The Orphans' Blessing

by Lorraine Beatty

  Sophie clung to Rachel’s suggestion that Maddie had found it hard to reach out to her younger sister, and as time moved on, it had become more and more difficult. Sophie had been to the Blessing Bridge and prayed for an answer. She’d prayed for insight each Sunday during the service but so far she was still in the dark.

  Pulling open the small drawer in the side table, she reached for a pencil. She’d started making her own notations in the Bible as she read, marking passages that spoke to her and gave her comfort.

  Her finger snagged a piece of paper she’d not noticed before. She pulled out a small card with a picture of morning glories climbing a rustic post. Her favorite flower. Maddie always teased her about being a morning glory person, always in a good mood when she woke up each day.

  Sophie opened the card. All it said was Thinking of You. Her heart shrunk. No message, no salutation. Had the card been for her? She glanced into the drawer again and pulled out the envelope. Her name was written on it, as if Maddie had intended to write the entire address.

  Had that been her intention? Had she wanted to reach out? Why hadn’t she? What held her back? Didn’t she understand that Sophie would have forgiven her anything? Nothing could be worse than the years of not knowing, the burden of guilt she’d carried and the giant hole in her heart that nothing could fill.

  Slipping the card into its envelope, she tucked it in the middle of the Bible. For now she’d choose to believe that Maddie had intended the card for her, that she would have sent it with words of love and reconciliation.

  * * *

  Zach walked into the kitchen the next evening as Sophie was opening the pizza box. “Hope you’re in the mood for sausage and pepperoni,” she said. “We were busy at the store all day.”

  He grinned trying to act normal. “I’m always in the mood for pizza. How are things going for the grand opening?”

  “Good. There’s still a lot more to do.”

  He smiled. Sophie always worried that things wouldn’t get done but somehow she never failed to meet her deadlines. “What can I do to help?”

  She thought a moment, then shook her head. “Nothing really. The women of the church are helping, but thanks.”

  Linney lifted a piece of pizza from the box and laid it on her plate. “Do we get to come to the grand opening?”

  Sophie chuckled. “Of course. I need you to help hand out the refreshments.”

  “What’s that?”

  DJ piled three pieces on his plate. “Snacks, silly.”

  Katie slid into her seat and reached for a slice of pizza. “What can I do?”

  Sophie took a sip of her drink. “You can be one of the hostesses that greet people at the door and hand out the information sheets.”

  “Cool. What about Uncle Zach? What’s he going to do?”

  Zach raised his eyebrows. “What do you have in mind for me?”

  A faint blush tinged her cheeks. “He can do whatever he wants.”

  Katie glanced between them as if sensing something was off. “But you’ll be there, won’t you, Uncle Zach?”

  “Of course. I’ve worked hard on that store. I want to be there to see it open.”

  “Promise?”

  Zach tapped the end of her nose with one finger. “I promise I will be there. Nothing will stop me. I even told Mr. Hank not to schedule any charter flights for me that day just to make sure.” He glanced at Sophie, hoping she could hear the sincerity in his voice.

  She smiled and he sighed in relief. She trusted him. That was a huge victory. After the disagreement over his part in Dean and Maddie’s fatal accident, he feared their old relationship was destroyed.

  Zach finished his pizza, watching Sophie move about the kitchen, his conscience stirring. Maybe keeping his medical problem a secret wasn’t such a good idea. The last time he’d tried that, it had exploded in his face.

  When the kids went to watch TV in the family room, he remained at the breakfast table, waiting for an opportunity to talk to Sophie. He’d feel better if she knew what was going on. Sharing his concerns with her might help his own anxiety, too.

  Sophie set the empty pizza box on the counter, then sat down at the table. “Can I talk to you a minute? I need some advice.”

  Her question caught him by surprise. She had never sought his advice before. She was usually handing it out. “Of course.”

  She traced a line in the wooden table with her finger as if collecting her thoughts. “I found a card in my sister’s drawer. It wasn’t signed but it had a picture of my favorite flower on it and inside it said Thinking of You. She’d written my name on the envelope.” She met his gaze, her blue eyes clouded with sorrow. “Do you think she might have planned on sending it to me and just never had a chance?”

  The need to comfort and reassure her was fierce. He knew how important it was for her to understand why Maddie had walked out without a word. He searched for something encouraging to say. “I think it’s possible. I don’t know why your sister behaved as she did, but I know she was a good woman, someone who cared deeply for everyone. I’m sure she cared for you very much.”

  Sophie rubbed her lower lip. “Then why did she stay away?”

  Zach reached over and took her hands in his. “Maybe for the same reason I didn’t tell you about me not flying Dean and Maddie home. I didn’t want to face my part in the whole thing. It was easier to hide it away and not think about it. Maybe Maddie was too ashamed to reach out, and the longer it went, the harder it became.”

  “Rachel said the same thing.”

  The break in her voice sliced into him. He wished he could solve this problem for her, give some kind of definitive answer, but there was none. “I’m sorry.”

  Sophie slipped her hands from his and blinked away tears. “I guess I’ll never know why.”

  “You knew your sister better than anyone, despite all the years apart. What do you think she meant to do with that card?”

  “I want to believe she was going to send it to me.”

  “I do, too. Then let’s choose to think that.”

  The smile she gave him was worth everything he had. “Thank you. You eased my mind.”

  Zach remained seated after Sophie left the room. He’d intended to tell her about his eye problem but now he wasn’t so sure. She had enough weighing on her mind. Adding to her burden would serve no purpose. He’d keep his troubles to himself until he knew the outcome. It would save everyone a lot of worry.

  * * *

  All thoughts of his medical problems faded into the background in the rush to get the grand opening program ready. Sophie had invited local government officials and the heads of the Blessing service organizations to attend. The local pastors were to be present as well, to add their prayers to the event.

  Midafternoon, Zach’s phone rang. Jackson Vision Care. He exhaled a slow breath before answering. When he hung up a few moments later, he wished he had ignored it.

  The doctor had scheduled his surgery for the next day. The day of the grand opening. He’d tried to reschedule it, but the physician was adamant.

  Zach scanned the store. Everything was nearly ready. Sophie darted around, making sure everything was perfect. It was her big day. He’d promised her he’d be there. He’d promised the kids, too.

  His mind searched frantically for a way out. Telling Sophie now about his surgery would ruin the grand opening for her. He’d never forgive himself if he had a hand in that. But breaking his promise to Sophie would mean the end to any hope of a relationship between them.

  Slipping out the back door, he drove to the airfield and parked at Hank’s office. He needed a plan and he needed an accomplice. And he needed the good Lord to keep His hand on him good and tight.

  Chapter Twelve

  Zach fastened his seat belt, trying not to think about the outcome of this surgery. His doctor was optimistic but he’d
also laid out all the risks involved. Risks that could mean the end of his career as a pilot.

  Hank glanced over at him from the driver’s seat. “I’m still not sure this is a good idea. Why not just tell Sophie and the kids that you need surgery?”

  “Because there’s no need for them to know. You didn’t see how upset they were after that night I was late getting home. The girls were terrified that I wouldn’t come home again, and before my next charter, Linney begged me not to go. There’s no point in getting everyone upset. Once it’s all settled, then I’ll explain.”

  Hank started the car and shook his head. “I think you’re making a mistake. What if the surgery runs late? You’ll miss the grand opening. That won’t go over well.”

  Zach stared out the side window, his thumb worrying his lower lip. “Yeah. I know.”

  “Couldn’t you have rescheduled the operation?”

  “I tried but the doctor said it needed to be done immediately. I had no choice.” He’d gone over it a dozen times in his mind and waiting to explain to the family was the only sensible approach. Of course if the procedure didn’t go well, then he’d have a whole new set of issues to face, but he didn’t want to think about that possibility.

  He glanced at his watch. The surgery was scheduled for eleven thirty and would take half an hour start to finish. If all went well, he’d be on his way home by noon. Allowing for the two hour drive back to Blessing from Jackson, he should be there in plenty of time to attend the opening. The only thing he’d have to explain would be the patch over his eye. He was holding to the old adage that it was easier to ask forgiveness than seek permission.

  But if he didn’t return in time, he stood to lose everything. He’d promised the kids and Sophie he’d be there. He’d believed it at the time. Breaking his promise was the ultimate crime to Sophie, and the kids would never trust his word again.

  Maybe Hank was right. Maybe he should have told them. The memory of Linney and Katie’s hysterics that day were never far from Zach’s mind. He could never put them through that again. His heart wouldn’t survive.

  And Sophie—the condemnation in her hazel eyes would shred his being. There was no way he could explain or make it up to her, she’d never forgive him. He’d lose her forever. It was his fault for allowing himself to fall in love with her. He hadn’t meant for it to happen. It had crept up on him steadily, inch by inch, like a kudzu vine, until his whole being was hopelessly entangled.

  He’d wanted to speak to her, to tell her how he felt, but there was never a quiet moment or the appropriate time. Then when he’d found an opportunity, his courage failed him and he let the moment slip from his grasp.

  “So what’s your cover story? Where are you supposed to be?”

  Zach exhaled a sigh. “I left her a note saying I was going with you to check out a helicopter you were thinking of buying for the business.”

  “What? I would never buy one of those flapping bag of bolts.”

  “What did you tell your wife?”

  Hank scowled. “The truth. That I’m driving you to Jackson for eye surgery. But she has instructions to tell everyone I have business in Biloxi.”

  “I suppose we should have gotten our stories straight.”

  “Nah. It’ll be fine. If everything goes as scheduled.”

  That was the thing Zach feared most. Closing his eyes, he offered up a prayer for things to go according to plan. If they did, Sophie would only be upset that he’d kept his surgery a secret.

  One good thing. His concern over missing the opening outweighed his own anxiety about the surgery and its outcome. He could be facing a life without flying. The idea knotted his stomach and left a hollow ache inside his chest.

  He was a born flyer. The only time he felt whole and free was in the air. No matter what kind of aircraft he was in. Without his ability to fly, he had no identity.

  First things first. Surgery, then see what happens after that.

  Hank dropped Zach at the surgery center, then went to park the car. After checking in, Zach took a seat and waited. An hour and forty-five minutes past his scheduled surgery time, he was still waiting. Every minute that passed, he recalculated the time needed to be in Blessing for the opening. Sophie had worked so hard on this closet project, the kids, too. He needed to be there, but he needed to take care of his vision first.

  Finally, his name was called. But he was well behind schedule and the chances of keeping his promise were fading fast.

  His heart began to crack. He’d lost Sophie forever.

  * * *

  Sophie applied a few strokes of blush to her cheeks, then took a quick survey of herself in the mirror. She’d discarded three outfits before deciding on a simple blue dress and small necklace. She wanted to look professional but not fussy. Her stomach fluttered as she thought about the grand opening. In under an hour it would be in full swing. It wasn’t the event that made her anxious but the fact that Zach wasn’t home yet.

  He’d left a note this morning telling her he and Hank had gone to Jackson to see about a helicopter Hank wanted to buy, but he assured her he’d be home in plenty of time for the opening. The note had triggered memories of another time he’d chased after a helicopter instead of attending to his duty. Though he had no duty toward her or the store, he had still promised.

  She couldn’t think about that now. She had a grand opening to host. The closet was all about her sister’s memory. Everything else would have to wait.

  Sophie steered her car toward downtown but at the intersection she turned the opposite direction. She needed to make a stop at the bridge.

  Her heart was troubled and she needed some clarity and strength for the rest of the day. She wanted to stay with the children. She wanted to stay in Blessing, but at the moment she saw no way that would happen. She knew from experience that the Lord could sort out the most complicated situations and the most dire of crises.

  She left the bridge not with hope so much as a tight grip on God’s promise to work all things for good. Whatever that might turn out to be. Tomorrow she would have faith and leave it in His hands.

  An hour and a half later, Sophie’s faith was fading. In half an hour, the opening would be over.

  Zach wasn’t here. He hadn’t called or answered his cell phone. She’d tried to remain calm and hopeful and give him the benefit of the doubt, but the opening would be over soon. Her emotions pitched between burning anger and wrenching disappointment.

  She fought her anxiety and smiled as yet another Blessing resident entered the charity closet. She thanked them for their presence and well wishes, then directed them toward the refreshment table where the ladies of the Blessing Community Church had donated an assortment of pastries and sweets. The generosity of this town never ceased to amaze her.

  If the attendance at this opening was any indication, Maddie’s Closet would benefit many people in Blessing. Her spirits lifted when she thought about all the good the charity would do and how gratifying it would be seeing lives altered with a simple change of clothes...except, she wouldn’t be here to see it.

  Sophie stepped away into the quiet of the small office. It was time to face a few hard facts. There was no permanent place for her here. Zach had the family in good hands. She didn’t have to worry about that any longer. From here on, her place in the family would be relegated to visiting aunt. The woman who dropped in on holidays, then flew off home again.

  Sophie wrapped her arms around her waist. What she couldn’t push aside was the fact that Zach had failed to show up. How could he do this to the children after he’d promised to be here? She’d believed that he’d finally come to understand the importance of keeping promises. He’d told her that he wouldn’t let anything keep him from the opening. He wouldn’t have promised if he wasn’t sure.

  She didn’t want to believe she’d misjudged him again, but his absence was proof enough. So m
uch for her judgment of people. Of men. The pain around her heart squeezed tighter. What a fool she was. She’d believed him, trusted him. Tears stung the backs of her eyes but she brushed them quickly away. He wasn’t worth it.

  Rachel tapped on the door frame. “Are you all right? People are asking for you.”

  “I’m coming.” She forced a smile and faced her friend.

  Rachel came closer, resting a comforting hand on her back. “What is it? Zach?”

  Sophie nodded. “He promised he’d be here. He promised.”

  “There’s still time.”

  She shook her head. “He’s not who I thought he was. I should never have believed him.”

  “Don’t you think that’s a bit unfair? I mean, anything could have happened. I don’t want to be gruesome, but there could have been an accident.”

  “No. Nothing ever happens to Zach. Even after his wreck, he emerged with only a few bumps and bruises.” The harsh tone of her voice surprised her but her disappointment was growing.

  “How long have you been in love with him?”

  “What?” She turned away. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not in love with Zach.”

  Rachel chuckled softly. “I think it happened sometime around the point you saw Zach teaching DJ carpentry.”

  She tried to deny it but couldn’t. That had been a turning point of sorts. His kindness and patience with the boy had touched her heart and she’d started to notice other small moments of tenderness he expressed toward the girls. Even Lumpy had been the recipient of some special attention. She’d had to acknowledge that Zach might be inexperienced, but she couldn’t question his devotion to the children.

  “Even if that were true, I can’t forgive him for breaking a promise.”

  “I think you’re asking the impossible. No one intends to break a promise, Sophie, but life happens. Unexpected things crop up. Why is keeping a promise so important?”