In the middle of August, Lynne saw Dr. Salters, who didn’t ask where Lynne’s husband was. The doctor merely pronounced that all was well, then she gingerly inquired where the Snyders were planning on having their second child. Lynne sighed, then smiled. “At home, although perhaps in one of the other bedrooms.”
Dr. Salters smiled. “Well yes, I imagine by now Jane would be a little perturbed to be uprooted from the nursery.”
Lynne nodded. “Yeah, I don’t think she’d appreciate that too well.”
The doctor helped Lynne off the exam table, then chuckled softly. “She certainly won’t remember it, but in the short term, if you have another room available, that would be best.”
Dr. Salters wanted to see Lynne again in October and Lynne made that appointment before she left the office, trying not to wonder if Eric would accompany her. Driving away, she paid attention to leafy trees, although they were losing their deep green luster. She headed for St. Matthew’s, where Mrs. Kenny was watching Jane. Sam had offered, but Lynne knew the church secretary loved doting on the youngest Snyder, not to mention a certain pastor who was probably doing just as much of the babysitting.
Lynne parked in front of the church, noting blooming flowers on either side of the steps. She smiled, curious if Mrs. Harmon was still badgering Marek about the foliage. As she took those steps, Lynne mused about another woman of whom Marek hadn’t spoken since that day in Lynne’s kitchen. Yet that had been a few weeks back; had he replied to Mrs. Henrichsen?
Lynne didn’t bother to knock, opening the front doors and going right into the vestibule. Then she smiled, hearing her daughter’s broad laughter from what sounded like the back of the corridor. Jane’s mirth traveled all through the building, and Lynne followed that happy sound until she reached the kitchen. Slowly she poked her head around the doorway, finding Jane seated on Carla’s lap, Marek sitting beside them and a plate of cookies between the adults just past Jane’s reach.
“Hello,” Lynne called, stepping into the room.
Jane met her mother’s gaze, then clapped. “Mama!”
Marek turned around, then smiled widely. “Well hello there. Care for a biscuit and a spot of tea?”
“That sounds lovely.” Lynne sat down, not missing how Mrs. Kenny tenderly shook her head. Since Eric had left, Lynne had allowed this twosome to keep an eye on Jane, and in doing so, a mother had discerned a unique relationship between a pastor and his secretary. Perhaps Mrs. Kenny had initially found Marek’s foreignness irksome, but those habits had grown on Carla, maybe eased by Jane’s charming countenance. Around Jane, Marek exhibited an even more endearing nature, which now made Lynne teary. Had she been brash in telling Dr. Salters that another home birth was on the horizon? Lynne hadn’t spoken about it yet with Renee, although she knew the Aherns would be more than willing to assist, but Sam’s role would remain within the downstairs. Could Lynne deliver with only the doctor and one capable nurse?
Not that she wanted either Mrs. Kenny or Marek at such an intimate station. Although, if Marek wanted to support Sam, Lynne would be pleased for his inclusion. Someone would need to keep an eye on Jane, which made Lynne sigh. Then she smiled as Marek set a cup of tea in front of her, pushing the plate of cookies within her reach. She met his grin with her own, then took a chocolate cookie, dipping the edge of it in her mug. Jane called for mother, and seemed to say cookie, what Mrs. Kenny claimed as Lynne enjoyed her treat. After Lynne sipped her tea, she cleared her throat. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she did say cookie. She talks all the time, although I don’t understand two-thirds of it.”
“I’d thought she’d know pie by now,” Marek laughed.
Lynne nodded. “I think she definitely knows what that means.”
Then Lynne frowned, but she looked at the table, hoping to hide it. Since Eric left, Lynne had tried to maintain the same level of communication, but sometimes she found herself and Jane in the middle of silent stretches. Then Lynne would speak at length about a manner of subjects, trying to interject Eric into whatever popped into a mother’s train of thought. But in the evenings, when Lynne was weary, often little was spoken as Jane drifted off to sleep in a house devoid of activity. Sometimes the Aherns visited, but eventually it was only a twosome, even if another baby was on the way.
It had been one thing to consider Eric’s absence, but living without him was harder than Lynne had thought. Yet, the difficulties weren’t like those she had encountered previously. This time single parenthood was Lynne’s biggest issue, or more rightly, keeping Eric as viable as she could make him. Daily mother and daughter visited the studio or trekked about the garden, but Lynne was running out of interesting tidbits to share with Jane, and with a baby that Lynne was just starting to feel fluttering inside her. She hadn’t mentioned that to Dr. Salters, expecting the physician to not yet believe the baby was making his or herself known to its mother. But last night Lynne had laid in bed for over twenty minutes, her hand placed against a no longer flat belly, as that baby did what Lynne assumed were somersaults, just as Jane once had. Lynne had spoken softly to her unborn child, noting how much she was loved, then laughing at herself. Again she was referring to the baby as a girl; would Jane have a little sister?
Last week, Lynne had received letters from Agatha and Stanford, and both had inquired, although in very different ways. Agatha asked straight out, while Stanford delicately placed his query at nearly the end of the note. Then Lynne sighed again. Stanford knew Eric was gone, not that Lynne had said anything. But he hadn’t talked to his client in weeks, and this note had been specifically addressed to only Lynne. She had mentioned this to Renee and Sam a few nights back, and all were relieved that if nothing else, Stanford had enough tact to not ask outright. Would he tell Laurie, Renee had wondered, and if so, might Laurie put two and two together….
Sam had pooh-poohed both notions, stating that Laurie had enough on his mind. Seth had stopped responding to any form of treatments, not that Sam brought that up, but Lynne and both Aherns knew that Eric’s presence had distinctly affected Seth, although not as any of them had hoped. And while neither Renee nor Sam said it aloud, Lynne knew they wondered if maybe Eric would simply turn back for home. He had made the effort, wasn’t that enough? Laurie had mentioned the hawk in his last correspondence, but that had been over a week ago, and Lynne hadn’t heard anything since. She wasn’t even sure if Stanford knew about the bird, nor did she expect him to bring it up. He wouldn’t write to her about more than Jane and the upcoming baby, not wishing to deluge an expectant mother with anything remotely unpleasant, especially since he seemed aware that Eric was again away. Then Lynne smiled, which turned into a giggle. Laurie might put two and two together regarding Eric and an errant bird of prey, but not his partner.
Then Lynne looked up, finding her pastor’s knowledgeable gaze cast her way. She nodded, reaching for his hand, giving it a brief squeeze. Mrs. Kenny was speaking to Jane, not aware of all that her boss and Mrs. Snyder had shared. Then the secretary sighed, handing the toddler to Marek. “All right, I should really get back to work. But Mrs. Snyder, I do so appreciate this little break in my day. All my grandchildren live out of state. I keep telling my husband it’s time for him to retire so we can do some traveling, but he’s just like Pastor here, always busy.”
Marek laughed. “Mrs. Kenny, if your husband retires and you two fly the coop, what will I do?”
“You’ll make due.” Carla snorted as she spoke, then looked slightly embarrassed. “Well, I mean….” Then she tickled Jane’s cheek. “It’s just that they’re little for such a short time. My oldest granddaughter is eight already, my goodness. Time just flies and….”
The secretary abruptly stopped speaking. She glanced in Lynne’s direction, her lip trembling, her eyes as if beseeching forgiveness. Lynne wondered what Marek might have said, if anything, or maybe nothing was necessary. Eric had been gone for nearly six weeks and while Lynne had never openly noted where he was, rumors circulated. Most assumed he was
on a painting retreat, even if his wife was expecting. What excuse would Lynne eventually offer if Eric remained in Florida? And just where would she deliver their next baby?
Mrs. Kenny kissed the top of Jane’s head, then exited the kitchen without further words. Jane watched her walk away, then she reached toward the plate of cookies. Lynne moved them to the far side of the table, stirring Jane’s ire, which was immediately calmed by a string of Polish uttered in a soothing tone. To Lynne’s amazement, Jane quieted, then seemed to emit a sigh. But Marek chuckled while Jane played with her empty cup. Lynne stroked her daughter’s head. “What did you tell her?”
“Oh just that if she ate all the cookies now, there wouldn’t be any for her next visit. My Aunt Agi used to tell us the very same and it worked for years.” Then Marek laughed. “Once we realized the ruse, it became a game. How would those cookies keep from getting stale, or what if Uncle Alex ate them all?” Marek had a happy sigh. “Children can be easily dissuaded at times, especially if a greater good stands behind the excuse.”
Lynne fought tears, but not only from his mixed meaning. She had never heard him speak about his life in Poland, yet now that one barrier had fallen, perhaps more were set to tumble. “How many siblings did you have?” she asked softly.
“Two, an older brother and a younger sister. But so many cousins, it felt like more. We were all close in age, my parents’ siblings lived near, there must have been….” He sighed in resignation, then shook his head. “So, how are you and baby number two doing?”
Lynne nodded, for she couldn’t speak. Tears trickled down her face and she reached for a napkin in the center of the table. She wiped her eyes, then blew her nose. “We’re fine,” she warbled.
Marek squeezed her hand. “That’s good.” But his voice was shaky. Then he turned Jane to face her mother. “Your daughter was trying to learn typing, but Mrs. Kenny thought maybe a biscuit would be better. Well, she said cookie, but Jane didn’t seem to care what we called them.” Marek smiled, then released Lynne’s hand, giving her another napkin. “We only gave her two, neither with chocolate, although that was Mrs. Kenny’s doing. Thank goodness Jane didn’t notice.”
Then Marek spoke in Polish as Lynne tried to compose herself. She hadn’t cried since receiving Laurie’s letter, about the hawk’s arrival and how poorly Seth remained. Laurie hadn’t minced words, but then Laurie hadn’t expected Lynne as the only one reading his warnings, for that’s what his sentiments had been. He was preparing the Snyders for the worst, regardless of a hawk or Lynne’s pregnancy. Stanford wouldn’t note such dire information, but no longer did Laurie write anything between the lines.
What might his next note reveal? If Seth’s condition worsened significantly, one of the New Yorkers would call, of that Lynne was certain. Then perhaps Eric would be on his way home, although she would have to excuse his absence for the short term. Yet, that scenario made Lynne nauseous. She sipped her tea, fully aware this had nothing to do with morning sickness, only the most grievous loss. She couldn’t lament Eric’s absence, not when so many others had died far too soon.
She stared at her pastor, still speaking in Polish. Jane babbled in agreement, making Lynne smile. Yet her heart throbbed and her stomach remained queasy. She took another cookie, munching quietly, but Jane heard her, turning to find Lynne wiping crumbs from her mouth. “Mama,” the little girl called. “Mine!”
Jane stretched out her arm and Lynne acquiesced, crooning her daughter’s name as Jane settled happily into Lynne’s grasp. Cookies were forgotten as the toddler snuggled against her mother. Then Lynne gasped, making Marek stare. “What?” he asked.
“The baby, I feel the baby.” Now Lynne wept freely, laughing as she did so. “Someone doesn’t like their big sister too close.”
“Really?” Marek chuckled. “Well, that’s a sticky situation. I wonder how this crisis will be resolved?”
“Probably with less fuss than last October.” Lynne placed Jane’s hand where the flutters were strongest. She knew it was only for show, for the movements were slight. Jane kept her hand there briefly, then she reached toward the cookies. Lynne chuckled, wiping her face with yet another napkin Marek had set near her. Jane repeated mine, interspersed with something in Polish that was directed solely at her pastor. Both adults laughed, but neither met Jane’s request for an extra treat.
Marek carried Jane to Lynne’s car, but Lynne didn’t put Jane right into the baby seat. While no more was said about Marek’s family, Lynne did have one question to ask. “Have you written to her yet?”
Lynne didn’t need to mention the woman’s name as Marek nodded his head. “Just last week, actually.” He tickled Jane’s chin, then kissed her cheek. “Took me longer than I thought. Every time I sat down there was an interruption. At first I wondered if God wanted to keep me from that task. But I felt too much relief.” Marek smiled, switching Jane to his other side. “Finally I sat when I knew nothing would distract me. It still took a while, but….” He grinned again. “Now we’ll see if she responds. Have you heard anymore from the New Yorkers?”
His tone was light, which made Lynne smile, as well as how he used that term. “I got letters from Queens and Manhattan. Agatha wants to know if I’m having a girl and Stanford pretty much asked the same.” Lynne chuckled, setting her hand on the baby. “If nothing else, I can write to Agatha and tell her this creature is indeed moving around now.”
“And what will you tell Stanford?”
“Probably no more than I’m fine and….” She sighed. “He knows Eric’s gone, he addressed the letter to me, which he never does. Laurie does, but….” Lynne stared at Marek, who nodded his head. Did he understand the men’s connection? So many secrets remained, making Lynne dizzy. She leaned against the hood of the car, closing her eyes. She prayed, wondering what Marek would think if he knew about Stanford and Laurie. It probably wouldn’t be that hard to comprehend, or at least much easier than if those men were told of Eric’s whereabouts. How could she keep that secret, she wondered, opening her eyes. Marek was still looking her way, but his eyes were gentle on her. Did he know, she wondered, had Eric told him before he left? She nearly asked, but Jane began to fuss. Lynne stood straight, relieving Marek of his charge.
As that phrase ran through Lynne’s mind, she inhaled sharply. “I hope you hear back from her.” Then Lynne sighed. “So many loose ends these days.”
“It does seem there are more questions than answers right now. At times like this, I feel that God is asking for our trust. He knows all the outcomes, but simply wants us to place our hand in his, allowing him to lead us to solid ground. Sometimes the journey might seem lonely, but Lynne….” Marek placed his palm against Jane’s face. She stopped fussing, gazing right at her pastor. “All is well, regardless of how it may seem.”
Lynne wanted to nod, but she was taken at the slight wariness in Marek’s tone. Then their eyes met; the depth of his brown irises bore into Lynne’s soul, and she found herself nodding without reservation. Jane too seemed calmer, as she rested her head against Lynne’s shoulder. Marek released her face, then placed his hand upon Lynne’s other shoulder. He started to speak, then shook his head. Instead he said something in Polish which made Jane laugh. Lynne smiled as Marek then wished them both a good afternoon. He opened the car’s back door, then took Jane from her mother, placing her in the baby seat. Marek closed the door, again squeezing Lynne’s shoulder. Without words she got behind the wheel, but she glanced at Marek before pulling away. His brown eyes conveyed far more than words would have, and Lynne felt his prayers within her heart. As she drove home, she hoped Eric, Seth, and the rest knew the strength of that peace, about which she shared with Jane, who gabbed like she understood.
Chapter 125
The Hawk: Part Seven Page 5
