by Sally John
“There’s something between us. You can’t kiss just anyone like—”
“Brady! Of course I can! You are so naïve. This whole town is. It’s like a time warp. I don’t fit in, not in any way, shape, or form here, and you certainly don’t fit in where I’m going!”
At some level deep within himself he filtered through her noise and heard the cry of her soul. She was pushing him away out of guilt, not understanding that in Christ wrongs were forgotten, that in Brady’s love she fit in anywhere. Still, he ached. Panic rose, his heartbeat pounded erratically in his throat. Nicole’s leaving had simply cauterized his heart, had quickly burned away all feeling. This was a severing that would bleed until he died if he couldn’t be with Gina.
“Brady, I didn’t mean to lead you on. Your books,” her voice caught as she huddled against the door, face averted. “Your friendship…I’ll always be grateful for what you’ve given me. But it just won’t work. Please, let me out.”
He felt incapable of standing. He started the engine and backed away from the hedge, giving her space to open the door. Neither spoke as she slid from his truck, gathered the long gown in her hands, and hurried toward the house. He winced at the sight of her uneven gait. Like the day he met her, it still did a number on him.
Forty-Six
Maggie took advantage of their last morning in Aunt Lottie’s house to awaken Gina with a cup of coffee. Once they returned to California, there wouldn’t be moments like this.
“Morning, sweetheart.”
Like a little girl, Gina stretched with her eyes still shut. “Mmm, I smell that good coffee.”
“It’s after eight. I thought you might want to get going.”
“I better.” She propped pillows behind her and sat up.
Maggie handed her the mug and sat on the edge of the bed. “All packed?”
Gina nodded and sipped coffee. Dark circles underlined her eyes, which weren’t quite open.
“Aunt Lottie and your dad are cooking up a storm. They invited everyone for breakfast. Commotion will make the goodbyes easier.”
“Thought we did that yesterday. What’s gotten into Dad, prolonging his stay here?”
“Well…” She sighed. “Well…”
Gina smiled. “He’s nuts about you, isn’t he?”
“It appears he is.”
“Kind of a change, huh?”
“We’ll see. We both head back to work tomorrow, go our separate ways again.” She shrugged. “Most importantly, he has forgiven me, and I him for not being there in ways I needed. Still, the trust isn’t rebuilt overnight.”
“Mom, you’re 53. When does it get easy?”
She laughed. “Never. But knowing now that Jesus walks alongside makes all the difference. He forgives me, forgave all that baggage from the past, all the ghosts. He loves me no matter what. I am going to make it. How are you doing?”
“Fine.” Her stern tone implied she wasn’t.
“Your dad called Brady to invite him today. He left a message on his machine.”
“We already said goodbye. Saturday night.”
“I wondered why he wasn’t at the brunch yesterday.” Maggie saw the pain on Gina’s face. “What are your plans?”
“For what?”
“For seeing each other again.”
“Why would we do that? It’s time to leave. I have a job.”
“I thought—” She bit her lip. “Don’t sell yourself short, honey. That man is nuts about you.”
“A farmer in Podunk does not fit my agenda.”
“Pencil him in. Loving a non-farmer and leaving Podunk was not on my agenda. Life is full of chance journeys that get us where we need to be.” She turned at the sound of foot-steps pounding down the hall.
Reece rapped on the open door and walked in, excitement written on his face. “Ben just called from L.A.”
Gina asked, “Your attorney works at 6:00 A.M.?”
“He’s your attorney and he just received an offer from the Park.”
Maggie and Gina exchanged glances.
“For 10 million.”
Gina’s face crumpled. Maggie took the mug from her and handed it to Reece, then enfolded their daughter in her arms, catching the first sob against her shoulder.
Reece came around so he could face Maggie. “What? Too little?”
She raised her brows, her own eyes filling with tears.
“T-too much,” Gina blubbered. “I don’t want any. I just want it to be over.”
“Honey, it’ll be over if you accept this settlement,” Reece explained. “And you won’t get the entire ten after Ben’s fees and other costs. At least you don’t have to drag things out in court, but you’ve gotten the attention you wanted for the elephants. What do you say?”
Gina nodded her head.
“Maggie, is that a yes?”
She smiled at him. “That’s a yes. Call Ben and finish this mess.”
“Done.”
“Reece?”
He turned back.
“Thank you.”
A gentle smile erased the anxiety from his face, crinkled the crow’s feet. At that moment Maggie felt something inside of her melt.
Gina slumped in the hard chair, studying the airport’s carpet, trying to keep the pain from consuming her. It was as if some internal black hole grew larger by the moment, devouring strength from every part of her, threatening to cut off air to her lungs. It intensified with each passing moment away from Brady. The agony was physical, worse than after Delilah’s attack.
The last she had seen of him was late Saturday night, his truck roaring too fast down Aunt Lottie’s street.
But that was the last she wanted to see of him.
Then why did she miss him so?
She’d be better as soon as she stepped on the plane. Her old life would meld into a new life in Seattle. This little detour, as Mother called it, occupied a mere fraction of life. It would dissipate in time, making hardly a dent in the large scheme of things.
Except for Jesus.
“Gina.” Her dad sat down beside her with a heavy sigh. “I can’t stand it any longer. Here.” He placed a large manila envelope on her lap.
“Can’t…stand…” Each word was separated by a painful breath. “What?”
“Seeing you so miserable.”
“I’m…not…mis…miserable.”
“Of course you are. You didn’t look this bad wrapped in a body cast. That’s from Brady.”
Her throat closed.
“He came by early this morning, before you were up. I don’t know what’s in it, but he made me promise not to give this to you until we were on the plane. I’m breaking that promise.”
She struggled for a breath. “Why?”
“Because I think you need to hear from him.”
“I…don’t…”
“Open it, Gina. Maybe it will help you settle the issue. I’ll leave you alone.” He left.
There wasn’t any issue.
Oh, but there was. She loved him, but she could never meet his standards. She didn’t deserve him. Why couldn’t he see that? She’d never survive in Podunk. Why did he keep prolonging the inevitable?
Well, she was done with prolonging. She’d read his love letter and be done with it.
The envelope was rather large and heavy for a love letter. Of course, he was a writer. It was probably an entire story. With unsteady fingers she tore at the sealed flap and pulled out a handful of papers. On top was a note written on linen paper in Brady’s hand. Beneath it was a stack of legal-looking documents.
Dear Gina, no matter where you are, the enclosed is unconditional, like God’s love for you. Like mine. Brady.
That was it? What was this? She skimmed the other papers and called out, “Dad! Mom!” She looked up to see them hurrying toward her. “Dad, what is this?”
“It’s—” He swallowed and shuffled through the pages. “It’s the deed to Brady’s property, signed over to you. This says you purchased it for one do
llar. Did you give him a dollar for it? This bank statement says the mortgage has been paid off.”
“What does it all mean?” she whispered.
“It means you’re a millionaire who owns 122.7 acres in Valley Oaks, adjacent to an undeveloped piece of property that you can probably buy for a song once you build your elephant enclosure.”
They all three stared at each other.
“He just gave up his privacy. His most precious possession!”
Her mother nodded. “I think it’s called love.”
She stood. “I have to go to him.”
Her parents smiled at her, the two of them blinking back tears as their flight’s boarding was announced.
Dad grabbed her first in a bear hug. “Of course. Go right back to the car rental counter. You can probably get the car we just turned in.”
“Dad, is this right? It’s so irrational!”
“It’s right, Gina. Believe me. It beats the rational path of dotting i’s and crossing t’s.”
Mother hugged her, grinning through tears that dampened her cheeks. “We’ll have your luggage sent back here when we get home. I love you. Call us!”
Dad handed a carry-on bag to her. “Go!”
She wove her way through the crowd lining up to board, turned back once, and waved to her parents. What in the world was she doing?
The empty highway stretched before her. Gina pressed her foot against the gas pedal. The speedometer climbed to 70, the concrete rhythmically tha-rumped beneath the tires eating up the 26 miles. Fields of corn stalks narrowed to a green blur in the corners of her eyes.
He loves me.
She peeked at this truth as if it were a butterfly enfolded in her hands, sure to fly away if scrutinized too openly.
He really loves me.
Of course he had told her, but she hadn’t grasped what that meant, didn’t even have the capacity to begin to grasp it. Now it had anchored itself into the core of her being and she knew it. Knew that it was unconditional. Knew that she was more important to him than even his property, his privacy, his way of life. Like God’s love, nothing would get in the way of its expression, not the past, not the future.
Half prayers formed on her lips. Ecstatic “thank-yous” jumbled over terrified pleas for guidance.
Selling his property meant he could vote on the zoning issue. Development efforts on the adjacent land could be blocked. It meant he was willing to do anything with his place, even leave it and move to Seattle.
He loves me.
Or it simply meant that he wanted to lease the land from her and be allowed to vote.
A car passed her going the opposite direction. Suddenly the green blur of corn turned into a rainbow of flashing lights.
“Oh, nuts!”
She slowed and pulled onto the shoulder. The lights filled the rearview and side mirrors. Her heart raced, beating away precious minutes. She could have been in Valley Oaks by now! She lowered her window just as a large man in a brown sheriff’s uniform stepped to it.
“Miss California!” His mouth widened into a grin below dark sunglasses. “Thought that was you zipping by me like it’s a freeway out here.”
She recognized Brady’s basketball-playing friend. “Cal!”
“Kind of racing the wrong direction to catch your plane, aren’t you?”
“Oh, Cal! I’m not leaving.”
His grin expanded. “Does that mean you’re staying?”
“I’m in an awful hurry!” Her breath was coming in short bursts again.
“No kidding.”
“I’ve got to see Brady right away. Can you just mail me the ticket or something?”
“You’re headed to Brady’s?”
She nodded. “I think he loves me.”
“Shoot, the whole town knows that. How about an escort instead of a ticket? We’ll swing around here.” He gestured with his arm. “You passed the turn for the other route about a mile back. It’s a lot quicker than going through town, but it’s a narrow blacktop so we can’t go 75. You okay? Take a deep breath.”
“I’m fine!”
“Okay. I’m sure you’ll have no problem keeping up with me.” He sauntered away.
Gina raced behind the county patrol car, its lights flashing and siren blaring all the way to Brady’s drive. Cal switched things off and waited on the shoulder, throwing her a grin and a thumbs-up sign as she went around him.
She crept down the private road while her heart still raced and fears bombarded. What if Brady really only wanted to pay her rent?
Forty-Seven
Tears still threatened to flow well into the flight, but Maggie sensed their healing power and didn’t let them interrupt her monologue directed at Reece. He listened while she poured out her happiness and fears for Gina. He maintained eye contact while she described forgiving Neil’s mother and letting go of old resentments. He held her hand while she spoke of lost dreams and finding a new self in Christ. She didn’t resist when he cupped her cheek, leaned over, and kissed her temple.
“Maggie, I was always afraid of losing you to Valley Oaks. Thank you for taking care of the ghosts and for not giving up on us in the process.”
She felt that melting sensation again. “Thank you for responding.”
“What man in his right mind wouldn’t? Don’t go away.” He undid the seat belt, stepped into the aisle, and fiddled inside the overhead compartment. He settled back into the seat, a large manila envelope in his hand. “I figured if a manila envelope was good enough for Olafsson, it was good enough for me.”
“I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I think you’d like that guy for a son-in-law.”
“I think so, too. Maggie.” His voice grew husky and he paused. “I hope that your response is as irrational as Gina’s, but if not, that’s all right.” He handed her the envelope.
She smiled and then giggled. The panic and hesitation she felt last week in Chicago had vanished. With child-like anticipation she opened the flap and pulled out…a small packet containing…tickets...to Venice...Venice, Italy! “Reece!”
He gave her a sheepish smile and lifted another paper from the packet. “Here’s the itinerary. It’s for the month of September, actually beginning the end of August.”
“Reece!”
“I know that’s a long time, darling, but I think we owe it to us. We have an awful lot of catching up to do.”
“Reece!”
“Look.” He pointed to the paper. “We’ll see most of Italy, or I should say most of its art anyway—”
“Reece!”
“What?”
The tears flowed freely now and her only response was to nod.
“You’ll go?”
She nodded again.
When he pulled her near, she didn’t resist. It was time to let him kiss away the hurts. It was time she kissed him with the promise of a new tomorrow.
Gina parked the car beside Brady’s truck, relieved that he was at home. Propelled by irrational anxieties, she ran to the front door and rang the bell.
He loves me.
No answer. She pressed the button for an entire minute, then tried the doorknob. Locked. She raced around, across the deck, and into the screened porch. And stopped.
What if Kim were here? Or some other friend she didn’t know about? He certainly wasn’t expecting her. She was supposed to be on the plane, just now unsealing his little surprise.
He loves me.
“Brady!”
She hurried across the porch, noticed his laptop on the table, a screen saver in motion, and went through the open door into the kitchen. “Brady!”
Where was he? Where was Homer? With a 122.7 acres to roam around, they could be anywhere.
No, not just anywhere. They’d be in Brady’s favorite spot.
Gina grabbed a baseball cap from the coat rack and headed outside. It was tick season and warm and muggy and a very long drive to a large zoo, but…but it was heaven on earth because Brady lived here and he loved her.
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She jogged her lopsided trot around the pond. At the other side she swerved onto the path they had mowed together. She remembered standing on a bar behind his tractor seat, clinging to his neck, conversation abandoned to the engine’s roar. Shoulder-high prairie grasses bordered the trail. Like sentinels they stood, their feather, purple-splashed heads still, no hint of a breeze under the glaring noonday sun.
What if he just wants to visit Seattle, give us a long-distance chance?
Brady named it Gina’s Path. Was it hers? Was it the one God had always been leading her toward?
It rose now, leading into the woods, tree trunks barely visible through the wild masses of green. Beneath the cool canopy of leaves, she hurried along the winding trail. Twice, divergent paths halted her. Twice, she cried out, “Which way?!” Twice, she whirled in circles before forcing herself to study the clues. They were there, in the trees, in the ground’s slope, in her sense of direction.
The path led back downhill toward the creek. Panting, she slowed and heard the clear notes of a flute. She recognized Brady’s halting rendition of “Amazing Grace” on his Irish whistle.
At last the slope leveled out and the path led between two stately walnut trees and scrub bush. It ended where the creek looped into a “c,” creating a moss-covered peninsula. Water rippled over rocks, underscoring the flute’s song.
He was there. She saw him sitting on the end of a fallen oak that spanned the creek. Homer, lying at his feet, raised his golden head and cocked an ear.
Brady caught sight of her and broke off playing, astonishment in his raised brows. He wore his green cap backward, the sleeves of his white T-shirt rolled up. Slowly he removed the flute from his mouth as Homer yapped and raced to greet her, tail wagging.
Gina stopped a short distance from him, catching her breath, unable to gather her racing thoughts into a lucid sentence. She patted the dog, shushing him.
Brady spoke first. “Miss your plane?”
She nodded. “Just found out I’m a landlord.”
“You weren’t supposed to know that yet.”
