by Jane Josephs
“Thanks, Ginny.” Alison turned to her aunt.
“Oh, my, would you look at that?”
Alison followed her aunt’s gaze. Nick and Richie were cantering around the riding ring opposite each other in a figure-eight pattern. “Those guys are Ginny’s sons, Nick and Richie. And the horses are Quarter Horses. Sam, short for Samson, is at the far end of the ring, and Max is closest to us.” She chuckled. “Or, at least he was. Now he’s on the right. Not sure what Max’s full name is. I was taking riding lessons from the guys before the accident.”
“Good for you. I seem to remember your grandmother telling me that you love horses. I often wondered why you didn’t ride or have your own horse.”
“I’m too much of a city girl, I guess. Plus, Mom was against it. Probably because I fell off a horse in front of her one time. It wasn’t pretty. And then I got busy with other things.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re fulfilling that dream now. I hope you won’t let the accident keep you from getting back on a horse.”
Alison nodded. “I know that’s what you’re supposed to do. Nick told me he hopes I’ll give Mae another chance. She’s the horse I was riding when I got thrown.”
The sliding door opened. “Here’s your coffee.” Ginny set a tray with two mugs of coffee on the table. “Have a nice visit, and just give a shout if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Ginny. This is perfect.” Alison picked up her mug and rested it on the arm of her wheelchair.
“Before I forget, Alison, I brought you something.” Grace reached into the bag she’d put by her feet and lifted out a well-worn book. “It’s your grandmother’s Bible.”
Alison started, almost spilling her coffee. She stared at the book, seeing the tattered pages and worn cover. She’d never seen her grandmother reading it. But she obviously had, many times. “When, ah, where?”
“It was in the drawer of Kate’s nightstand. I found it the day we came to take the first crack at clearing out the house. I meant to ask you then if you wanted it, but you’d gone out to the store, and then I just forgot. All day yesterday I kept getting this nudge to find it and bring it to you. Would you like to have it?”
Alison set down her coffee. “I’d love to have it. That is, if you don’t want it.”
“I have dozens of Bibles, honey, so I would love for you to have this one.”
Alison reached for the book with her good hand and placed it on her lap. She shook her head, a bit befuddled. “So, Grandma Kate was a Christian?” Her eyes welled with tears and she blinked them away. How had she not known?
“Oh, yes. It took her several months to get there, but one day she called to tell me she’d made Jesus her Lord. In the last couple of years, she was an avid student of the Bible. Her coffee time with Jesus, she called it.”
“Why didn’t she tell me?”
Grace shrugged. “I thought she had. I know she prayed for you constantly. But maybe the time was never right. Or she didn’t know how to share her faith story. For a lot of people religion is a private matter, you know? Not to be discussed around the dinner table. When Kate went off to college, I remember her telling me that she didn’t have any use for religion, or the church. Thought it was full of hypocrites. She always lived a Christian lifestyle, of course. Was one of the best, most kindhearted and generous people I’ve ever known. But she didn’t believe in God for many years.”
Grace picked up her coffee and took several sips before setting it down and piercing Alison with gentle gray eyes. “But enough about our dear Katie. What about you, Alison? What are your thoughts on God?”
Alison’s stomach lurched. “It’s funny you should ask that. Up until a couple of months ago, I didn’t give God a second thought. Or if I did, it wasn’t a good thought. I was mad about Mom finding religion and ditching Dad, so I refused to see religious beliefs or believing in God or becoming a Christian as anything positive. I didn’t think I needed God in my life. Then I joined CrossFit. And met Nick.” Alison shrugged, a smile escaping. “He and his friends are all Christians. And his family, too, of course.”
“And now you’re curious about it, huh?”
“Well, yeah. I guess I am. And starting to think there’s something to it. Did Mom tell you that Dad’s with her on this trip to Israel? I think they’re working on getting back together. And Dad’s totally changed. Even he’s talking about God now.”
Grace threw back her head and smiled a sigh. “Yes, Susan told me Alan was going with her to Israel. Totally shocked me. Seems like something good is happening with them, doesn’t it? I know your grandmother never gave up hoping that your mother’s decision to follow Christ, which totally upset and angered her at the time, would work out for the best. I think Susan’s conversion might have been the catalyst that got Kate researching Christianity for herself. You know, a ‘prove her daughter-in-law wrong’ kind of thing.” She shook her head. “Didn’t happen. Katie found the truth instead.”
~ ~ ~
Nick dismounted and led Sam to the water trough outside the barn door. “Drink your fill, bud, then you’ve got the day off to loaf.” He patted the horse on the neck, lifted the stirrup and began uncinching the saddle. But out of the corner of his eye he glanced at the veranda, curious. While he and Richie had been working the horses, Alison and another woman had come out on the porch. They were still there talking.
“Looks like Alison’s got company,” Richie said, leading Max to the trough. He stared up at the veranda. “Wonder who?”
Nick shrugged. “She’ll most likely be gone by the time we’re done with Mae and Lucy. You can always ask Ma. Or go up there and see for yourself, if you’re so curious.” He headed into the barn with Sam’s saddle, his own curiosity eating at him. “But first, I’ll get us a couple of brushes.”
Inside in the tack room, Nick stored the saddle on its post and turned to the pail that held their supply of curry combs and brushes. Richie’s water bottle sat on the work table, reminding him that he’d filled his own bottle, then forgot it in the house. Nick bit back a smile. Looked like he’d get a chance to meet Alison’s visitor after all. Grabbing two brushes, he headed out of the tack room.
~ ~ ~
Alison’s stomach lurched, and her breath caught. Nick was coming up the hill from the barn. How was it that even after a week of living in his house, the sight of him could make her go weak all over?
“Hi, Alison, ma’am.” Nick looked at his hands and back at Grace. “Let me wash up first before we shake. I’m Nick Reid, by the way.”
“This is my Aunt Grace,” Alison said. “From Sacramento. She and my Uncle Pete want to take us out to eat tonight.”
Grace smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Nick. Your brother and you make horseback riding seem so easy. I’m amazed.”
Nick shrugged. “Well, thanks. Richie and I, well, we’ve been riding all our life, so to us it is easy. But I’m glad you enjoyed watching.” He glanced at Alison. “I’m hoping to get Alison back in the saddle in a few more weeks.”
“Don’t be a bully.” Alison laughed. “I’ll let you know when I’m ready. If I’m ready.”
“Got it.”
“Do you have a favorite place to eat?” Grace asked.
He turned back to her. “Well, yeah, we usually just go to the café downtown, especially when Ma wants a break from cooking. It’s not fancy but the food’s good. And they’ve got these huge cinnamon rolls. A half-pound each. We always bring a couple of them home for Sunday breakfast.”
Grace nodded. “How about homemade pies?”
“Not sure if they make them there or get them from Julian, which is famous for the Julian Pie Company. But either way, they’re good.” Nick lifted his hands again and glanced at Alison. “Well, I’ll just get washed up and get my water bottle. I forgot it this morning in the house. Nice to meet you
, Aunt Grace.” He tipped up his ball cap, then settled it again. “Do you need anything from the house? Either of you?”
Grace shook her head. “Nothing for me.”
“I think we’re fine. But thanks.”
Nick shifted his weight. “Oh, by the way, I almost forgot. Tony and Kayla want to come over later for cards.” He looked from Alison to Grace. “If that won’t mess up dinner plans, that is.”
“We can eat early if you want. Maybe five-thirty?” Grace said. “Pete and I can’t do late dinners anymore anyway.” She laughed. “We’re usually in bed by nine.”
“I’m not far behind that myself,” Nick said and looked back at Alison.
“Five-thirty sounds good to me for dinner. Say, maybe eight for Kayla and Tony?” Her CrossFit friend had called a couple of times, but it hadn’t worked out yet for her to come for a visit. Hearing that she was coming reminded Alison of how antsy she’d been feeling. Maybe tonight she could talk Nick into helping her figure out an exercise routine. And if he had to touch her to keep her steady, that wouldn’t be so bad, would it? Alison barely caught herself from laughing.
“I’ll text Tony then.” He turned toward the house. “I’ll just get my water and leave you two to talk.”
“Such a nice young man,” Grace said, her gaze following Nick for several moments before she turned back and squinted at Alison. “Just tell me if it’s none of my business, but did I hear your mother say you two are dating?”
Alison started as the screen door opened.
“Yes, we are,” Nick said as he skirted around them and headed back down the hill with his water bottle. A few steps later, he turned, walked backward, and saluted her.
“Oh!” Alison’s heart leaped into her throat and her breath came out as a gasp.
Grace leaned in. “Why do I get the feeling that you’re more than a little surprised by Nick’s answer?”
Alison shook her head, her stomach rioting. Did she dare hope that Nick wanted to get back together? That he had forgiven her? All week he’d been kind and gracious. But he hadn’t touched her or tried to talk to her about anything more than what board game they should play or movie she wanted to watch. What had he meant, saying they were dating?
“Alison?” Aunt Grace patted her knee. “If you want to talk about it, I’ll be glad to listen.”
Alison sighed. “That’s just what Grandma Kate would have said, you know? And just what I need, I guess.”
“I could never be to you all that she was, honey. But I want you to know that I care and I’m here to help if I can.”
For the next half hour, while Nick exercised Mae, Alison poured out the story of their fight, the circumstances with Emma that led to it, and the fall out afterwards. As promised, Grace listened attentively, occasionally asking a question or two to help her understand the problem.
“I’ve spent all week thinking—and yes, praying, although I’m not sure who I’m praying to—about how poorly I handled the whole abortion issue. I’d never choose it for myself. But in Emma’s situation, it just seemed like the best option. And why, when it’s legal, wouldn’t Nick at least talk with me about it? Are all Christians like that?”
“No, no. Like many other issues, people are on both sides, and many have very strong opinions. Personally, I’m pro-life. But opinions aside, it sounds to me as if you pushed a very hot button somewhere in Nick. Just from meeting him a few minutes ago, I’d say he’s kind-of laid back. But if something happened . . .” She held up her hand. “I’m not saying it did. And I’m not judging or condemning you for what you wanted to do for Emma, Alison. Please believe me about that. But now that you and Nick are under the same roof, you need to find a time and talk this thing out. If he says you’re dating, he must have his reasons. How can you have any peace of mind until you find out what they are?”
“I know. You’re right. Peace. I need it desperately. But I guess I’m just scared.” She sighed. “I love Nick. I can’t help it. He’s everything I ever wanted in a guy. Before this whole thing with Emma happened, we were so happy. He’s the most fun I’ve ever had with a man.” Her chin quivered, and she sniffed. “I just want him back, you know?”
“I know, honey. Love is hard sometimes. But it also endures. Don’t give up, okay? Nick gave you an open door to talk today. Be brave and walk through it. God’s got something good for you on the other side.”
“Thanks, Aunt Grace. That’s good advice, I know.” Alison licked her lips. “Do you remember, a few minutes ago. You know, you asked me about my thoughts on God? Well, just so you know, since meeting Nick, and getting to know him and his family, I’ve been reading the Bible. Or trying to read it as least. I can’t say it’s been easy. I feel like I need a lot of help.” She shook her head. “It turns out that even my friend Lisa from Berkeley is a Christian. She said to start with the Gospel of John.”
“That’s perfect. Get to know Jesus, honey. The rest will start to make sense. And ask Nick to help you, okay?”
“Swallow my pride? Is that what you’re saying?”
“Something like that.”
Alison huffed out a deep breath of acquiescence. “Okay, I’ll try.” She lifted Grandma Kate’s Bible off her lap. “I know it sounds crazy, but just holding this brings her back to me.”
“Not crazy at all. The Bible talks about us being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Katie’s one of them now. Dancing with the saints in glory!”
Chapter 28
Nick stepped back, waiting with his brother and mother for Alison to say her goodbyes to her aunt and uncle. “Ready to go?”
Alison glanced at him. “Yes. Thanks.” She waved a final goodbye.
At her nod, Nick wheeled her to the side of his truck and set the brake. He lifted Alison onto the seat and helped her with the seat belt while Richie got in the other side. “You have a nice family. It was nice of them to make the trip.”
“I know. I’m glad you think so, too.”
Ten minutes later, Nick shut off the engine. He got out and opened Alison’s door, then reached in the truck bed for her wheelchair.
“You didn’t each much at dinner. Weren’t you hungry?” Doing his best to shut down the sensations that holding her against his chest brought on, he sat her down in the chair, walked around behind her, and released the brake.
“It’s not that. It’s just that I’m still not very skilled with my left hand. I should have ordered something I could pick up easily.”
“Or asked for help cutting your chicken?” Nick nodded at Richie. “Thanks for getting the door.” He pushed the chair past Richie into the living room and checked his watch. “We’ve got a half hour before Tony and Kayla should be here. I’ll set up the card table. You want Ma to take you to the bathroom?”
Alison rolled her eyes at him. “Thanks for reminding me what a baby I am. I’m fine. For now.”
Nick squatted down in front of her and scanned her face. “You’re tired, aren’t you? Are you in pain? Want me to call Tony and reschedule?” He took her hand. “We can always play cards another time.”
“No, no, I’m fine.”
Nick stood up. “Okay then.” He stepped back.
Alison grinned up at him. “It’s just, well, do you think I could try a bite of your cinnamon roll? Please? Now?”
Nick busted out laughing. “How did I not see that coming?” He wheeled her chair into the kitchen. “Ma, don’t bother putting my cinnamon roll in the cabinet. Someone here wants a taste.”
“Oh, and can you warm it in the microwave? Just a few seconds.”
“Anything else, your Highness?” Nick took the pastry from his mother and unwrapped it. The rich aroma of cinnamon wafted up as he scooped a smidge of icing off the side and licked it off his finger. “Want some milk with that? A cup of decaf?” He held out the dinner pl
ate with the roll for her to inspect. “I’m only sharing a slice of this, you know.”
Alison pointed to the finger he had licked. “Can I taste that icing, too?”
Nick clamped down hard on his rioting nerves, scooped a generous blob of icing onto his finger and waved his hand in front of Alison. Too late he jerked back when she grabbed his wrist and claimed her prize.
“Whoa, lady. No biting!”
“Mmmm . . .” Alison released his wrist and licked her lips. “If that roll is as good as the icing, I could eat half the thing without bothering to come up for air.”
Nick washed his hands and turned to the microwave, heat rioting throughout his body. “The things I do for you.” He chuckled under his breath and punched a button on the microwave.
“I heard that,” Alison half shouted, half laughed.
Nick looked around. “Where’d Richie go? And Ma?”
She shrugged her good shoulder. “I think they took their cinnamon rolls and ran.”
“Why didn’t I think of that?” He pulled the roll out of the oven and sliced off a wedge for Alison. “Want me to fork feed you, too?”
Alison batted her eyelashes at him. “Ah, Nick, would you do that for me? You’re the best.” She spoiled her act by laughing and shaking her head. “Don’t you dare! But I would appreciate it, if you’d cut it into bite-size pieces for me. And then make some decaf. Or are we drinking beer with Tony and Kayla?”
“Someone’s got their second wind,” Nick said, setting Alison’s share of his cinnamon roll on the table. He cut it as she had requested, then turned her wheelchair around. “I’ll make the decaf in a second. Two beers are the limit per person tonight. And the party ends at eleven.” He crossed to the counter, cut himself a thin slice of the roll, and came back to the table to sit with her.
