The Forgiving Heart (The Heart of Minnesota Book 1)

by Riker, Becky

  Ellie jumped in, “I have never been so proud of anyone in all my life as I was of you in there. Why should you apologize for defending your country?”

  Sara hadn't said a word. She seemed a little shocked at what was being said.

  Karlijna smiled at Ellie, “I should have left you to defend me. I think she would have left Belgium alone.”

  Sig sighed, “You girls go back to the party, but I had better not hear another sharp word.”

  Karlijna and Ellie complied quickly and were happy to hear that Melba had left. However, Karlijna never regained the mood from earlier and was pleased when the party was over and the house cleaned.

  She tried for a few hours to sleep, but, after tossing and turning until three o'clock, she gave up and turned on the desk lamp.

  Dear Michael, June 25 26, 1944,

  Your parents and sisters threw a party for me. I was so surprised by all the people who were there. I hardly realized how many I have gotten to know in the last six months. It was a good party, except for one part; Melba was there. I hope that statement doesn't cause you any pain.

  When she told me you have been writing to her my stomach began to ache. I couldn't understand why. After I tried to sleep for so long I now have a headache, I finally admitted the truth. I love you, and I don't want anyone else to have you.

  I am most disturbed by this admission to myself because I am certain you do not feel the same. It was certainly not my intention to feel this way, but I do not believe hearts follow the logical course. If I had done as Ellie suggested and detailed what kind of man I wanted for a husband, I know the list would point to you.

  I don't know how long this has been coming on, but I think it began before we even left Sweden.

  I do not want you to feel obligated to me in any way, nor do you have to continue to write to me if I have made you uncomfortable.

  I will continue to pray for you regardless of whether you ever speak to me again.

  Karlijna

  Karlijna was able to sleep after sealing and addressing her letter. She woke up feeling a little groggy and very silly. She sat up and climbed from bed.

  She would not send the letter. Her words were sure to make Michael feel awkward, and she didn't want that. She also, selfishly, did not want their correspondence to end.

  Karlijna stood in front of the desk and wondered what had happened to the letter. She checked the drawer, under the desk, and in the garbage can, but couldn't find it. She wondered if she had dreamed the whole thing. Or maybe she was going senile.

  “Good morning, sleepy head,” Sig greeted her as she came down the stairs.

  “I'm sorry I slept so long. Has Ellie left for the hospital?”

  “A couple hours ago. I checked in on you before she left and saw you had written a letter to Michael, so she said she'd drop it off on her way.”

  Karlijna stopped where she was and sat down on the bottom stair.

  Sig joined her, “Is something wrong?”

  Karlijna blew out a breath of air, “Nothing I haven't done to myself.”

  “What is that?”

  Karlijna had no reason to hide most things from the lady, but she wondered at the wisdom of involving Sig in this.

  She was debating what to say when a knock came on the door.

  Sig stood up, “We can talk about it later if you want,” she shrugged, “or not, if you prefer.”

  “Why hello, Arnie,” Sig greeted Harry's younger brother. “What can I do for you?”

  Arnie Yngve didn't step into the house, “I’m supposed to ask if Sara can come quick. Mom wants to talk to her.”

  The smile fell from Sig's face, “Of course,” she turned, “I think she is in the garden.”

  Karlijna ran through to the back door and called out, “Sara!”

  Sara stood upright in the garden, “Yes?”

  “Can you come around the front of the house? Bring your bike.”

  Sara wiped her hands on her apron and began coming toward the house, untying the strings. Karlijna hurried down the back steps to meet her and took the garment.

  “I think you should hurry. Mrs Yngve sent Arnie for you.”

  Sara turned and dashed for her bike.

  Karlijna ran back into the house to tell Sig and Arnie , but he and Sara had already disappeared before she arrived.

  “Let us pray,” Karlijna said as she grabbed Sig's hands.

  “Please, Father protect the Yngve family. Keep their hearts set on you in this time. Protect Sara and prepare her for what lies ahead. Do not allow the enemy to torment them.”

  Sig spoke up, “Father, we do not know what You have in store, but we ask for your mercy on Harry.”

  The women were still praying when Will arrived. He laid a hand on each shoulder.

  They looked up at him.

  His face was grim, “You've heard about Harry?”

  “No,” Sig shook her head, “not really. Arnie stopped by here and said Sara should come right away.”

  Will shook his head, “I'm afraid it isn't good news, but I'm glad they called her over to tell her instead of doing it over the phone.”

  “What is it, Will?”

  “Harry is married.”

  Sig's jaw dropped. Karlijna covered her mouth with her hands. Will wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. Their reactions would have been comical if it hadn't been so serious.

  Sig looked at Karlijna, “I should have prayed for Sara to have mercy instead of God.”

  Karlijna nodded, still trying to process the information.

  Will led the ladies into the kitchen, “I suppose it is better to know now than find out after they were married.”

  Sig sat down at the table, “I hope you won't say anything like that to Sara.”

  Karlijna found her voice, “How did you find out?”

  “I heard from Orville – Harry's dad – on my way back from men's prayer breakfast this morning. He was just leaving his house when the telegram came.”

  “Do you know who the girl is?” Sig whispered.

  “Someone he met at an orphanage.”

  They were still sitting there when Sara arrived. She did not seek them out but ran directly to her room.

  Sig rose, “Pray for me.”

  The next few days rarely found Sara outside of her room. Ellie was angry with Harry but still couldn't see why Sara was so upset.

  “If I found out the boy I was engaged to had done that, I'd be so relieved that I hadn't married such a creep.”

  “You would not, Ellie,” Karlijna chastised her as they walked to church. “You would be sad for what you lost.”

  “But she didn't really lose him,” Ellie argued, “because she never really had him.”

  Karlijna shook her head.

  “Don't tell me you would mope around like that.”

  “I can't say how I would be if I had just lost the man I love.”

  Ellie stopped walking, “What did you just say?”

  Karlijna looked at her with some confusion, “I just said, 'I can't say how I would be if I had just lost the man I loved.'”

  “No,” Ellie defied her, “no, you didn't. You said, 'the man I love.' Who is he?”

  Karlijna shook her head, “I think you're dreaming.”

  Ellie placed her hands on Karlijna's shoulders and shook her gently, “Don't tease me, Karli. Who is it?”

  Karlijna shook her head, tears threatening, “Please don't ask, Ellie. I just can't talk about it.”

  “Why not? Doesn't he know? Why haven't I heard anything about this yet?” she stomped her foot and turned away from her friend, “I shouldn't have taken that job at the hospital.”

  Karlijna laughed, “Yes, you should have. You know you love it.”

  Ellie turned back, “I do, but I want to know what is going on with you too.”

  “There's nothing to know,” Karlijna began walking again.”

  “So,” Ellie followed her, “since he doesn't know, I have to assume it isn't Ronald – thou
gh I can't see why. He's so cute. Who else could it be? Aaron Pierce? Johnny Lawton?”

  Karlijna didn't answer.

  Ellie stopped again, “Honestly, Karlijna, you should just tell him. What guy wouldn't love you?”

  Karlijna's tears began to fall more freely, “Please, can we just not talk about this any more?”

  Ellie reached her friend, “I'm sorry. I shouldn't push you. I won't bring it up again.”

  “Thank you.”

  They walked a little further, “However, if you should ever want to talk about it. . .”

  That got both of them laughing.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Karlijna received one letter from Michael the beginning of July. It was clear he sent it before receiving her last two letters.

  Dear Karlijna, June 25, 1944

  I'm thinking of you today. Thinking and praying. I hope you had a wonderful day and were able to celebrate it without the gloom of war.

  It is so hard to remember life without war. It permeates everything here. I know everybody on the home front is doing what they can to help, but it is not the same as it is here. I know you know this because you have been intimately and terribly acquainted with the war.

  I remember when I was young and I talked to some of my friends’ dads who had been in the Great War. I thought it sounded neat – like they were out fighting the bad guy and doing what they could to make sure the right prevailed. It has become so clear to me that the men we are fighting are doing so because they love their country as well. When we fight, only Satan wins.

  Don't worry, I'm not getting ready to abandon my men or my country. I still believe in freedom and in restoring the rights of all humans. I am just saying I wish we hadn't had to begin in the first place.

  I'm going to fly to the place we met, but I will not see any familiar faces there. I will be on a mission. Please pray, as there will be times, I am sure, that I will be in over my head. I am still praying you will know what God's plan is for you.

  Michael

  Karlijna wondered if he was going to be even in the same part of Sweden. She doubted it.

  “Did you get a letter from Michael?” Sara came into the room and sat next to Karlijna.

  Karlijna was surprised that Sara would even speak to her without being forced into it, much less initiate a conversation.

  “Yes,” she held it out, “would you like to read it?”

  Sara looked surprised, “You wouldn't mind?”

  “No, not at all.”

  Sara read it and then handed it back, “I haven't written much to him lately. I should get back to it.”

  Karlijna didn't mention that Michael understood most of her writing efforts were for Harry.

  “Do you know what you want to do this fall?” Sara asked.

  “I'm not sure. Louisa asked me to come stay there, and I'd like to do that for a little while. I just want to wait until Ellie is gone so I can spend as much time as possible with her before she leaves.”

  Sara smiled a little, but she couldn't maintain it for long.

  Karlijna wasn't sure what to say.

  “I got accepted to the University of Minnesota,” Sara offered.

  Karlijna's eyes widened.

  Sara laughed, “I know. I surprised myself too. My father helped me fill out the forms the day after. . .”

  Karlijna placed a gentle hand on Sara's shoulder, “I'm sorry about that, Sara. He shouldn't have done it.”

  “No, he shouldn't have,” she sobbed, “but what was even worse, was that he must have written me at least three letters after he married her.”

  Karlijna gasped softly.

  Sara took out a tissue and wiped her face a little, “I can't believe I love a man like that.”

  They were silent for a few moments. Sara managed to collect herself.

  “What do you think you want to study?” Karlijna found a question she thought was safe.

  “Architecture.”

  Karlijna looked at her in horror, “You'll have to do more math.”

  Sara laughed softly, “I know. I love it.”

  Karlijna shook her head in wonderment, “You're a strange one, Sara Gunderson.”

  “That's what Melba said when I told her.”

  Karlijna winced at the mention of Melba's name.

  “I'm sorry about Melba,” Sara said. “She isn't all bad.”

  Karlijna didn't trust herself to answer that politely so she kept her mouth shut.

  “I'm sorry about the way I have treated you too. I never took the time to get to know you or to find out what you had gone through. Mom has told me a little bit and it sounds. . .it isn't what I thought. I'm sorry.”

  Karlijna held out a hand, “Friends?”

  Sara took the peace offering, “Friends.”

  The girls did not attach themselves to each other after that, but there was a tentative peace in the house. Sig remarked to her husband that one could better appreciate peace after such strife.

  “Let's hope we can realize that on a larger scale soon,” was his reply.

  She looked up from shelling peas, “We haven't had a letter from Michael since the beginning of July.”

  “Are you worried?” he reached his hand into the bowl and was rewarded with a swat.

  “A little – it’s making Karlijna testy.”

  “Why? We've gone longer than a month without hearing from him.”

  Sig kept moving, “I know, but each day the mail comes and goes she seems more restless.”

  “She'll be leaving for Louisa's in a couple weeks. That ought to keep her busy,” he winked, “Maybe she'll find a Zumbrota boy to keep time with.”

  Sig scowled, “Maybe not.”

  Will was surprised by his wife's reaction, but didn't comment on it, “I'm heading downstairs to get some work done. I want to get that desk made for Ellie before her party next week.”

  The house was at least as packed for Sara and Ellie's going away party as it had been for Karlijna's birthday party. Even Grammy had managed to make it.

  “I am going to miss everybody in Red Wing so much,” Ellie commented, “Aren't you, Sara?”

  Sara nodded, but Karlijna got the feeling the older girl was just glad to get out of there – away from the memories.

  Melba, of course, came to bid farewell to Sara. She did not seek Karlijna out.

  Sig and Karlijna spent a good deal of time in the kitchen during the party, refilling vegetable trays and making more punch.

  “You are missing out on the young people out there,” Sig mentioned at one point.

  “I'm not really in much of a celebrating mood,” Karlijna admitted.

  Sig didn't look up from the dip she was mixing, “Would that be because of Ellie's leaving or because you haven't gotten a letter from a certain son of mine?”

  “I hadn't realized you had more than one son,” the girl knew she was being prodded.

  “He's gone this long without writing before. You shouldn't worry.”

  Louisa stepped into the room at that time, “Sig, John and I are taking Mom home, and then we're going to head on home ourselves.”

  “Thanks, Lou,” Sig waved goodbye.

  Louisa turned to Karlijna, “I'm looking forward to having you for a while. Maybe a little hard work and a few cute animals will wipe that worried look off your face.”

  As she left, Karlijna glanced up to see the knowing look on Sig's face.

  “I'm not worried, it's just that – ”

  “May I help in here?” Melba's voice grated on Karlijna.

  “No, thanks,” Sig said, but then changed her mind. “Actually, if you could take that plate of cheese out there, I would appreciate it.”

  Melba lifted the plate, “I'd be glad to. Michael mentioned in his last letter that he misses your cheese.”

  “Oh?” Sig glanced over the table at Karlijna.

  “You certainly have done a fine job raising him. He is so faithful to write.”

  Karlijna's hand stilled on
the carrot momentarily.

  “I didn't realize he was still writing to you, Melba. I thought that ended some time ago.”

  Melba's face whitened a bit, but she recovered, “Oh, no. In fact I just got one from him last week.”

  “Karlijna,” Sig spoke up, “could you see if there are enough napkins out there? I have a clean stack in the pantry if we are out.”

  The instant that girl stepped out to do as she was bid, Sig turned to Melba, “The last time we didn't receive our usual mail from Michael, you claimed you had. When we finally got another letter, he said he had been unreachable for the duration – nothing had gone in or out.”

  “I. . .I probably got one that was delayed.”

  Sig shook her head, “Michael told me he quit writing to you some time ago because you told him you were interested in a romantic attachment and he wasn't.”

  Melba's face had gone white again and then red, “I don't know what to say. . .that is, I think you are mistaken.”

  Sig sighed, “Wanting something and pretending you have it won't make it happen.”

  Melba's face resembled a beet in color, “I know that!” her voice was a harsh whisper, “and Michael told me how you are trying to push him toward this foreigner so you can control him forever. Your wanting something isn't going to make it happen either,” she slammed the cheese plate down and left the room.

  Sig's eyes widened and she was considering dragging the lass back into the room to talk some sense into her when the doorbell rang.

  By the time Sig reached the door, Will had opened it and was standing speechless in front of two uniformed men. The noise in the house had ceased. The young people had gathered around, faces that had been smiling moments earlier, now sober in anticipation.

  “We are looking for Mrs. Michael Gunderson.”

  Sig spoke up, “I'm Mrs. William Gunderson. Michael is my son.”

  “And his wife, Ma'am? We are to speak to his wife,” the man looked down at the paper he was holding, “Karl -ij-na.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  All eyes turned toward the young lady standing nearby, face white, eyes rounded in horror and filled with confusion.

  Sig and Will hurried to her, ready to support her since she looked as though she could not stand on her own.