The Long Road Home Romance Collection

by Judi Ann Ehresman

  Marita absently got up and walked to the stove. She took the coffee and lifted the grounds out, walking out the back door to dump them onto the nearest flower bed. Then she came back inside and put together another pot of coffee, set it on the stove, and returned to her seat. The other women watched her without speaking.

  “I feel like we are like Job’s friends, sitting here in silence,” Rebecca commented with a slight smile. Reaching over, she put her hand over Marita’s hands that were clamped together in front of her on the table.

  “You are nothing like Job’s friends,” Marita quickly replied. “You have not been critical and have actually been quite encouraging. It helps a lot to have someone ask and care with us. I know you will pray for Rose and the children. She loved that man with her whole heart. Besides their physical survival, I don’t know how she will survive emotionally. He was such a good man. He was everything to her.”

  After a moment of silence, Rebecca said very quietly, “She may never be the same without him, but I do know that time will heal the rawest wounds. There will be scars for sure, but she will learn to survive, and she will heal.” A tear slid down Rebecca’s nose as she stared into her empty coffee cup. Her hands turned the cup in circles, but she didn’t seem to notice what her hands were doing.

  Marita regarded Rebecca with sadness. “You do know something about losing loved ones and healing, don’t you, Rebecca?”

  “I didn’t mean to bring that up at a time like this. I have no idea what it would be like to lose a husband.”

  “No, I know that was not your intent. But I do agree with you, Rebecca, that the same God who healed your wounds will heal my Rose’s heart if she will allow Him to. And He will provide for her and the children. I know He is able and that He will do it.”

  “And I’m sure in time He will heal your heart as well, Marita.”

  A few weeks later, right before gathering for worship service, the ladies were visiting and enjoying the fresh air. They were clustered in small groups under one of the spreading oak trees at the side of the church when Marita hurried up to them. “I don’t have time to tell you now, but Edwin will tell our great news to everyone before the worship service!” Her eyes danced, and her face was flushed with excitement.

  There was an excited sense of expectation as they all entered the sanctuary. As soon as the room was quieted, Pastor Lewis stood to make their announcement.

  “We received word yesterday that our recently widowed daughter, Rose Ellen Carter, will be arriving with her five children sometime in the next several weeks. Her brothers have agreed to care for her property this summer to give her opportunity to spend time with us. She is thinking of possibly moving back to this area now that her husband is gone. Needless to say, we are excited about the prospect of having our daughter and some of our grandchildren nearby!”

  There was a sudden outburst of excited whispering and even some faint applause. The church was excited for the Lewises and all agreed to pray together for Rose’s safe travels. It would be quite an undertaking with five children.

  When church was over and there was time to chat a bit, Rebecca, Clara, and Bess peppered Marita with questions:

  “Will they stay with you?”

  “Where will you put them all?”

  “Do you need help to get ready?”

  “Do you have space?”

  Marita calmly told the ladies that she had it all figured out. “The extra bedroom that you stayed in, Bess and Clara, will be used for Rose, plus we have the two rooms under the eaves upstairs. We’ll use one for the boys and one for the girls. It should work out fine. We may have a little more difficulty fitting that many around the table, but I’m certain no one will mind if the fit is a bit snug. It will be so good to see them and be together for a while. I’m praying with my whole heart that God will help Rose to heal and to know what is best for their future. I have decided to assume it will be temporary; then if she does decide to go back to the farm, I won’t have to deal with my disappointment. But if she decides to stay, it will be a bonus!”

  As the women hugged one another good-bye that Sunday, their hearts were lighter than they had been for a while. Bess smiled as she and Clara walked back to the boardinghouse. She was happy for Marita to have some of her family coming home. She was happy for Rebecca that she was feeling fulfilled and content in spite of the loss of her children. She was glad that Clara had been able to save enough money through the years to fulfill her dream of owning a boardinghouse. And she was thankful to have a good place to live and work since she could not be with the Sheldons.

  Then, suddenly, her eyes filled with tears. Propriety! It just seemed so wrong that she could not live at the Sheldons’ house any longer to help care for them. She knew Robert was a dear friend and that she would not risk smearing his reputation, but it angered her all the same. She had enjoyed living and working in that home more than anything she could have ever imagined. It was as near to being a mother as anything would ever be for her, she was quite certain, yet it was taken away. It was difficult not to feel sorry for herself.

  “Time will make it hurt less.” Clara put her arm around Bess’s shoulders. They kept in step as they walked.

  “What?” Bess asked in surprise.

  “You are wishing you could stay with your Sheldon family, but you’ll get used to being away.”

  “You’re amazing,” Bess said with a smile. “Yes, I was resenting the fact that I must not stay out at the farm with them. I miss those children terribly.”

  “Are you sure it’s just the children you miss?”

  “No, I miss Anita, too. It was like what I always imagined it would be like to have a sister. I truly loved her with my whole heart.”

  “I know you loved Anita,” Clara murmured. “I’m asking if it is Robert that is causing any of your grief now.”

  Bess stopped, startled. “Goodness, I do care for Robert, but Clara, I never even considered loving him in any way other than as a dear friend and brother. Whatever made you ask such a thing?”

  “I’ve seen how lively you all get when you’re together. I’ve also seen him looking at you from time to time and wondered if there is something beginning in your hearts for one another.” Clara smiled gently.

  “Oh, my, I don’t even want to think such a thing. Why would he ever care for the likes of me? No, we are friends for the sake of the children, and that is all there is. I don’t want to spoil a good friendship by thinking anything else.”

  “Hmmm…I just wondered.”

  Clara seemed satisfied. She and Bess walked on companionably, but Bess was embarrassed by Clara’s question. Funny, the kinds of things that embarrassed her anymore.

  Chapter 16

  Bess’s mind wandered as she sat in the backyard hulling peas for dinner. She enjoyed her work at the boardinghouse. The sign hanging from a pole by the front walk read CLARA’S PLACE—ROOM AND BOARD. Clara had talked of this dream from time to time as Bess grew up, but Bess hadn’t realized that she was saving for it and was really serious about doing it. But, somehow, it all seemed to fit together.

  Clara did not like cooking very much at all and was thankful Bess had taken to it so quickly and was quite good at it. In fact, her cooking was becoming known around town, and they had been asked several times about opening a restaurant along with the boardinghouse. But neither of the women really wanted that responsibility, so they continued to cook only for themselves and the boarders who stayed within the establishment.

  It felt right to be here with Clara, at least for now. Clara had been like a mother to her, being fifteen years her senior. Bess smiled as she thought of the four friends. Marita was somewhere in her mid-fifties—probably six or eight years older than Clara. Rebecca was much nearer Bess’s age, but still maybe six or seven years older. In spite of the age differences spanning nearly thirty years, the four had become good friends.

  Bess smiled now as she recalled the good times the four had together in the past year. But, st
ill, something inside her felt slightly out of place. She knew Clara had every intention of Bess remaining with her permanently, encouraging her to do whatever she wanted with her own room and even the kitchen area since Bess was the head cook. Bess was happy enough, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on the reason for feeling unsettled.

  Setting the bowl of peas on the back step, Bess shook the hulls from her apron into the bucket and took the bucket behind the shed to dump on the compost pile. She knew the bread was probably ready to be made into loaves, and Clara might need help with the dusting. She liked being busy, and there was never a shortage of work.

  Bess picked up the bowl of peas on her way into the house and was reaching for the back door when it opened with a whoosh.

  “Rebecca just stopped by to say that Rose and the children arrived at the Lewises’ last evening,” Clara said excitedly. “Marita has invited us over this afternoon to meet them.”

  “Oh, I am happy for them. I’m surprised Marita is willing to share their company already, but it will be fun to meet them all.” As they turned to go inside, Bess sighed.

  “What? Aren’t you excited?” Clara tilted her head toward Bess questioningly.

  “Yes, I’m excited for them—and for us all. It will be great meeting their daughter and getting to know some of their family. I don’t know why I sighed, really.” Bess moved inside and set the bowl of peas on the table in the kitchen. Gazing absently out the window, she said, “You know, Clara, even though I didn’t intend to sigh, I think I know why I did. I’m happy for us all, but it seems everyone has a place to fit but me. I keep thinking God has something for me, too, where I can also feel fulfilled. The boardinghouse is yours. It’s your dream. Your goal. Marita has her family and knows her place in the church’s ministry. Rebecca and Jason have the store. I know they would love to have children again, but at least they have the store, which is their own dream. Me? While I’m very thankful to be part of your dream, something inside me needs to have my own dream. My own place in the world. I had it for a short time when Anita needed me. Perhaps that’s all I will get. But I’d like to someday find my own dream once again—whatever it might be.”

  Clara stood with her hands on her hips, considering Bess in consternation. “I had assumed you’d someday inherit this place and keep it going. How stupid of me to assume my dream would suffice for you.” Approaching Bess, she placed her hands on Bess’s shoulders. “If this is not what you want, then I, too, hope you will find your own dream—and the happiness and contentment I feel here. But only God knows what I’ll do without you.”

  “Oh, I’ll probably be here forever. But don’t worry. If there is something else for me, you’ll be the first to know, and we’ll make sure it works for you, too.”

  Bess and Clara carried a basketful of cookies as they went by the Taylors’ store to pick up Rebecca on their way to the Lewises’. They saw Rebecca watching for them at the window, and then her head disappeared from the window. She came out to meet the ladies before they even entered the store, carrying a small paper sack in one hand.

  “What’s in the basket?” she asked cheerily.

  “Oatmeal cookies,” said Clara with a smile. “What’s in the bag?” Clara and Bess both regarded Rebecca with eyebrows raised.

  “Five peppermint sticks.” Rebecca’s dimples showed as she fell into step with the other women.

  “Oh, that’s a good idea.” Bess took Rebecca’s arm, and they walked along companionably. “That will be a special treat, I’m sure.”

  “It’s going to be a big change for the Lewises to have five children around all the time. I hope it works out well for them all,” Rebecca said thoughtfully.

  “What are you thinking?” Clara asked.

  “Oh, I just know that sometimes life can become quite challenging with children around. Of course ours were younger than the Carter children, but it’s still a lot of commotion for a couple who has been alone for so many years. I hope it all works out well.”

  “That’s a good point, Rebecca. Let’s all agree together to pray for them every day,” Bess said.

  So the three women agreed to make that a definite project and commitment.

  As they neared the Lewis home, beautiful music danced out of the window as the curtain reached through the open space below the raised pane and billowed on a gentle breeze. All three women stopped as one and stood in silence, listening unashamedly. The notes frolicked in the air, magically making their feet want to tap and even dance. They exchanged surprised glances and, as though in agreement, no one moved toward the door. They closed the gate and stood listening on the little boardwalk that led to the porch of the Lewis home.

  Sometimes the music would soften and they’d lean toward the window, only to straighten once again as the merry notes increased in volume and expression. The tune seemed to lift the spirit in such a way that caused an ache in the chest when it ended. Still breathless from the surprise and beauty of the piece, the three women paused another moment to remember where they were and why they had come. Just as they tapped on the door, another tune had begun but was quickly silent.

  Marita flung the door wide and motioned animatedly for the women to come inside. “Come in, come in. I can’t wait for you to meet our family!”

  Behind her, two women who looked like live porcelain dolls were coming toward the front door. Marita reached for the blond woman. “Rose, come meet my good friends.” Immediately she reached back farther to include the lovely brunette version of the blond. “Victoria, come! Don’t be shy.”

  Rose put her hand forward and smiled radiantly. “I am so pleased to meet you. Mother has introduced you to me through letters this past year, and it is wonderful to actually make your acquaintance.” In spite of the radiant smile that belied any timidity, her voice was soft and shy.

  Victoria smiled hesitatingly and nodded at each of the women. She was obviously quite self-conscious.

  “We are so pleased to meet you both!” Clara sounded boisterous compared to the quiet voices of the Carter women. “We have heard about you but had no idea you had such musical talent.”

  The friends had not known which of the two Carter women had been at the piano, but Victoria’s cheeks flamed crimson as she ducked her head. “Thank you,” she murmured.

  Marita hugged her warmly. “Here, here, Tory. You don’t need to be shy. These women will be like aunties to you before you know it. No one could ask for nicer friends.”

  Victoria made a brave effort to lift her head and smile, but her flaming cheeks announced she was still embarrassed.

  Rebecca changed the subject to ease her discomfort. “I brought peppermint sticks for you all, and Bess and Clara have brought a basket of cookies.” She handed the small paper sack to Victoria as Bess handed the basket to Marita.

  “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll go find my brothers and sister. Thank you very much.” Her smile was finally in her eyes as well as on her beautiful lips.

  When Victoria left the room, Rose said quietly, “I am sorry she is so shy. It is something she inherited from me, I’m afraid, but she hasn’t worked as long to overcome it. Thank you for your patience with her. She’ll be fine, but it takes a bit of time. She really does try to be friendly.”

  “So it was Victoria playing the piano then?” Bess asked to be sure. “Has she played long?”

  “Her dad played, and it seems as soon as she was walking, she was finding tunes on the keyboard. She could barely reach the keys when she began playing tunes she heard him play. He would take her to concerts, and she would come home and play the songs with amazing accuracy. We live too far from any place that she could learn more, so she has not had formal lessons. We are hoping that, perhaps while we are here in a town, there might be some opportunity for her to study. But in the meantime, she plays whatever she hears for the family.”

  “She plays amazingly well for not having studied. So…does she read music at all?” This question was from Rebecca, who made no attempt to hide
her amazement. But her question echoed Bess’s thoughts as well.

  “My husband…” Rose’s voice broke and tears sprang to her eyes. “I’m so sorry. It’s still so fresh,” she said quietly. Then, clearing her throat, she began again. “Timothy taught her to read music and the correct fingering. In spite of being a farmer, he was a great musician. But Tory plays mostly by ear since we don’t have access to a lot of written music. We are proud of her ability. Actually, all the children play, but Tory is the one who plays most easily and fluently.” She smiled warmly.

  “Come on into the kitchen,” Marita invited. “I’ll pour us some coffee to go with these cookies.”

  The afternoon passed quickly as the women visited and met the other children. Before they knew it, the time had come to get back to their various responsibilities for the evening. So with warm hugs they parted, knowing one more kindred spirit was among them.

  Chapter 17

  That summer the church decided to have a Fourth of July celebration. There was much excitement, discussion, and planning. Fourth of July was on a Saturday, so they planned for a picnic lunch on the church grounds, followed by games for all that wished to participate. Sometime in the afternoon the men and boys planned to do some fishing in the creek that ran behind the church and hopefully catch enough to provide for a fish fry for the evening meal. It was to be a nearly all-day event with singing in the church in the evening.

  A sign was posted in the window of Taylors’ store several weeks before, announcing that the store would be closed on the Fourth. The picnic was published for all who wished to attend, whether or not they were members of the church. There were meetings to decide who had sawhorses to donate for tables, who would be involved in the setup and the cleanup, who would be in charge of games, and who would lead the evening sing-along. Such an event had not taken place for quite some time, and anticipation ran high in the town.