The Orphans' Blessing

by Lorraine Beatty

  The bite of toast lodged in Zach’s throat. “I’d never let that happen. I’ll always be here for you and your brother and sister. Besides, you have Aunt Sophie now, too. She loves you.”

  Linney smiled. “I love her, too. It’s almost like having Mommy here.”

  Zach kissed her forehead. “She’s very nice.”

  “Hey, Uncle Zach.” Katie came to his side and wrapped her arms around his neck, squeezing tightly. “I’m so glad you’re home. I was really, really worried.”

  He rested his hand on her arm, aware of how small and vulnerable she was. Sophie was right, he didn’t really understand what the kids needed. But he was beginning to. They needed more of him. He just didn’t know how he would do that. He still needed a full-time job, but flying charters for Hank and being a flight instructor weren’t enough.

  Maybe he could start by trying to make up for last night. “Katie, how about we have your party now?”

  She stared at him, wide-eyed. “You mean at breakfast time?”

  “Why not?”

  “I think that’s a good idea.”

  Zach looked over his shoulder as Sophie entered the kitchen. “Instead of a party after supper, we’ll have it after breakfast. The cake is still in the fridge. All we have to do is cut it and dish up the ice cream.”

  Linney raised her hand. “Don’t forget the gummy worms on top.”

  “Not a chance,” Sophie said. “Katie, go wake your brother. Linney, please bring the presents from the family room and put them on the counter. Uncle Zach and I will get everything ready.”

  Zach carried his cup and plate to the sink avoiding Sophie’s gaze. How much had she heard? Was she trying to help him save face or was she attempting to keep his guilt alive? He wished he could read her better, he was always doubting her sincerity. Could anyone really be as caring and considerate as Sophie Armstrong?

  Sophie instructed him as he went about the preparations silently. She seemed relaxed and friendly this morning but how would he know? Only one way to find out.

  “Sophie, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have compared you to Maddie last night. I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.”

  She froze for a moment, then finished slicing the cake. “Don’t worry about it.”

  What did that mean? Was she saying it really hadn’t bothered her or that it had but she wasn’t going to discuss it? He placed the pitcher of lemonade on the table. “I want you to know, I meant it in a good way. That you’re not like Maddie, I mean.”

  She faced him, a frown marring her forehead. “I thought you liked my sister.”

  “I did. But she was always moving, always busy, always rushing off to the next project. Being around her could be exhausting.”

  “As opposed to me, who fades quietly into the background. I’ve heard it all before.”

  Zach faced her. “No. Why do you do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “Put yourself down whenever anyone tries to compliment you.”

  “I don’t do that.”

  He nodded. “You do.”

  She inhaled a slow breath as if trying to measure her response. “I know I’m nothing like my sister. My mother always told me, my teachers told me, my friends told me. Even my first employer suggested I join Toastmasters to gain a little more self-confidence. I’m just not made that way. I like things quiet and orderly. I like to take my time with things.”

  “I like that you’re that way. You’re peaceful.”

  She scowled. Had he blundered again?

  “You’ve brought a quiet contentment to this house,” he insisted. “I can see it in the kids. They’re sleeping better and eating better. It’s like they took a deep breath after you came. As if they knew they were safe now and everything was going to be all right.”

  A slow smile appeared on her lips and kindled a light in her eyes. He’d never realized how pretty she was. Not the flashy kind like her sister, but a soft, subtle, timeless beauty. His heart started thudding in his chest.

  “Thank you. That’s one of the nicest things anyone has said to me. Most people are put off by my shyness. But I usually prefer spending time alone to going to parties and get-togethers. All that small talk and chatter make me tired.” She handed him the bowl of gummy worms. “I think we’re ready for the party.”

  He took the bowl, their fingers touching. A warmth spread through him. “I’m sorry about last night. Being late and not calling. I never imagined the kids would be so upset.”

  “You’re their world now, Zach. They love you. You have to think of that when you’re dealing with them.”

  “I get that now. But the kids love you, too.”

  She chuckled softly and looked away. “That’s just because I talked you into doing the closet project.”

  Before he could correct her statement, Katie rushed in with a happy Linney on her heels and a very drowsy DJ bringing up the rear.

  “Is the party ready?”

  “All set. Katie, you take the seat of honor.” Sophie had tied a large purple bow to the back of one chair. “And here is your princess crown for the day.” She placed a glittery plastic tiara on her head.

  Zach presented her with the first piece of cake and bowl of ice cream, chuckling as she piled gummy worms on top. He took a seat, giving himself over to the party and counting his blessings. He loved these kids. He loved having his own family and he loved that Sophie had knocked on his door and become one of them.

  She smiled over the table at him as Katie started opening her gifts, and he realized that his feelings for the surprise aunt had changed. He liked her. He more than liked her. He was interested in her. It was a sobering thought and one he wasn’t quite sure he wanted to pursue. He diverted his thoughts by handing his niece another gift.

  He wasn’t cut out for being a husband any more than he was a father. But somehow, Sophie made him want to learn.

  * * *

  Sophie strolled through the old bus station, excitement swelling in her heart as she took in the progress. Zach and the volunteers had done wonders in only four weeks. It might look like a historic bus station on the outside, but inside it was a neat charity closet just waiting for inventory to fill the space. There were a few things still to do but she could start moving clothing into the store in a matter of days.

  She rubbed her fingertips over her chin. What would Maddie think of the result? Was it what she had envisioned? There had been some adjustments made to her sister’s plan but nothing major. Overall, the shop looked nice, welcoming but not overly decorated. A simple place where those in need could find the assistance they needed to make a new start without any judgment or sense of shame.

  The store was empty of helpers today. Zach had assured her it was a temporary lull. Work would pick up in the afternoon. The silence was a welcome change. It gave her time to soak in the progress and plan her next decision.

  Pulling out her sketch pad, she flipped through the pages, stopping on the one she’d done during Katie’s party. Zach had a big smile on his face and love for his kids was shining brightly in his dark eyes. Katie hugged the collection of books he’d given her, and Linney, close at his side, looked up at him with adoration. DJ, ever the cool dude, leaned elbows on the table with a half smile.

  Her family. Sophie’s heart felt warmed with love.

  The party had been the first time since she’d arrived at the Conrad house when she’d truly felt as if she was part of it all. They’d laughed and joked and enjoyed cake and ice cream for breakfast. The fear and disappointment of the previous night had been forgotten, replaced with happy memories.

  Turning to a blank page, Sophie scanned the area where the clothing racks would stand, picturing how it would all play out. She sketched the vision in her mind, pleased with the final image.

  She started when she heard footsteps behind her. She quickly turned the pag
e back. “Oh.”

  Zach held up a hand. “Sorry, I thought you heard me come in.”

  She shook her head. “No problem. I tend to zone out when I’m sketching.”

  He looked over her shoulder. “It’s the party. Katie sure looks happy.”

  “I know. It was everything she’d hoped her party would be. That was a good idea you had, Zach. You were the hero this morning.”

  He shifted his weight as if uncomfortable with her compliment. “Drawing helps you think?”

  “It helps a lot of things.” She laid the book on the corner of the desk and looked up at him. “What brings you here? I thought you were giving flying lessons this morning.”

  “The student canceled. I picked up the light fixtures for the bathrooms and the fitting rooms. I take it the kids got off all right this morning?”

  “They were excited about going to Biloxi with Rachel and her family for a day at the beach.”

  “I’m sure.” He held her gaze a moment as if wanting to say more before grinning and moving away. “I’d better get these fixtures installed.”

  Sophie released a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. She did that often when Zach was close. Odd. His nearness triggered a confusing, nervous, edgy warmth and a sharp wariness as if he was dangerous. Silly. There was nothing dangerous about Zach. It was very strange. But then, he was a puzzling man. She never could predict his reactions to things. Maybe in time she would, though time was running out. In two weeks she’d have to decide if she was going back to Ohio or staying in Mississippi. That decision depended on Zach.

  “Look who stopped by to check on the closet.” Zach strolled into the office, arms full of boxes, with a tall, robust black man in a sport coat right behind him. She recognized him as Isaac Drummond, long-time mayor of Blessing.

  “Good morning, Miss Armstrong. Looks like you’re nearly ready for business.”

  “Yes, sir. We’ll start bringing in the clothes early next week.”

  “Marvelous. I wanted to talk to you about this building but I see now it might be too late. Is there any way this structure could be declared a historic landmark? One of the council members suggested it to me.”

  Sophie glanced at Zach. “I’m afraid not. My sister looked into that and the building has been remodeled too many times to qualify. However we do intend to keep the outside as true to the era as possible.”

  Drummond smiled. “Good to hear. With the bicentennial coming up, we want to showcase our historic architecture and our service organizations as much as possible.” His gaze landed on the sketchbook she’d laid on the counter, still open to the family drawing. He leaned over for a better look. “Did you do these?”

  “Yes. Just a hobby of mine.”

  “You’re quite talented. You should enter the poster contest.”

  “Poster contest?”

  “For the official bicentennial poster. It’ll be on all our marketing materials, including T-shirts. There’s a sizeable cash prize for the winner.”

  The idea appealed to her. She normally avoided sharing her drawings with anyone, but the idea of being part of Blessing’s upcoming celebration made her feel like part of the community. “Oh, I don’t know. I’ll think about it.”

  “Wonderful. Well, I’ll let you get on with the work.” He shook hands with them then walked out.

  Zach grinned, nodding toward her sketchbook. “I think the mayor’s right. You should go for it, Sophie. You’re very talented.”

  His encouragement made her smile. “I won a prize in school once for my drawing. The only thing I ever won.” She’d been seven, and when she’d shown her mother the ribbon, she’d laughed at her and said it must have been a mistake.

  “See there. It’s a sign you should try again.”

  A loud clap of thunder rattled the windows. Sophie jumped, her hand at her throat, heart pounding.

  “Looks like that thunderstorm they predicted is rolling in. Maybe we should close up and head home.” Before Zach could blink, the sky opened up and rain poured down in sheets. “Or we could stay here.”

  Sophie stepped to the window, watching the lightning flash in the sky. “I hope it doesn’t last long.” A churning sensation started in her stomach.

  “It won’t. It’s just a summer storm. Don’t you like storms?”

  “I do, usually. Maddie and I used to sit on the front porch when it rained and read or play games.” Another boom shattered the air, followed by a loud crack, and the store went dark.

  “Well, I suppose we might as well wait it out in here,” Zach said. “At least there’s a window for light and we can open it a crack for some air. With no AC, it’ll get stuffy in here soon.”

  He pulled up another folding chair to the gate-leg table that was serving as a temporary desk until the permanent one could be installed. “I think there’re some drinks and cookies in the break room.”

  She shook her head. “I’m good.”

  “Okay, be right back.”

  When he returned, he was carrying two bottles of water and a small box of cookies. His gaze fell on her sketchbook. She reached for the book but he picked it up, turning it so she could see the image. The family party. She looked away.

  “This is very good. I feel like I’m there again. But there’s one thing missing.”

  “What?”

  “You.” He handed the sketchbook to her. “The picture’s not complete without you, Sophie. That whole party was your idea. It was the perfect day for Katie.”

  “I hope so. I know it was hard for her not having her mom and dad here this year.”

  “You’ll make a great mother someday.”

  If he’d stabbed her with a knife, it couldn’t have hurt more. “No. I won’t.” She shoved the sketchbook aside and turned away.

  “Of course you will. You’ll meet a guy and settle down and have kids of your own.”

  She shook her head, fighting back tears. “No. That’ll never happen for me.”

  “Why not?”

  No point in hiding the truth. “I had an infection that required surgery. I’ll never have children of my own. Maddie’s children are the only family I’ll ever have.”

  Zach set his hands on his hips and glanced at the ceiling briefly. “Oh, Sophie. That’s rough. I don’t know what to say.”

  She forced a smile. “Nothing to say. It is what it is.”

  “But you were made to be a mother. I mean, you’re so good with kids. I’m sure you’ll find someone who won’t care about that.”

  “I think the Lord wants me to be alone.” She exhaled a sardonic huff. “Even my engagement fell through. He said I wasn’t smart enough for him.”

  “That’s ridiculous. You’re one of the smartest people I know. Look what you’ve done here at the store. You took Maddie’s ideas and notes and made it all a reality.”

  “That wasn’t me. That was all my sister. I just followed her plan. She was the smart one. Straight A’s, honor society. I had to study twice as hard just to get by. I was never book smart like her. Or you. I’ll bet you aced every class.”

  He shrugged. “I guess. But you have people smarts, and that’s something I don’t have. Dean had that in spades, like you. He had a way of making people feel relaxed as if they’d been friends forever. I usually avoid people. I’m happier when I’m alone.”

  “Like when you’re alone in the sky.”

  “Yeah. No secret there. My ex broke up with me because she said I wasn’t good husband material. I didn’t know how to connect with people. She wasn’t entirely wrong. I think I avoided my family because they didn’t understand my passion for flying. I was different from them so I just went my own way.”

  She traced a raindrop as it slid down the outside of the pane. “Maybe that’s what Maddie did. Went her own way.”

  A lightning strike and a boom of
thunder sent Sophie backing away from the window and into Zach’s solid chest. His hands gently gripped her shoulders. Her mind told her to move away, but her body refused to comply. Zach slowly turned her around. She kept her eyes lowered, afraid of what she might see in his dark gaze. Or what she wouldn’t.

  “It’s only light and noise, Sophie. Nothing to be afraid of.”

  She looked up into his eyes. Her heart raced. He was wrong. There was a great deal to be afraid of. Their eyes locked. She held her breath, unwilling to spoil the moment. But then he looked away, dropped his hands and stepped back.

  Just as quickly as it had started, the storm ended. The power blinked on and the shop filled with the sounds of the AC kicking on and the fridge in the break room stirring to life.

  Heat crawled up Sophie’s neck. She slipped past Zach, gathered her belongings and started for the door. “I’d better get home.”

  “Right. I’ll finish up here first. We’re running out of time. You’ll be leaving soon.”

  She stopped, her throat tightening. There it was. His subtle reminder that she wasn’t wanted here. Unable to stop herself, she turned and looked at him over her shoulder. There was a small grin on his face but his brown eyes said something else. She just didn’t understand what.

  There was no point in saying anything. She walked out, determined not to cry until she was alone.

  Maddie had always accused her of having fanciful ideas. She’d proved it with Zach just now. For a moment she’d thought she’d seen affection in his eyes. She’d allowed herself to believe that he’d felt that between them.

  But it was nothing more than her fanciful thinking.

  * * *

  Zach watched Sophie walk out of the store, mentally kicking himself for his stupidity. He’d upset her again. How he wasn’t sure, but he had. It always went like this when he tried to talk to people about important things. He mucked it all up.

  He walked to the window, resting his forearm high on the frame, and watched as her car pulled away, scattering water as she went. The same way she scattered his thoughts.