Chapter 17
"Marry you?" Elijah's voice thundered across the
cemetery as the gathering storm clouds crowded the western horizon.
Riley's chin jutted forward, his back straight. "That's
right, Doctor Elijah Brownstone! I, I know who you, you, you are—the one S, Sadie's
talked about for years. The, the, the one who broke her heart on Valentine's
Day! Well," he took a step toward Elijah. "I'm here t, to t,t,take her
with me. We'll be married and we'll raise a fam, family. I'm offering her what you,
you, you won't!"
Elijah jerked his head to Sadie. "You're marrying this
O'Flannery from Indiana?" His chest puffed out and lightning flashed in
his stormy eyes as the wind blew his hair about his face. He shoved it back in
place and waited for her answer.
Emotions played with Sadie's senses as she watched the man
she loved spark with jealousy. She caught her breath. Did Elijah love her? She
knew her dream of having a marriage and family could come true with Elijah.
"You both know that I want to marry and have a family of my
own." Hot tears rushed to her eyes
as emotion flooded her senses.
"And I'm here, here to see, see that your wish comes
true!" Riley's voice trembled as he stammered. He started toward her.
Elijah moved closer and yelled, "Stay away from her,
O'Flannery!"
Riley harrumphed and shook his head, determination lacing
his words. "Or what? She, she knows me, me better than she knows you, you.
These last ten years I, I was there to listen to her pour out her, her broken
heart. You were nowhere around." He paused and took a breath, "And
now I'm gonna take that broken heart and, and, and mend it." Suddenly, his stammering had stopped as anger laced each word.
Elijah stood stiff and powerful against the wind that
muffled the conversation. "She's not going anywhere."
Sadie gathered self-control and courage and stood between
the men, both hands going to her hips. "Hold it!" She fought hard
against the tears she refused to let fall. She glanced between them, her eyes
blazing like the sunshine on a summer day. "You're talking about me as if
I'm your property."
Looking at Riley, her lips drew into a grim line. "How
dare you come to Rocky Corners and demand that I go with you! That's my
decision to make!"
She then stared at Elijah. "And you, Elijah, you have
no intention of marrying and settling down. Why do you think I would ever want
to stay here? Especially with Caroline and your mother harassing me at every
turn?" Her mouth snapped shut, stunned at her bluntness.
Elijah stared hard at her, a frown covering his face.
"We talked about this. You were going to give me a chance to solve the
problem, remember?"
Thoughts flooded Sadie's mind. Riley was a good friend who
had listened to her pour her heart out in anguish time and time again. While
his looks weren't rugged and manly, he held a softer down to earth aura about
him that was pure and caring. She had no doubt that Riley O'Flannery would take
care of her and their life together would be happy. Elijah, on the other hand,
the boy who stole her heart ten years ago, had the very presence that filled
her soul with joy. When they were together, she felt like he was home, the one
whom God made for her. And even Elijah's father saw it for what it was.
A heaviness centered in her chest, and she spoke calmly,
determination driving her. "I can take care of myself. I don't need either
of you."
Riley lost all emotion on his face. "Think it, it, it over.
I'll be, be, be waiting at the, the boarding house for your answer." Riley marched off,
leaving Elijah and Sadie alone.
Rubbing his neck, Elijah let out his breath just as a rumble of thunder shook the heavens. "Well, I'll be. I never expected this to happen." He demanded an answer from her, "You would seriously go to Kansas with that Irishman?" Raising dark brows, Sadie frowned. She saw her opportunity. "I'm mulling the idea over. But for now, I'm going home," she said quietly. "It looks like rain is moving in." She took a step away from Elijah.
Elijah took her elbow, "I'll escort you there. I need
to check on Lillian."
***
The afternoon air grew heavier with bouts of sunshine
breaking through the heavy thunder clouds. Alone in her bedroom, Sadie felt the
energy of nature's outburst. Thunder rumbled in the distance, threatening to
open the heavens, but no rain fell. Gusts of wind whipped around the
windowsills and doors, dust turning into little dust devils whirling along the
streets. While some people hid in anxious, uneasy fright from Ozarks
thunderstorms, Sadie watched in awe, experiencing the power of nature in all of
its glory and drawing from the energy.
Lying against the plump pillows on her bed, she held the red
paper heart and thought of what had just transpired. Riley came to Rocky
Corners to find her and take her back to Kansas with him. For the life of her,
she never expected that! She knew Riley and his homelife from all the hours of
sharing secrets and life's hardships. He shared his story about Ireland and
coming to America. But she didn't have feelings for Riley. It stopped at
friendship.
And Elijah.
When she came to the Ozarks, she never thought she'd find
Elijah and his family here. Admitting it to herself, she knew if she couldn't
have Elijah, then she would have no one. Closing her eyes as the lightning
streaked through the sky, she prayed, asking God to help her. Scriptures came to mind
about the Lord healing the broken-hearted and caring for orphans. Orphans. How
could she expect Elijah to care for her, an orphan? She'd thought of that
before, and it always came back to the same answer: she couldn't expect a fine,
wealthy man who was now a doctor to marry beneath him. She might as well throw
her wishes to the wind.
But deep down inside, she thought that maybe God had a
different plan for her life. She prayed for God to lead, guide, and direct her to
make the right decision. Stay in Rocky Corners or return to Franklin, Indiana.
She would wait and see what transpired.
Florence's voice drifted up the stairs, and Sadie found Sarah Ann and Florence sitting with Lillian.
"Sit with us for a while," Florence gestured to a
chair next to Lillian's bed. The light from the table lamp flickered with homey
warmth.
As Sadie sat, she looked at the three sisters. Sarah Ann
still wore her apron from the cafe, and Florence's lorgnette swayed with the
motion of her bringing the teapot to a low table where flowered China teacups
and saucers waited to be filled. Lillian was dressed in her best bed jacket,
lace trim around the collar, and pearl buttons down the front. Papers lay on her
lap; she was working on her family history information.
"Sadie, we are gathered here this afternoon for
you," Lillian began the conversation. "I've told my sisters about my
last wishes should I die. And I've already told you where you fit into those
wishes. You'll always have a home here with Florence, should you wish to
stay."
"But, Sadie," Florence spoke next. "We want
you to move on with your life—marry and raise a happy family. We know it's your
deepest desire."
Sadie raised her dark eyebrows and smiled at the thought.
"Thank you, but I don't think that's going to happen. There's no one I'm
interested in."
"Oh, but there is!" Sarah Ann interrupted,
clucking her tongue. "Our great nephew is the perfect choice for you,
Sadie. We've seen how good you two are together. The whole town has seen what
we see. You and Lige are made for each other!"
Sadie caught her breath, surprise causing her cheeks to
blush apple red. Was she and Elijah the talk of the town? Were there no secrets
that were safe anymore? She opened her mouth to voice her aggravation, but it was Lillian who
spoke next.
"Elijah loves you. He's too stubborn to admit it. And
we know you love Elijah. We want to see you happy and living your dream.
Especially before the Lord calls me home!"
Sarah Ann admitted, "Elijah's as stubborn as Zim's old
mule! You see, this was planned out ten years ago. We can't tell you too much;
you'll have to wait for the right person to divulge that information. But it
isn't a coincidence that Florence came to Rocky Corners and brought you along
with her."
Sadie's mouth dropped open, and she spoke in a broken
whisper. "Did you lie to me?" She looked at the three sisters, all
sitting proudly around her.
"Heavens no!" Florence's voice was shrill.
"We do not lie. But we do help the powers that be when it comes to love
and family. Sadie, darling, you have been in my family since the day you and
your brother, and your sister came to my orphanage. I know how much Elijah wanted
his parents to adopt you, and when Sue Ellen chose Caroline instead, I saw how
it affected Elijah."
Lillian smiled; the corners of her lips looked like a
rosebud. "We know without a doubt that Sue Ellen and Caroline are behind
all of this nonsense concerning you. But Horace and Elijah are taking care of
them. They'll right this wrong so that you can stay here with all of us and
continue what is meant to be. Please don't give another thought to going back
to Indiana. For it's here that you belong."
"We know that boy from Kansas…" Sarah Ann looked
to Florence for his name.
"Riley," Florence answered.
"We know Riley wants to take you with him. But you're
already settled here. Please, give Elijah a little while longer, and things will
get straightened out."
"But you're wrong." Tears gathered in Sadie's emerald eyes, and her throat stuck with grief. "Elijah told me that he won't
get married because of his parents' sour marriage. There's no hope for
us!"
The three sisters took a breath at the same time, looking at
each other, then back to Sadie. "Like Sarah Ann said, please give it time.
Do you trust us, dear?" Florence's voice was hopeful and compassionate.
"Yes, of course." Sadie saw the sisters' faces
filled with faith, hope, and love. The three things the Good Book spoke of were God's foundational promise to all who believed.
"Then please, hold your horses and wait to see what is
going to happen. Because it is going to happen!" Florence stated
matter-of-factly.
Lillian and Sarah Ann nodded in agreement.
Sadie's heart bloomed with love for the three sisters. She
saw faith in Sarah Ann, hope in Florence, and love in Lillian. She learned that
those three virtues taught by Paul in the Bible are foundational to
believers.
Could the three sisters be right?
***
The last patient had left the waiting room, and now Elijah
sat in his office. The room was darkened by the stormy sky, but the
lamps gave it a soft glow. The wind rattled around the doorway and shook the
window above the chairs in the waiting room. He watched the dust blowing in the
streets like the thoughts swirling in his head. He pulled the desk drawer open
and brought out the little red paper heart, now creased and worn, rubbing it
between his fingers.
Riley O'Flannery came to Rocky Corners to find Sadie and
take her to Kansas. And he intended to marry Sadie. His Sadie! The same girl
that he found intriguing and full of wonder, sunshine, and happiness. The girl
whom he had thought about for the past ten years. Even though he and Sadie had
only known each other for a short time, it was filled with revelation.
He loved Sadie Danley. And he had to do something about it.
If he didn't, he would lose her. The ache of dread dropped into his gut. It was
the paralyzing fear that held him in a vice.
"Hello!" Horace appeared at the door, rapping on
the wood softly. "Can I intrude on your thoughts?"
"Father," Elijah's voice was ragged, and he rose.
"Do come in and have a seat. Can I get you coffee?"
"No, this won't take long. I'm on the way home. Looks
like a storm's brewing." Horace propped his cane against Elijah's desk and
folded himself into a chair, rubbing his chin.
Elijah stared at his father. He looked troubled. This man, whom he adored and respected. Perhaps he should talk to Horace about his love
for Sadie. Bare his soul to his father. His gut clenched tighter. "Do you
have news?"
Horace cocked an eyebrow. "Yes. But first, I want to
tell you something. It's time, son." He drew a deep breath, then spilled
the words. "I'm Sadie Danley's benefactor. After your mother changed her
mind and chose Caroline to adopt, I saw the pain in Sadie's eyes. And in yours.
I knew you two had become fast friends; she was all you talked about for weeks
after we left and came to Missouri." He cleared his throat. "So,
before leaving Indiana that day, I took a packet of money intended for the girl we adopted to Aunt Florence. Aunt Florence warned
me how mean-spirited and manipulative Caroline could be. So I decided to help Sadie and gave the money to Florence for Sadie."
Elijah's face fell as he listened. "Father…" his
voice was but a whisper.
"I told Aunt Florence to use it for Sadie's education.
Remember, while talking to us in her interview, Sadie divulged to us that she
wanted to be a schoolteacher."
Elijah nodded, smiling.
"And I told Aunt Florence she would always have a home
here in the Ozarks with us, her family. Over the years, I saw how disheartened
you were. I wanted to help you get Sadie back, but how to do that? Then, as
luck would have it, or we might call it divine intervention, maybe?" His
dark eyes twinkled. "Ten years passed, and Aunt Lillian decided to give up
teaching. Rocky Corners needed a teacher. Florence wanted to move to be near
family…"
Elijah spoke up, "And Sadie graduated from Normal
School and was ready for a job..."
"Yes, it all unfolded nicely." Horace nodded,
leaning toward Elijah. "I prayed that Sadie would
come here and you two would reunite and replenish that spark that
joined you two together in the first place."
Elijah caught his breath. A smile spread over his lips.
"I brought Sadie here for you, Elijah." Horace
stopped and waited, letting the truth sink in. He sat back in his chair.
"I can't believe it. You would do this for me?"
Elijah's voice was shaky and low. "Unbelievable."
"But then you tell your mother and me that you are
against marriage." Horace shook his head. "That's when I woke up,
son. I realized the great travesty that I've caused you all these years. I
began to see my marriage in a new light. Sue Ellen has always had troubles, both
physical and mental, from the miscarriages. You know that's why we wanted to
adopt a daughter. My good news is that she told me the truth just the other day
about her life. Sue Ellen's mother was an orphan! That's why she was so against
Sadie."
"And yet, she went to an orphanage to adopt and chose
Caroline!" Elijah interjected, "It doesn't make sense, Father!"
Horace shook his head. "I agree, but what matters now
is that your mother and I are making headway. I told her that if we can't change our
marriage, then we will divorce. When she heard that, coupled with your warning
to change or face admission into Nevada Asylum for the insane, she mulled it
over. Before I had the chance to approach her about the shenanigans going on
with Sadie, she admitted it all to me, apologizing."
Elijah sucked in a deep breath and reared back in his chair.
"She did?"
"Yes. I now have the truth. But I also have good news.
Your mother begged for forgiveness. She wishes to speak with you first. And
then with Sadie. She wishes to make amends in hopes that all will be
forgiven."
Elijah eyed Horace. "Can we trust what she says?
Mother's as stubborn as a mule and she's manipulated people, twisting the truth to
make it benefit herself…"
"You're right. But this time," Horace hesitated.
"This time, I believe that she's changed. I believe that we've finally
gotten through to her!" He stood up, grabbed his cane, and said goodbye.
"We'll be expecting you soon. Whenever you are ready."
Elijah rounded the desk and grabbed his father. Hugging Horace tightly, he thanked him and promised he would see them soon. Hanging his white coat
on a peg on the wall, Elijah replaced it with his brown vest and plopped his
cowboy hat on his raven hair. He had people to see.
Caroline gently laid Rosie in the cradle, tucking a thin
blanket around her newborn daughter. The baby's tiny fingers curled into
delicate fists, her rosebud lips parting with a soft sigh. Brady stood on
tiptoe beside her, peering in with wide-eyed wonder.
"Baby is putty, Mama," he whispered, his voice
full of innocent awe.
"Yes, Brady, Rosie is pretty." Caroline agreed with her son.
A low growl of thunder rumbled through the evening sky,
rattling the windowpanes. A sudden flash of lightning illuminated the room in
eerie brilliance before fading just as quickly. Brady shuddered, his little
hands clutching Caroline's skirts.
"Oh!" he yelped, pressing his face against her
leg.
Caroline ran a soothing hand through his tousled curls.
"That was thunder, Brady. Now be a good boy and go play with your blocks.
Daddy and I need to talk."
She guided the four-year-old into the parlor where his toys
were scattered across the hearth rug. The scent of rain drifted in through the
open window, mingling with the faint aroma of the evening's supper.
Andrew sat on the settee, his expression grave, fingers
laced together as he watched his wife settle beside him. His presence filled
the room with quiet authority, the steady strength of a man who had reached the
end of his patience.
"Did you get her down?" Andrew asked, his voice
low but firm.
Caroline exhaled and leaned her head against the cushioned
back. "That baby's got me plumb worn out!" she admitted, rubbing her
temple.
Andrew's mouth drew into a concerned twist. Taking her hand
in his, he spoke softly. "I know you're tired, but we need to talk about
what's been going on. And this can't wait any longer."
Caroline's slim brow arched as she eyed her husband. She
let out a breath. "Go on."
"Horace, Elijah, Ross, and I have been investigating
the barbed wire incident, the stolen items from the schoolhouse, and the dead
crickets in Sadie's lunch basket."
Taking a deep breath and letting her shoulders drop,
Caroline was silent. Inside, her stomach flopped like a fish out of water. Her
mood was sour, and she needed sleep. The baby took most of her energy, and she
just wished for sleep and peace. Apparently, that wasn't going to happen.
Andrew studied her carefully. He knew every expression,
every evasion. For five years, he had weathered her schemes and half-truths, but
tonight was different. Tonight, he had had enough.
"Who took the barbed wire from our backyard to the
school yard?"
"Andrew, "Caroline's voice dragged out his name in
a whine. "I'm too tired for this."
Andrew's jaw tensed. "I was hoping you wouldn't lie
anymore."
Silence stretched between them. The weight of her own
misdeeds pressed down on her chest like a stone.
"Ross gave me the barbed wire, and I had it stored
behind the barn to use later," Andrew said. Caroline swallowed hard.
"Abby took it to the schoolyard, but she did it because you told her
to."
Caroline sat up straight, her eyes flashing. "Why, the
little traitor!"
Andrew smirked and continued, "And we know that you
went into the schoolhouse and took the notes from Sadie's desk, and you also
took the lesson planning book. I found it in your mother's old trunk."
He reached beneath him and pulled the book out, placing it
on the table between them. The sight of it sent a hot rush of shame through
Caroline, her pretty features twisting into a pout.
"Caroline, that's stealing." Andrew's voice
cracked with disappointment. His voice broke, and he immediately quieted, not
wanting Brady to overhear him. "How could you?"
"Mother wanted me to take it so she could check Sadie's
lesson plans."
Andrew gave a sharp nod. "It's not your mother's place
to monitor the schoolteacher. And that book doesn't belong in your mother's
chest; it belongs in the schoolhouse. You're taking it back first thing in the
morning. And you're apologizing."
Tears welled in Caroline's blue eyes, but she swallowed them
back. Andrew was right. He was always right. "I'll take it back tomorrow,
I promise."
Lightning slashed through the sky, casting jagged shadows
across the room. Thunder followed a moment later, shaking the walls with its
growing fury.
Andrew's face hardened. "And the crickets, Caroline,
really? You put dead crickets in Sadie's lunch basket?"
Brady overheard his daddy talking about crickets.
"Cickets?" He scampered over and clambered onto Caroline's lap,
wrapping his arms around her neck. "I'll get more cickets for you, Mama! I
liked catching those old cickets! They jump high, like this!" He wiggled
free, jumped high into the air, then fell into a fit of giggles.
Caroline sucked in a breath and looked at her husband. The
heat crept up her neck and spread across her cheeks. Tears began to run down
her cheeks. She had used her innocent little boy to do her dirty work.
Andrew's voice dropped to a near growl. Using our child in
your schemes is unbelievable! And we know that you're in cahoots with your
mother. This stops right now. No more lies. No more tricks. Or I will take
drastic measures."
"Like what? What are you talking about, Andrew?"
He leaned forward. "Stealing is a crime. And I don't
make exceptions for thieves. If a complaint is filed—if the school board or
Sadie goes to the law—you could go to jail." He stopped and let it sink in.
"What?! Andrew, you wouldn't dare…" Sucking in a
breath, she put her hands to her face in shame.
He arched a brow, shaking his head. "You know I uphold
the law. And your mother's just as guilty as you. Horace got the truth out of
her. This is serious, Caroline."
Caroline clutched the fabric of her dress. The weight of her
actions settled over her like a wet wool blanket, heavy and suffocating.
Andrew studied her for a long moment. "But there's one
thing I still don't understand. Why do you hate Sadie Danley?"
Caroline dropped her gaze, watching Brady play on the floor.
She loved her family. She loved her husband. She had just given birth to a
beautiful baby girl. And yet, she had allowed old resentments to poison her
heart.
Her voice came out small. "We just never got along at
Mrs. Hannigan's. She irritated me."
Andrew shook his head. "That's a pitiful excuse. And
now, because of your mother's influence, people are talking about you. Your
reputation is suffering. Abby is tired of being used—so much so that she went
to Ross and told him everything. And guess what? They're engaged!"
Caroline's head snapped up. "Abby and Ross?"
"She's moving on. It's time you did too. You need to
make things right, Caroline."
Tears spilled over again, her body wracked with quiet sobs.
"I'll apologize. To Sadie. To Abby. But Mother—Andrew, you don't
understand how hard it is to say no to her."
Andrew placed a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder. Then
it's time to learn. And it starts now."
Caroline felt conviction overtake her. It was time to grow
up, take responsibility, and conduct her life in a Christian manner.
***
Ross pulled the buggy as close to Abby's house as
possible, tied the horse to the hitching post, helped Abigail to the ground, and followed her into the house. Hanging his hat on a hook behind the door, he
pulled Abby's shawl from around her shoulders and folded it neatly, laying it
on the table underneath the hook.
"Ross, thank you for supper," Abby said.
"Please stay for a little while?"
"Yes, just for a bit, then I'll have to get home; hope
I don't get caught in a downpour." He folded his long body into an armchair near the front room windows as the lightning lit the outdoors.
While the thunder proceeded to boom and the lightning
flashed, Abby poured tall glasses of tea and served her guest. She sat in the
opposite chair from Ross and swallowed hard. She had to talk to him and tell
him the truth. She was honestly sorry that she ever got mixed up in this mess
with Caroline in the first place. Guilt ate at her like a worm in a rotten
apple.
"Ross, I must tell you something, and I hope you don't
take this terribly bad…."
A strong brow lifted, and Ross' face grew concerned, his
dark gray eyes filled with wonder. "Oh?"
"I'm just going to blurt it out, Ross." Abby
licked her lips, wishing she did not have to say the words to the man she loved.
She loved Ross Montgomery, but was fearful that after today, there would be no
hope that he could ever return that love. And it was her fault! She was such a
ninny to let Caroline tell her what to do! To manipulate her and act so
horrible.
"I think about you a lot, Ross."
Ross's eyes twinkled, and his mouth turned into a smile.
"And I think about you, too, Abby."
Abby drew a breath and, hesitating just a bit, she mustered
the courage to go on. "Ross, I owe you and Andrew an apology. I never
meant to cause such harm I," her cornflower blue eyes grew larger.
"I'm ashamed of myself! I've listened to Caroline just because I am her
friend. I should have said no, I should have refused every time she manipulated
me. I'm sorry, and I want you to know I'm never, ever going to be an incorrigible
person again!' Tears rolled down her slim cheeks and plopped on her flowered
dress. She heaved a weighted sigh and chanced to look at the man whom she
adored.
"Abby," Ross rose and pulled her
to her feet, wrapping his long arms around her slim shoulders. "There,
now," he crooned as he rubbed her shaking shoulders. Holding her against
him, he allowed her to cry before he said anything.
Smelling leather and horses, Abby's muffled voice against
his broad chest cried out in truth. "Caroline asked me to pretend that I
was interested in Elijah so that Sadie wouldn't have hopes for a relationship
with him. That was such a lie! Elijjah and I are only friends. Well, we were
until he found out the awful things I've done."
Thunder rumbled around them and intensified the expression
on Ross' face. Abby swore she saw understanding and compassion in his eyes. His
lips were parted, and he stood in thought as she told the truth and bared her
soul.
"I took the wretched barbed wire to the playground!
Caroline had hopes that Sadie would become entangled in it. And she did!"
The tears fell even faster as Abby spoke. "Thank the Lord that she wasn't
hurt too badly!"
"Oh, Abby!" Ross took her face and held it between
his rough rancher hands. His dark eyes bore into her blue ones and held her in
a stare. Suddenly, his lips descended to hers in a whisper-soft kiss. Raising
his mouth from hers, for a fleeting second, he gazed into her eyes and then
crushed her lips with his, deepening the kiss, owning her mouth, and making her
his. Pulling her into him again, he hugged her tightly, smelling her golden hair.
It reminded him of a meadow of wildflowers.
They stood for seconds until her tears stopped and she
hiccupped. "Can you forgive me, Ross? There's no one like you. I want no
one but you, Ross Montgomery. And if you don't want me, I'll try to understand
and go on with my wretched life, one way or another…"
"Hush, darling Abby," Ross' voice was deep with
emotion. "I do forgive you! And it just so happens that there is no other
woman whom I want in my life but you, Abigail Crowe."
She caught her breath and held it for a moment, hope rising,
then let it flow from her as the deception totally left her body. Happiness
surged, and a warm glow spread through her. She smiled at him with sincere
appreciation and love. Standing on tiptoe, she kissed his lips, quick, sweet,
as if to seal what he had just said to her.
He moved her to sit on the couch beside him. Taking her
hands in his, he told her how he felt. "I've loved you for a long time. I
just took my sweet time telling you." He hung his head. "I know I
should have asked you to marry me last year. But I'm here now, wanting to make
you my bride so we can run the ranch and together have a passel of kids, and
make our dreams come true! Abigail Crowe, will you marry me?"
Abby's face shone like the sunshine in a cloudless sky.
"Yes, I will. I want to be your wife and have a passel of kids and work
your ranch with you!" Excitement and relief flowed through her veins.
He cut in, "Our ranch, Abby."
She nodded quickly. "I must do something, though, Ross.
I must apologize to Sadie and Elijah for all the trouble I've caused." She
trembled as fright bubbled up inside. "Do, do you think I can make it
right? Apologize to them so that we can have a friendship? I know you and
Elijah are best friends, and I don't want to cause any trouble between
you."
Ross nodded and answered, "Yes, my love, and I can
assure you that you and I will be friends forever with Elijah and Sadie."
The rain began, crashing against the windowpanes.
"Looks like I'll spend the night at Andrew's office again tonight. I'd best
be heading that way." Holding her tiny hands in his larger ones, his eyes
held forever love and happiness in them.
Rising to his feet, he pulled her into his strong arms and
crushed her to him. She heard the beating of his heart, and she knew those
beats were for her. Holding her at arm's length, he said good night, kissed her
once again, promising to see her on the morrow, and dashed into the rainy
night.
The storm broke over the Ozarks late in the evening, like a
restless beast stirring in the darkness. All day, the air had been thick with
heat, the kind that clung to the skin and made tempers short. Cumulus clouds,
swollen and heavy, had skated across the sky, teasing the land with their
ominous presence. Thunder continued to rumble in the distance, a warning growl
that never quite delivered—until now.
By the time the clock struck eleven, the heavens split open
in streaks of silver, momentarily turning night to day. The wind howled through
the trees, rattling branches and slamming shutters against siding. The scent of
rain—earthy, electric—filled the air, though only a few stray drops pelted the
dry ground.
Elijah lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind as
unsettled as the storm outside. The events of the day tore through him like the
restless wind. But, as always, his thoughts circled back to one person. Sadie.
Was she truly considering leaving Rocky Corners? Would she
pack up her belongings, board a train, and disappear into the horizon? And
worse—would she go to Kansas with that Irishman?
His stomach clenched at the thought, an ache settling deep
in his chest. He let out a slow, heavy breath, but it did nothing to ease the
weight pressing down on him. The time had come. He had a choice to make. Was he
going to let fear rule him? Let her slip away? Or was he going to take the risk
that terrified him most—tell her he loved her and ask her to be his wife?
Marriage. A promise. A binding of souls. Forever.
He had sworn he'd never chain himself to a life of bickering
and regret like his parents. But that was before Sadie. Before she'd reappeared
like a summer sunrise, warm and steady, filling the hollow spaces he hadn't
even realized were empty. He had thought of her over the years, wondered where
she was, how she was faring. But never—never—had he allowed himself to imagine
loving her in the way that led to wedding vows.
And then Riley O'Flannery had arrived, all charm and
certainty, sweeping in like he had every right to claim her.
Elijah exhaled thick with frustration. He'd rather see her
go back to Indiana than to Kansas with that man. But why? Was it jealousy?
Lightning flashed, illuminating the room in a quick burst of
white.
It was something deeper. He would miss her. He'd be lonely.
Did he want to go on in life alone, never having a family? When he thought of
it that way, the answer was no. And now he knew the only way to keep her was to
admit he loved her and say four simple words.
His throat went dry. He swallowed hard, picturing himself on
one knee, holding Sadie's hand, the words leaving his lips, a ring slipping
onto her finger. Will you marry me?
Thunder crashed, shaking the walls. The storm was growing
angrier.
Maybe fresh air would help.
Kicking off the covers, he dressed, shoved his feet into his boots,
jammed his battered hat on his head, and stepped into the night.
***
The clock chimed eleven, and Sadie turned over for what felt
like the hundredth time. The air in the room was thick and stifling, the kind
of humid stickiness that clung to her skin and dampened her nightgown. She
pushed her hair back, fanning it across the pillow in an attempt to find some
relief. It didn't help. Nothing did.
Lightning split the sky, its jagged streak flashing against
the bedroom walls before plunging the room into darkness again. She watched
through heavy-lidded eyes, exhaustion tugging at her, but her mind refused to
still. It whirled like the storm outside, restless and relentless.
She already knew what she had to do.
Riley O'Flannery was serious about taking her to Kansas. He
had made his intentions plain, offering a future with certainty and security.
But certainty wasn't enough—not when it meant leaving behind the only place
that had begun to feel like home.
Not when it meant leaving Elijah.
Even if Elijah never planned to marry her, even if he never
spoke a word of love, she would rather stay and watch him from a distance than
live a lifetime without ever seeing him again. If that meant growing old alone,
then so be it.
At least she would be in Rocky Corners.
At least she would be near him.
The decision settled over her. Tomorrow, she would tell
Riley to go. She would stay in Missouri even if it meant giving up her dream of
a husband, a home, and a family of her own.
Outside, the storm finally broke open, sending a fresh
patter of rain against the window. Droplets slid down the glass in shimmering
rivulets, and the soft, steady rhythm eased the tightness in her chest.
Rolling onto her side, she exhaled, her body finally
succumbing to the pull of sleep.
Let morning come. She was ready.
***
Leaning into the wild wind, Riley trudged through the storm.
His coat flapped around him, raindrops stinging his face like tiny
needles. He had left the farm wagon just down the road from Lillian's
farmhouse.
The back door yielded easily to his hand. Unlocked. Just as
he'd hoped. He slipped inside, pausing to listen.
Nothing.
Supper smells met his nose in the kitchen; it was dark
except for the occasional flicker of lightning that flashed through the window,
throwing jagged shadows across the walls. Moving carefully, he crept to the
staircase, placing each step with deliberate slowness to avoid creaking
floorboards.
Florence's bedroom door stood open, allowing the air to
circulate. That meant Sadie's might be, too. He barely glanced at the other
rooms before finding the one he wanted.
Sadie.
His Sleeping Beauty.
She lay curled beneath the cotton sheet, her face peaceful,
her hair spilling across the embroidered pillowcase. She was waiting for
him—she just didn't know it yet. But she would. In time, she would come to see
that he was her prince, that he alone could give her what she dreamed of. A
home. A family. Love.
Kansas would be their fresh start. She would learn to love
him.
Moving swiftly, Riley clamped his hand over her mouth and
pulled her upright.
Sadie jolted awake, her body jerking in wild panic. Her
muffled cry vibrated against his palm as he flailed, her nails digging into his
wrist.
"Shh," he warned, pressing his mouth near her ear.
"Don't fight me, sweetheart. I won't hurt you."
She twisted violently, kicking at the sheet, but he was
stronger. Keeping his grip firm, he wrestled a bandana from his pocket and tied
it around her mouth before she could scream. Her chest heaved, eyes wide and
gleaming with terror in the dim light.
"Easy now," he murmured, as if soothing a
frightened horse.
Roughly, Riley bound Sadie's hands with rope, tightening the
knots despite her desperate struggle. The storm outside covered the sounds of
their scuffle, masking every whimper and thud.
"Shh, Sadie. It's all, all right," he whispered, though
his pulse pounded with exhilaration.
She bucked against him, but it was no use. Riley threw her
over his shoulder, ignoring her frantic thrashing as he carried her down the
staircase.
The wind slammed against him the moment he stepped outside,
rain soaking them both instantly. Thunder cracked overhead, a rolling boom that
rattled the ground beneath his feet.
Sadie squirmed, kicking against his chest.
"Stop fighting me!" he snapped, tightening his
hold.
The wagon stood waiting at the edge of the road, its wooden
frame groaning in the wind. Riley lifted Sadie into the back, covering her with
a heavy tarp, his fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary as he
smoothed it over her.
"You'll thank me, me, me one day," he whispered. Without
another word, he climbed onto the seat, flicked the reins, and set off toward
Kansas. Toward their future.
***
It was nearing midnight, and the town was draped in
darkness, the thick Ozarks air pressing heavy against Ross Montgomery's skin as
he made his rounds. His boots echoed on the boardwalk, each step a steady
rhythm against the quiet night. The clouds swallowed the full moon, leaving the
town in inky blackness.
The wind had been restless all evening, rising in strength, and earlier, a driving rain passed through, but it did nothing to squelch the
heat. By the time Ross reached the crossroads, a squall roared in from the
west, a solid wall of rain slamming into him with such force that it knocked
him backward.
With a startled cry, Ross stumbled, his knee hitting the
rough wooden planks. Pain exploded through his leg, and he grabbed for the
nearest bench, gasping against the wind.
"Ross!" Andrew's voice barely carried over the
storm as he sprinted toward him, hat flying from his head and tumbling down the
street in a violent gale. He skidded to a stop, bending to help Ross to his
feet.
Ross squinted through the rain, gripping Andrew's arm as he
struggled upright. "Andrew! What are—"
Before he could finish, a piercing whistle ripped through
the night, the eerie sound twisting with the wind.
"Storm's getting worse!" Andrew shouted. He slung
Ross's arm over his shoulder, helping him limp toward the shelter of the
bandstand. "I'm sounding the bell!"
The shriek of hooves against wet earth signaled the arrival
of two riders. Zimri Utter and Zeke Laney pulled their horses to an abrupt
stop, leaping from the saddles and staggering toward the men.
"Storm's gettin' bad, Andrew! Ring the bell, warn
everyone!" Zim's deep voice was ragged against the howling wind as he
secured the horses to the bandstand.
"I saw a twister forming down at the fork of the
creek!" Zeke bellowed, his face tense with urgency. "Didn't touch
down, but it's black as sin and twisting in the air! We need to get folks to
safety now!"
Andrew didn't waste another second. He lunged for the bell
tower, grabbed the thick rope, and yanked with all his strength. The sharp
clang of the town bell cut through the chaos, ringing out in urgent warning.
The streets erupted with movement. Doors flung open, men
rushed from buildings, voices shouted against the storm. Despite the wind's fierce force, families hurried toward their storm shelters, gripping children and guiding the elderly as the storm bore down on them.
Horace arrived, breathless, his clothes soaked through.
"Andrew! I've got Caroline, Brady, and the baby in the shelter with Sue Ellen!
What can I do?"
Before an answer came, another gust roared through the
town, sending barrels and crates flying like kindling. Thunder cracked, a
blinding bolt of lightning struck near the post office, the force sending a
shower of sparks into the night.
"Take cover!" Ross shouted, reaching the opera
house porch.
Then, just as suddenly as the storm had hit, the world fell
into an eerie stillness. The wind died. The rain softened to a whisper. No
insects buzzed; no leaves rustled. The air was thickened with silence.
The men stood frozen, watching the horizon. A jagged bolt of
lightning illuminated the night sky, and there it was—
A monstrous black wall cloud, roiling and churning, bearing
down on them like a living beast. Then came the roar, low and growing, twisting
through the north side of town. Roofs ripped from buildings, shards of wood and
debris spiraling into the darkness. The ground churned with the force, water
pooling in low spots, the scent of drenched earth rising thick in the air.
Taking cover in the opera house, the men watched the storm
blow away. The wind slowed. The rain eased to a steady drizzle. Andrew let out
a long breath, barely above a whisper.
"Think it was a twister?"
Zimri ran a hand over the back of his neck, staring out into
the dark street. "We'll tell at daybreak."
Horace turned his gaze to Ross, noticing the way he braced
his weight on his injured knee. "You'd best let Elijah take a look at
that."
Ross exhaled sharply and nodded.
"I'm going home to check on the family," Horace
said, already heading for the door. "I'll see you all after a while. You
coming, Andrew?"
Andrew nodded, falling into step beside him.
"Careful going back," Zim called. "No telling
what debris is out there!"
Zeke straightened his coat. "I'll call an emergency
meeting this afternoon."
As the men filed out into the night, the town stood in heavy
silence. The storm had passed, but the damage, both to the land and the people,
was yet to be seen.
***
Elijah trudged through the downpour, his coat plastered to
his body, rain blinding his eyes as he pressed forward. Thunder rumbled
overhead, the earth trembled beneath his feet, as a wagon rattled past him, the
driver urging his horses into the storm. He barely registered the sight, his
thoughts consumed with one singular urgency—reaching Lillian's house and making
sure the women were safe. Then he would head back home.
Reaching the porch, he pounded on the door before pushing it
open. "Florence! Lillian! Sadie!" His voice rose over the storm's
fury, his boots squeaking against the wooden floor.
A candle flickered to life in Lillian's downstairs room.
Florence's eyes were wide with worry. "Oh, thank God you're here! Lige,
Sadie's not in her room!"
The words hit him like a gunshot. "What?" His
breath came hard and fast, his pulse hammering.
"She's gone!" Florence pointed toward the
staircase, her voice breaking. "Where could she be?"
Maybe she went out for air, he thought, but doubt gnawed at
him. She wouldn't go out in the storm. The unease crawled over him and turned
to cold fear. He didn't have time to dwell on it. Pushing aside his terror, he
helped Florence move Lillian into the wheeled chair, his hands shaking. The
small space under the stairs would keep them safe. "Stay here. No matter
what happens, don't come out until I get back!"
"Lige, please find her!" Florence's voice cracked,
her hands clutching his sleeve.
Lillian, pale and frail in her bed, lifted her hand.
"Bring her back, Lige."
"I will." Elijah shut the door, sealing them
inside, then turned into the storm.
The wind howled, ripping through the trees and bending them
low. The rain came in sheets, thick and blinding, but he still called out.
"Sadie!" The wind stole her name from his lips, carrying it into the
night.
Lightning flashed, illuminating the empty yard, the barn
beyond it, the fields stretching into the dark. Nothing.
His chest tightened. Sadie wouldn't have left—not in the
storm. He knew something was wrong.
As he ran down the hill toward the crossroads, he heard the
bell pealing in the night and the men's shouts. Before he reached them, he
watched the storm shift north, leaving a ghostly stillness in its wake.
Watching his father and the others disperse, he had to get Andrew, Ross, and his father to form a
search party.
Sadie was gone. And the terrible feeling in his gut told him
she hadn't left willingly. Fear pressed him like a vice against his ribs. He
had to find her. He would find her—no matter what it took.
Elijah watched the storm churn its way northward, lightning
splitting the sky in jagged veins of white fire. The wind howled through the
trees, rattling branches and sending loose debris skittering across the ground
like fallen leaves in a creek's current. He ducked instinctively as a tree limb
snapped overhead and came crashing down, splintering against the earth. Dodging the whipping winds, he stumbled into
a shallow ditch near the Ford residence, pressing himself low until the worst
of the storm passed.
When the winds quieted, he wasted no time, sprinting toward
the crossroads where the men had gathered earlier, his boots sinking into the
sodden earth. His heartbeat pounded against his ribs as he shouted their names,
desperate to find anyone who could help him.
Through the murky darkness, Elijah spotted two figures
breaking away from the dissipating crowd. He ran faster, his lungs burning.
"Pa! Andrew!" His voice was raw with urgency. "Sadie's
missing!"
Horace and Andrew turned at his cry, their faces illuminated
briefly by a flickering lantern. Elijah's wild gestures and hoarse, breathless
words sent a jolt of alarm through them. Horace caught his son by the arms, his
grip firm. "Son, calm down! We'll find her, I promise! But we have to
check on the women and children first. Once we know they're safe, we'll gather
a search party!"
Andrew agreed. "At first light, I'll sound the bell.
We'll have every able-bodied man looking for her."
Elijah's stomach clenched like a fist. "Daybreak?"
His voice cracked. "She could be hurt, Andrew! We can't wait that long!
What if—" he swallowed, tears started in his eyes. "What if
she's gone?"
Horace pulled him into a firm embrace, his voice steady and
sure. "Lige, she's not gone. She may be hurt, but we will find her and you
will take care of her, just like you always do." He pulled back, searching
Elijah's face. "Let's be smart about this. The roads are
dangerous, and it's too dark to see much of anything. We'll start fresh at
first light."
Elijah wrenched away, shaking his head. "No, I can't
wait. I'm going without you. If I'm not back soon, send help." He swiveled
on his heels and went off into the black night.
At Lillian's house, Elijah freed Lillian and Florence and
told them he was going to look for Sadie. Florence gave him a lantern, and he
left, searching the perimeter of Lillian's fence line and circled back around
to the road, but instead of heading back toward town, he decided to go west.
The storm had left the landscape a tangled mess of downed
trees and wide pools of mud, slowing his progress. Following the road, his pace
was slow as he called to Sadie, hoping that she was hiding somewhere and would
hear him. We must have walked for a couple of miles when he noticed wagon ruts
in the muddy road. Holding the lantern high, he saw the overturned wagon lying
on its side. The memory of a passing wagon earlier that evening flashed through
his mind.
Elijah's breath hitched when the lantern cast light over the
wreckage. And there—sticking out from
beneath the wreckage—was a man's leg.
Elijah rushed forward, dropping to his knees in the slick
mud beside Riley O'Flannery. The man's face, pale and contorted in pain, was
skyward, rain glistening on his lifeless features. Elijah pressed two fingers
against Riley's neck. No pulse. The man was gone.
For a moment, Elijah's mind reeled. Why had Riley been
heading west? Was he heading to Kansas? A sickening wave of panic coiled in his
gut. Was he taking Sadie with him?
Lightning lit the sky, the last fingers of a terrible storm.
He scrambled to his feet, raising the lantern high and scanning the area.
"Sadie!" His voice rang out over the rain-dampened fields.
"Sadie, where are you?"
The wind had died down, leaving an eerie stillness in its
wake. Then in the dim glow of his lantern, he spotted it—a small, crumpled form
near the wagon bed, half-covered by a tarp. His heart pounded.
"Sadie!"
He ran, dropping to his knees and yanking the tarp away.
There she was, her face streaked with dirt, her eyes wild with fear. Her mouth
was gagged, her arms bound.
A choked sound escaped Elijah as he fumbled with the ropes,
his hand shaking. "Oh, my sweet girl," he whispered, pulling the gag
free.
Sadie gasped, her first breath ragged and desperate.
"Elijah!" Tears spilled down her cheeks as she tried to speak, but her
lips trembled too violently.
"Shh, I've got you," he murmured, brushing damp
strands of hair from her face. He worked quickly, undoing the binds that held
her wrists. The moment she was free, she collapsed sobbing against his chest.
Elijah's arms came around her, holding her tightly.
"Are you hurt?" His voice was raw, barely more than a breath. He
pulled back to examine her, his lantern casting shifting light over her
shivering form. Her nightgown was torn and soaked through, clinging to her
trembling frame; her bare feet were muddy.
"My hips and my head," she whispered, her voice
hoarse. "Oh, Elijah, he took me from Lillian's! He was taking me to
Kansas!"
Elijah stiffened. A fresh wave of rage surged through him,
but he forced it down. Sadie needed comfort, not fury.
"Oh, dear God," he breathed, tightening his hold
on her.
Sadie's eyes darted around the darkness. "Wh-where is
he?" Her voice was barely audible, laced with panic. "Don't let him
get me again—please!"
"Shh, darling, it's over." He cupped her face,
pressing his forehead to hers. "He's gone. He won't ever hurt you
again."
Relief flooded through her, and she sagged against him, her
body weak. Exhausted. Elijah lifted her gently, his arms strong beneath her.
"Let's get you home," he murmured. "I'll take
care of you."
Sadie nodded against his chest, her fingers curling weakly
into his shirt. She clung to him as he carried her toward the warm glow of
Lillian's house, the lantern swinging in his grip, guiding them through the
darkness.
***
At daybreak, Andrew called for an emergency meeting at noon,
urging the community to assess the damage the storm had inflicted across town
and beyond. By midday, as people gathered at the crossroads, reports streamed
in. Roofs had been torn from homes and outbuildings, barns lay in splintered
heaps, and the worst destruction had struck to the north, where the storm
twisted its way through the countryside. Yet, by some mercy, the downtown area
had been spared. At the crossroads, only scattered leaves, broken branches, and
rain-soaked earth bore evidence of the tempest's wrath.
"We'll be
cleaning up for days," Zeke Laney declared to the crowd. "But if we
all pitch in, we'll set things right soon enough. If anyone needs help, just
let us know." With that, he dismissed the gathering, and folks returned to
their homes, determined to rebuild what had been lost.
By one o'clock, a small gathering convened at the Brownstone
home. Seated around the grand table were Horace's aunts—Sarah Ann, Florence,
and Lillian—along with Zimri, Ross, and Abby, Elijah and Sadie, Andrew and
Caroline, Zeke and Laura Laney, and Lyle Dabbs. The air hummed with
conversation and the comforting aroma of roasted chicken and ham sandwiches,
warm potato salad, baked beans, and rich chocolate cake. Sunlight streamed
through the lace curtains, casting soft patterns on the polished wood floor,
and the clinking of glasses and silverware underscored the quiet gratitude
shared among them.
Horace, standing at the head of the table, tapped his glass,
signaling for silence. As the voices hushed, he gazed around his eyes lingering
on each familiar face. "I wanted to bring you all together today to give
thanks. Last night's storm was fierce, but by God's mercy, we were spared the
worst of it. And though we mourn the loss of a life. I am especially grateful
that Sadie is here with us today, alive and well."
A round of clapping followed, and all eyes turned to Sadie,
who sat beside Elijah, her face bright with both humility and gratitude.
Horace drew a steadying breath before continuing.
"Sadie, there's something I need to tell you, something long overdue. The
time has come for the truth." A hush fell over the room. "I was the
one who paid for your education. I gave the money to Aunt Florence and asked
her to see that you had what you needed."
Gasps rippled through the gathering. Sadie's breath hitched,
and she turned wide eyes to Florence, who gave her a small, knowing nod.
Horace raised a hand for silence. "You see, I saw how
much you meant to my son. From the moment we left the orphanage, Elijah never
stopped talking about you." A rumble of laughter spread around the table,
and Elijah dipped his head, cheeks tinged with pink.
"I prayed that the Lord would guide your steps, Sadie,
and He did. You became a teacher, and when Aunt Lillian decided to retire,
everything fell into place. Florence wished to move closer to family, and she
brought you with her. I had faith that once you and Elijah crossed paths again,
that spark would reignite. And, well..." He spread his hands, smiling.
"Here we are."
Sadie felt warmth creep up her neck, and beside her, Elijah
reached for her hand beneath the table. And it worked, Father," he said. "I love Sadie with all my
heart."
Cheers erupted, echoing off the high ceilings.
Horace lifted a hand once more, this time his expression
sobering. "Now, I must address something else. Matters that need to be set
right." His gaze settled first on his wife, then Caroline, then Abby.
"Zeke and Lyle are here representing the school board. We have learned
that Abby placed the barbed wire on the playground that Sadie got tangled in,
and Caroline took Sadie's notes and lesson plans. And the cricket sabotage at
Founder's Day—Caroline, you enlisted Brady to gather them, did you not? This
was all orchestrated by my wife."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Horace continued, his tone firm. "Zeke, Lyle, you
cannot speak for the board without a formal vote, but I ask that you take this
information back and decide how to proceed. If there are charges, but they are
dropped, I suggest these women serve the community to make amends."
Sue Ellen rose, her hands trembling as she smoothed the
front of her dress. "Sadie," she said, her voice thick with emotion,
"I am truly sorry. I see now the pain I have caused you, and I regret
every bit of it. I beg your forgiveness, and I promise to spend the rest of my
days making it up to you." She looked at Caroline and Abby. "And,
girls, I'm sorry for involving you. I hope you will find it in your heart to
forgive me."
Sue Ellen stepped forward and, with tears slipping down her
cheeks, clasped Sadie's hands before drawing her into a fierce embrace. When
she returned to her seat, Abby rose next, offering a solemn nod. "Sadie,
I, too, am sorry. I never meant to cause real harm. I hope that in time you can
forgive me."
Caroline was the last to stand. She turned to Sadie, tears
glistening in her eyes. "I regret it all, Sadie. The way I treated you in
Indiana, the way I let jealousy cloud my judgment. I don't deserve your
forgiveness, but I hope one day to earn your trust. My son, Brady, needs speech
therapy…and I am hoping, maybe, you could help him."
Sadie swallowed hard, overwhelmed by the raw emotion before
her. She searched their faces—Sue Ellen's, Abby's, and Caroline's—and saw
sincerity where once there had been deceit. With a steadying breath, she
nodded. "I accept your apologies. And I'll do my best to trust that your
words are true."
A murmur of relief swept through the room. Then Elijah
stood, his voice carrying firm authority. "I am glad for your apologies,
but let me be clear. I won't tolerate any further harm coming to Sadie.
Promises have been made today, and I expect them to be kept."
Horace, pride all over his face, gave his son a nod. "Well said. And now,
let's eat."
Laughter and cheerful chatter filled the space as plates were passed and drinks poured. But before anyone could take a bite, Elijah suddenly stood once more, lifting a hand. Silence fell. Since we are all gathered here, I want you to witness this. With steady fingers, he reached into his pocket, then dropped to one knee before Sadie.
Gasps and
delighted whispers swept the table.
"Sadie Danley," he said, his voice filled with
reverence, "I love you. And I want everyone to know how I feel about you. Will
you marry me and make me the happiest doctor in all of Brooming County?"
The box in his hand sprang open, revealing a breathtaking
ruby ring, its small diamonds encircling the infinity symbol. But what caught
Sadie's breath was the red paper heart wrapped around it—the very same heart
she had given him all those years ago.
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she reached into her dress
pocket and pulled out a matching red heart. "You gave me this one,"
she whispered, holding it up. "I've carried it all these years, hoping for
true love and a family of my own -- from you." She took a breath, joy illuminating her
face. "Yes, Elijah! Yes, I'll marry you for you are my tomorrow!"
The room erupted in cheers. Love and laughter swirling
through the air, mingling with the scent of warm food and fresh beginnings. As
the guests celebrated, the promise of a new tomorrow—one built on love,
forgiveness, and faith—settled over them like a gentle, healing wind.
October 1899, Rocky Corners, Missouri
The late October afternoon sun poured over the cemetery in
golden light, casting long shadows over the headstones, particularly Lillian
Lamberson's newly erected one. The breeze had turned chilly now with the
changing of the seasons, carrying the scent of damp earth mingled with the
falling leaves, and the distant cry of a mourning dove echoing across the
hills.
Sadie stood before Lillian's grave, cradling her infant son
in her arms. She arrived a few minutes early to spend alone time with the woman
who had taught her so much in such a short time. The baby cooed softly, his
tiny fingers curling around a loose thread on her shawl. The carved name on the
headstone was still sharp, a fresh reminder of the loss they had all felt, yet
there was a warmth in Sadie's heart—Lillian's love had not faded, only changed
form.
Sadie's thoughts turned to the day that she first arrived in Rocky
Corners with Florence and met Lillian and Sarah Ann. The three sisters were
now one less, and a sadness tugged at her heart. She had fond memories of the
three women who had taught her to believe in herself, have hope for the future,
and to fight for what she knew was right.
Elijah joined her, his hand resting at the small of her
back, offering silent strength. "I finished up with Tommy Burnett's doctor
appointment. He and his mother are thrilled that he's now at his expected
weight. Kate sends her regards to you for helping him slim down."
Sadie smiled at him. "I'm thrilled to know my exercise
routines have worked, and I'm quite sure that Tommy and Kate will be able to
keep him at a steady weight from now on. And he is the captain of the
basketball team! He's come out of his shell and has made many friends at
school."
Elijah reached for his son. "Come here, John Bennett Rex
Brownstone." Sadie placed the baby in his strong arms. Elijah kissed the
boy's tiny forehead and hugged him closely. His large hands, so skilled in
healing, cradled the fragile warmth of their child, a silent promise in every
gentle touch. To Sadie, he said, "You've given me a great gift, my love.
One I could never have thought was possible!" His medical practice was
thriving in Rocky Corners, and though he had once feared marriage would be a
cage, he now knew love had set him free.
At that moment, Florence, Sarah Ann, and Zimri arrived.
Tears wet their bereaved faces, but they stood proud and tall as they honored
their loving sister. Zim held a shovel, and Sarah Ann held a bag full of Iris
rhizomes that she would plant after the ceremony at Lillian's headstone.
Florence strode forward carrying a cloth bag. She reached in
and drew out a quart jar of dill pickles and set it near the headstone, then
stepped back to join her sister. Everyone smiled at her simple gift, a gift to
honor Lillian's participation in the annual pickle contest at the Rocky Corner's Founder's Day Picnic.
A rustle of skirts signaled Sue Ellen's approach.
There was something softer about her now; the sharp edges of her once rigid
posture eased with time and forgiveness. Horace followed behind, his walking
cane making soft prints on the ground. Pausing at the entrance, his gaze
swept over the gathering of family and friends. His heart swelled—not just
with grief for Lillian, but with a quiet satisfaction. The seeds he had
planted, the choices he had made in secret, had flourished into something far
greater than he'd ever hoped. He stopped and gazed at his grandson, adoration
lighting his lined face.
Horace let his gaze linger on his son, holding his grandson
with such reverence. Elijah, the boy who had once wanted nothing to do with
love, now stood bathed in it. And Sadie—she had been meant to be part of their
family all along. Horace tightened his grip on his cane, not out of pain, but
to steady the rush of emotion welling in his chest. His plan, all those years
ago, had not been in vain.
This was a hard day for Hoace Brownstone. Lillian had been
more than an aunt; she had been a steadfast presence, a guiding force through
the years. He could still hear her voice, offering wisdom with that sharp wit
of hers, always knowing more than she let on. He wished he'd told her more
often how much he'd appreciated her, but perhaps she had known. Lillian always
knew things.
Sue Ellen watched Elijah and Sadie with John and silently
thanked God for a second chance at love. She came close to Elijah, "Aunt
Lillian would have loved to see little John," she murmured. She gazed at her grandson with loving affection. Her
fingers, once stiff with propriety, now trembled with an unfamiliar tenderness
as she brushed them over John's tiny hand. The walls she'd built around her
heart had crumbled, leaving only love in their place.
She winked at Sadie. Pride laced her heart because she had
stepped up to help Sadie with the housework and cooking when she was heavy in
her pregnancy. She humbly admitted to Horace that she never imagined she'd find
such joy in being close to Sadie.
Guests began to arrive for the memorial. Andrew led Brady by
the hand as Caroline pushed the baby carriage. Caroline knelt, placing a
bouquet of sunflowers beside the grave, her fingers lingering on the velvet
yellow petals. "Lillian always liked these," she said, meeting
Sadie's gaze. There was no resentment in her voice, only remembrance. She and
Sadie's relationship had grown close as Sadie worked with Brady's speech, and
Rosie had bonded quickly with Aunt Sadie.
Abby, standing between Sadie and Caroline, now considered
herself a part of the community, and she couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
She reached for Sadie's hand. "I'll help you take care of this place, if
you want," she said shyly. Her left hand rested on her rounded belly, the
result of her and Ross's marriage a few months ago. "Ross can't make it;
he's moving cattle down at the creek, but he sends his love."
Sadie blinked back the sting of tears and squeezed Abby's
hand. "I'd like your help. Please tell Ross I'll cook a roast, potatoes,
and carrots for him soon."
Abby blushed deeply. "I finally peeled the potatoes
without peeling them away!" She shared a chuckle with Sadie and was happy
that their friendship had changed and grown into a special bond.
The wind stirred the cool breeze again, sending a scattering
of petals across the dried grass. More people gathered together, laying
bouquets on Lillian's resting place. Elijah checked his pocket watch and nodded
to Sadie. "It's time, Sweetheart."
Sadie stepped to the head of Lillian's marble headstone and
glanced around at the gathering. She fought back the hot tears threatening to
explode from her eyes, but one escaped. When she looked at Florence and Sarah
Ann, they winked at her and smiled, giving her a jolt of support and approval.
As Sadie spoke each word, it bolstered her confidence. Her
words were comforting and happy, but laced with grief and sadness. "Lillian
Bronson Lamberson passed away from this earth into eternal rest a year ago. It
is with great love and respect that we meet here today to remember how she
touched all of our lives."
Sadie spoke briefly, then several shared their
fondness for the old schoolteacher who was a cornerstone of the community. As
they stood together, Sadie felt a deep sense of peace. They had all come
through their own storms, and though grief still lingered, love had woven its
way through the cracks, binding them together in ways she never could have
imagined.
The sun was lowering in the western sky, casting a glow over
Lillian's resting place. October's autumn wind turned chillier. One by one,
people left the cemetery. Sadie looked down at her son, tracing a finger over
the soft curve of his cheek. "We'll make sure you know all about Ms.
Lillian," she whispered.
Elijah leaned in, pressing a kiss to her temple. In a hushed
voice like a prayer, he replied, "And about how love, real love, always
finds a way."
As the wind carried the last whispers of the ceremony across
the hillside, Horace remained behind a moment longer. He touched the top of his
cane to Lillian's headstone, a silent farewell, a quiet thank you. Then, with
one last glance at his family, he turned toward home, his heart lighter than it
had been in years.
Walking together, Sadie pulled the red paper heart from her
pocket and released it to the wind, whispering a silent goodbye to Lillian as
if sending a final message of thanks. She and Elijah made their way home with
the hope of tomorrow in their hearts.
THE END
