by Tricia Goyer
But then I told her, “Now we have two. One for me and one for you.” Holding them both in my palm, I reached out and let her choose.
She smiled and picked the big one.
After that, I carried the stone in my pocket, and the thought of my darling girl brought a smile. When she died, the two stones came together again. Both residing in my pocket. What a treasure they became. When I touched them, I’d see Millie’s sweet face, trusting that I’d always love her, take care of her.
But as much as I loved her, I couldn’t always protect her.I couldn’t keep that runaway trolley from crashing into her and your father. I wasn’t a strong enough “Peter.”
Like the rock, Bell, I break. My body is breaking even now. I will let you down, my dear heart. I have failed you many times, even though you don’t want to admit it.
Others are bound to fail you too. There is no hope in a new career, a fiancé, or even in me (especially in me!). You must place all your hope in the One who is forever faithful. The Bridegroom who will never leave you, the Master who will never dismiss you, the Father whose strength will not fail.
Hold on to the rock I gave you. Let it remind you of me and your beautiful mother, but mostly touch its smooth surface and remember your solid rock, Jesus. Stand on Him, my sweet Ellie, and no matter what storms come, He will hold you. Amen and amen!
So to honor our German friend, I say alvederzane to you for now. Write soon.
Grandfather
Chapter Eleven
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Ginny folded up the letter and placed it in the thin envelope with faded writing. Her stomach growled. She was thankful she’d gotten Grandma Ethel to eat some chicken noodle soup. Even though Grandma’s problem was far more serious than a cold, it made Ginny feel better that she ate something.
Jared had left with a promise to be back later that evening to check on Grandma. The nurse would arrive on Tuesday, and he suggested they not do anything rash but rather wait to see her.
Ginny made herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and moved to the front porch looking out on the bay. “Brett, where are you?” Her heart was heavy. How could she find answers here? Waiting…playing nursemaid. She’d have to think about what staying meant to her career, but she’d do it later. Her worries about Grandma were her greatest concern now. She hoped Jared would be available again if she needed him. She didn’t want to think of the alternative.
She crossed her arms over her chest, shielding herself from the cool breeze off the bay. Her blond hair tossed around her, and she was sure it looked a mess, but that didn’t matter. Who around here did she have to impress? No one, that’s who.
She also felt a sadness over Ellie’s letter. Who was this Ellie? Ginny had been planning on asking Grandma about her, and she would—after Grandma had time to rest. After she knew Grandma was going to be okay. That was the most important thing now.
Ginny settled onto the porch swing and took a big bite of her sandwich. In LA she would never eat a sandwich like this, but here—carbs and calories didn’t matter. Fitting in a designer’s sample dress was the furthest thing from her mind.
In the distance, boats moored in the bay rocked gently with the movement of the waves. It looked like a photograph. Something that could hang in a trendy café. An image that would convey ten seconds of peace to a harried customer as she waited for her coffee—if she dared to glance up from her smartphone long enough to look at it.
How many times had Ginny forgotten to stop, to pause, to enjoy?
The cat, Midnight, leaped onto the wooden swing next to her, causing it to sway, and curled up beside her. Ginny stroked his back and scratched behind his ear. An uneasiness stirred inside that even the tranquil scene before her couldn’t ease. Grandfather’s words—written to Ellie to provide a sense of peace—troubled Ginny. She ran a hand down her tightening throat, willing the emotion away. As she’d read the old man’s words, she’d felt as if the letter had been written to her. Even now the words replayed in her mind.
Others are bound to fail you…. There is no hope in a new career, a fiancé…. You must place all your hope in the One who is forever faithful, the Bridegroom who will never leave you, the Master who will never dismiss you, the Father whose strength will not fail.
The last sentence made her heart twinge. She thought again of Dale and Robyn, the only foster parents who had ever come to her with smiles on their faces, saying they wanted to adopt her—her of all people—and make her one of their own.
They were the family she’d prayed for. They had lived out their faith in every part of their lives. Watching them had made it easy to believe in God, in love, in hope and a future. But after their deaths in that horrific car accident…her faith had died too. Slowly. Painfully. She’d tried to hang on.
Ginny balled up her napkin, rose, took it back into the kitchen, and tossed it into the trash. She was about to peek in on Grandma again when the phone rang. She hurried over to answer it.
“Hello?”
“Miss Marshall?”
“Yes.”
“This is Chucky from Fjord Air. We, uh, worked some things out. There’s a seat for you at six thirty tonight.”
“Let me guess. Did someone named Danny call you?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He paused. She waited but didn’t say more than that. Was it money or persuading that had found her a seat? Neither would surprise her. Ginny had long ago stopped asking how Danny always got what he wanted.
“Do you need me to give you a ride to the airstrip?” Chucky asked.
“I’ll be going right past. You’re at Ethel’s, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I’m at Ethel’s. You just called me at Ethel’s.” She spoke through tight lips. Usually Danny’s ability to open doors for her was charming, but for some reason, today it grated on her nerves. “But I won’t need the flight. I’m staying.”
“Till tomorrow?” he asked. “I might have a seat.”
She thought of the Grammys. Danny wouldn’t be happy. But she wasn’t going to leave Grandma Ethel alone.
“No. I’m sorry. Not tomorrow either. I’ll have to call you when I’m ready. But thank you. I appreciate your help.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He hung up, and energy surged through her that she hadn’t felt in a while. She was here, and she’d make the best of it. She was in a beautiful place, with someone who needed her, and she had space to think. She’d also have time to read more of Ellie’s letters as she sat by Grandma’s side. And time to think about what to say to Brett when she saw him.
She scanned the phone list again, finding the number for Bud’s Rental Car. Grandma Ethel didn’t have a car that she could see, and she needed to get a few things. Some good, healthy food in this place, for one. And she needed to go someplace where she could get cell service to download her e-mail and to text Danny that she wouldn’t be coming home anytime soon.
Ginny spoke briefly with Bud, who told her he’d drop off the rental car. That was good, since she hadn’t considered how she’d get to the rental car office.
The sunshine outside beckoned her again, but before she could make herself head out to the front porch to wait for Bud, Ginny pulled out another letter. It was only when she was lost in Ellie’s life that she didn’t worry about Grandma, Brett, or Danny. The letters took her mind off her problems—and she was grateful for that.
Chapter Twelve
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July 22, 1928
Ellie Bell,
I’m afraid I had to burden my friend Nurse Schroeder once again, for last night, while choking down the deplorable chicken-fried steak provided by my friends in the hospital kitchen, an idea struck me.
I have found the solution we’ve been looking for this past month. It is a good one, but you must be the open-minded girl I know you are. Promise not to reject the idea offhand, but pray and know I have only your best interests at heart. Promise?
As you have heard, my friend Clay lost his wife ten months ago. Terrible sadn
ess. Those poor children. You know how they feel, don’t you? Well, he is alone in a faraway place with five children, one a mere babe. I tell you, he can’t continue the work of the gospel and raise those little ones.
We old curmudgeons on the missions board don’t want to call Brother Clay back from the field when the work is just beginning.
So, what is the only other solution, Ellie? Do you see it?
Now, you promised not to reject my proposal without giving it serious consideration and prayer. It’s the perfect solution.
Have I not taught you to love adventure? Did we not seek it in every way possible when you were a child? Now is your chance! You must decide quickly, for the need is great.
Nurse S. is tapping her foot and scolding me with her eyes.
All my love,
Grandfather
July 24, 1928
Dear Grandfather,
I received both your letters on the same day. I haven’t much time to respond. I’m so touched by the stone you gave me. It’s safely resting in its new home in my pocket and will always remind me of Mama and you.
I’m not sure what you’re asking, Grandfather. It almost seems as if you want me to leave you, go to the Territory of Alaska, and marry a man I’ve never met in order to raise his five children.
I read that sentence over again. That must NOT be what you’re asking. It’s preposterous! How could I leave the only family I have? You are not well, Grandfather. I simply won’t leave you.
Besides, I have plans. I’ve posted applications at many respectable homes around nice neighborhoods like Atherton. I also applied at Barney’s and the Emporium. That might be a way into the fashion designing industry. Grandfather, I’ve been thinking—if Coco Chanel can create her own way in fashion designing, why can’t I? Perhaps it could be the way we regain our status.
I love you dearly.
Ellie Bell
“No, dear, that’s not what he’s thinking.” Ginny rose, shook her head, and then chuckled at herself for talking to the woman who wrote these letters over eighty years ago.
But she was sure she was right. Ellie’s grandfather couldn’t have been thinking of marriage. Ginny was sure he’d been thinking she’d make a great governess to those little dears. Maybe the missions board was even willing to pay her.
Ginny checked on Grandma Ethel, who was sitting up in bed, reading her Bible. Not wanting to interrupt, she settled down to read a few more letters.
Park Emergency Hospital
July 25, 1928
Dear Miss McKinley,
We regret to inform you that your bill is now two weeks overdue. Unless payment is made by August 31, 1928, your grandfather will no longer be permitted to receive care or inhabit our facilities.
Sincerely,
Robert H. Longman
Collections Facilitator
Ginny unfolded the next letter to find a stack of four notes folded together. Each one was a rejection letter from someone Ellie had applied to. Each mentioned Mrs. Standard’s name.
That lady’s trying to run poor Ellie out of town. What an evil witch! Doesn’t she know Ellie’s grandfather is sick? Ginny was surprised how much she was starting to care about these folks.
She heard a car outside and looked out the window. A van was pulling into the driveway. She assumed it must be one of Grandma Ethel’s friends, or maybe a concerned neighbor, until she noticed the yellow plastic license plate that read BUD’S RENTAL CAR. Ginny’s jaw dropped. That?
It was an older blue Ford van that had rust spots in places. She walked out as an older gentleman climbed out of the van.
“Bud?”
“You got that right.” He nodded and stretched out his hand. “You a friend of Ethel’s?”
“Yes.” Ginny smiled. They were new friends, but friends all the same.
Bud ran a hand through his graying hair and glanced around. “Brett’s not in town?” He cocked his head, eyeing her.
Ginny placed a hand to her neck. How should she answer that? Should she dare let a stranger know that two women were alone in the house with no one checking in on them?
She brushed her hair back from her forehead. “Why would you say that?”
He shrugged. “Seems silly that you’d be renting my car when you can drive his truck. Only thing I could think of is that Brett’s out of town and Ethel doesn’t have a set of keys to wherever his truck is parked. Although Kelly at the coffee shop might have a set. Have you thought of that?”
“Um, no. Why would Kelly at the coffee shop have keys to Brett’s car?”
“Most people ’round here leave their cars unlocked and their keys inside, just in case someone needs to borrow it. They also leave an extra set of keys with Kelly. She’s in that shop mornin’ till night, trying to make a living for herself and her son.”
Ginny nodded, unsure of who Kelly was or why she needed to know all this information, although her ears did perk up at the words “coffee shop.” Grandma’s Maxwell House coffee was fine, but her heartbeat quickened slightly at the thought of a chai latte. She’d add that to her list of things to do once she got the keys to the van.
He wrote down the information for her credit card, and she tried to ignore the sand and gravel that littered the worn carpet inside the van. Ginny forced a smile as she filled out the paperwork.
She handed him the completed form and then glanced down at her mud-caked rubber boots. At least she didn’t have to worry about tracking dirt into the vehicle.
“Actually, I have to ask, do you have other cars? A smaller car, maybe? I mean, it’s just me. I don’t really need a, uh, van.”
“Sorry, miss. It’s my only one. In fact, I need a ride home. That’s not a problem, is it? It’s only a few miles away.”
Ginny tried to hide her shock. “Of course I can give you a ride. Can you give me a minute to tell Grandma where I’m going?”
“No problem. Don’t mind waiting one bit.”
She ran inside and found Grandma Ethel writing something down in a notebook. The woman looked tired but better than before.
“Grandma.” She sat and took the older woman’s hand in hers, noticing how paper-thin the skin on the back of her hand was. “I rented Bud’s van, and I’m going to drop him off. I might stop by the store too, if that’s okay.”
Grandma Ethel looked at her with watery blue eyes. “Of course, dear. I’m fine. I’ll be a good patient and rest here until you return. Take your time.”
Ginny nodded but told herself she’d take as little time as possible. Some nurse she’d be if she spent the whole afternoon gone.
With a soft kiss on Grandma Ethel’s cheek, Ginny moved to the living room to get her purse—even though it really didn’t matter. It wasn’t as if there were any cops to pull her over and ask for her driver’s license.
As she picked up her purse, the next letter in the pile slipped to the floor. It was short, and she couldn’t help but read the few lines.
July 29, 1928
Dear Ellie,
I am grateful you have signed the paperwork granting me the privilege of taking care of our grandfather’s medical expenses. It is unfortunate we both lost so much in the ill-fated real estate deal, but I am happy to state that I have fully recovered, due to some quick thinking on my lawyer’s part.
You are never in my debt.
Cousin Felix
“Never in your debt?” Ginny hurried out the door. “Of course she’s in your debt, Felix, and that’s exactly where you want her!” Ginny shook her head. “It’s criminal.”
And then she paused and smiled, realizing she’d again spoken out loud. Only this time Bud heard and was gazing at her curiously.
Should she explain? Bud’s knowing look told her that talking to oneself wasn’t so unusual around these parts—she’d fit in just fine.
Chapter Thirteen
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Brett rowed his kayak to the side of the catamaran. He grinned up at the dozens of tourists who stood aro
und the two levels of decks of the day boat from Bartlett Cove, snapping photos. Smiles filled their faces, and he recognized languages other than English being spoken as he climbed on board. All eyes were on him, and he could almost read their thoughts: a real Alaskan wilderness man. One of the lodge employees, Willie, rushed to his side and helped him haul the kayak onto the deck.
“Amy and I had a bet,” Willie said. “I said the storm was coming in and that you’d be at the pickup spot. She worried you’d tough it out and she wouldn’t be able to say good-bye.” Willie wiped away an invisible tear.
A young teenager stepped closer to take Brett’s photo. He smiled for the camera then turned back to Willie. “I’m really a wimp.”
More tourists took photos, and they weren’t shy about it. Brett understood for a moment what movie stars must feel like when they walked the red carpet. The difference was, he hadn’t showered or shaved in a week. He ran a hand down his scruffy face. Maybe it added to the allure—that and the body odor.
“Excuse me.” A man in a red stocking cap strode up to him. “Were you out there…alone?”
“Alone, no.” Brett pulled off his gloves and tucked them into his jacket pocket. “I heard some bears rummaging around last night.” He didn’t mention the one that he nearly ran into that morning.
The man’s eyes widened. “No joke?”
“No joke.” Brett smiled.
The two interior levels of the catamaran were heated. The top deck was open to the elements. Most people stayed inside where it was warm. Brett wouldn’t mind getting warmed up himself.
Inside, Amy was busy serving up cups of chowder. She was a college-aged intern who spent her summer working the galley. Every weekday she traveled up and down the bay, serving cookies and clam chowder to the tourists who paid to get a glimpse of Alaska from within the heated cabin.
Brett found an empty table, pulled off his jacket, and slipped into the booth, scooting close to the window. A couple sat at the table next to him, snuggled side-by-side. Brett tried to ignore them and focused instead on the whirr of the catamaran’s motors as it glided home.
