“I was telling Lyon that I’ve invited both of you to go to Africa with me to see the marvelous mission work that’s being done there by our team.”
“I’d like to go this summer,” Rose blurted out. “I’m ready.”
“So would I,” said Lyon. “I’ve talked with the cardinal, and I can help design and build the new school.”
“Is there a space for the children to do art?” she asked. “I think I have some money from a certain sale that needs to be put to good use.”
Cardinal Baglioni put his hand on her shoulder. “You’ve made me very happy and proud tonight, Rose. But I’m not surprised. Currently, we have a one-room schoolhouse, but perhaps we could create a place for children to grow and learn in a good environment.”
“It would be a privilege for us to change that!” said Lyon.
The cardinal clapped his hands in joy. “Very good then. I think we’ll make a very good team.” He smiled warmly.
When the cardinal left to chat with another guest, Lyon said, “I’m really proud of you and this exhibition.”
“Thanks,” she replied.
“I can’t wait to work with the cardinal. Then, I’m going to take you on safari. Seeing the raw beauty of Africa and its people is going to change your life.”
“Really? I thought moving to Florence was the game changer.” She smiled. “Oh, I meant to say, moving to Florence and finding you.”
Lyon squeezed her hand. “True. But look at these beautiful canvases. Darling, I think it’s safe to say that you found yourself when you moved here!”
At that moment, Antonio came over and kissed her on both cheeks. He was thrilled with the exhibition and had been basking in the praise of his fellow artists and the media attention. Then, he turned to her and in heavily accented English said, “Well done, Rose! Together, we sent out a message of love and unity to our world.”
Rose savored his praise, taking in all that she had accomplished under his direction. She looked over at Cardinal Baglioni, who turned to her and said, “Rose, you and I were destined to meet. We can spread the message that love is love. We do not have to earn it. Everyone is entitled to it and it’s always there for us. Oh yes, I think this is just the beginning of our story.”
“Really?”
“Together, we can help others heal in our broken world.”
“I’d like that, Cardinal.”
Rose looked around her at the crowded exhibition, seeing the intertwined hands, and felt a sense of purpose. As if on cue, Lyon clasped her hand.
Acknowledgments
“The greatest danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark.”
~ Michelangelo
These words from the Master inspired me these last few years while I researched and wrote.
A heartfelt thank-you to my wonderful husband, Bagley, who has always supported my writing and my dreams. He was the one who encouraged me to write what I wanted to write, and this story came from my heart. My daughters, Ellie and Susanna, gave me great suggestions!
A special shout-out to my Sisters in the Word who helped me find that creative spark again. Thank you, Becky Page, for being my first reader and offering numerous suggestions. For dear sweet Dorothy, your courage and grace inspire me to write about God’s glory.
And cheers to my new friends at Koehler Books!
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