by Lynn Landes
“That is one of the best pies I’ve ever had, Mrs.?” The judge asks, shaking her hand.
“Ms. Coltrane and thank you, but I can’t take all the credit. It was my grandmother’s recipe passed down from her mother.”
The judges pull Anika to the table to have her picture taken with her pie and ribbon while the family watches. Glenn is surprised to find Dayton watching from the back of the tent. He makes his way to Dayton.
“What are you doing here, Patrick?”
“Don’t worry, Ward. I can see the way of things. You plan on making an honest woman of her?” He demands.
Does he? When the judge asked for her name, it irritated him to hear her give Saul's name. He grins at his friend, “If she'll have me. She could do better, but God brought us into each other's lives, and I plan on trusting him.”
“Good plan. Walk with me, Glenn.”
He follows him outside the tent. Dayton removes his hat and twists it nervously in his hand. “I’m just gonna come right out with it. I took the liberty of having a friend investigate Anika’s family.” He lifts a hand when Glenn startles.
“Let me finish. I knew her father, and it didn’t sit right with me that he left her penniless.” Dayton draws a stack of papers out that are folded. He offers it to Glenn. “This is a copy of her Father’s will. He left her everything. From the house, land, livestock, and money.”
“What? How could she not know this?” Glenn demands taking the papers and opening it.
“They said her husband tried to claim it. He returned all her family’s letters, letting her think they abandoned her. When they died, he tried to claim the inheritance, but the stipulation was that she and only she, could inherit. The estate has a trustee and now that her husband is dead, its’ all hers. She isn’t penniless and shouldn’t be working like she is.”
“Why would you do this?” Glenn demands gruffly.
“I had the honor of meeting her father, and his legacy should be treated with the respect it deserves. You'll see that she knows about this.”
“Of course. Thank you, Dayton,” he replies hoarsely.
“Don’t thank me, just take care of them.”
Glenn watches him walk away and can't help but wonder what this means for them. She will have the means to leave them now, and he may have to let her go.
His family comes out of the tent and Delaney waves her blue ribbon, proudly at him. He tucks the papers in his shirt and smiles back.
“We did it, Mr. Glenn. We won first place!”
“Of course, you did, only winners at our house.” His eyes meet Anika's as he says, “I'm so proud of you.”
“It’s just a pie,” she blushes and stammers.
“A blue-ribbon pie!” Savannah nudges her and one of the boys begins to cry in earnest now.
“That’s our signal. We should be getting back to the hotel,” Daisy informs them.
“I’ll meet you later, I have to deal with the horses.” Glenn hurries away to speak to his mother in private before leaving.
Anika glances back as he walks away as Daisy and Allen talk about the day’s events.
“Are you okay?” Savannah asks.
“I guess. Glenn seems so different these past few weeks.”
“It’s because of you, Anika.”
“No,” she is quick to say. “That honor belongs to God. He is healing his spirit in ways that I couldn’t have.”
“True, but you are healing his heart, and maybe if you trust, he can heal yours.”
Anika tears up at that. “He already has.”
Chapter 27
Anika settles into the hotel and is in awe of her shared room with Savannah.
Mrs. Henrietta and the children are in the adjoining room to hers. It has a large picture window overlooking a river, with a stone surround fireplace. The twins are fed, and Mrs. Henriette is busy bathing them while Anika settles Delaney in.
“It was a fun day, Mama,” Delaney says covering a yawn. Anika slips her nightgown down over her head.
“Yes, it was. I can’t believe we won!”
Delaney throws her arms around her and squeezes. “I like winning.”
“Me too, but we won’t always win. The joy should be in the experience. It’s how we make memories. Don’t get caught up in always being the best.”
“Okay, Mama.”
“Quinton is ready to be dressed,” Mrs. Henrietta calls and Anika is quick to help. Soon both boys are dressed and sleeping with full bellies.
“You go on and get your bath, Ms. Anika, and I will read with Delaney.”
“That sounds lovely. Delaney, my room is right through that door, okay?”
“Okay, Mama. Mrs. Henrietta, you should have seen Chuck run. Some of the chickens just pecked the ground, while others, ran the wrong way and one played dead on the ground. Chuck was amazing!”
“I’ve never heard such a thing, chicken races?”
Anika is laughing as she enters her room. Savannah has changed and is fixing her hair at a dressing table. A fire is flickering giving the room a golden glow.
“What’s so funny?” she asks turning with a smile.
“It’s Delaney and Chuck. I don’t think she’ll ever get over him coming in second.”
“It was a good memory to give her. I’m going out for a little while. You should take a nap and rest.” Savannah leaves before Anika can ask any questions.
Frowning, she takes a quick bath and changes into a clean dress. Dinner will be served in the dining room downstairs. She is just finishing her hair when someone knocks.
“Come in,” she calls and turns with a smile to find Daisy at her door.
“You look refreshed,” Daisy says.
“I feel better. How about you?”
“I’m going to keep an eye on the children with Mrs. Henrietta. Glenn has asked that join him for tea in the gardens outside.”
Anika smiles, “The Gardens?”
“Oh, Allen and I walked through when we first arrived. They have a maze garden, with glowing lanterns, walkways, and even seating areas for evening tea.”
“That sounds lovely. Thank you.” She hugs Daisy surprised by the woman’s grip on her.
“Is everything okay, Daisy?”
“Yes, I’m just feeling sentimental. Thanksgiving is coming, and I feel so thankful to have you and Delaney in our lives. You should know how blessed we are that you are here.”
Anika sniffs back her tears, “Thank you, Daisy. I can’t believe how quickly you all feel like family.”
Daisy laughs and pushes her gently to the door, “Go on, now before I cry. Take a wrap it’s getting cold.”
“Yes, ma’am,” she laughs and wraps her navy-blue wrap around her shoulders.
Anika walks quickly out and down the stairs to find Glenn waiting for her. He frowns at her and her stomach erupts in butterflies. Before she makes it down the last step, he reaches her and rests a hand on her hip.
It is only natural for her hands to rest on his shoulders. “Why so worried, Mr. Ward?” she teases.
“It’s nothing,” his eyes drop to her mouth, “You look beautiful.”
Anika blushes, and glances around the empty lobby. “Glenn?” she murmurs.
He steps back, and she follows him down the last step, missing the feel of his touch. “Tea is in the gardens,” he offers her his arm and guides her through the lobby and down a hall leading to the back of the small hotel.
Anika gasps when they step outside. Trimmed bushes create a maze of walkways and paths, lit with gas lanterns.
“The sun will set in an hour and at night the gardens look enchanting.”
Anika glances at him as he begins to chat and give her the history of the gardens. Glenn doesn’t do small talk, she thinks. He’s nervous. Why is he nervous? Her heartbeat accelerates as they walk, and he seems to be walking quickly now.
Finally, he guides her to an opening in the maze to a gazebo. Anika is delighted to find tea, fruit, and biscuits set up. She
gasps,
“Glenn, this is wonderful!”
“I’m glad you like it,” he takes her small hand in his and wonders at the strength in them as he guides her inside. The weight of her Father’s will weigh heavily in his pocket and heart.
She pours the tea and offers him a cup while she butters a biscuit. Her caramel eyes watch him nervously toy with his food before she sits her cup down with a snap.
“Alright, Glenn. What’s going on? You’re making me nervous.”
Glenn jumps, before laughing softly. “I should’ve known you’d call me on it.” He takes a deep breath and pushes the small plate away.
“I wanted to talk to you in private. Today Dayton surprised me with some news.” Glenn draws some papers from his inside jacket pocket and stares at her. “He hired a Pinkerton detective to research your father’s estate.”
Anika inhales a sharp breath, and her eyes fly open wide before narrowing with fury. “How dare he! Why on earth would he do that?” she jumps up and starts pacing. “Who does he think he is? That is personal!”
“Yes, but…” he tries to explain, but she is waving her hands and rambling.
“He had no right! You wait till I see him again…”
Glenn jumps up and grabs her gently by her upper arms, stopping her tirade.
“You will want to hear this, first.” Anika goes pale and lets him guide her back to a chair and scoots one next to her before offering her the folded-up documents.
“This is your father's last will and testament.” Anika refuses to take them. She crosses her arms protectively over her chest and stares at them. “No. I don't want to know, Glenn.”
“Yes, but you need to know.” Slowly, he unfolds the papers, placing them on the table beside her. She reaches a trembling hand out and traces her father’s script.
“I don’t know if I’m strong enough to read it, Glenn. Tell me what it says,” she pleads.
“You are the sole surviving heir, he left everything to you and Delaney.”
Anika jerks as if slapped, “No! He hated me, Glenn, he refused all my letters.” Tears fill her eyes and slip down her cheeks.
“No, he didn't.” From his other pocket, he draws out a bundle of letters tied with a brown cord. He places them on the table beside her. “Saul lied to you. Your father's letters were returned unopened.”
Glenn was prepared for the fury, anger, rage but not the wail of sorrow that erupts from her soul. It rips from her soul and batters him. She drops her head into her hands and sobs.
“It’s going to be okay, Anika,” he promises as he lifts her from the chair and into his lap. Her body is wracked with sobs, shaking him to his core.
“I thought ... he hated me… Glenn, why would Saul do that to me?”
“I don’t know,” he answers honestly and hands her a handkerchief. “You need to look at this as a gift,” she pushes back and stares at him in shock.
“A gift?” her red-rimmed eyes glare at him, and she leaps to her feet.
Glenn lets her go, glad to see the energy return to her body. Anything but the shattered soul, screaming for help.
“A gift?” her eyes look at the table. “He was supposed to be my husband, Glenn, not a monster!”
“True. There is no refuting that, Anika, but the facts are that your father and mother loved you. He left you everything, Anika. There is a trustee over the estate, and it is waiting for you. You have a plantation, with horses and livestock, money and a means to care for yourself and Delaney. You will never be penniless again.”
“I don’t want it,” she says instantly.
“Anika, you are upset right now and not thinking clearly. You are the daughter of a U.S. Senator. You want a way to protect your daughter and God has given that to you.”
“God gave me your family first,” she whispers stepping close to him. “I don’t want to leave you.”
Relief floods through his body, “Thank God,” he jerks her into his arms and hugs her tightly. “Thank you for saying that, but as your friend, I want you to take some time to let this sink in. Read his letters and let it heal your heart.”
Tears flow again as she clings to him, “Can we go home?”
“Of course, we’ll leave in the morning.”
Chapter 28
Anika flows through the next few weeks in a daze. Still unable to bring herself to read her father’s letters. She contacts the trustee and begins the process to sell everything, except the horses. They will be brought to the farm, and with the money from the sale of the land and property, she will never be short of money again.
Her fury at Saul grows more with every passing day. What kind of human being takes away everything from someone to cause them pain? She reads her Bible, but the words fall flat. Sleep evades her, and she purposely avoids Glenn, spending time fixing up the homestead.
Thanksgiving service comes and sitting in church that morning, listening to the words of Pastor Donegal she wonders how all the people around her can’t hear her screaming heart.
“Thanksgiving should not be a response to getting what you desire or think you deserve.” The Pastor says, jerking her from her dark thoughts.
“Thankfulness should be given in every moment, but you have to purposely seek it. Until you always notice the little things and constantly seek the good even in hostile situations.”
How is that possible, Anika wonders?
“How do I do that you ask?” Pastor Donegal looks directly at her. “Start by bringing thankfulness to your experiences, instead of waiting for the perfect day or moment. Now, I’m gonna shock some of you when I say this. You don’t have to mean it, at first. Where the mind goes the heart follows.”
Anika drops his eyes and glances over to find Glenn staring at her. She looks away and listens intently to the Pastor.
“The Bible says, rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you. Pray with me.”
Anika closes her eyes tightly and prays that God will forgive her for being so angry. Help me let go of the anger and find peace, she prays.
Feeling a little better after the service she goes to the Sunday school where she finds Delaney playing happily in a corner. Mrs. Batcher is speaking to two other moms, when they see her, they stop speaking. One woman grabs her son and pulls him from the room.
Anger flares quickly and Anika wonders as she walks towards the women should she give thanks for the lesson she is about to deliver to this woman or pray to God that she doesn't just punch her. Her thoughts cause a smile to appear, and she struggles not to laugh out loud.
“Mrs. Batcher could I have a word with you, please. In private.” She asks politely.
“Excuse us Mrs. Vestule. I’ll see you next week.” After the woman walks away, Mrs. Batcher begins cleaning up the room, while Anika follows.
“Yes, Delaney told me some ugly things were said in church about us, and I'd like to clear that up.”
Mrs. Batcher stops and turns to glare at her, looking her up and down. “Do you really want to do that here, Ms. Coltrane?”
“Why not here? It was here that you called us trash and hurt my daughter’s soul and it should be here in the house of God, that you ask forgiveness,” Anika snaps, no longer able to hold her tongue.
“Forgiveness for what? Telling the truth, perhaps you should have thought of that before you came to our church.”
Anika stares at the woman in front of her with pity. Her graying hair is tied into a tight bun, and her pinched lips show exactly what she thinks of her. “I'm sorry you feel that way, Mrs. Batcher but your dirty thoughts are only a reflection of your own spirit, not mine.”
Delaney runs up and grabs her hand as Anika turns to her. “Sweetie, I want you to go find The Wards,” her firm words allow no argument.
Delaney runs from the room as the older woman slams down her books. “Why don’t you just admit you are nothing better than the woman at the Blue Horse Saloon in town. You jus
t get paid more.” Anika steps back in shock.
“That’s disgusting.” Anika tries to leave only to have the older woman grab her arm in a tight grip.
“How many families will you taint by being here. How many husbands will you tempt with lust? The men are already lining up to have their turn with you.” Anika rips her arm away, violently causing the woman to stumble back.
Trembling with rage, she steps, and it is only the fear in the woman's face that has her stopping. “I've done nothing to be ashamed of, and I thank God every day for bringing me to this family.”
Daisy and Allen return with Delaney in time to hear her tell Mrs. Batcher, “Nothing you can say or do will make me run from this Church or this family. I am here to stay.”
She turns to find Daisy grinning at her and Allen staring at her with approval. “Let’s go home, ladies,” Allen states.
The ride home from church is quiet. Glenn isn't sure what he missed, but things haven't been the same for weeks. After lunch, Savannah goes to work on her photography while Daisy and Allen go check on the horses.
Glenn finds Delaney and Anika on the porch with the boys. “There you are,” he says with a smile. He crawls on the floor where the boys are playing on a blanket and tickles their fat bellies.
Delaney watches Glenn with the twins. Her little hands are clutched tightly together, and she holds her breath as if waiting for him to strike. “My Daddy didn’t like us. He liked to hurt Mama,” Delaney says.
Glenn stares into Delaney’s eyes and recognizes a traumatized soul. Her eyes have seen way more than she ever should have, and he prays for the right words to reassure her.
“Your Father was hurting Delaney.” He lays the baby down on a blanket and focuses on Delaney. “I’m not saying what he did was right. It is never okay to strike someone, but I am saying it is okay to love him and forgive him.”
“I want to, but I don’t think he was sorry, Mr. Glenn, and sometimes when he kicked her, he smiled,” she whispers. Glenn’s heart breaks thinking of the gentle woman who has cared for his sons and saved his family.
