Trish was the first one out. She stepped to the sliding door near where Gracie’s wheelchair was parked and yanked on the door handle, while Dani moved into the Fellowship Hall entrance of the church.
Gracie glanced at Mama Beth. “Something going on that I need to know about?”
She tilted her head to one side with a coy smile. “Guess you’ll just have to wait and find out.”
Trish untied the straps, humming all the while.
A wave of panic swept over her and sent her pulse rate into rocket range. God, please don’t let this be a surprise party. I’m not ready for everyone to see me like this. I’m not ready for the pity and sympathetic looks and awkward silences when people don’t know what to say. She chomped down on her lower lip.
Trish patted her arm, an understanding look in her eyes. “It’s gonna be okay, Gracie. These people love you. Give them a chance.”
She pushed a rogue strand of hair aside while she pulled at the floral cotton skirt she’d worn for the ride home. Yes, she needed to give them a chance. Needed to forgive and forget. Needed the fresh start this day might provide. But could she do it properly without time to get herself prepared?
The chair lift vibrated as Trish lowered her to the sidewalk, and the church door hinged open with a bang. Matt strode out, breaking into a lope as soon as he saw her, a broad grin spread across his face. He bent down and embraced her in a bear hug, then looked up at the other two women. “I’ll take it from here, ladies.”
Relief poured over her like a refreshing waterfall on a stifling hot day. How blessed she was that Matt was able—had strangely always been able—to read her like a book. Without a word between them, he somehow knew she was apprehensive.
When the other two moved out of earshot range, he gave her a soft kiss and knelt in front of the wheelchair to look her in the eye. “It’s so good to have you home, Gracie Mae.”
“It’s good to be home.” She glanced toward the church. “If it weren’t for you, I’m not sure I could do this.”
“So you’re doing okay?”
She inhaled a deep breath, the scent of nearby honeysuckle helping to calm her spirit. “I’m a little nervous about how everyone will treat me. I don’t think I can stand it if they feel sorry for me.”
Kindness seeped from his sand-colored eyes. “I’ll do what I can to keep that from happening, okay?”
“Thank you, Matt. I love you.”
His face took on a soft glow, a look that revealed how he still marveled at their relationship. This was a man who would never take it for granted. “And I love you.” He kissed the tip of her nose, and then smiled into her eyes. “You ready to do this?”
She nodded, Matt’s presence giving her the boost of confidence she so desperately needed. “Let’s roll.”
He laughed at her pun, and then rose to his feet to push her up the sidewalk and through the doorway. As they entered the room erupted in cheers and applause.
Overwhelming joy and grateful humility flooded her being as she scanned the crowd. There were people everywhere, the faces of those she loved dearest and best, people who loved her in return.
Andy, his golden curls slicked back, knelt beside her and raised his voice so she could hear him over the crowd noise. “As soon as you’re ready to come back to work, let me know. It appears I’m in need of a new partner.”
Her eyes popped open wide. Never in a million years would she have believed he’d give her the job again. “But—”
He raised his eyebrows, his sea-green eyes staring her down. “I won’t take no for an answer.” He leaned closer. “I know now that you had my best interest at heart when you broke in. I should’ve believed it then. And I was also trying to protect you from Jason. Matt’s probably already told you that Ben Snodgrass and Debra Rowe were undercover agents. They thought it would be for the best if I kept you away from Jason as much as possible.”
Gracie took note of the honesty in his eyes. His explanation made sense, and even if it hadn’t, she owed this man much more than she’d ever be able to repay. She hugged his neck. “Thanks, Andy. I’ll do what I can to be there on Monday.”
“No need to rush, but we want you when you’re ready.”
The applause and cheering died down, so Andy stood and faced the crowd. “I can tell y’all are ready to see our guest of honor, but why don’t we let her get some lunch first? As soon as we’ve all eaten and Gracie’s ready, we’ll make a line so you can all come by and say your piece.”
Heads bobbed in agreement, and a voice bellowed from the back corner. “Just make sure she leaves some food for the rest of us.”
A grin burst onto Grace’s face as the crowd erupted in laughter. Leave it to Coot to make that sort of comment. As Matt wheeled her through the line, peace blanketed her soul. Miller’s Creek was where she belonged, not just for now, but for always. These people and this place were in her blood, and nothing could ever change that.
A half hour later she leaned back in her wheelchair and glanced across the table at Papa. How happy he looked, with Maria sitting next to him and seeing to his every need.
“The food was delicious, Papa. I’ve missed your cooking.”
“You only say that because you’ve been eating hospital food.” His high-pitched giggle sounded across the room, and others sitting nearby laughed along with him.
Steve Miller, who sat down the table from Gracie, his cowboy hat at rest on the table near his plate, stood and gave a shrill whistle to get everyone’s attention. “Y’all know this is a special day for Miller’s Creek as we welcome back a hometown hero.” He took the plaque Dani handed him. “We have this little memento to give Gracie from the whole town. It says: ‘In honor of Gracie Soldano, one of Miller’s Creek’s finest.’” He looked her way, his grin as wide as Texas. “Miss Gracie, as mayor of Miller’s Creek, it’s my honor and privilege to announce that from now on April 18th is Grace Soldano Day in Miller’s Creek. We love and appreciate you, and we’re glad you’re back home.”
People rose to their feet, the applause thunderous.
Tears sprang to her eyes once more.
Matt rubbed her back with his palm, and leaned over to whisper in her ear. “You’re doing great. Hang in there.”
“Would you help me stand?”
He frowned. “You sure?”
She gave an emphatic nod and used her fingertips to swipe away tears. “I need to do this for them.”
Matt leaned over and whispered something to Andy, who moved to her other side. Together they helped Grace to her feet. The applause grew even louder, and then died down. The sound of metal chairs scraping the floor echoed across the room as people took their seats.
She moistened her lips and gazed around the fellowship hall at the people who meant so much to her. Today said much more about them than it did about her. “I’m so very grateful for this wonderful reception. While I don’t deserve it in the least, I appreciate it more than I can express.” Her voice wavered and she paused to harness her emotions. “Thank you for so many things—for praying for me while I was in the hospital, for loving me even when I mess up, and for your gracious friendship. I can’t think of any place on earth I’d rather be than at home in Miller’s Creek.”
The people applauded once more. Andy and Matt helped Gracie sit before they wheeled her near the door at her request. Matt stayed close by her side the entire time, giving her much-needed assurance through winks, smiles, and an occasional shoulder squeeze.
As Gracie expressed her thanks individually, she couldn’t help but remember back to the previous Thanksgiving when she could find nothing to be grateful for. In complete contrast, her heart now sent up a prayer of thanksgiving to the One who made all things possible, including her ability to give thanks.
28
Through the rearview mirror from her position in the backseat, Gracie took in the firm set to Matt’s jaw and the anger flashing in his eyes. Okay, this wasn’t quite the response she’d hoped for. Only a week had
passed since her arrival back in Miller’s Creek, but this was something she had to do—even if he didn’t understand or agree.
“I can’t believe you actually wanna go through with this.” Matt pulled the borrowed van into the apartment parking lot and threw the gearshift into park. “Haven’t you suffered enough without asking for more?” He didn’t even bother to make eye contact, but instead slammed the door behind him and moved to the sliding door on the passenger side. Without a word, he stooped to undo the safety straps that held her wheelchair in place, his anger evident in his fast, forceful movements.
“I’m sorry this upsets you, Matt, but I have to do it.”
His shoulders sagged as he released a heavy breath. He righted himself from the stooped position and looked her in the eye. “I’m sorry, Gracie. I don’t mean to be a jerk about this, but I don’t see what can possibly be gained from this meeting with Elena. Once I touch a hot stove, I know not to touch it again.”
“You’ve used that analogy already. In case you don’t remember, it didn’t work then either.” She tried to soften the blow of her words with a smile.
He planted both hands on his hips, raised his gaze to the sky and rotated in a circle, his exasperation unmistakable.
A sudden thought dissolved Gracie into a fit of the giggles.
Matt stopped and glared at her. “You think this is funny?”
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop laughing, and had to speak around the uncontrollable chortles. “You look like you’re doing the Hokey Pokey.”
At first he simply shook his head in frustration, but then a mischievous glint hovered in his sandy eyes. Without warning, he began to sing at the top of his lungs. “You do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around. That’s what it’s all about.” Matt included the accompanying motions, drawing horrified stares from bystanders.
Now Gracie was mortified, but still couldn’t quit laughing. “Stop it. You’re killing me.” She held her hands over her aching ab muscles and leaned her head against the back of the wheelchair.
Matt stepped closer, his expression and voice taunting. “Only if you give me a kiss.”
She tilted her head and gave him a sideways glance. “Do you promise to behave?”
He released a mock sigh. “I guess.” He leaned in and gave her a kiss that stole her breath.
A minute later, she pulled away and smoothed imaginary wrinkles on her skirt. “I’m not sure that’s behaving.”
Matt winked and stooped to finish untying the straps. Then he lowered the chair to the sidewalk and pushed her toward the downstairs apartment where Elena now lived with Consuela and Jessie.
The woman met them at the door and moved aside as Matt pushed Gracie inside. Decorated simply, the room held an unstated elegance, and a soft floral scent hung in the air. She turned to face them, her hands twisting. “I was surprised to get your call.” Her gaze flitted in various directions, but never to either of them. “Mama has taken Jessie to the park, but wanted me to tell you hello.”
“Please tell her hi back.” Gracie smiled and studied Elena, amazed at the drastic difference in the woman she’d once idolized. Gone was the confidence she’d worn as easily as her designer suits. Now her features held an unexpected humility.
Elena motioned toward the living room. “Why don’t we move in here? May I get either of you something to drink?”
“No thanks. We won’t stay long. I just wanted to clear the air.” Again she smiled, but Elena wouldn’t look her way.
Matt rolled the wheelchair next to a small sofa and took a seat beside her.
Elena lowered herself to a Queen Anne chair across the room, wiping her palms against her jeans. “Please let me begin by saying how terribly sorry I am for what happened.” Her eyes locked with Gracie’s, sorrow in their depths.
“It’s okay, Elena. I don’t bear you any ill will at all, and I want you to know that.”
A frown lingered over the woman’s tormented eyes. “If I were you, I would hate me.” She lowered her head to her hands and began to weep. “I’m so sorry, Grace. So terribly, terribly sorry for the way I treated you. For the way I used you. For the way things turned out.”
Gracie quickly wheeled her chair across the span that separated them and placed a hand on Elena’s shoulder. “Please don’t cry. Though I don’t completely understand why, I know God has His reasons for what happened. He can bring good out of even tragedy. I’ve come to a place where I’ve accepted things as they are.”
Elena lifted her head, tears still coursing down her cheeks. She searched Gracie’s face. “Then you are truly blessed. If only I’d accepted things as they were instead of trying to make things happen the way I thought they should be.” She suddenly appeared very weary and ancient. “I knew Alex had issues, but when he promised to leave me alone and give me enough money to take care of Mama and Jessie in style, I chose to get involved.”
Sorrow for Elena nipped at Gracie’s heart. “I know you can’t give any details of the case, but what happens after the trial’s over?”
“We become fugitives again. We’ll be given new identities in the witness protection program.”
“Will you be able to practice law?”
She gave her head a sad shake. “No.”
What a shame. She was so good at it. “What will you do?”
“Probably teach, but please don’t share the information with anyone.”
Elena would make a great college professor. “I won’t, and I wish you and your family all the best.”
A puzzled expression crossed Elena’s features. “I’d give anything to have your peace and joy.”
Gratitude erupted inside and she gazed toward the ceiling with a smile. The opportunity she’d prayed for. She faced Elena. “It’s available to you. Want me to tell you how?”
“Please.”
A short while later, the three of them bowed their heads together as Elena accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.
The next afternoon Matt stood behind Gracie as they both stared up at the razor wire spiraling atop the fence encircling the maximum security prison in Huntsville. Heavy clouds tufted the April sky, menacingly low and anvil gray. The light mist conferred a dusty smell to the earth.
Why had he agreed to this? “I don’t know if I can let you go through with this, Gracie. I admit I was wrong about Elena, but this is different.” He moved from behind her, his hands laced atop his head. “Please don’t do this. Some people will never change.” He didn’t care that his voice held a whining plea. He’d get down on both knees if it would change her mind.
“I don’t have a choice, Matt, I feel like God—”
He put both palms chest high and closed his eyes. “I know you think God wants you to do this. And if that’s the way you feel, I won’t stand in your way. I just don’t want you to get your hopes up.”
“Point taken. Now are you going to push me in there, or do I have to go by myself?”
He lowered his head with a shake and trudged to his position behind her. He’d done all he could to prepare her, now he’d have to settle for protecting her. “If I didn’t love you so much, I sure wouldn’t be here.”
She leaned her head back and grinned up at him coyly. “Thanks for loving me.”
“I guess you’re welcome.” He finished the comment with a teasing wink.
A half hour later they peered at Dent and his uniformed escort through a bullet-proof window, Jason’s face completely void of emotion. “Well, I certainly didn’t expect to see the two of you.” He leveled an icy glare at Gracie. “You especially.”
Matt’s anger boiled, but he shoved it down with a breath. He had to maintain control for Gracie’s sake.
Her face fell. “I never meant to hurt you, Jason. Please forgive me if I did.” She hesitated a second. “I want you to know that I don’t hold anything against you.”
“Nor should you. I wouldn’t have shot you if you hadn’t jumped in front of the gun.” His voice held contempt.<
br />
Gracie shivered, but quickly brought it under control. “Are you being treated well?”
His arrogant shrug revealed his cold heart. “Well enough I suppose, though it’s certainly not as nice as the life I could have given you.”
“Jason, even in this place, there’s a better way to live.” The words spewed from her mouth as though she feared not being able to get them out. “I don’t know what you endured in your life to make you so angry—to make you hate so much—but I can tell you about—”
“I don’t want to hear about your God!” He thundered the words, his face black with rage as he pounded a fist against the table. “You people are all alike. You think you can solve all the world’s problems with love, peace, and joy.”
The guard cleared his throat in warning. Matt gripped Gracie’s shoulder to encourage her, hesitant to be too demonstrative and risk drawing more of Jason’s wrath down on her head.
She glanced over at him, tears pooled in her eyes. “I think it’s time to go.” She faced Jason once more. “I’ll be praying for you.”
“Don’t bother,” he sneered, his voice colder than the iciest place on earth.
Chills ran down Matt’s spine. He couldn’t get Gracie out of here fast enough. He moved behind her and wheeled her away from the icy confines of concrete walls.
She cried all the way out to the van and for several minutes on the drive back to home. Finally, her tears spent, she wiped her eyes on a tissue he’d passed back to her. “I’m not sorry we went. At least I had the opportunity to tell him I forgave him and to ask him to forgive me.”
Matt pulled to a stop at the red traffic light and glanced back at her. “You’ve done nothing for him to forgive.”
Gracie turned her head to stare out the passenger side window. “No one’s perfect, Matt. I’ve learned that even if someone perceives that we’ve hurt them, even if we never intended to, it’s worth an apology.”
The Way of Grace (Miller's Creek Novels) Page 30
