Hearts Rekindled

by Patty Smith Hall

  Everyone but himself.

  Why was that? And why hadn’t she thought about it before now? The urge to pray for John grew stronger with each passing moment.

  “Now, if I can have your attention, I have an announcement to make.” Pastor Williams held on to the edges of the lectern, his buoyant smile enough to lift any heavy spirit. His gaze settled on a young couple Merrilee didn’t recognize in the front row. “My sister’s daughter, Phyllis, is here today with her fiancé, Private First Class Ben Sanders. Phyllis didn’t know when she arrived on Friday that Ben would be shipping out next week. We don’t know when Ben will be coming home, but they’ve decided they would like for me to marry them before he reports for duty.”

  There were oohs and aahs around the sanctuary. Claire and Ellie sat at the edge of their seat as if hoping to get a look at the bride along with the rest of the congregation.

  Billy sank back beside Merrilee. “Is this going to take long?”

  Merrilee pressed a finger against her lips. Billy crossed his arms over his chest and closed his eyes. John didn’t need to worry about this young man stealing their daughter away anytime soon.

  When she focused her attention back to the altar, the couple had come to stand before Pastor Williams. They both looked so young, barely out of their teens. Had the pastor explained the difficulties they would face—loneliness, hard work, wondering where the next meal would come from or how the next bill would be paid?

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together in the presence of the Lord and these witnesses to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”

  Whatever worries she had for the couple slid away as she watched. The world around them seemed to have faded into the background, their eyes only for each other. A dull ache settled in Merrilee’s chest. She remembered that feeling, that perfect moment when she’d looked up at John and saw their whole life unfolding before her. The unconditional love shining in his eyes had stolen every thought out of her head, save one: she would love John Davenport until she drew her last breath on this earth.

  “If anyone has any reason why these two should not be joined together, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

  No one had been at her wedding to object, though if her father had been there, gunfire would likely have erupted. She and John had decided a justice of the peace just over the Tennessee line could be their only witness. Anyone else might try to stir up trouble.

  When the couple turned toward each other to exchange their vows, Merrilee found herself staring into John’s blue eyes. Was he remembering their own makeshift wedding? The giddiness they’d felt when they’d left for Tennessee that morning, her bags packed and stored in the trunk of the borrowed car, the blue silk dress she’d picked to wear for the ceremony wrapped in tissue paper, sitting on top? The whole way there, they had talked of their hopes and dreams for their future: a small plot of land to build their own farm, at least four children—three boys and a girl that John could spoil.

  “For richer or for poorer, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, till death do you part.”

  I do!

  “Are they married yet?” Billy whispered loud enough to earn the scowl of Ms. Davis sitting in front of them.

  Merrilee leaned down to talk to him, but Claire beat her to the punch. “Didn’t you listen to the preacher this morning? They’re making a marriage covenant.”

  How had she missed that particular lesson? At least her daughter had paid attention to the sermon. More than Merrilee could say for herself. She gave them what she hoped was her sternest look. Without another word, both children straightened and turned their attention back to the front of the church.

  “Do you have the ring?”

  Merrilee’s hand went to her neck, her palm pressed against the thin band dangling on a chain beneath the collar of her dress. John hadn’t had the money for a real wedding ring, so they had used a key ring Ms. Aurora had given him his first Christmas with her. It hadn’t mattered that it’d turned her finger green, as long as it showed that she belonged to him.

  “I want a pretty ring,” Ellie exclaimed with a giggle.

  John picked up the child and sat her in his lap. “Most females do.”

  A titter of laughter caught in the air, and several people glanced back at them with bemused smiles. But a few people, including Ms. Davis, gave the group a censoring frown that made Merrilee’s temper flare.

  The ceremony was drawing to an end. “Now a man shall leave his mother.” Pastor Williams glanced from the groom to the bride. “And a woman leave her home, and the two shall be as one.”

  And a woman leave her home. The phrase doused whatever anger she felt. This had been the crux of every argument she’d ever had with John, this choice he’d given her between him and her family. Why did it have to be one or the other? Why hadn’t he understood she could love both him and her father? She was supposed to honor her father, wasn’t she?

  Not at the expense of your husband’s feelings.

  The thought clung to her. Is that what she had done? Followed her daddy’s advice rather than listen to John? Of course she had, and why wouldn’t she? Didn’t it say in the Bible to seek wise counsel? Who could have been any wiser than her daddy? She’d been so foolish to believe that for so long.

  John had been wiser, she admitted to herself. He’d seen the problems she had with Jacob Daniels, had tried to warn her that her father’s upstanding citizen persona was just a ruse to hide his lucrative moonshining business. She hadn’t believed him, had even thought that John’s accusations were just the result of jealousy over any relationship she shared with the father she’d wanted so desperately to please. That she had lived in the hope her father might one day see her worth as more than a worthless female had only frustrated John more.

  “You may kiss your bride.”

  The couple shared a silly smile before the groom reached out and pulled his new wife into his embrace, his gaze caressing her upturned face before lowering his head to seal their vows with a kiss. The congregation burst into applause.

  “Wasn’t that the most romantic thing you’ve ever seen?” Claire turned to Merrilee, her expression one of girlish dreams. “It was just like a Clark Gable movie.”

  Billy smirked. “Forget the movie. I’d rather have popcorn. I’m starving.”

  “I hope my husband looks at me like that someday.” Clare sighed. “Like I’m the most precious thing he’s ever seen.”

  “Hopefully, that’s a ways in the future,” John said, a slight growl in his voice as he set Ellie on her feet and stood. He glanced down at Merrilee. “Why don’t I take the kids outside and let them stretch their legs a bit? It will give you a few minutes to catch up with Maggie and what’s going on at home.”

  “That would be lovely, thank you.”

  John retrieved the pair of crutches he’d laid down next to him and held them out to Billy and Claire. “Come on, kids.”

  Claire pulled herself up, using her free hand to straighten her skirts. “You know, Mama married my daddy when she was just seventeen.”

  Oh, dear. Claire had romance on her mind and that usually wound up with a new bunch of questions about her daddy. Maybe this was the time to tell her the truth, that John was her father. How would she handle the news?

  “Well, don’t you be getting any ideas. You’ve still got high school and college to look forward to.”

  Poor man, he’d have a tough time when Claire started flirting and going out on dates. And those poor boys who came courting! What kinds of torture would John put them through?

  A warm hand came to rest on her shoulder and she tilted her head to find Maggie. “He seems very good with Claire.”

  “He is. With all of them, really. They adore him.”

  “And what about you?” A wicked grin floated across Maggie’s lip
s.

  Well, she wouldn’t rise to the bait. “How are you feeling?”

  “Coward,” Maggie whispered before she sank back into the pew, her hand nestling protectively over her thickening waist. “I’m fine—feeling a lot better. The nausea has tapered off.”

  “So the saltines helped? You’re eating more?”

  Maggie slanted a glance at her. “By the time I have this baby, I won’t be able to fit in the cockpit of my old crop duster.”

  “You’ll figure out a way,” Wesley said, draping an arm behind Maggie and pulling her close. He brushed a kiss against her temple. “And you’ll be as beautiful as always.”

  Maggie leaned into her husband’s embrace. “Thank you, dear.”

  A tiny fission of jealousy snaked through Merrilee, and she turned away, only to catch a glimpse of the newlyweds still standing at the altar, accepting handshakes and congratulations. Everywhere she turned, people seemed to be blissfully paired off. She didn’t begrudge them their happiness; no, people deserved to find joy in their marriage. But what had she done to ruin her chances at a happily ever after of her own?

  And a woman leave her home, and the two shall be as one.

  Merrilee pushed the thought aside. “So what’s going on at the house?”

  “Nothing much,” Maggie answered. “You know Sarah Jo and Rob moved out last week.”

  “No.” She’d expected a small exodus of renters now that the bomber plant had gone from three shifts to two. With the war winding down, she was sure she could anticipate more of these sudden departures. Not exactly what she needed to hear with Claire’s doctors’ bills and the bank on the verge of foreclosing on her home. “I thought Rob transferred to the second shift.”

  Wesley shook his head. “Evans has been ordered to cut back on that shift, too. With the war being won over in Europe, I can’t see this thing going on much longer. The plant might be only running one line by the end of the summer.”

  “Which means my renters will be moving out to find work.” And Merrilee would have no way of paying off her bills.

  “I wouldn’t worry about it too much, Merrilee. They’re bound to keep the plant open to be used for something,” Maggie said.

  “Hopefully. Anything else going on?”

  They talked for a few more minutes, Maggie asking where Merrilee kept certain items like floor wax and if she wanted her mail forwarded to Aurora’s. They were still sifting through the details when a voice behind her caught Merrilee’s attention.

  “I’ve told Aurora those children had no business being in church. I mean, why bring them here when it’s clear they don’t understand anything anyway?”

  Who would have the gall to speak that way about her children? Merrilee ignored the warning glance Maggie shot her, rose to her feet, and turned. Ah, Ms. Gladys Davis, she should have known. “Do you have a problem with my children, Ms. Davis?”

  The older woman’s gray eyes widened, her lips pursed in a strict line that irritated Merrilee to no end. “Look, Merrilee, I know you’re just trying to help out Aurora. But that youngest girl with you today?” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “You must see that she couldn’t have known what was going on. I mean, asking for a ring like that.”

  The woman had nerve, she’d give her that. Merrilee dug her fingers into the soft leather of her purse but kept her voice even. “Ms. Davis, Ellie is all of five years old. She just heard Pastor Williams ask for the ring and decided she’d like one, too, that’s all—no different from how any other child might behave.”

  Ms. Davis leaned a step closer, closing the distance between them enough so that their conversation wouldn’t be overheard. “Those children of Aurora’s, they don’t have the ability to understand the scriptures and such. It just confuses them.”

  Of all the arrogant—! Merrilee’s fingers tingled, the urge to slap the smug little grin off the older woman’s face so strong, her purse was in danger of having holes poked through it. Forgive me for my unkind thoughts, Father. Keep my temper in check. Help me answer her with a gentle voice.

  Her lace veil fluttered softly as she drew in a steadying breath. It didn’t matter what this—she struggled, each name she thought of worse than the last—woman thought; Aurora’s kids needed to hear about the Lord just like anyone else. “Maybe you’re right, Ms. Davis. Maybe they don’t understand everything that’s being taught in church. They’re probably not the only ones in our community with that problem. But Ms. Aurora’s kids do understand love, and what better example is there of love than God Himself?”

  “Well, I don’t know about that.” Ms. Davis shifted her purse to her forearm as she stepped into the aisle. “I’m just going to put this little incident down to you being tired, taking care of those children and everything. I’m sure once you’ve returned home, you’ll have a clearer head to think with.”

  The woman spoke as if the children’s problems were contagious! Merrilee had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from snapping back with a nasty retort.

  “Old biddy, talking like that about those kids,” Maggie snorted, slipping her arm around Merrilee’s waist and pulling her close as Ms. Davis ambled down the aisle toward the door. “If I wasn’t on the nest, I would have slugged it out with her right here in church.”

  “Good thing you’re expecting, then. We wouldn’t want the sheriff having to put you in jail.”

  Maggie shrugged. “Wouldn’t be the first Daniels there.”

  A chuckle burst out of Merrilee. Her niece’s son or daughter was very blessed to have such a great woman for a mother. “Anything else going on around the house?”

  Maggie leaned in, her next words meant for only Merrilee’s ears. “Major Evans came by yesterday afternoon. Said he needed to talk to you so I told him you were helping out at Ms. Aurora’s.”

  Drat! Merrilee’s palms broke out in a cold sweat. Time spent with John and the children had made her forget her real mission for being as Aurora’s—to uncover evidence that would exonerate the older woman. If only she could stall the officer for a few more days, just until she secured enough information on Aurora to satisfy Evans.

  What will John say when he learns I wasn’t honest with him? Pain knifed through her heart.

  “Was it okay to tell the major he could find you out at Ms. Aurora’s?” Maggie’s hand came to rest on her shoulder, her young face suddenly lined with concern.

  Covering her niece’s hand with her own, Merrilee forced herself to smile. She refused to burden her niece with her problems, not when Maggie had had such a rough start to her pregnancy. “Perfectly fine. In fact, I’m pretty sure I told the major where he could find me, but it must have slipped his mind. He probably wanted to tell me about the cutbacks at the plant himself.”

  That seemed to mollify Maggie’s curiosity. “Oh, that makes sense.”

  Merrilee needed to get out of there before her niece came up with more difficult questions she wouldn’t be able to answer. “Could you tell Pastor Williams that his niece and her husband are welcome to spend their honeymoon at the house? The third floor is empty since Edie moved out, and I know Pastor Williams doesn’t have much room at his house. It’ll give the newlyweds a little privacy.”

  Maggie studied her for a brief moment, then gave her a gentle smile. “I hope that I can be half the woman you are, Aunt Merrilee.”

  Merrilee felt herself go uncomfortably warm. If Maggie knew the truth, she’d know such compliments were unfounded. She slipped out of Maggie’s grasp and shuffled down the length of the pew. “I’d better get going. John and the kids are probably starving by now.”

  “John and the kids. That has a natural ring to it, doesn’t it?” Maggie teased. “Almost like you’re married or something.”

  Merrilee chose to ignore her. “Go talk to the preacher before Ben and Phyllis leave.”

  Her ni
ece stood at attention and snapped off a salute.

  * * *

  John leaned back into the porch swing, his long legs stretched out in front of him, his head pillowed in his hands, a satisfying yawn creeping over him. Sundays were a welcome haven for a farmer, a time to recharge and prepare for the week ahead. And he needed the break. Overused muscles in his back and legs ached from the miles through which he’d pushed the iron blade of Aurora’s plow. A few more days and the first few buds would burst through the soil.

  The warm afternoon breeze carried a hint of blossoming honeysuckle. Maybe later, he’d take the kids on a little treasure hunt and teach them the art of finding just the perfect honeysuckle bush, show them how to nip the ends of the flowers and draw the sweet nectar to the tips of their tongues. He smiled. Ellie would like that; they all would. Or maybe once the sun set, he could show them how to catch lightning bugs with one of Aurora’s old mason jars.

  But right now, his stomach was too full to even move. Merrilee had always known her way around the kitchen but she had outdone herself today. Just the spicy scent of her homemade meatloaf had set his mouth to watering; ribbons of steam rose like misty clouds above the bowls of creamed potatoes, green beans and fried squash while a pan of her homemade biscuits had left the kitchen smelling all yeasty and homey. He’d eaten his fill along with the children while Merrilee had pushed her food from one corner of her plate to the other.

  Bending his legs underneath him, John dropped his arms to his sides and sat up. She hadn’t been herself since they’d returned home from church. At first he’d thought she was anxious to relieve Beau and Edie of their duties so that they could get back to honeymooning, but even after they’d left, he’d caught Merrilee pounding the pot of cooked potatoes so hard, he’d thought she would bust through the metal bottom. Something had upset her after he’d taken the kids out, of that he was certain. If she really meant what she’d said—that united they’d stand—he needed to get to the bottom of it.