The Power of Love

by Margaret Daley

  Rebecca turned and glanced at the clock on the mantel, its ticking filling the quiet. Slowly she walked to a chair and sat. While she searched her mind for a topic of conversation, she listened to the ticking of the clock. What would the couple across from her do if she ran from the room screaming? She decided she wasn’t much better than Peter at sitting still and being quiet.

  “Oakview hasn’t changed, I see,” Craig finally said.

  “I like the fact it hasn’t.” Rebecca winced at her defensive tone. Craig had always hated coming to see Granny, and when they had come to visit, he had made sure they hadn’t stayed long.

  “What do you do for fun around here?”

  “It isn’t that small. There’s a movie theater with first-run movies. The town is big on sports, and there is great fishing in some of the streams and rivers nearby.”

  Another lengthy silence tautened Rebecca’s nerves until she thought they would snap and she would go running from the room screaming. The doorbell sounded, cutting into the tension. She leaped to her feet and ran to the door, opening it without even looking to see who it was. It didn’t matter. Anyone was better than her present guests.

  Gabriel greeted her with a smile.

  She returned his smile and sagged against the door, relieved to see a friendly face. The tired lines about his mouth and eyes drew her attention. She wanted to smooth them away, to ask how the night before with George went. She held onto the door to keep from reaching out to him. This wasn’t the time to discuss George or their relationship.

  “Am I glad to see you!” Rebecca exclaimed in a voice barely audible.

  “You are?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “I thought after last night you wouldn’t be.”

  “Craig and his new wife and family are here,” she whispered, nodding toward the living room.

  “We need to talk. How long is he going to be here?”

  The venom behind the word he was clear to Rebecca. She relished the protective ring to his voice. “Too long. Until Peter comes home for lunch, which is in—” she glanced at her watch “—thirty minutes. What do you want to talk about?”

  “It will have to wait.”

  “Please come in.” She tried to keep from sounding desperate, but she needed moral support.

  “I don’t think I should. I might not be very nice to him.”

  Rebecca grabbed Gabriel’s hand. “Sure you can.” She tugged him into her house and closed the door before he changed his mind and escaped.

  When she entered the living room, she introduced Gabriel to Craig and his new family. “Gabriel, our town’s police chief, is my boss since I started working at the police station.”

  “Who takes care of the boys?” Craig asked after shaking hands with Gabriel.

  Since when have you cared? That was what Rebecca wanted to say, but she forced herself to count to ten before answering, “Granny takes care of them.”

  “Do you think your grandmother should take care of Peter and Josh? That seems like an awfully lot of work for an old woman.”

  “This old woman can handle it just fine. Not that you’ve ever cared if I lived or died.” Granny came into the room with Josh in her arms. “I heard you down here and thought you might like to say hello to your son.” Granny thrust Josh into Craig’s lap, then moved to sit in her rocking chair.

  Craig clasped Josh before he toppled over and held him gingerly, as though he didn’t know what to do with the child. He surged to his feet, gripping Josh under the arms and holding him away from his body. Quickly Craig covered the distance to Rebecca and gave Josh to her.

  “I think he needs changing.” Craig’s nose wrinkled, a frown marring his features.

  Rebecca seized the chance to escape the room, knowing that Granny would have changed him before coming downstairs. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

  “I’ll help you,” Gabriel added, trailing behind Rebecca.

  Upstairs in her bedroom, she laid Josh on her bed and checked to see if she needed to change his diaper. She didn’t. She felt Gabriel’s gaze on her as she buttoned Josh’s pants. Suddenly she was all thumbs.

  “When did Craig get married again?”

  “I just found out about it right before Josh was rushed to the hospital.”

  “How do you feel about this?”

  “Craig’s getting what he wants, his perfect little family.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “I’m sad that he’s turning his back on his sons, but beyond that I don’t feel anything. I refuse to waste any more energy trying to change something I can’t change.”

  “No anger?”

  She shook her head. “I guess I’m mellowing. How about you?” she asked in a casual tone. Inside she was anything but casual. She held her breath while waiting for his reply.

  “I’m mellowing, too. Must be catching.”

  She noticed his wedding ring was still off his left hand, but she wasn’t going to say anything about it. Seeing Craig with his new family didn’t arouse her anger, but it did make her leery about any relationship a person wasn’t committed to one hundred percent. She had to protect her heart and her children from being hurt again.

  “I guess I’ve stalled changing Josh’s diaper long enough. I probably shouldn’t have left Craig with Granny. They never got along before, and now he definitely isn’t on her favorite people list.”

  “Here, let me.” Gabriel took Josh and swung him high.

  The sound of her son’s laughter dissolved some of her anxiety. Josh had a way of putting her life in perspective, of teaching her what was important. And having Gabriel hold her youngest gave her a sense of satisfaction. She knew he was trying in his own way to make a point with Craig, but she wasn’t sure her ex-husband would get it.

  When Rebecca entered the living room, the tension hit her like a brick wall. She looked from Granny to Craig then back to Granny. Her grandmother smiled so sweetly Rebecca knew she’d had her say while Rebecca was gone and Craig wasn’t too pleased by it.

  Craig stood, throwing her grandmother a narrow eyed look. “I think we’ll wait outside by the car.”

  “Well, if you’re sure that’s what you want to do. Peter will be here in a few minutes.”

  Craig, with family in tow, stalked to the front door.

  Rebecca peered at Granny, who shrugged and appeared innocent. “They’re our guests.”

  “I didn’t invite him here. Did you?”

  “No, but he wanted to see Peter. I’ll never deny him that.”

  Granny huffed. “It seems to me there are people in this town who are better fathers to that boy than his own.” After looking pointedly at Gabriel, she headed toward the kitchen.

  “No one can accuse my grandmother of being subtle. I’m sorry, Gabriel.” She avoided his gaze, afraid of what might be in his eyes.

  “She’s right. I want to be a father to Peter and Josh.”

  Rebecca wasn’t sure he was aware of the pain that laced his words. She knew he wanted to be a father, but at what cost? “I’d better get outside for when Peter comes home. I don’t want him hurt any more than necessary.” She started for the front door.

  “Rebecca, I put my wedding ring away for good.”

  She stopped, her hand on the door, her back to Gabriel.

  “I’m working on forgiving George. I wish I could say I have completely. I’ve lived with this anger and guilt for a long time, but with God’s help I will forgive.”

  Her grip tightened. “Gabriel, I can’t deal with this right now. I don’t know how Peter will react when he sees his father and his new family.”

  “My proposal still stands. I want to marry you.”

  She shivered. Suddenly she was so cold. She pivoted at the door and faced Gabriel, who was still holding Josh. “Me or my children?”

  “You. I love your children, but you’re the woman I want to marry.”

  “I can’t answer you right now.” She pulled the door open.
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  “I think you’re the one who is afraid, Rebecca. You’re scared of being hurt again. It’s easier to make it seem like my problems are what is keeping us apart. It’s easier for you to shut off your feelings than to risk getting hurt again.”

  She quirked one of her brows. “Oh, and you didn’t shut off your feelings? So now you’re the expert on relationships?”

  Gabriel watched Rebecca flee outside. He shook his head. “I don’t know, Josh, about your mother. Have any suggestions on how I can reach her?”

  “I do.”

  Gabriel turned toward Rose, who stood in the entrance to the living room, using her cane to support her. These past few days had been difficult on Rose—on everyone.

  “Don’t take no for an answer, son.”

  “That’s all?”

  “Craig’s just stirred up some feelings she’s been having a tough time dealing with. She’ll come around after he leaves.”

  “She demanded I come to terms with my problems, and I have. But she still hasn’t completely faced hers.”

  “Give her some time. She will. You’re a mighty powerful persuader.” Granny walked to the front door and started to close it. “Come on into the kitchen, and we’ll talk over some coffee.”

  Rebecca heard the sound of the front door closing behind her and almost hurried to push it open and escape inside where she was accepted for who she was. Instead, she gripped the porch railing and observed Craig and his family standing by the car. Craig’s arms were folded over his chest, and his thunderous expression slashed his eyebrows and mouth downward. The three females remained quietly lined up next to him. In that moment she pitied Laura.

  When Peter came running down the sidewalk, Rebecca straightened, praying that Craig would let their son down gently.

  Peter stopped short when he saw Craig. Rebecca listened to Craig introduce Peter to his wife and her two daughters. There was a note of pride in Craig’s voice that made her grip the railing tightly. Lord, please give me the strength to handle this, to be there for Peter after his father leaves.

  She didn’t have to hear the conversation to know exactly when Craig informed Peter he was moving to New York. Her son frowned, his teeth digging into his bottom lip. He had been okay with his father remarrying, but this was different. She wanted to go to her son and hug him, but she knew her presence would only compound the situation with Craig. Ten minutes later, Craig patted Peter on the head and told him goodbye, that he would call him soon.

  As Craig climbed into the car, Rebecca descended the steps and walked to her son. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she squeezed and whispered, “I love you.”

  Craig’s car disappeared from view before Peter said, “I know, Mom, but why can’t Dad love me, too?”

  She turned her son to face her. “He does love you, honey. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have come by and told you personally about him moving. Some people have a hard time showing their love. Your dad is one of those people, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you.” She pulled him toward the steps and sat. “You should have seen the first time he saw you and held you. The look of wonder on his face was priceless.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. You were a beautiful baby.”

  “Mom! Boys aren’t beautiful.”

  “Sorry, I meant handsome. And remember the time you learned to ride your bicycle? He was there helping you.”

  “But he has a new family now.”

  “People are capable of loving more than one person. He’ll have room in his heart for all of you.” She prayed that was true, but if it wasn’t, she would be there to pick up the pieces.

  Her son’s stomach rumbled. He laughed. “I guess I’m hungry. We worked hard this morning at school.”

  “And you need to get back. Let’s see what Granny cooked for lunch.”

  They mounted the steps to the porch. Rebecca was aware that Gabriel was still inside with her grandmother. She didn’t want to see him right now. Craig’s surprise visit left her feeling vulnerable, wounded, and she needed time to sort through the emotions swirling inside her.

  “I bet Granny fixed ham and cheese sandwiches with tomato soup.”

  “You think?”

  “It’s Tuesday. She does every Tuesday for the lunch I take to school.”

  In the kitchen Gabriel sat at the table, cradling a cup of coffee while he spoke with her grandmother. He fell silent when she and Peter entered the room. A blush stained her cheeks. She obviously had been the topic of conversation. If she hadn’t been so preoccupied with Peter the past few minutes, her ears would have no doubt been burning.

  Gabriel pushed to his feet. “I need to get back to the station. I’ve played hooky too long. I’m afraid Mabel might come and hunt me down. Walk me to the door, Rebecca.”

  Reluctantly she led the way. When she reached out to open the door, Gabriel grasped her hand. The touch nearly sent her into his arms. Then she remembered Craig’s visit and stepped back, their fingers still laced together.

  “I know today hasn’t been easy for you, Rebecca, but I’m not leaving without at least telling you I love you and doing this.” Gabriel tugged her flat against him, and his mouth descended to claim hers.

  Tingling sensations rocked her resolve to keep her distance, to wade through the emotions she was feeling. She gripped his shoulders to keep herself upright. Her legs felt like rubber and her heart felt on fire.

  “Remember that. I’ll see you tonight. You and I need to have a long talk and work all this out.”

  Gabriel left her standing in the middle of the entrance with her quivering fingers grazing the lips he had kissed so thoroughly. I love you. His words sang loud and clear in her mind, declaring his intentions.

  * * *

  Dare she take another chance on love? Rebecca wondered as she finished putting the last dinner plate in the dishwasher. She had been wrong once and was still paying dearly for it.

  “Rebecca?”

  She hadn’t heard him enter the kitchen. Slowly she turned to face Gabriel who stood across the room—too far away yet too close. She felt as though she teetered on the brink of something important.

  He strode toward her, determination in his gaze. To coat her suddenly dry throat, she swallowed several times, but she didn’t move an inch. She felt trapped by his possessive look, which skimmed down her, laying claim to her.

  “I’d hoped to be here earlier, but Susan reported Bess missing.”

  “She did? Why didn’t you call me? Where is Bess? Can I help?”

  Holding up his hand, close to her mouth but not touching her, he chuckled. “Bess is fine. She was asleep in someone else’s room. Thought it was hers and took a nap.”

  Relieved, Rebecca eased back against the counter, aware of his nearness, which caused a fluttering in the pit of her stomach and siphoned the energy from her legs. “There are days I forget she has trouble with her memory from time to time, then something like that happens.”

  “We found her when Peepers wanted out of the room and began to yelp.”

  “She wasn’t supposed to have the puppy inside during the day. Why am I surprised she did?”

  “Bess isn’t one for the rules. Everything’s okay now. I even got Susan to overlook the puppy being inside.”

  With each moment he stood in her kitchen, her heart beat a shade faster until she was afraid she would become light-headed. She needed to put some distance between them. She ran her hand through her hair, then gestured toward the table. “Do you want something to eat? I could fix you a plate.”

  “There’s only one thing I want.”

  “What do you want?” she asked, her voice a weak thread, her throat constricting.

  “I want you to be my wife.” He captured her face between his hands and stared into her eyes. “You’re the one I love above everyone else. Yes, I love your sons, but it’s you I’m asking to marry me. I want to make that perfectly clear right up front.”

  “I don’t—”

  He sto
pped her words with a fingertip pressed against her lips. “I am not Craig. Give me a chance to prove that. I know you’re wary of committing to someone else. I was until I met you, but we can make this work.”

  “I’m so scared. I was wrong once. Seeing Craig again today only made me think about how wrong I was. I can’t go through that again.”

  “I’m not asking you to.” Gabriel stroked his fingers through her hair and brought her close to him, cuddling her head against his chest. “Do you hear that? That’s my heart breaking.”

  The loud thumping sounded in her ear. The soothing touch of his hand riveted her attention. His scent of soap and pine engulfed her.

  “I see that you have two choices here. You can embrace life with zeal or you can continue to hide and run away. Which is it gonna be, Rebecca?”

  She heard the ticking of the clock on the wall as it echoed through the room, proclaiming her indecision. The stroking of his hand stopped, conveying his mounting tension. Lord, I’m scared to risk my heart again. Help me.

  When her silence continued, Gabriel pulled back and stared at her. “I sign on, Rebecca, for life.”

  She opened her mouth.

  “Mom! Mom!”

  Peter burst into the room. Rebecca jumped away from Gabriel, feeling the heat creep up her face.

  “Mom, come quick. Josh is standing on his own.”

  Everything evaporated from her mind except one thing—Josh. She hurried into the living room right behind Peter and came to a halt when she saw her youngest son taking a shaky step toward her grandmother. Stunned and in awe of what her son was doing, Rebecca froze, tears flooding her eyes and streaming down her face unchecked.

  “Thank you, Lord,” she whispered as Gabriel took her hand.

  The feel of his fingers around hers, his arm touching hers, made the moment perfect. Josh stumbled, and before she could move to catch him, Peter whisked him up, laughing and shouting his joy.

  “Who’s my man? Josh is my man. I knew you could do it,” Peter said, swinging his brother around and around.

  Rebecca grasped Gabriel’s other hand, compelling him to look from Josh to her. The tenderness in his gaze melted any doubts she might have had. “Yes, I’ll marry you, Gabriel Stone. Name the day. I’ll be there.”