by Tanya Stowe
Madison had set out the food and moved through the house, serving and cleaning up, all the while avoiding Lance. What on earth had set him off today? Any time she got close to him, thunderclouds rolled over his features.
She chose to avoid any conflict. This little corner of the room was perfect and peaceful. Two dark-green, wing back chairs were situated close together for privacy. Madison hid behind them and opened the window a crack for some fresh air. The sheers that blocked out most of the hot afternoon sun wafted over her and hid her even more. She gave a little sigh of relief and then looked outside.
She had a clear view of the planter where she and Mr. Hart had been working when he collapsed. Crocuses and grape hyacinths still waited in their tiny trays, along with several pony packs of purple pansies. The gardeners kept the flowers watered, but they were so busy preparing the place for Kaci and Ryne’s wedding, apparently no one had put the flowers in the ground. Madison had tried once to plant them. Floppy hat in place and gloves in hand she’d walked out, only to see the shadow that had frightened her still in place. Shivering, she’d hurried back inside.
Was it her imagination or was the shadow that had covered them that day still there? Was it an optical illusion created by the sheers floating in the breeze? She leaned forward for a better look, but turned when she heard someone walking toward her.
Madison had never seen such lovely, long blonde hair. It reached nearly to the young woman’s waist. She wore a beautiful, flowing skirt of lavender and gray sprinkled with yellow flowers…the colors of the garden—the exact colors Kaci had chosen for the upcoming wedding.
But of course, this lovely young woman could only be Zoe Manning, a friend of Kaci’s and a former resident of Heart’s Haven. Madison had heard many stories about Zoe and her gift of “knowing.” She’d recently married another resident of Heart’s Haven and moved away, but she still had many close connections here.
“Hello.” Madison held out her hand. “You must be Zoe.”
A surprised smile flitted over the young woman’s lips. “And you’re Madison Harper.”
Madison nodded and gestured to Zoe’s skirt. “It’s beautiful.”
The lovely lips curved further upward and Zoe fingered the fabric, fluffing it slightly. “I wondered if I should wear these bright colors, but I knew Mr. Hart wouldn’t have wanted me to wear black.”
Now it was Madison’s turn to smile. “No, he wouldn’t. He always called you one of his ‘sunshine girls’.”
“Hey, I thought that was my name for her.” A handsome young man in an impeccable dark suit came to stand beside Zoe.
“Well,” Madison said, “I think she has plenty of sunshine to go around.”
“Yes, she does.” The look Zack Manning gave his young wife melted Madison’s heart.
“I’m Zack, just in case you didn’t figure that out yet,” he said with a slight laugh. “Zoe and I wanted to tell you how much we appreciate all you’re doing for Miss Vivian. She’s a special lady to us.”
“To us all,” Madison replied. “I’m just glad I could be here.”
Zack nodded and turned to Zoe…who gave him a pointed look. “Oh.” He winked at his wife and backed away. “I’m interrupting. Guess I’ll go have a word with Gabe.”
They were suddenly alone in the room, and Zoe grasped Madison’s hand. “I need to tell you that everything will be OK.”
The abrupt change threw Madison. “I’m sorry?”
“Everything at Heart’s Haven will turn out OK,” Zoe repeated. “Our Lord wouldn’t have called Mr. Hart home unless He knew Heart’s Haven was in good hands.”
Heart’s Haven. Madison never doubted that this special community would be covered by prayer. Her real question was whether or not she would make it through. She’d been so happy, so content here, but now that situation was about to end.
She’d just received a letter stating that Tony’s lawyer was contesting a minor point in the financial settlement. Well, minor to Tony, but it meant Madison’s finances would be strained and she would have to go back to work…in Dallas. Not enough interior design work existed here in Angel Falls to support her.
Not to mention the fact that Lance showed no signs of going home. He was determined to stay as long as Viv needed him, and there was no way Madison could withstand much more of his unexpected and resentful attacks.
Her doubts must have shown on her face because Zoe squeezed her fingers and said, “I promise. Everything will work out.”
Behind Zoe, a bump and the rattle of a lamp startled them. They both turned to see Pia leaning over a small table, her head lowered and both hands clinging to the sides, holding on for dear life.
Rushing to her aid, they eased her into a nearby chair. Pia’s lovely face was pale and her hands clammy.
“I’ll get you something to drink.” Madison turned to leave.
Pia grabbed her arm and shook her head. “No, don’t bother. I don’t think I could keep it down. I’m just a little light-headed. It’ll pass in a moment.”
Madison knelt beside her.
Tell her.
No, I don’t want to tell her. It’s not my business to tell her.
“It’s the stress,” Pia said. “It’s been a little overwhelming.”
Madison caught her lower lip with her teeth and clamped down, determined not to speak. But when she looked up, Zoe’s gaze was fixed on her. The young woman gave a slight nod of her head.
Madison released a little sigh of resignation. She couldn’t resist both her guardian angel and Zoe. Giving in, she grasped Pia’s hand. “It’s not stress, dear.”
Pia frowned. “You think I’ve picked up a bug?”
Madison shook her head. “No. It isn’t a bug either.”
Now Pia’s expression was blank. She stared at Madison, who gently patted her hand.
“After all the guests leave and I straighten up a bit, I’m going to drive to the drug store and pick up a test for you.”
“A test?” Pia’s puzzled expression lasted only a fraction of a second, then her eyes widened. “Oh…” The word escaped her in a little breath. “You mean the test.”
Before Madison could answer, the younger woman shook her head. “I couldn’t be—” She stopped abruptly and what color she had left in her face drained completely. Madison could almost see her counting the days, and then sudden realization hit Pia. Her eyes closed. One hand dropped and slid over her tummy protectively.
When she finally looked up at Madison and Zoe, tears tipped the edges of her eyelashes.
“Our God is so mercifully good,” she murmured, just above a whisper. “If it’s a little boy…” Emotion overwhelmed her.
“You’ll name him Andy,” Zoe finished for her.
Tears cascaded down the cheeks of all three women as they held hands and praised God for His infinite mercy.
After a while, Madison rose to her feet. She’d very carefully placed boxes of tissue throughout the house. Now she held one out to Zoe and Pia.
Pia closed her eyes again and eased back in the chair.
Zoe rose to her feet. “It might be a good idea if you lie down for a while. Come on. I’ll walk you to your cottage.”
She held out a hand, which Pia gratefully took as she rose.
“You’ll let David know where we are?” Zoe asked over her shoulder.
“Of course,” Madison promised. The words froze on her lips as Lance closed the door after the two women. She didn’t even try to repress a groan as he came toward her.
****
Lance saw Madison tense the minute she saw him. He didn’t blame her. He felt the same way. He’d been avoiding her all day. But he’d seen the quiet exchange between the three women, and he had some concerns—concerns Madison might be able to answer.
Face to face with her, he took a moment to gather his thoughts. He wasn’t prepared for how lovely she looked, so fragile. Her skin was like alabaster against the black neckline of her simple dress. There was nothing to the outfit.
Short sleeves, straight, ending just above a well-shaped knee. Simple. But somehow, with her caramel hair and eyes, and that lovely porcelain white skin, Madison made it look elegant.
“I—” Lance needed to get his gaze off those shapely legs so he could think straight. He looked up, but it didn’t help. Her unique eyes glistened with leftover tears above a nose that was slightly red from crying. On another woman, it would have been unattractive, but Madison’s pink nose made her seem softer, gentler, more compassionate. He cleared his throat.
“I don’t want to pry but…well, David’s been concerned about Pia. He said she’s not been well, but when he described her symptoms…”
“You recognized them for what they were.”
Lance nodded in relief. “Yes. I was hoping that was the gist of your conversation just now.”
Madison nodded. “Pia’s gone home to rest and absorb the new information.”
“Good. That’s good.” He slid his hands into his pockets, suddenly feeling awkward. “I didn’t really think it was my place to call David’s attention to Pia’s possible condition. That’s her job.”
Madison gave another curt nod. He could tell she was anxious to call an end to their conversation so he would go on about his business. But something kept Lance rooted to the spot. In the other room, Viv came into view and greeted another young couple with two small children, obviously more former residents of Heart’s Haven.
“She seems to be holding up well.” Lance shook his head. “I would have thought she’d be worn out by now. So many people! But she just keeps talking, and listening to each and every one as if they’re her very own children.”
“They are. Hers and Mr. Hart’s.”
Her words struck deep into Lance’s heart with their simple but powerful truth. “I guess it’s God’s grace.” His tone was low. “Viv always wanted children, but could never have them. Now she has more than she could ever have imagined.”
Madison said nothing, but Lance had another question burning on his lips, one he was probably out of line for thinking, let alone asking, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself.
“What about you, Madison? You chose to not have children. Ever have any regrets?”
Madison flinched, but turned to face him, her face open and determined. He had to hand it to her. She was no coward.
“For a while I was full of regret. Not just about children but everything. I regretted how empty my life felt. By that time, Tony and I were done.” She gave a little shake of her head. “We were supposed to vacation in Aspen together. But I’d just had confirmation that he was seeing the current Mrs. Harper on the side.”
The jerk. Lance couldn’t keep his anger from rising every time he thought of Madison’s ex. His feelings must have shown on his face because Madison was quick to explain.
“Our marriage had been over for a long time. His latest affair didn’t hurt me. It just confirmed what I already knew, that it was time to go our separate ways. I went to Aspen alone, feeling empty. Not lost or forlorn…just sick of it all. I went racing down that mountainside, and I think I was trying to run from my life. Like if I could just go fast enough I could escape.” She sighed, and gave him a direct hit with those heart-stopping eyes. “Then God put that tree right front of me and said, ‘Stop. Slow down and listen.’ It was the best thing that could have happened to me.”
Lance just stared at her. After a moment he shook his head. “You have a freak skiing accident that almost kills you…and you say it’s the best thing that could have happened.”
“Well, maybe not the best thing, but the right thing. God had been trying to tell me for fifteen years to listen and I wouldn’t do it. I ignored that soft voice inside, telling me what was right.” Her tone took on a tenderness when she said the last, a tenderness so gentle and loving, it made Lance ache with yearning.
When was the last time he heard a voice like that? Had he ever? If he had, it had been long ago, before he lost Gwen.
“When you’re stuck in a hospital for as long as I was, you learn to listen very well.” Madison’s went on in that same sweet timbre. “I learned that God is our Creator and He made us in His image. We’re creators, too. Some of us aren’t fortunate enough to be mothers, the ultimate artists, and create external pieces of art in our children. But each of us has an internal piece of art…our lives. Each choice we make is like a brush stroke, creating an eternal picture for heaven.” She paused. “Before my accident, my painting was very dark. Now there are only patches of dark, surrounded by bright colors. I like the new painting much better.”
Lance liked the tone of her voice, the way the sunshine from the window made the unshed tears in her eyes sparkle like tiny jewels. He loved the image of the canvas of life she’d just created for him.
In the next instant, he remembered to whom he was talking. Abruptly, he turned away, and in his pockets, his fingers clenched into fists. Behind him, he heard a little sigh escape Madison.
“I’d better clean up some of these dishes.”
Maybe he’d just imagined that wistful sigh. She left him standing with his fists stuffed in his pockets, and the image of a beautiful painting floating in his mind.
5
Madison hung up the phone just as the front door opened. Vivian stepped inside with Lance right behind her. A stiff breeze swept in with them, but Lance quickly closed it outside.
Today was the first blustery day of the season. Spring had arrived early and shown itself in warm, sunny days until now. Today, the brisk, spring wind kicked up flurries of dust and beat the soft green buds against each other. Madison hoped it wouldn’t do too much damage to the fragile new growth they had just planted.
Vivian smoothed her hair and took off her sweater. She looked tired, stretched too thin, and Madison wondered if the meeting at the lawyer’s office for the reading of the will had gone badly. A glance at Lance’s calm expression reassured her.
She took Vivian’s sweater from her and hung it on the antique hall tree by the door. “I have tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches ready if you’re hungry.”
She had fixed Viv’s favorite windy day lunch, and her thoughtfulness was rewarded with a brief smile from her friend.
“That sounds wonderful. I’ll just go wash up.”
Madison had been working in the office just down the hall, so she’d prepared lunch in the big kitchen where she could keep an eye on it. Viv headed toward the bathroom and Madison held back as Lance removed his light jacket and hung it on the hall tree.
“Did things go badly at the reading?”
“No. Everything was as expected. Andrew left Heart’s Haven to David and Pia with provisions for Vivian and Kevin. He left the management up to Vivian, of course. David and Pia have their hands full with his ministry and her business. Kevin inherited his cottage and the job of landscaper here at Heart’s Haven for as long as he wants it.”
Madison glanced down the hall. “That’s good for Kevin, but Vivian’s not ready to handle the management on her own.”
“No, she’s not. That’s why I plan to stay. I’ve already placed a call to my son to see if we can arrange it.”
Something hard and heavy settled into Madison’s stomach. “OK. Great,” she said, but her tone didn’t echo her words. “I’ll go get those sandwiches cooking.”
She hurried to the kitchen feeling as if a clock had just started ticking away her time at Heart’s Haven. If Lance was staying, she certainly could not.
Setting the sizzling grilled cheese sandwiches on the table, she eased in beside Viv and Lance at the table. Viv said a prayer. She thanked God for her blessings, including the wonderful people at the table. When she ended, she grasped both their hands.
“I’m so glad both of you are here with me,” she murmured. “I don’t know how I would have managed without you.”
Lance grasped her hand with his. “You know the second week is the worst, Viv. It will get better. I promise.
His words encouraged Madison, too.
She needed to know the sad, heartbroken look on Vivian’s face would ease. She didn’t think she could bear looking at it much longer.
“I talked to Dex today.” Madison spoke hesitantly. “Easter is only a week away.” When she got no response from Vivian, she added, “He wants to know if they should make other arrangements for the brunch.”
The question finally seemed to rouse Vivian from her daze. “No, no, of course not.”
“What brunch?” Lance asked.
“For the Beckett family’s ranch for children with special needs. It was one of Mr. Hart’s favorite places. He sponsored all of their special events. We usually supply the colored eggs and Easter baskets for the special needs children and their siblings. The parish members at The Falls Tabernacle supply dishes for an Easter brunch. We do an egg hunt at the ranch, and the children ride the horses and then we all eat. It’s usually a wonderful event.”
“And it will go on as usual,” Vivian said. “Andy would want that.”
Madison nodded, knowing full well that Vivian was not up to the preparations. “All right, I’ll order the baskets and the eggs. I’ll see if our community can help with the coloring and the decorating. Oh, and I’ll call, Aria, David’s secretary. I’m sure she can put something in the bulletin for the event, and ask for donations for dishes. But we might have to supplement the food. There’s very little time left for people to prepare.”
“Yes, dear, that sounds great.”
Madison hesitated. Vivian wasn’t putting the pieces together and Madison hated speaking out. Somehow she was certain Lance would not be pleased that Vivian had given her access to the Heart’s Haven accounts.
“I’ll…have to draw money from the bank,” she said.
“Yes, dear, take whatever you need.”
Lance gave her a nod. “Sounds like a lot to do. I’ll give you a hand.”
Madison studied his features. Had he offered to help because he was genuinely interested or because he didn’t trust her with the money? He didn’t appear angry or uptight. In fact, for the first time, he seemed relaxed around her, but maybe that was just wishful thinking on her part.
