Catching Serenity

by JoAnn Durgin

  Maya ran over to the small play area and dug around in the toy box, tugging out a small basket. Pulling out a baby doll, she placed it inside the basket, and accepted the blanket Amber offered.

  “Hey, that’s a boy baby. No fair, Maya. You can’t put a pink blanket on him!” Trevor jumped up, grabbed the blanket and tossed it aside. Snatching the blanket from the floor, Amber glared at him.

  Serenity suppressed her grin and Karyn shook her head. Jackson asked the children to proceed with their playacting. A few minutes later, he finished the lesson with some final questions. “Why do you think Miriam did what she did?”

  “She wanted to keep Moses safe,” Trevor said.

  “That’s right,” Jackson said. “And why do you think she wanted to keep him safe?”

  “Because she was his sister and she loved him,” another little girl—the one she thought was Nikki—said.

  “Exactly.” Jackson nodded. “When you love someone, you want them to be happy. My brother caught a baseball once signed by my favorite White Sox player. Chad gave it to me because he knew I’d treasure it more than he ever would. Moms and dads, brothers and sisters, grandmas and grandpas, they all do nice things for us, too.”

  “Gram took me to the American Girl store in New York,” Amber said. “She took Molly to the doll hospital because her eye sort of lost its color.”

  When Jackson shot her a Help me! look, Serenity nodded. “I’ve heard about that doll hospital.” She tried not to show her surprise when even the boys strained forward, listening. “When Molly came back home, was she wearing a hospital gown?”

  Amber beamed and nodded with enthusiasm. “She had a balloon, and her eye’s all better now. They even fixed her braids since my little brother messed them up.”

  All the children took that as their cue to speak up at the same time, their voices raised in excitement.

  “I helped my mom make cookies even though I hate cooking. It’s for silly girls,” a boy named Ian said. He scowled when Maya and Amber protested.

  “I gave our dog a bath last night. Does that count?” Trevor asked. Traci rolled her eyes and punched his arm. When he yelped like a wounded animal, Karyn moved in to corral the kids, silencing them with a stern look.

  Emilee’s comment was swallowed by more animated chatter all around the circle.

  Jackson raised his hand and the room quieted in seconds. “That’s better. Emilee wants to say something and we all need to listen.” He nodded at the shy girl. “Your turn. Go ahead.”

  Emilee twisted her hands in her lap and looked at Maya. It tugged at Serenity’s heart when Maya gave Emilee an almost imperceptible nod. “My grandpa doesn’t remember so good anymore, and my grandma is always with him. She feeds him, takes him to the doctor, reads to him and works puzzles with him.” She shrugged. “Stuff like that.”

  “Emilee, your grandmother does what Miriam did for Moses, too.” Jackson made sure he had their attention before continuing. “Soldiers fight for our country so we can be free.” His eyes met hers briefly. “Teachers help us learn. Doctors keep us healthy. Firefighters and policemen keep us safe. And, most importantly, boys and girls, Jesus loved us enough to give His life for us. I want you to think of something you’ve done because you love someone. Now, think of someone who’s done something for you. It can be anybody, it can be anything. Close your eyes,” he said. “Time to thank Jesus for giving that special person to you, and thank Him for loving us enough.”

  “Thank You, Jesus, for loving us enough,” the children said in unison. Jackson must have taught them this before, but their chorus of young voices—so earnest and sweet—was incredibly precious. Serenity glanced around the circle as the youngsters bowed their heads and listened to Jackson’s prayer. Such a sweet, trusting faith they shared.

  “You okay?” Jackson worked beside her a few minutes later, pouring juice while she measured Goldfish crackers into plastic cups.

  “Fine, but incredibly humbled.” Continuing her task, she avoided eye contact. “These kids have such an amazing purity of spirit. I wish...”

  “What do you wish?” Jackson’s voice was gentle as he worked beside her.

  “Liam was very close in age to Maya. He’d be in this class.” Serenity blinked back tears and met Jackson’s gaze. “I like to think I would have brought him here.” She sniffled when he brushed a wisp of hair away from her cheek, his fingertips lingering. “How I wish he could be here.”

  “Me, too,” Jackson whispered.

  “We need to tell Serenity as soon as possible.” After arranging to meet Clinton for Sunday brunch after the church service, Jackson kept his voice low as they talked. Serenity had excused herself and gone to the ladies room. “Should we enlist Charlie or Deidre?” He stopped at the expression on the older man’s face. “Do they already know?”

  “Charlie doesn’t know yet, but I think you’re right where he’s concerned. Elise called Deidre yesterday and told her everything,” Clinton said. “She’s having lunch at their house today.”

  “I’d love to be a fly on the wall during that conversation.”

  “Me too, son.” Clinton chuckled. “Knowing Deidre, she’ll go off and do a little ranting, but she’ll get over it quickly. Then the ladies will cry and hug, cry and hug some more, and then they’ll probably start making plans to get everyone together for a cookout.”

  Jackson smiled. “I can see that happening. But Serenity’s intimated that Deidre can’t keep a secret. Are you sure that’s wise? All the more reason to tell Serenity now, I should think.”

  Clinton nodded. “Elise and I are discussing the best way to handle it. For both Justin and Serenity.”

  “Seems to me you tell Serenity first and then arrange a meeting,” Jackson said. “After all, Justin’s already met you and understands he’s meeting his mother here in Croisette Shores. He’s had a little time to prepare mentally and emotionally. Serenity obviously hasn’t had that advantage.”

  Every day, Clinton appeared healthier with better color and improved spirits. Of course, having Elise back must have a whole lot to do with his more optimistic outlook and attitude. Surely Serenity had noticed it, too. All the more reason to stop stalling. If they didn’t tell her in the next few days, Jackson had the uneasy feeling she’d find out in another way—how, he hadn’t a clue—and the ramifications could devastate her all over again. That was his primary concern.

  “Got any suggestions for the best way to tell her?” Clinton asked. “Your professional opinion, Doc.”

  “I’ll try to pave the way as best I can. I taught Maya’s Sunday school class this morning and Serenity came to help. We talked about Moses and his sister Miriam.”

  “I don’t follow. Never been much of a man for the Bible.”

  “An Egyptian Pharaoh ordered all the male babies born to Hebrew women killed. Miriam saved her baby brother, Moses, by putting him in a basket and hiding him on the banks of the Nile. Pharaoh’s daughter found him and adopted him but Miriam went to her and arranged for their mother to be her own son’s nurse.”

  “Clever.” Clinton grunted and wagged a finger. “I see what you’re doing. In a way, that’s what Elise did for Liam. Protecting him from the powerful man who ordered him killed.”

  Jackson sat back in his chair. “Like I said, I’m trying to pave the way in my own subtle method. The kids had a ball acting it out.” A grin tipped his lips. “Next time, I told them we’ll act out Daniel in the Lion’s Den.”

  Clinton’s smile sobered. “Yeah, I know a little something about that Bible story. God didn’t protect our Daniel now, though, did He?” He drummed his fingers on the top of the table.

  “No, unfortunately. I’m very sorry for your loss,” Jackson said, briefly taking Clinton’s hand and squeezing it. “No one should have to go through something like that. But, for what it’s worth, I’m glad he married Serenity and was happy about the baby.”

  “Yeah, he was. He’d loved Serenity since they were kids, but he was a kid himse
lf and wasn’t ready to take on the adult responsibilities of a wife and child.”

  “Why did Serenity take her maiden name back?” He hadn’t thought to ask it before.

  “The scandal as much as anything,” Clinton said. “After Danny and everything...well, I didn’t know what would happen to Serenity. You know I’m not much of a praying man, Jackson, but I think a little of this God stuff might finally be rubbing off on me. I’ve seen a difference—a real good one—in both the women in my family since they’ve joined the Almighty’s team, so to speak. Not to be irreverent and no offense.”

  “None taken, sir.” Clinton’s words brought him more satisfaction that he could know.

  “They’re strong women, but I guess you could say I never knew how much until the events here in Croisette Shores that sent them both running away from home.” Clinton smirked. “When you think about it, a man’s death sent Elise away but another man’s death brought her back home again. You know, Jackson, I can only thank God for bringing my family back to me.” His eyes misted as they focused on him again. “You’ve done a heap of good for my girl. She loves you and I know you love her. Once we’re past all this craziness, I hope you plan on marrying her and giving me and Elise lots more grandkids. Justin wants a brother or sister. He told Elise, and I know Serenity never liked being an only child.” Taking a sip of his water, he laughed. “No pressure, of course.”

  “That’s my plan, sir.’”

  “You’ve already got my blessing, son. Elise’s, too. That day on the beach when we first shook hands? You said you were honored to meet me.” Clinton narrowed his eyes. “By saying that, you honored my daughter and earned my respect all in one swoop.” Raising his glass, he grinned. “All right. Enough of this mush. How are the plans coming along for the landscaping and the playground renovation?”

  “Thanks to Serenity and Deidre, things are great.” Earning Clinton’s approval meant more than he could know. “They’re planning a gala fundraiser and scheduled it at The Summer Palace for the early fall.”

  “Don’t worry, son,” Clinton said. “By then, everything will be more...settled. Mark my words.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “What are you two discussing now?” Serenity dropped into the chair beside him.

  “The playground renovation and gala.”

  Serenity smiled. “Did you warn Dad he’ll need to wear a tux?”

  “It’s bad enough I’ll need to wear one,” Jackson said. When Clinton groaned, they all laughed.

  “You’ll both look very handsome and that sight alone will be worth all the effort.” Serenity leaned her head on Jackson’s shoulder and tucked her arm through his. He loved how she felt comfortable enough with him to share gestures of open affection as if they were the most natural thing in the world.

  “And it’ll be worth the effort to see you in a gorgeous, slinky evening gown,” he told her, planting a quick kiss on Serenity’s nose.

  Clinton laughed and Serenity squeezed his hand. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  At the end of the meal, Jackson picked up the check and Clinton insisted on leaving the tip. As they walked through the waiting area by the front doors, Art Masmer rushed over to them. “Clinton, how are you, buddy? Heard you had an overnight stay in the hospital.”

  “Hey, Art,” Clinton said, taking the other man’s hand. “I’m healing up, thanks. Think I’m gonna live. Almost good as new again.”

  Art winked at Serenity. “It’s nice to see you again. And you must be Dr. Ross. I’ve heard a lot of real good things about you, Doc. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Haven’t we met somewhere before?” He gave him a curious look.

  “I was waiting to meet Serenity at Martha’s when you spied her coming through the door.”

  “Well, right you are. Sure is nice to meet you officially, then.”

  “Likewise.” Jackson gave him a warm smile and put a hand on the small of Serenity’s back as they headed for the door. “If you’ll excuse us. We’ll meet you outside,” he said to Clinton.

  “I sure hope I can count on you to play in the Fourth of July band with us in Queen Victoria’s Square,” Art said to Clinton from behind them.

  “Serenity’s trying to convince me,” Clinton said. “Gotta pull out the horn from storage. It’s antique now and rusty beyond recognition.”

  Art laughed. “Nothing a little valve oil and cleaner can’t cure.”

  Stepping outside into the overcast day, Jackson spied Charlie, leaning against his car. Something about his body language and expression alarmed him. Seeing them, Charlie strolled toward them with purpose. “Afternoon.” He opened his arms for Serenity’s hug and allowed a small but tight smile. “Is your father with you?”

  “Art Masmer waylaid him,” Serenity said. “He’ll be out in a minute. Everything okay, Charlie?”

  “Nothing to worry about, child, just something I need to discuss with Clinton.”

  “What’s on your mind?” Clinton asked, catching up to them.

  Charlie nodded to his friend. “A word, if you don’t mind.”

  “Sure thing.”

  “In private,” Charlie said, his voice firm.

  Clinton nodded to them. “Thanks for lunch, Doc. Take care of my girl, will you?”

  “You know it, sir.” Jackson nodded to Charlie, but the man remained stoic.

  “Wonder what that’s all about,” Serenity said as they walked down the street together.

  “Oh, I’m sure time will tell.”

  A block from her house, Serenity stopped, disengaging her hand from Jackson’s. “Mama?” Her knees felt like noodles as she wavered on the sidewalk, her breathing labored. The world was spinning.

  Beside her, Jackson stopped. Thank goodness, he put his hands on her arms to hold her steady. Otherwise she might have slipped to the ground. “What is it, baby? Are you okay?”

  She stood transfixed, staring at the woman, unable to move. Thinner than she’d ever seen her with shrunken shoulders. So gaunt it shocked her. Was she ill? Her hair was colored dark red and cut very short. “Mama,” she said, the name escaping over her dry lips.

  Elise smiled at the small boy standing beside her. Serenity watched, fascinated, unable to tear her eyes away, as he propelled himself against her, wrapping his arms around her mother’s waist. This child trusted her. Knew her.

  Serenity moved one hand over her mouth. Who was this little boy? He couldn’t be any older than what, four? Five? Tears escaped from the corners of both eyes and dropped onto her cheeks. Elise turned then and stared straight at her. Her eyes rounded and her face drained of all color.

  “No,” Serenity whispered, taking a small step backward. “No, no, no, no no!” This scene before her made no sense, but this child obviously held an important place in her mother’s life. Shared a place in her heart. Mothers loved their children this way. Was he also Elise’s child? That wasn’t something she’d ever considered in her wildest imagination. Mama told her she couldn’t have more children. Had she adopted him?

  Tilting her head, Serenity attempted to glimpse the boy’s face, but his head was turned in the opposite direction.

  “Serenity.” Tears slipped down her mother’s face and she didn’t bother to wipe them away.

  “What’s wrong?” she heard the boy ask in a sweet little voice.

  “It’s okay, honey. Come on, it’s time to meet someone very special.”

  Looking up at her mother, the boy lowered his gaze and then turned toward her. Dark eyes pierced hers. Wavy hair, high cheekbones, full lips set in a firm line. His lips upturned slightly and something akin to recognition flickered in his eyes.

  “Is that her? Is it?” He pulled on her mother’s hand as they advanced in her direction.

  Oh, Lord, what’s happening? Deep chills ran through her, and Serenity dropped her purse to the ground. “Danny,” she murmured, over and over, putting her hands over her face. Maybe she was finally going crazy. This was too surreal, and the ground beneat
h her was spinning out-of-control.

  In the recesses of her mind, Serenity heard Elise calling Jackson’s name. Mama knows Jackson? How is that possible?

  Slumping to the ground, Serenity surrendered to the darkness. It enveloped her and swallowed her whole. Sweet, blessed relief.

  It was comfort, it was peace.

  ~CHAPTER 42~

  Serenity’s eyes fluttered open. The unmistakable smell of antiseptic flooded her nostrils, making her nauseous. The smell of death. A hospital. The last time she was a patient in this same hospital, she’d lost the most important part of her heart. Her baby boy.

  The dark-haired nurse gave her an understanding yet dispassionate smile. They must get a lot of practice dosing out that particular brand of medicine.

  “Your mother and boyfriend are outside. I’ll tell them you’re awake.” Serenity glanced at the monitor and then to a thin tube attached to her wrist. Leaning back against the pillow, she opened her mouth to protest, wishing they’d leave her alone. All that came out was a low moan.

  She must look like a frightening mess. Nothing made sense right now, but no matter her scattered emotions, she still wanted to look pretty for the man. What a disgruntling thought. How vain could she be?

  Her mother came into the room and stood on one side of her hospital bed, Jackson on the other. “How are you feeling, honey?” Elise asked. When she reached her hand toward her as though to brush hair away from her forehead, Serenity shook her head.

  “How do you expect me to feel?” she barked. Her gaze fell on Jackson. She could have two heads, an inverted nose and a misshapen mouth and this man would find a way to love her with his eyes. He took her hand in his. She couldn’t do this. When she removed her hand, she glimpsed the pain flickering in his eyes. Although she hated it, she couldn’t help the anger, the confusion.

  “Serenity, do you remember what happened?” Jackson asked.

  She moved her gaze to her mother. Mama. This was a much thinner version yet with more muscle definition, oddly enough. She took in the short hair dyed a deep red. Why had she done this to her beautiful blonde hair? Nothing made any sense.