important. “Hello.”

  “Joshua, this is Sylvia Daigle. Ruth gave me your number. She said Maggie had gone to the hospital.”

  “Yes, ma’am. The soup you brought was delicious. Thank you.”

  “Oh good. I was glad to help. My grandmother swore by that recipe. Said it would cure most ailments. It’s a special recipe.”

  “Everyone seems to be feeling better.” He waited for the purpose of the call, if there was one.

  “Before I forget, what time do I need to be at the store on Friday for the sale? I’ve cleared my schedule after Thanksgiving, and I’m ready to work for as long as Cammie needs me. Or Maggie, I should say.”

  What time would they open? Some stores had early hours for Black Friday. “We haven’t discussed it. I wonder what the other businesses on the street have planned. Cammie would probably follow their lead.”

  “I’ll look at the ads and send you a text. Oh, and will there be refreshments? Most of the stores on the street will offer them for shoppers.”

  “No clue. I—”

  “Don’t worry about a thing. I know the wife of the owner of the bakery across the street from the shop. I’ll call her and set something up. It’ll be fine. You take care of that precious little boy, and I’ll take care of everything.”

  “Thanks.”

  They ended the call, and he tossed the phone on the nightstand. Maggie had some good help now. She might not need him at all.

  “WE’RE HERE.” MAGGIE parked in the hospital lot, white-knuckling the steering wheel before exiting. She’d barely slept the night before, and today she was apprehensively making good on her promise to bring Dahlia and Aunt Ruth for the Thanksgiving lunch and a visit. The sight of Cammie so weak the night before had left Maggie’s fragile faith in tatters again. The oxygen mask wrapped around her sister’s face, her pale complexion. As if Cammie hadn’t looked bad enough before the pneumonia.

  “I can’t wait to see Mama.” Dahlia’s sweet face looked hopeful, despite the heart-to-heart they’d had before leaving the house. The ten-year-old had taken the news hard when she and her aunt had explained Cammie’s condition more fully.

  Maggie bit her tongue. She wouldn’t dampen her niece’s hope, but she continued a somber trek inside the building.

  Lord, I could use some help with Dahlia today.

  At least, J.D.’s prayers had been answered about the storm. The hurricane had weakened to a tropical storm, only flash flooding near drainage ditches and branches covering the ground. Things could’ve been so much worse.

  Maggie clasped Dahlia’s hand as they entered the ICU. Dr. Castro led them back with his usual warmth, encouraging Dahlia not to worry. But from the looks of it, the man hadn’t slept since Cammie’d arrived.

  As they entered through the glass door, Cammie smiled. The oxygen mask had been removed, and Cammie held out one arm to her daughter. “Come give me a hug.”

  Hesitant, Dahlia approached slowly. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “Pull up a chair and hold my hand if you feel more comfortable.”

  Once Dahlia sat, Cammie directed her gaze to Maggie. “Can you give us some time alone?”

  “I’ll be in the waiting area.” Should she have that mask off? Had she removed it to make Dahlia more at ease?

  Back in the very-familiar lounge, a few families huddled in various corners. The Thanksgiving Day parade captured Aunt Ruth’s attention. She smiled when she noticed Maggie taking a seat beside her. “How’s our girl?”

  “She wanted to talk to Dahlia alone.”

  “Needed to be done. Sweet Dahlia.”

  “Yeah.” How hard would that conversation be? The situation was difficult enough on the adults. Kids shouldn’t have to go through tough times like these. Maggie’s mind traveled to J.D. How had Josh explained when the adorable child’s mother had left them? The child had to have asked for his mother. It must’ve been heartrending for Josh.

  As if summoned, the man appeared with his son wrapped in his arms.

  “Miss Maggie!” Struggling to get down, a sweet smile lit up J.D.’s face. Once free from his father’s arms, he ran to her, stopping at her knees. “Where’s the turkey?”

  Josh didn’t look her way but stood just inside the doorway, his attention focused on the giant floating bird on the TV screen.

  “Well, happy Thanksgiving to you, too.” Rumpling J.D.’s hair, she flashed a smile. “The food will be here soon.” She hoped, for all their sakes, since they had nothing else prepared. The savory aroma drifting through the hospital seemed promising, though. Much better than the normal smells here.

  J.D. scrambled onto her lap and curled a strand of her hair around one of his fingers. He had her heart wrapped in a similar fashion. Only with a tighter grip. “What are we gonna do while we wait? Go to the store?”

  Of course, he remembered her buying things to occupy him from the gift shop last time he was here. “It’s closed for the holiday. Sorry.” She motioned toward the TV. “There’s a parade on. They have a ton of really neat floats people make with lots of huge balloons.”

  He focused his attention on the screen. “Is that Snoopy?”

  “It is.”

  “Wow.” Entranced, he slipped from her lap and walked closer to the TV.

  Would Josh get annoyed that she’d started the preoccupation with the show? She had no idea whether he limited television watching or allowed the indulgence, but the distraction worked at the moment.

  “Josh.” Aunt Ruth’s voice wobbled. “Don’t stand there like a stranger. Come sit down and join us.”

  Blast it, if her aunt wasn’t going to start the matchmaking again.

  The door swung open to the waiting area, and Dahlia ran out, tears streaming down her face.

  Josh stepped toward her, and Dahlia went to him and threw her arms around his waist. Her petite shoulders shook. Poor baby.

  Maggie rose, but Josh caught her gaze and shook his head. “I’m going to take Dahlia for a walk. You got J.D.?”

  “Sure.” Dahlia had run to Josh instead of her or Aunt Ruth. Maggie glanced at J.D., still staring at the parade. He’d taken to her, too, though, even saying he loved her. The children seemed to look for a piece that was missing from their lives that they craved. J.D., a mother, and Dahlia, a father.

  And where Josh could never force her to unlock the bars around her heart, J.D. had barreled through. Barreled through and latched on as much as if she’d given birth to the child.

  As she sat staring at the beauty that was J.D., the realization dawned. Even though she craved a father to replace the one she lost, she hadn’t allowed God to fill that void. Though she’d served God, she’d not trusted and really loved Him as she should have since her father died. She’d become even more distant from God after the loss of her mother. If someone else she loved died, would she lose her faith as well? Another painful lash, and she might close the door forever.

  But yet, here she was. Cammie injured, Dahlia hurting, Josh lonely, and a little boy needing her as a mother. A scripture sprang to her mind.

  In this world you will have trouble. But take heart. I have overcome the world.

  Take heart. The words her mother had said. The truth stared her in the face. Take heart. Not hide heart. Was that what sh
e was supposed to do now?

  Take heart.

  A rolling cart rumbled through the door, and two ladies dressed in white unloaded trays.

  “Can I help?” Maggie rose and made her way over. “Or I can move and let you do your thing. Your call.”

  “You jump on in with both feet. The water’s fine.” One of the cafeteria workers grinned, revealing a gold tooth with a heart in the middle.

  Good one, Lord. Stifling a chuckle, Maggie pitched in as every few moments, more deliveries arrived. It was a feast to be thankful for.

  WAS HE BEING SELFISH with his career choice? Holding Dahlia’s hand, Josh walked back toward the ICU waiting area. He’d been able to comfort her a bit and pray with her. But she needed a parent. Needed her mother to get well. Needed a father. Family needed each other to be there.

  Maybe that was why Trisha had left him. His weeks away on the boat.

  No. Trisha left J.D., too. His ex-wife had deep issues. But still. He’d never considered giving up piloting. Until all this. Between going over a list of childcare workers and scouring the internet for a new place to live, the thought had crossed his mind. Maybe he could teach at one of the piloting schools. He could work tugs in Gulfport. He’d still work some nights, but he wouldn’t be out for two weeks.

  Back in the waiting area, the aroma of turkey, dressing, and trimmings seemed to perk Dahlia up. She released his hand in favor of admiring the dessert table. If only food could lift his spirits that way.

  Medical staff and a few other tired-looking families milled around.

  “If everyone would gather in a circle and take hands, we’ll say a prayer and get started with the feast.” A man with a cleric collar stood, arms stretched. “If you have a specific prayer request, speak up.”

  For a moment no one spoke, and an uncomfortable silence descended.

  “I do.” Maggie’s voice was soft, and the dark circles under her eyes pricked Josh’s conscience. He’d added to her burdens by being here. “I’d like you to pray that my sister, Cammie, regains use of her legs and that the pneumonia is healed.”

  The priest nodded. “Indeed, I will.”

  Emboldened by Maggie, others added their concerns, a few even more tragic than those of the Maroviches’.

  Sniffles travelled the room as the prayer ended. This would be a tough holiday for many families.

  Dahlia reappeared at his side. “Want to go through the line with me? Looks like J.D.’s going with Aunt Maggie.”

  “Sure. I’m with you, kid.” He gave her a smile and tweaked her nose.

  A young doctor stood with a girl Dahlia’s age near the table. The dark-haired man turned to face them. “Dahlia, I’d like you to meet my daughter, Anna.”

  The girls exchanged shy smiles and hellos.

  “Anna’s in fifth grade. I thought you might like someone to talk to other than us old folks.”

  A slight interest lifted Dahlia’s gaze. “I’m in fifth grade, too.”

  “Where do you go to school?” Anna asked.

  The girls began chattering, so Josh turned his attention to Maggie. His son hung from her hip, talking nonstop, and she somehow filled plates for the two of them. Women were naturals at multitasking. Like they had two brains and octopus arms.

  “I’m Dr. Castro.” The doctor extended his hand.

  “Josh Bergeron.” Josh gave him a firm shake.

  “Josh, are you related to Cammie?” Dr. Castro’s focus was intense.

  “A longtime friend of the family, and Cammie babysits my son while I’m working. Well, she did.”

  “Ah.” Something akin to relief lifted the doctor’s lips into a smile. “Single parent?”

  Quick deduction. Josh nodded. “Part of the club.”

  “Me too. I get it. What do you do for a living?”

  The question he normally loved answering. But at this moment... “I’m a ship pilot.”

  “Fascinating career and a hard one to break into. What’s it like out there on the water every day?”

  That peaceful feeling he always got when he visualized his boat washed over him, the sea, the sky, the wind on his face. “Some days and nights it’s so beautiful I can’t believe I get paid to do what I do. Out on the Gulf, dolphins play in the ship’s wake. So much wildlife—sea turtles, huge jumping manta rays, sea birds like pelicans, gulls, osprey. I’ve seen unbelievable meteor showers and full moons. All types of interesting vessels, including the most modern passenger ships, vehicle carriers, and warships. I've piloted sailing ships and ships that can submerge themselves to carry other ships or oil platforms aboard for transit. I meet people from all over the world.”

  “Sounds amazing.” Dr. Castro bobbed his head. “There’s got to be a downside. I mean, I love what I do. The human body itself is a miracle, and trying to save people or help them walk again, it’s certainly fulfilling. But...” He glanced at Dahlia and Anna. “Some days tear my heart out.”

  Josh’s stomach took a dive. Yes, he understood what the doctor was saying. As wonderful as the job was, there was an ugly side to the sea at times. The part that Maggie hated. “Yeah. I’ve searched for bodies from sunken vessels. Been in fog where I couldn’t see my hands in front of me and storms so rough, I thought there was no pay worth being out there. A bad day at my office could end up on the news.”

  “Sounds akin to what it’s like for me, but on a grander scale.”

  “Luckily, I haven’t had a bad day like that. Let me rephrase that. Thank God I haven’t had a day like that.”

  Sadness lined the doctor’s face, aging him. “Happens all too often here.”

  Worry for Maggie and her family took hold in Josh’s chest, and he pivoted to look for them. Dark eyes met his as Maggie stood only a foot away. When had she walked up? A pained expression tensed her lips. Had she been listening to their conversation? She’d never wanted to be around him in the first place, much less hear about piloting. Everything he did seemed to make life worse for her.

  “J.D. needs a bathroom, and I didn’t know if you wanted to or I...”

  “Got it. Thanks.” He searched her face for some clue as to what she’d heard and what she was thinking.

  “Daddy, I hafta go.”

  “Okay, son.” He took J.D. from her arms, never breaking from her gaze.

  As soon as they finished with the luncheon, he’d pack their things, and they’d get out of Maggie’s way. Somehow he’d find a new place to live and someone to watch J.D. He’d caused Maggie enough pain for a lifetime.

  Chapter 23

  HEARING JOSH DESCRIBE his job to Dr. Castro—the look on his face, the passion in his voice, the picture he created—cut a gash in Maggie’s heart. She’d listened to the same sorts of stories from her father. As if the Gulf was in their blood, as if life was monotonous without at least half of their days spent on the sea. Maggie understood. She’d loved the water, too.

  Before.

  The feel of the hot sand shifting under her feet, the wind whipping her hair when they sailed out to the barrier islands. Josh’s tanned arms around her.

  No. She had to stop this train of thought or the emotion clogging her throat would engulf her.

  Sure, a part of her missed those days in the sun...understood her father and Josh’s love of the Gulf. But the other part couldn’t forget the sheer devastation of the storm surge that had ripped through their town then carried homes and lives back out to sea. The wreckage, the chaos...the funerals. She hadn’t been the only one to give up on the area for good.

  Josh emerged from the restroom with his son, and realization poured over her as she watched him give the boy an aye, aye, captain salute. The truth was that Josh would never be fulfilled if he gave up his career. Especially if he gave up piloting because someone, like her, badgered him into quitting. Her gaze traveled out the window to the skies, blue now. But only a couple of days ago, the gusting variable winds had made havoc with the branches of the nearby trees.

  Another truth nagged Maggie. Dr. Castro
had been so excited about the small bit of progress Cammie had made. This was going to be a really long recovery. A leave of absence from the Weather Service wasn’t going to cut it. And Dahlia and Cammie and Aunt Ruth needed their friends and the church community to help them heal. Maggie’s breath halted with the realization. If she truly loved them, she had to give up the safety of Jackson and come take care of them all.

  Lord, please give us two miracles. No, three. Let Cammie walk, heal her from the pneumonia, and give me the courage to move back here. For Cammie, Dahlia, Aunt Ruth, and J.D. They need me. And we all need You. Amen.

  Maggie inhaled deeply. She could do this. Refocusing on her food, she nibbled at the turkey and savory dressing. The caterers had done well. Better than she would have at home. She could never get the turkey quite right, not like her mother had. Once she’d eaten a bite of each menu item, she stacked Aunt Ruth and Dahlia’s plates with her own and crossed the room toward the garbage can. She eyed Josh, who was slipping out the door with J.D. Why was he leaving without telling them? After tossing the plates, Maggie strode after him. He and J.D. were halfway down the hall.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Her voice came out sharper than she’d intended, but the pounding in her chest made it harder to control her tone. What would make him sneak away without saying goodbye? Had something else terrible happened? The food roiled in her stomach.

  The crinkles in his forehead showed his surprise and confusion. And a flash of something else seemed to touch his gaze but disappeared before she could identify it. Fear maybe, or remorse? “Thought I’d scoot out with J.D. and pack up...take him on a trip to get out of your hair.”

  “Pack up? Get out of my hair?” No. That little boy had ingrained so deeply in her heart and her head these past few days. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “This was a bad idea. I’m sorry I...never should’ve moved next door to—”

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” Now he was giving up? Desperation turned to a simmering steam of anger boiling through her whole body, and Josh had popped the cork. “You’re not jumping ship. If you try to skip town, you’re gonna find the full-blown wrath of Magnolia Marovich after you like you’ve never experienced before.” How dare the man think he could desert them? Again. And this time there was a little boy in the picture. She’d be blown away in a hurricane before she’d let this sweet, blue-eyed angel suffer the consequences.