by Leah Atwood
His character had convinced her there was something to this Christianity thing. She’d read through the Bible he’d lent her, and returned it last week after stopping at the bookstore and buying one of her own.
In the wee hours of the night, she’d replayed everything she’d read and all that Jared had told her. She couldn’t understand everything, but she knew. The stories and words within those pages were real.
It was those thoughts that had awakened her. She sat up in bed and propped her pillows behind her. For the fifth time, she read through the book of John. The words came alive, and she not only believed their truth, but she also wanted what they offered.
Jared had said something about a prayer, but she didn’t know what to say. She flipped to the back of her Bible, to the pages of reference material, and found a suggested prayer. Reciting the words out loud, tranquility showered her.
The pain of never knowing a father lifted. The burden of her upbringing eased. The shame of being an unwed mother melted away.
She didn’t even try to stop the tears as she breathed in the new truths. No longer was she Sybil Hollis—hot mess extraordinaire—but Sybil Hollis, a daughter of the King.
Where did she go from here?
Church.
She should go today.
Knots twisted in her stomach. Believing in God was one thing, but believing in the church she’d heard so many horror stories about?
Could her infant faith sustain a rejection so soon?
Perhaps if she went with a friend, but the only two she had now were Rysa and Jared. Could she badger Rysa into attending with her? No, that wouldn’t be fair to Rysa to put her on the spot after what she’d been through. Sybil would soon tell her about her decision and ask Rysa to consider going with her in the future.
That left Jared. She couldn’t explain her reluctance to tell him—yes, she could. Her decision to follow Christ would bring them closer, and that frightened her.
Yet, she couldn’t keep it from him.
She unplugged her phone from the charger and called him.
Several rings later, he answered—half frantic, half asleep. “What’s wrong?”
“Who said anything’s wrong?”
“It’s not even six in the morning on a Sunday, and you’re calling me.”
“Oh.” I probably should have waited a few hours. “Nothing’s wrong. In fact, everything’s right.”
“What do you mean?” She heard rustling over the phone and figured that was the sound of him sitting up.
“I bought a Bible for myself and have been reading it.” She took a deep breath. “I read late last night, and again this morning. Everything you told me, I know it’s true. I said the prayer.”
A happy sigh came over the line. “I’m happy for you. So happy.”
“I was wondering…” She trailed off, working up the nerve to ask.
“You were wondering what?”
She absently traced the outline of dogs on her pajamas. “Do you think I could go to church with you this morning?”
“Is it pumpkin spice season?”
His quip made her laugh. “What time and what should I wear?”
“Nine-thirty and whatever you’re comfortable in. Most people at the church I’ve been going to, dress casually.”
“You won’t leave my side, will you?” After she asked, she realized the depth of her trust in him, that she could admit she needed him.
“Not for a second.”
“Thank you.” She heard the wobbliness in her voice and determined to be stronger.
“Since you’re awake, why don’t you come over early and we’ll have breakfast.”
“Have you realized how often we eat together?”
He chuckled. “We have to eat, might as well share those meals with someone you care about.”
His words shot straight to her heart. “Good point. What time should I be there?”
“Give me an hour at least to finish waking up and get ready. Any requests?”
Her mouth curved into an automatic smile. “Fried egg sandwiches.”
“You got it. See you soon.”
***
Sybil’s heart pounded. Jared hadn’t told her they’d be going to a Sunday school class that consisted of a small group of young adults. She’d envisioned sitting in a sanctuary pew and getting lost in the crowd while the pastor stood in front of everyone and preached. That’s how it always went in movies. She didn’t even know small classes like this existed.
Too nervous to risk making eye contact with anyone, she kept her gaze on the move. A bulletin board to her right had pinned flyers which advertised upcoming events. On the opposite wall were inspirational posters. Some had verses, and a jolt of joy shot through her when she recognized one. It connected her to this strange environment in a small way.
“Doing okay?” Jared whispered and reached for her hand.
She rejected the gesture but felt guilty when she saw his disappointment. “My palms are sweaty.”
His smile reassured her, and he took her hand anyway. “Doesn’t bother me at all.”
Several more people entered the room. With the arrival of each person, Sybil became more conscious of her enlarged stomach. One look at her and anyone would know about her baby. Would they judge?
A petite woman with auburn hair and stylish glasses approached. She wore jeans and a t-shirt, which surprised Sybil. Jeans at church? She didn’t know that was allowed.
“Hi, I’m Hollie.” The woman extended a hand.
Sybil had no polite choice but to shake her hand. Jared still held one hand, so she discreetly wiped her other on her shirt as she lifted it. “Sybil.”
“It’s nice to meet you. Is this your first time?”
“Yes.” Her heart raced. No condemning looks yet, but…
“We’re glad to have you.” Hollie glanced at Sybil’s stomach.
Oh no. Here it comes.
Hollie tilted her chin to Sybil’s midsection. “When are you due?”
“She’s due mid-February.” Jared smiled at her as he answered for her.
“Be sure to leave contact information and let us know when the baby comes. We’ll set up a meal train for you.”
Goodness gracious, they must think she and Jared were married. They wouldn’t possibly offer that if they knew the truth. She felt obligated to clear the air, but Jared had just turned to speak to another friend.
Don’t be afraid. I am with you.
“I’m not married.”
Confusion passed over Hollie’s face, then understanding. She gifted Sybil a smile. “Honey, we’re all in this life together, imperfect and learning. Your baby is a gift, and we’d love to celebrate her birth with you.”
Sybil fought tears of happiness. Rarely had she felt truly welcomed anywhere—even before her unplanned pregnancy. “Thank you.”
“I’m going to grab a seat before they’re all taken, but let me get your number.” Hollie pulled out her phone. “I’d love to meet for coffee or lunch one day and get to know you.”
“Sure. That’d be nice.” She stammered her phone number amidst the overwhelming emotions taking over.
When Hollie turned around, Sybil saw the back of her shirt with the church name across the back. She realized why the church name sounded familiar. It was the same one she’d seen at the restaurant all those months ago.
She didn’t know much about God’s work, but she couldn’t help wondering if she’d noticed that group for a reason, if they were the first seeds planted in a new life for her.
Jared squeezed her hand. “I’m proud of you.”
“Why?” Creases formed on her forehead.
“Because you’re a fighter and a survivor.” He leaned in close, and his breath was warm on her cheek. “I know you’re uncomfortable in unfamiliar territory, but you came anyway. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Thank you.”
A few more ladies stopped by to introduce themselves. One of them, Angie, gave her a welc
ome packet with church information enclosed, along with a pen and notepad printed with the church’s name and logo.
One of the men from the class stopped by to greet Jared, then handed her a book. “This is the study we’re currently working through. We’re only on the second week, so you won’t be far behind.”
She laughed silently when she saw the theme—an entire study to give a brief overview of the Bible in a way that connected the stories. Perfect for a newbie like her.
Okay, God. I get it. You’ve had this orchestrated for me to find You. Thank You for not giving up, even when I thought You didn’t exist.
To her surprise, she followed along with most of the lesson. A few phrases she didn’t understand, and she made notes to ask Jared about them later. The amount of conversation and discussion also surprised her. The group leader acted more as a facilitator than teacher. She enjoyed the format, and while she hadn’t expected to be in that group, she looked forward to coming back next week.
When the class ended, Jared led her upstairs to the sanctuary, still holding her hand. His support meant everything to her.
They found seats—cushioned chairs in a row, not the pews she’d expected—and sat down. She spotted a co-worker several rows ahead. Another potential new friend. We’ve never connected, but now we have church in common...
She’d never experienced social anxiety, but the new experience overwhelmed her. When the pastor began speaking, she was grateful for a break to sit and relax, without worrying about making good first impressions.
When the service ended, she followed Jared to the truck. She answered his questions, responding with automatic replies. Her mind went on overload, processing everything that had happened that day.
Physically, nothing had changed. The world went on as it always had. But emotionally and spiritually, everything had changed. Her entire frame of mind had been upended, in a positive way, her perception of the world a better place.
Chapter Thirteen
Jared walked to the mailbox, enjoying a rare weekday afternoon off. A chill permeated the air, announcing December was well underway. He smiled at the decorated yards around him. Nativities, Santas, and animated deer ruled the neighborhood this time of year. The only decoration in his yard—a light-up penguin holding a present—looked lonely. It had been an impulse buy on Black Friday, and only because Sybil had smiled when she saw it.
He lowered the mailbox door and saw a legal-sized envelope. The return address was home. His mom had made a special phone call two days ago to tell him she’d mailed him something important. She wouldn’t say what, but instructed him to call her after he’d received and read it.
Curiosity piqued, he ripped it open, there at the end of his driveway with the rest of the mail waiting to be removed. He scanned the pages, trying to make sense of the words. His blood pulsed. Had he read it correctly?
He gathered the remaining envelopes in the mailbox then went back into the house. He gripped the pages of the legal document and reread them. Again, for a third time.
How?
Needing answers, he called his mom. Once he greeted her, he jumped to the point. “The information you mailed came today.”
“Since you’re calling me, I’m assuming you read through it?” Her tone remained even, but a tinge of excitement leaked through.
He shook his head as if she could see through the phone. “Am I reading it correctly? Do I really own a two-thousand-acre ranch?
“Yes, you do.”
“But how? I thought that family land belonged to Dad’s distant cousins?” That he’d be an heir never crossed his mind.
“It did, but the last owner, Harv Scott, who was your third or fourth cousin—I’d have to sit down and write it all down to figure out the exact connection—had no children and apparently, had a falling out with other family members.” His mom’s words came in breathy spurts as she rushed the story. “Your dad spent a few summers out there as a child, and Harv made a connection with your father. That’s the only reason I can figure that he left it to him.”
“Then technically, it belongs to you, as Dad’s widow.”
“No, look at the papers closely. A legality in your father’s will grants you ownership.”
He ran a hand through his hair. The news was a lot to take in. “Do I have to do anything?”
“A few signatures on papers is all.” Mom cleared her throat, and a pregnant pause fell over the line. “A ranch would be a great place to raise a child.”
And there came the crux of the matter. He’d love to move home and raise a family on the open plains, but he wasn’t in a position to up and move. “Sybil’s here, Mom. I doubt she’d want to pack up on a whim and move across the country where she knows nobody, and I’m not leaving here if my daughter’s here.”
“I understand, and wouldn’t expect less of you. But…” He could practically see the twinkle in his mom’s eyes. “If you can convince her to marry you, it’s something to consider … and maybe she’d want to start over in a new place, and she could live with me.”
“As great as that sounds, I already asked her once to marry me, and it caused a big fight.” He sighed. “She and I have come too far to risk messing up our relationship.”
“What you just said, that’s the key, Son. You two barely knew each other the first time you asked, and you would have been marrying for the wrong reasons.” Mom stopped talking for a second, and he heard the scooting of a chair. “You have a relationship established between you now, plus she’s since become a Christian.”
“I don’t know.” He cared too much about her to send her running.
“Do you love her?”
“I…” He trailed off. Did he? The answer shined clearly before him. “Yes, I do.”
“Then trust in that love. Will you do me a favor?”
“What’s that?”
“Pray about it. The ranch is yours whether you live on it or not.”
Another thought crossed his mind. “I don’t know how to run a ranch.”
Mom laughed. “You have a G.I. Bill. Put it to use.”
If only it were as simple as she made it sound. Yet, his heart longed to move home to Weatherton, and he’d been presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Would God have placed it there for him if he weren’t meant to take it? “I’ll pray about it. Do I have to sign the papers within a certain timeframe?”
Her sharp intake of air whistled over the line. “Within two weeks.”
He exhaled slowly. “I can’t get off work that soon, and besides, that carries into Christmas. I promised Sybil we’d spend it together.”
“Invite her out here.”
“I doubt her doctor would approve the travel. Her blood pressure’s been rising again.”
“I’ll be praying for her.”
“Thanks.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, warding off the start of a headache induced by information overload.
“Is there any other option to sign the paperwork?”
“No. You and the lawyer have to be present, and I doubt he’ll travel to North Carolina when he has nothing to gain from the deal.”
“And if I don’t make it in time?”
“Then the estate will be tied up in probate, and you could lose it.”
The weight of responsibility bore down on his shoulders. “I’ll talk to my boss and see what I can do, but I have to be home by Christmas. I can’t break my promise to Sybil.”
“Let me know as soon as you can.”
“I will. Love you.”
“Love you, too.” She hung up the phone with a promise to pray for him.
His head spun with the turn his afternoon took. When he woke up this morning, never in his wildest dreams had he expected to inherit a ranch by the day’s end.
He wanted it. Wyoming dirt ran through his blood, but he’d never thought he could make a viable living there. He had a good job in North Carolina and was grateful for it. Still, it was a contract, and while he’d been told the contract wou
ld be renewable indefinitely, there wasn’t a guarantee.
The Scott homestead would require hard work, but had continuously operated since the late nineteenth century. He would check into its financial health if he went to Wyoming, but he couldn’t imagine it would be in danger of failing after so many years running.
Either way, as he’d told his mom, if Sybil wouldn’t go, he wouldn’t. He’d think about keeping the land—it belonged in the Scott family—but put in place a plan for someone else to run it. Who ran it now? He’d have to ask.
He jotted down notes, but his hand wrote slower than his thoughts came. When he skimmed what he’d written, he realized he’d started three columns. Pros, cons, and questions.
The cons held the fewest items listed under it.
He folded his hands on top of his head and sighed. What a day. He’d have to tell Sybil, but she wouldn’t be home from work for another three hours.
Until then, he’d make phone calls, find out what he could. The first call went to his boss who agreed to give him the next week off, but without pay. Fair enough since paid time-off didn’t come with most contract jobs. The hourly rate and per diem made up for the lack of benefits.
Next, he called the law office listed on the paperwork. The lawyer in charge was out to lunch, but his administrative assistant answered a few questions after he confirmed his identity. She emailed him financial reports, and his mouth gaped when he saw the net worth.
He wouldn’t be rich, but he’d step into a debt-free ranch with a solid bank account and a three-thousand square foot cabin with no mortgage.
If it’s Your will, Lord, please provide a way. He prayed more in depth, wishing he’d receive an instant answer.
A few minutes before he expected Sybil to leave work, he sent her a text asking if she’d stop by on her way home. Her reply came quickly. —Sure.
She didn’t ask why, and that sent happy waves through him. They’d barely been acquaintances when she’d gotten pregnant, then they slowly became friends. Now they were more, though the more wasn’t clarified. It hadn’t mattered to him before, as long as they continued moving forward.
