Noel remained standing. “Guess I better get in there so we can start our Bible study.”
“Yeah, guess you should.” Although he agreed, neither one moved. Their gazes met. Noel, spurned by guilt, broke the connection.
Noel stepped toward the door but circled as far away from the Santa as possible. No encore performances from the mechanical St. Nick tonight. “Maybe Vivian has an umbrella you can use. I’ll check.”
“Don’t. It’s OK. My truck is parked a few steps from the house. I’ll be fine.” He stood next to Noel. “I meant what I said about going with you. Let me know and I’ll call him tonight.”
Justin offered her what she’d wanted all her life—to finally meet her father. Should she? She rolled her bottom lip between her teeth. “I…um. Can I call you later? To let you know.”
“Sure.”
She slid her phone from her pocket and fiddled with the keypad. “Your number?”
He rattled off the digits.
After another moment of awkward silence, Justin moved toward the door. “G’night, Noel.”
“G’night, Justin.”
He descended the stairs and fled to his truck.
Noel watched as he drove away. How could she have been so wrong about him?
Here was her second chance.
Was a second chance that simple? But making this right would require some serious humble-pie-eating on her part. Was she ready for that? But was she ready for the greater challenge—meeting her father in less than twenty-four hours from now?
****
Justin white-knuckled the steering wheel all the way home. The torrential rains battered his windshield and quickly filled the low-lying roads with water. While his focus was on driving safely, he couldn’t help but entertain the image of Noel’s reaction to singing Santa. His lips spread. Did she have to be so stinkin’ cute? Man, he was having a hard time with this one. What was it about her that attracted him? She surely didn’t look like the typical girl he dated. Maybe, that’s why. Could Noel be an answer to prayer? He’d asked for the right woman to come along. One he could love and spend the rest of his life with. Had God sent Noel as an answer?
Hold on, Gravois. Was he going a bit far on this one?
He’d been surprised when Noel hadn’t refused his offer to drive her to meet Delton. He did not look forward to the meeting. He’d known Delton Detiveaux a long time, and the man seemed to care about his career more than his family.
When Justin thought of Delton’s son, Randy, he was thankful for his aunt and uncle. They’d set the perfect example of loving parents. He couldn’t imagine the meeting with Noel and Delton being anything but a dismal failure with Noel getting her feelings seriously hurt.
If he could talk her out of seeing Delton, he would. But he’d seen the determination in her eyes. She wouldn’t leave until she’d met him. The least he could do was to be there with her.
Huit
She walked into the house amid the chitchat from the ten ladies who made up the SHM Supper Club and Bible study. Their conversation flowed easily, and they offered support to each other. This is what she lacked in her life.
A true support system.
A true connection with other women.
A true fellowship.
But…could she really be part of something like this long term?
“Noel, come. I fixed a plate for you.” Cheryl held a dish overflowing with a sampling of goodies each of the ladies brought. This trip would cost more than money and time. Her waistline would surely pay.
“Thanks.” Noel accepted the kindness and found her place at the large table among the ten women who met weekly to have a wonderful meal, study God’s word, and support one another. Gratitude filled the lost places in her heart for the privilege to be part of this.
Vivian began the introductions. “Everyone, this is Noel. She’s my guest, and we’re hoping to get her to stay for the wedding. We found each other on Munson’s Road the other night. Noel, this is Elaine Martin.” Vivian pointed to a gray-haired, matronly woman sitting next to her.
Elaine smiled. “Nice to meet you, Noel.”
“Hi, I’m Evangeline Louviere.” A multicolored scarf wrapped the head of the woman who offered her hand. Barely noticeable painted-on eyebrows arched when she flashed a welcoming smile. “It's nice to have you visit our li’l corner of the world. Please call me Gilly.”
Noel shook her frail hand. She’d seen the hollow eyes and pale skin before. During her mom’s chemo treatments, she’d bought her scarfs similar to the one Gilly wore. Noel had taught her mother to wrap it turban-style like Gilly had. Noel’s chest constricted when she gazed into the woman’s beautiful hazel eyes. So vibrant and hopeful. She couldn’t be much older than Noel. Much too young to battle such a monstrous demon.
Noel knew Cheryl, Melanie, Mameré, Vivian, and Justin’s aunt, Cookie.
A brunette beauty with dark green eyes extended her hand from across the table. “Hello, I’m Lark LaRoux. I moved back here about a year ago, so I’m the newest member of the group.” She nodded toward Mameré. “I had the privilege of working with Mrs. Clement as her physical therapist at the rehab hospital. I now own my own practice here in town.”
The lady sitting next to Noel, a strawberry blonde with reading glass perched on the end of her nose, nudged with her elbow. “I’m Pearl Savoie. Born here and never left.” She chuckled. “Be careful. This place will suck you in. Before you know what hit you, you’ll be attending this Bible study every week.”
The auburn-haired woman sitting next to Lark laughed then said, “Don’t let Pearl scare you. She knows what a good thing we have here. I’m Jeanine Vincent. I’m not from here but married into this place, and even though my husband’s gone, I’m still here. Can’t imagine living anywhere else.” She glanced at each of the ladies around the table, her eyes moistened. “This group has been a Godsend.”
Melanie slid her arm around Jeanine. “We love ya, girl. And won’t let you leave.”
The women burst into laughter. “Ain’t that the truth?” Vivian said. “Now can we get our dishes moved and get started with tonight’s study?”
The women gathered their empty plates and placed them in the sink. They returned to the table where the now smaller beignet tree stood in the center.
Vivian opened her Bible. “We left off in John, chapter four, when Jesus speaks to the woman at the well.”
The ladies opened their Bible except Lark, who used an electronic tablet to find the chapter and verse she needed. Noel leaned close to Cheryl to read from her Bible.
Cheryl stood. “I almost forgot, Noel, I have something for you.” She returned and handed Noel a turquoise leather-covered Bible.
Noel reached for the lovely gift. Emotion, raw and strong, grew from her heart and jammed in her throat. These people were strangers just a few days ago. She opened the cover to find an inscription hand-written on the first page. To Noel, May the living Word grow in your heart and mind so you know to Whom you belong. He will never leave you or forsake you. All our love, Cheryl, Vivian, Melanie, and Mameré.
The words blurred. Noel pressed her lips together in her struggle to keep emotions from flowing. With the exception of her mother, no one had been so kind to her.
“Thank you.” Her voice wavered and seemed as though it belonged to someone else. She glanced at the smiling faces around the table but averted her gaze before seeing Cheryl. She knew once she looked into Cheryl’s smiling eyes, she’d lose whatever composure she had left.
Vivian leaned forward, her elbows on the table. “Like everyone at this table, I believe God has sent each of us into the other’s lives for a reason. It may be for a lifetime, a season, or a week, but He can do His work in His timeframe. We get the privilege of being part of His plan.” She winked at Noel. “I, for one, am glad I got stuck in traffic the other night, or I wouldn’t have met Noel. I’ll never complain about traffic jams again. Who would like to read the first question?”
Pe
arl lifted her hand and read from her page. She scooted her chair closer to Noel and shared her answers.
The time flew by as Noel learned more about God through the women’s answers. Before the evening ended each woman shared a prayer request.
The request started with Evangeline. “Pray that my sister, Jo, will come back to Christ and will be open to being close with me again before…” She paused and swallowed. “Pray that she will be the role model my girls will need.”
Cheryl reached across the table and squeezed Gilly’s hand. “Oh, honey.”
Tears filled Gilly’s eyes and spilled onto her cheeks.
A collective sigh spread around the table. Noel’s thoughts whirled. Had it only been a few months ago when her mother had gone through the same thing? Gilly had said her girls. The thought broke her heart.
“How many girls?” Noel asked.
Gilly’s lips spread into a smile. “Two. They are my heart. Kimmie is twelve and Lily is ten. Smart. Beautiful.” She tilted her head and then batted her eyes and performed her best model-pout. “Just like their mother.”
Laughter filled the dining room.
“Gilly, girl you always make us laugh,” Cheryl said. “We’ll be praying for you and the girls and also for Jo.” She turned to Noel. “Jo is her twin sister.”
Each of the women wrote Gilly’s prayer request. Next, Elaine Martin requested prayers for her son to find another job. He’d been laid off from a job he’d had for fifteen years.
Cheryl asked for prayers for a patient to be reunited with her family.
“Please pray that my sister and I would become friends again—that I could find it in my heart to forgive her and her husband.” Lark’s prayer request twisted Noel’s heart.
Pearl asked that her marriage be saved. Over the weekend she’d found something that made her suspect her husband was having an affair.
Noel couldn’t believe how calmly Pearl asked for prayer for something so devastating. After each request had been shared, the women turned to Noel.
Should she? The one thing burning in her heart was the one thing she couldn’t share with the group. Please give me the courage to tell Justin the truth.
****
Raindrops battered the tin roof, the sound deafening as Justin sipped from his cup of hot chocolate.
Noel’s message had been short and sweet: Yes. can u set mtg for 2mrw am? Jumping off the deep end here.
His chest tightened just thinking about the encounter. Please let me be wrong. What could he tell Delton when he set up the meeting without betraying Noel’s confidence? She wanted to surprise the man she thought would be welcoming.
He glanced at the time on his phone: 8:00 PM. Still early enough. Maybe if he connected through Randy, he wouldn’t have to give details. He typed a message to Randy: r u going skiing this year?
The reply came much quicker than he anticipated. Yes. Can’t not go. Delton would have a cow. Want to come?
No thks. Do u know if ur dad is home in am? Have someone who wants 2 meet him.
Yes he is. Having breakfast with him at 8. I’ll text & set something up.
Thks, man. Appreciate it.
Justin ran his hand through his hair then exhaled long and slow. There would be no turning back now. Lord, don’t let Delton break her heart.
The chirp from his phone pulled his gaze to the text. Dad says come by at 9. Lookin’ frwd to seeing u.
Tks. Will be there.
As he typed the words to Noel, he hoped this wouldn’t be something he’d regret setting up. 9 am meeting 2mrw. Would u like 2 go 2 breakfast in am? Say around 8?
OK. She texted back.
PU at 7:45?
Sounds good.
Justin stood and headed to bed. Once there, he wasn’t sure if the churning in his stomach was due to the extra helping of chocolate syrup or because he felt he was leading Noel into the lion’s den.
Neuf
Dressed and ready to go, Noel sat in one of the rattan chairs she and Justin shared the night of the party on the back porch. She savored the dark roast coffee Vivian made and let the sound of the rain drive her thoughts.
Once Noel decided to meet with Delton, she knew what her prayer request would be, not the main one burning her heart, but one burning nonetheless. Her prayer request was for the visit with Delton to go well. When she’d shared her decision with the group last night, they’d given her warmth and encouragement, except she wasn’t sure about Mrs. Elaine’s remark. “Well, well, Delton Detiveaux your father. I will certainly be praying for you, dear child.”
Noel decided to let it go and accept the prayers. Regardless of what anyone thought, she knew this was something she had to do. And whatever the outcome, she needed the answer to her long-standing question. She needed to put this to rest. Now all she had to do was prepare for the worst. And what could the worst be? He could tell her to go pound swamp mud and never contact him again. Was she ready for that outcome? Whether or not she was ready, she’d have to face the possibility.
Vivian walked out, cup of coffee in hand. “Are you enjoying our wonderful rain-soak morning?” She sat in the chair next to Noel.
“It’s very soothing. Although, I’m not used to this much rain at once. Snow, maybe, but not rain.”
“It’ll stop later t’day and get colder.” She leaned closer and lifted Noel’s hand from her lap. “I’d like to pray with you before Justin gets here. Is that all right?”
What could she say, but yes? Her mother had been the only one who’d prayed for her that way. This lady seemed like someone straight from heaven. “Of course.”
Noel followed Vivian’s lead and bowed her head. Vivian took in a deep breath and then began. “Lord, thank You for this day, the rain, and all the blessings we get from it. Thank You for Justin and his willingness to be such a good friend to Noel. Father, I ask You to protect them as they drive in this weather. I also ask that You give Noel Your divine protection as she meets Delton today. You know the past, present, and future in this situation, and I ask for wisdom for all involved to accept the truth as Your will reveals. Give Noel courage, strength, and grace to handle whatever the outcome may be. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
“Amen.” The steady drumbeat in Noel’s chest reminded her just how unprepared she was for this meeting. Yet, somehow, peace spread through her with each heartbeat. “Thank you for such a beautiful prayer. I know things may not be what I’d like.”
Vivian nodded. “Noel, regardless of the outcome, please stay here for the wedding.” Her fingers gave Noel’s hand a gentle squeeze. “I’ve loved having you here.”
Noel braved a glance toward Vivian. “I’ve loved being here. I can’t say for sure how I’ll feel after this meeting. So much will depend on Delton’s response.”
“I know.” She held Noel’s hand with hers and made direct eye contact. “If his response is negative, please remember, it has nothing to do with you. He can be very shortsighted and quick to judge. Don’t let him or anyone else steal your confidence.”
Noel returned Vivian’s gaze. “I will. Besides, how can someone with those traits be elected?”
“Long story.” Vivian released Noel’s fingers.
The doorbell’s ding-dong captured their attention. “Justin’s here.” Noel reached over and hugged the lady who had become a surrogate mother to her in just four days. “Thank you, Vivian. For everything.”
Vivian tightened her arms around Noel’s shoulders. “You’re welcome, honey. It’s been my pleasure.” She tapped Noel’s arm and leaned back. “Now run along and remember I’m here for you.”
Noel’s heart smiled at Vivian’s sincerity. “I’ll see you this afternoon.”
“I’ll be here.”
When Noel opened the door, a stab of panic raced through her. There was still time to call the whole thing off. Justin’s smile pulled her in and eased the anxiety. “Good morning. Ready?”
She nodded. “As I’ll ever be.”
“I’m tak
ing you to the best breakfast place in town. Well, it’s the only breakfast place in town, but trust me. It’s great.”
“OK, let’s do this.” She grabbed an umbrella from a stand next to the door and headed out into the steady rainfall. Please let this go well. As much as she wanted to know the truth, there was a tiny part of her that screamed, “Stop—don’t do this. You’ll regret it.” She ignored it and pushed through the rain to Justin’s truck.
****
The constant beat of the windshield wipers broke the silence as Justin concentrated on driving through the heavy rain. Noel’s tapping on the center console did not match the beat of the wipers.
“You OK?” he asked.
“Yes, but honestly, I’m a bit nervous.” She laced her fingers together and placed them on her knees.
“Just a bit?” Justin laughed. “You’re doing better than I would. I’d be about as nervous as a long-tailed polecat in a room full of old women rocking.”
Noel’s endearing giggle greeted him in response. “I lied. I’m about that nervous. What if I puke on his shoes when I meet him?”
“Whaaat? Where did that come from? Why would you think that?”
“That’s what happened when I met my first grade teacher. I puked on her shoes. Not a good way to start a relationship. Trust me.” She ran her thumb up and down the leather strap on her purse.
He chuckled. “I imagine not. I think you’ll be fine. I would suggest not having the Spicy Cajun Delight breakfast though.”
“Ugh, the thought of eating makes my stomach roll.”
“Would you rather skip breakfast?”
“No. I’ll sit with you while you eat. Maybe, I’ll have toast.” Her left foot repeatedly struck the floorboard in sync with the beat of the windshield wipers.
Thank the Lord the restaurant was just around the corner. Justin wasn’t sure he could keep Noel from bouncing out of the truck. Her anxiety pressed his sympathy for her. After seeing her so nervous, his nerves ramped up. Delton could be intimidating even in the best situations. Justin couldn’t imagine how the man would react to the news Noel would deliver in less than an hour. The more he thought about the possibilities, the more he was convinced this was a bad idea. A very bad idea.
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