by Barbara Goss
“There’s a difference, Miles—your girls were willing.”
“True, I’ll concede that much.”
“He didn’t touch me below the waist with his hands, but I felt his intimate parts against me, and that frightened me more than anything else.”
“I can understand your fright, but since nothing really came of it, can’t you drop your conditions and let him and Peggy be happy?”
“They can be happy.”
“You know how much that camp means to Gavin. You liked him enough once. Why can’t you just ignore him if Peggy brings him around? Pretend he isn’t there.”
Violet shook her head. “I can’t.”
“He even shaved so that he’d look different to you, thinking that might help. He’s trying to make it up to you. Why won’t you let him?”
“I feel like you are deserting me and my feelings, Miles. He ruined our honeymoon, remember?”
“Yes, and I would have thrashed him that night myself, but I’m over it. We get over things; we’re adults.”
“One of the reasons I gave him that choice was because I honestly thought he was just using Peggy to get me to agree to accept him. I really didn’t think their relationship was real.”
“I’m happy for Peggy. She’s finally found love. She’s twenty-five and has never had anyone before. I’m sure she thought she’d be a spinster, and now she has a chance at love and a family,” Miles said.
“Well, my giving him a choice didn’t work like I’d planned because I didn’t think he’d choose Peggy. Now that he has, he will always be in our lives, so I didn’t win, Miles. Ultimately, I lost.”
“That’s right. He can still attend all of the functions that include Pearl Iverson, Quinn Iverson, and your sister Rose. There’s nothing you can do to stop him. And he still had to give up his beloved camp, the camp he’s worked so hard on, and where seven souls were saved.”
Violet looked up, tearfully, at Miles. “I didn’t know I was going to do what I did beforehand, or I would have told you about it. It just came to me when I saw him show up with Peggy and I thought it was a sham.”
“What now?” Miles asked.
“I don’t know what to do, Miles. I lost, and the camp lost, but I still can’t face Gavin McKenzie at family functions—he creeps me out.”
“I love you, Violet. I was shocked at your actions today, but I still love you. Think about things, and we can still fix them. Let me know how you feel after a few days of thinking things over. Remember, after a while, you’ll get used to seeing him socially. Until then you can just ignore him.”
Violet stood. “Let’s go to bed, Miles. We can peek in at Andrew first, though.”
Miles stood and pushed his chair in. He turned and held out his arms. Violet didn’t hesitate, but moved into his arms and they stood holding each other.
“I’ll try, Miles, for you. I’ll think about the situation. I’ll try to figure out if I can do what you want me to.” She kissed his neck. “I love you. I hated you being angry with me.”
“I hated it, too.” He kissed her forehead. “Come, let’s go to bed.”
When Peggy knocked on the door, Quinn answered it.
“Peggy! Come in. We were just talking about you,” he said.
“Oh, I just bet you were,” she said. She figured that Rose would side with her sister, but she knew Quinn would be loyal to her. The picnic was days ago, so she knew they’d probably discussed the situation several times.
“Am I still welcome?” she asked.
“Of course you are,” Quinn said, giving his sister a hug. “Always. And Gavin is welcome, too.”
Peggy tightened her hold on Quinn. “Seriously? Oh, you have no—”
“Who was it, Quinn?” Rose said, coming into the kitchen. “Oh, Peggy!” She ran and hugged Peggy.
Peggy hugged Rose back. She couldn’t believe they were both supporting her and Gavin.
“Come in and sit down. I’ll make tea,” she said.
“No, no tea for me. I just need to talk to you two,” Peggy said.
“Come on in the sitting room, then. We just put the kids to bed for a nap. I wish you’d have come earlier to see them. Josh is already tall enough to reach the stove, so we have to really watch him, and Abby is just starting to walk around by holding on to furniture. She’s so proud of herself,” Rose said as she seated them in the sitting room.
“You didn’t tell her the newest news, sweetheart,” Quinn said, putting his arm around Rose and squeezed her shoulders.
Rose smiled. “We’re increasing—again!”
“Oh, my!” Peggy said. “You’re really going to have your hands full.”
Rose looked up at Quinn lovingly. “That’s why my husband is hiring more domestic help for me.”
“We can’t have enough children, as far as I’m concerned,” Quinn said, as he played with Rose’s blonde curls. “We make such beautiful ones.”
“I look forward to experiencing that joy someday,” Peggy said, blushing. “Which is one of the reasons I came here today. Gavin and I are going to marry in two weeks, and we’d like you two to be our witnesses. It will be a small ceremony with just Mother, Timothy, and us. Billy has agreed to do the honors.”
Quinn looked at Rose, and she nodded and smiled. “We’d love to,” Quinn said.
“That’s such a relief. Thank you.” Peggy folded her hands in her lap. “Now, for the hard part: I’m thrilled that the two of you are being so supportive, but neither Gavin nor I want to split up the family, so we’re moving to Salina. We won’t come to any of the family outings, or do anything to hurt Violet. That’s exactly what Gavin said, not me. My feelings toward Violet are not quite as kind. Sorry, Rose.”
“I understand, Peggy. Quinn and I are a bit disappointed in the way things turned out, and while we’d like to remain neutral, we understand how you must feel, too. I really thought…well, it’s doesn’t really matter. I’ve always been more mature than Violet. She’s the middle child, you know, and it’s difficult growing up not being the oldest, the one to do everything first, and not the youngest, who does everything for the last time.”
“You’re very wise Rose, and I love the way you went after Quinn. You loved him, and so you did what you had to do, and I admire that,” Peggy said.
“I know you must feel the same about Gavin,” Rose said.
“I do,” she said.
“Does it ever bother you that he was once so intimate with Violet?” Quinn asked.
“That’s just it, Quinn, he never really did anything other than a little groping. He was obsessed with her, not in love with her. He has since, with Billy’s help, figured that out. Now he’s willing do anything to make it up to her, but—”
“Does he treat you with respect, Peggy?” Quinn asked.
“Totally. He is every bit the gentleman. I can't believe he was willing to give up his beloved camp for me, and so early in our courtship, too. I love him so much. He’s never tried to become more intimate with me than I'm willing. If anything, he has to stop me sometimes.” Peggy giggled. “Imagine that.”
“So you and he will live in Salina?”
“Yes. He has a beautiful home there, and he has an eight-year-old son, named Timothy, who I adore already. He is a spitting image of his father, now that his father has shaved,” Peggy said.
“What about Mother?” Quinn asked.
“First of all, she knows nothing about his attack on Violet. Do we have to tell her?”
“She’ll find out, Peggy. You have to tell her,” Quinn said.
“Gavin has invited her to live with us in Salina, but she’s still on the fence about it. She wants to come, but can’t bear to leave Abilene. I don’t know what to do about it,” Peggy said.
“She can come live with us. If she prefers her independence, we could even build a small apartment for her at the back of the house. couldn’t we do that, Quinn?” Rose asked.
“I’d love to do that. We’ve the money and the space. And no
w that we own the house, rather than rent it from Jonas, why not?”
“That will certainly give Mother some choices. If you decide to build a place for her, then you can keep the money from selling her house,” Peggy said.
“No,” Rose said. “We both own businesses, Peggy. We’ve plenty of money. Gavin is a school teacher, so whatever we get for the house will go to you two, and we’re not budging on that.”
“You two are the best!” Peggy said. She stood and hugged them both.
Chapter 10
Peggy and Gavin sat on the Iversons’ front porch, sipping lemonade.
“So, my brother and Rose are in our corner,” Peggy said.
“I’m glad. I like Quinn,” Gavin said.
“But I’m afraid they both agreed I’d have to tell my mother the whole story.”
“No!” Gavin said. “She’ll hate me.”
“If she hears it from someone else it'll be worse. At least if she hears it from me, I can explain the circumstances,” Peggy said. “A few years ago, Quinn was a bit wild and made a lot of mistakes, so I think she’ll be understanding, if I’m honest about it.”
Gavin sighed. “Let me tell her. There's no reason why you should have that burden, Peggy.”
“I do think it'll be better coming from you. You have a gift for wording things.”
“I’ll go inside now and get it over with,” he said.
“I’ll stay here. I couldn’t bear to see the look on her face if—”
Gavin kissed Peggy quickly on the lips to silence her, and then proceeded into the house.
“Mrs. Iverson?” he said, as he entered the sitting room where she sat knitting another baby sweater.
“Gavin, do come in and have a seat.”
He sat on the sofa beside her, picked up her blue-veined, delicate hand from her knitting, and held it between the two of his hands.
“I need to tell you something you may not like, but I feel it’s important for us to be honest with each other,” he said.
“Of course. I’ll soon be your mother-in-law,” she said with a quaint smile.
“It’s a sort of story. I want to begin at the very start, and I just want you to promise that no matter how surprised or shocked you are, you’ll wait until the end to comment. Can you do that?” he asked.
“Certainly. I love stories.”
Gavin started with his having been shipped to an orphanage at the age of just one month. During the orphanage story, Pearl looked at him with the most sympathetic expression that Gavin prayed for the strength to finish the story.
When he came to the part about Violet and his behavior with her, he could no longer look at her, but he looked down at her hand as he rubbed it with his thumb. This was the woman who had given birth to his Peggy, so he cared about her, and he cared about her opinion of him. He prayed silently that she’d understand in the same way Peggy had.
When the story was over, she sat very still and Gavin held his breath. He still had her hand in his, but then she pulled her hand free and stood. Gavin didn’t know what to expect.
“I’m going right now over to Violet’s house and give her a piece of my mind!” she said as she threw her knitting down.
“No, Mother,” he cried suddenly. The word "mother" had just popped out of his mouth without his planning to call her that, but he did, regardless. He’d never had a mother, and perhaps that’s why he said it. Peggy had always referred to her as "Mother," and so it just came out. “Sit down, please.”
Pearl sat down again and smiled at him. “You called me Mother, you dear, dear man. I can’t imagine a little boy growing up without a mother’s love. I’ll be your mother, Gavin. Between Peggy and I you’ll never want for love again. Your story is so sad.”
“I’m over that now. It did leave a lot of scars, but I’m on the right path now. I have the best Father. I love and trust in Him, and He looks out for me,” Gavin said.
Pearl patted his hand. “Are you sure you don’t want me to go and speak to Violet? Oh! I hadn’t even thought about Quinn and Rose. How are they taking this?”
“I'm sure. And Quinn and Rose not only support us, they are going to be witnesses at our wedding,” he said.
Pearl sighed. “I’m so glad. Now I won’t have to worry about being cross with my favorite daughter-in-law. Of course, she’s my only one.” She laughed.
Peggy popped her head into the room. “Did I hear laughter?” She came into the room.
“Mother, how do you feel about what happened between Gavin and Violet?” Peggy asked.
Pearl sat back down on the sofa. “Gavin was definitely wrong, and I can understand Violet’s feelings to some extent, but nothing really happened, and we have to forgive. God forgives without giving us choices or ultimatums; it's unconditional. You also have to take into consideration Gavin’s upbringing, or lack thereof.”
“She claims she’s forgiven him, Mother. She claims her problem is that she can’t forget,” Peggy said.
“I think,” Pearl said,“I got a bit sympathetic because as a mother, I can’t imagine a boy without one, and the affect it might have had on him and his behavior. So I jumped the gun and felt that Violet was in the wrong. I’m sure growing up in a strict, minister’s home, an attack like that could frighten her badly. We’ll pray for her, it’s all we can do, but it won’t affect my feelings for Gavin.”
She turned to Gavin. “Thank you for being honest with me,” she said. She patted his hand. “And for calling me Mother.”
Miles escorted Violet into Billy’s office. “Thank you for seeing us on such short notice.”
Billy laughed. “You’re my brother, I always have time for you—and Violet.”
After they’d taken seats, Billy said, “It’s about Gavin, isn’t it?”
Violet nodded.
“Do you want me to stay or leave the room, Violet?” Miles asked.
“I want you to stay,” she said, grabbing his hand.
Billy folded his hands on his desk and waited for Violet to speak.
“I have forgiven Gavin as the Bible tells us, but I’ve searched, and I can find nothing that says I have to forget. I can’t imagine having to sit at a dinner table with him or at any family function. What can I do?”
“God tells us many times in the Bible to forgive, and as far as I know there isn’t a verse that out and out says we should then forget the offense, but He does instruct us to love one another, that’s just something to keep in mind.
“There are many verses in the Bible that tell us about loving and forgiving. Because He doesn’t specify forgetting, perhaps He thinks it’s best to leave it up to the individual. Every situation is different. For instance, if the offender isn’t truly sorry, I don’t think forgetting his sin is an option. Only God knows for sure if someone is sorry, because He’s the only one that can look into a heart. However, a person’s actions do speak louder than his words.”
“If the person who has sinned against you has apologized and meant it, it would be a charitable act to be kind to the person going forward, however, He doesn’t say we must.
“So I have to think that it would be ideal to forgive and forget. Love keeps no record of wrongs. God forgives us and wipes our slates clean, so if you find it in your heart to wipe Gavin’s slate clean, it would be a charitable act, but not one that you have to do.
“The only other helpful thing I can tell you is that sometimes opening up your heart can free yourself of bitterness and resentment. Those two things can bring you down and stay with you for a long time.”
“I appreciate your not trying to turn things in your favor, Billy,” Violet said. “I know how much you want to partner with Gavin in running the camp. I appreciate your honesty, and you’ve given me much to think about.”
“Let me clear something up: Gavin is a changed man, and never have I seen a more sorry man, or one more devoted. I know how much time and effort he’s put into that camp; it’s his heart and soul. His eyes light up at the very mention of the
camp, yet he chose Peggy over the camp. How do you ever know if someone has really changed, but for their actions and deeds? His decision speaks for itself.
“Also, if he had defiled you, then I would be the first to tell you to never forget. But as far as I know, it never got that far.
“Still, I understand how you must feel too, and I’ll not coerce you into changing your mind. It has to be something you decide to do or not to do, and Miles, I know, will accept it as well. Pray about it, talk about it, and let us both know what you’ll do soon. I’ll look for another person to partner with if you decide against Gavin, and Miles and I will understand, won’t we, Miles?”
Miles nodded. “I’ll honor your decision, Violet.”
Peggy and Gavin were making a list of all the things they had to do before their wedding.
“What about a wedding trip?” Gavin asked.
“I’d love one, but what about Timmy?”
“He could stay a few days with Trina and a few days with Mrs. Thompson. He’d love it.”
“Let’s do it then,” Peggy said. “Where should we go?”
“I’ll think a bit on that. What’s next?”
“Rings, we need wedding bands.”
“We can do that today if you’d like.”
“We need a marriage license, and I need to see the postmaster in Salina for my mail transfer,” Peggy said.
Gavin wrote everything down. “Oh, I need to go to the bank and transfer the camp bank account into Billy’s name.”
“Let’s leave that for last, just in case—”
“It’s done, Peggy. She won’t change her mind. It’s wise for me to not think of it as an ‘if.’”
“You’re right.”
“What about Mother?” Gavin asked.
“She was adamant about staying in Abilene, but now that she loves you so much, she’s agreed to live with us in Salina on the condition we bring her here for church on Sundays,” Peggy said, with a grin.
“I’m glad she’s coming with us, but you know I can’t attend Billy’s church. As much as I want to, I can’t.”
