Grace: A Christmas Sisters of the Heart Novel (23 page)

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Winnie exclaimed.

“I don’t know. At first, I didn’t want to believe it was true. Then I wanted to first tell Jonathan …” She sighed as a lump formed in her throat. “And, truthfully, I was worried. I wasn’t too happy about having another child so soon.”

“And now?” Winnie searched her gaze. Katie instinctively knew that her sister-in-law would do anything she possibly could to make things easier.

“Now I realize I’ve been silly. I should have given up my burdens to the Lord, to Jonathan, and to all of you. With your help, nothing is too great a burden.”

Her mother wiped her eyes. “I have to say, this has been a wonderful-gut Christmas already. Melody’s baby was born, and now your news, too!”

After another round of hugs, Henry wrapped an arm around Anna. “Daed? Will you now make our Christmas complete?”

“Of course. But, I wonder if perhaps we should ask our guests if they’d care to join us?”

Henry got to his feet. “I’ll go ask.”

Twenty minutes later, the room was even more crowded. Zack and Leah had come in, their jeans and sweatshirts looking cozy and warm. Next to Leah sat Melody in a thick flannel nightgown and Katie’s fleece robe. Holding
little Faith was Levi, his expression one of wonder … and for the first time … hope.

“Yes, this feels like the right time now,” her father murmured. “I’ll get our good Book.”

As he had for as long as she could remember, her father stood up, walked across the room, and picked up his Bible. Though Henry had been sitting right next to it, and it would have been an easy thing for him to reach over and snatch it from the desktop, Katie knew Henry would not have grasped the Book without his father’s asking any more than she ever would have. It wasn’t how they did things.

It wasn’t their family’s way.

Every Christmas Day, in the evening, after everyone had eaten a wonderful-gut dinner with all their favorites, and after the children had opened a present or two, their father would take down the Bible and read from the book of Luke.

But now it felt like the time was right there, on this special morning. Sitting curled up next to their father, Mary and Hannah watched their adopted grandfather carefully slip on his reading glasses and turn back the pages.

And though Katie knew what he was about to say—though she could practically have recited the text on her own—she found herself leaning forward in anticipation of the story. Just like the girls did.

Just as she did so long ago.

Her
daed
cleared his throat. “And so it was,” he began. “In those days a decree went out from the Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.”

As he continued to read the Bible story, a wondrous
sense of peace settled over her. This was what Christmas was all about—Jesus’s birth. This is what she should have been focusing on. Not her own selfish wishes. Not her troubles.

She should have been focusing on the joy of her savior’s birth, and the miracle of his life.

Later, her father said the words she knew so well. “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.’”

As he continued, Katie looked toward Henry, who smiled as well. Then she turned to her husband, whom she loved so very dearly. Whom she’d loved for what felt like all her life.

He looked right back. Love and patience filled his eyes. And happiness.

She’d been so silly. He was happy about a new baby to love, not upset at the burden! At that moment, she knew that he would support her no matter what, and would willingly change his life to better accommodate hers.

“Later,” she mouthed. Yes, later, they would sit alone and make plans again. Together, they would figure out how to manage everything.

They would have plenty of time for that. And time to give thanks, too.

December 26, 9:00
A.M.

Levi stood in the front entryway next to Melody as the Brennemans bustled about. For the last hour, everyone had been doing their best to help get all of Melody’s belongings together. Now Zack and Leah were outside, preparing Zack’s truck to hold an additional two passengers.

He’d been unwilling to leave her side for a minute.

So as everyone else rushed around, Levi watched over Melody and tiny Faith … and tried not to look too despondent.

As quickly as Christmas had come upon them, it was now over. As was Melody’s visit to the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast.

And though Melody had originally planned to stay longer, Levi knew it made perfect sense for her to leave with her girlfriend and the highway patrolman. If Melody stayed another day, she would be forced to return on the bus alone.

That, of course, would not be good. This way, Melody would be watched over by two caring people. And, of course, it would be far safer for tiny Faith to travel in Zack’s truck than in the crowded bus.

Yes, it made perfect sense. It was right for Melody to leave with Zack and Leah this morning.

Of course.

But Levi was still anticipating her loss like a physical thing. He’d hoped for more time with her. To give Melody more opportunities to get to know him. And to want to see him again.

As Melody shifted Faith in her arms, he turned to her. “Are you sure you don’t want to sit down? I could pull over a chair from the parlor.”

“I’m certain. It feels
gut
to stand up for a bit. And I’ll be sitting for hours soon enough. It’s a mighty long drive back to Kentucky.”

Yes, it was very far. So terribly far from his own home.

“Yes. I imagine it is.” It took Levi everything he had to keep his expression neutral and his voice even. “Are you sure you don’t need to stay another day or two? Perhaps Leah could be persuaded to stay longer if you needed that time. Then you could both travel on the bus.”

Genuine regret filled her gaze. “I can’t ask that of her.
And once more, I don’t think I should. Zack needs to get back. So does Leah. If I leave with them, they can take me.”

Yes, it did make perfect sense. But already his heart felt close to breaking. They hadn’t had enough time together.

“It might be a mistake to travel, but, Levi, I’m beginning to realize this whole trip was probably a mistake.”

Her words hit him like a blow to his stomach. “You truly wish you had never come here?”

She winced. “Oh, I didn’t mean that how it sounded. I’m glad I was here to meet you. Mighty glad. But you have to admit, yesterday was a scary time. Never would I have guessed that I was going to give birth in the middle of a snowstorm on Christmas Eve.”

To say it had been a shock was putting it mildly. But it had been a day of miracles, too. With Faith’s birth, he’d been able to bury some of the guilt he’d been carrying around about Rosanna’s death.

It was now obvious that there was nothing else he could have done. For reasons known only to the Lord, he’d decided to take Rosanna to his heart early.

And now, he’d gifted Melody with a wide band of people who cared about her and prayed with her. And Levi. He felt a strong pull. More than ever, Levi was certain a future with Melody was God’s will. It was his greatest desire as well.

It took everything he had not to reach out and touch her. Not to smooth away the stray lock of hair that had fallen on her forehead. But it wasn’t his place. Not yet, anyway.

Levi noticed the hustle and bustle around them had finally
slowed. “Perhaps everyone is just about ready now.”

She bit her lip. “Yes. It does seem that way. And that’s probably a good thing, right?”

“Since it’s a long journey.”

“Yes. It’s a day’s journey under the best of conditions …”

“And it’s certainly not that now,” he finished for her.

“No, it’s not.” Melody drew a ragged breath, obviously trying not to cry. “I imagine we’ll be all right, though. Zack’s truck has heat, and the Brennemans have packed me a little tote full of things for Faith.” Turning her head, she gazed at her baby again. “It’s lucky that Katie was here, and that she and her mother had diapers and clothes for a newborn.”

“It was lucky, indeed.”

With effort, Levi forced himself to act detached. It wouldn’t do for him to act too forward. It would be wrong of him to ask her to stay.

Yes. What she was doing made perfect sense. Plus, she needed to return home. Her parents needed to know about Faith’s birth. They were no doubt worried about her.

Clearly, the only reason for her to stay would be his selfishness. Pure and simple, he wanted another day with her.

He wanted more for his memories. And, of course, he wanted more time to perhaps encourage her to think of him in her life. To imagine him being a part of her life, as she was in his. Levi knew Melody was now such an integral part of his being, she would never leave. Her image could never be erased.

Whatever plans God had for him, no matter what, no
matter what happened in the future, Levi knew without a doubt that his heart belonged to a petite woman from Kentucky.

Leah blew in. “I think we’re all set. Zack already has your suitcase. Henry carried it out the back door and handed it to him.”

“So all we have left is my bag here.”

Leah picked up the shopping bag and her tote. “Done. Now, the only thing left to do is gather up you and Faith.”

With another long look at Levi, Melody rearranged Faith in her arms again. Fussing with the blanket, making sure the babe was as toasty as she could be for the short walk to Zack’s truck. “I suppose I’m all set, now.”

Levi felt like his mouth was full of cotton. No words were able to escape. As Leah led the way, Melody and Faith followed, and he trailed behind. At a loss.

The Brenneman family was waiting for them.

Tears filled Mrs. Brenneman’s eyes as she approached first. “Oh, Melody. I can’t believe we’re telling you goodbye already. What a blessing it was for you to come here.”

“You can still say that after everything?”

“Most definitely.” She wrapped Melody in a warm hug. “Don’t be a stranger, now. And please write. And please remember that you are welcome anytime. Anytime! As our guest.”

“May God be with you, Melody,” Mr. Brenneman said.

Next Katie approached, her eyes filled with tears as well. “Your being here has been so special. It’s changed my life. You’ve changed my life, Melody.”

She felt the same way. For some reason, Melody knew
that her visit at the Brennemans’ inn had been meant to be. And that she was a better person for the experience.

But all that felt like too much. “I will miss you.”

“We want to see you soon.”

“I will try,” she promised. In truth, nothing could make her happier than another visit to the inn.

Next came the rest of the family. Melody noticed that Levi took care to stand to one side as one by one each approached, hugged her close, and took one last adoring look at Faith.

Then the only person left to say goodbye to was Levi. Turning to Leah, who’d been hovering nearby, she asked, “Could you take Faith for a moment?”

“Sure. I’ll go to the truck.” Giving Melody a meaningful look, she murmured, “Take your time.”

Her heart beating fast, Melody walked to where Levi stood. Off to the side. “I guess this is goodbye.”

“I … I will miss you.”

“I will miss you, too.” Oh, there was so much she wanted to say, but not here, in front of everyone.

Gently, he reached out and placed a finger under her chin. Pressed slightly until she was looking into his eyes. “Don’t forget that I’ll write you.”

“I promise I will write you back.”

He nodded. Then, to her surprise, he said nothing more, just enfolded her in his arms. Not caring what anyone thought, she rested her head on his shoulder and hugged him back.

Oh, how she wished she could take all his goodness, all his warmth home with her!

His arms tightened around her. She felt the briefest of kisses on her head. And then he stepped away. “They’re waiting,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s time.”

“Yes. I suppose it is. Goodbye, Levi. Goodbye … and thank you.”

He smiled gently, then turned away.

The only thing to do was walk to the truck. Each step away from him felt like a mile.

December 28, noon

“You went away for Christmas, didn’t you?” Kevin asked around a bite of roast beef sandwich.

Levi swallowed his own bite of ham as he nodded.

Yesterday, when he’d traveled all day to get home, he’d been too occupied with his own thoughts. Too often he’d find himself looking out the window and being reminded of Melody. The golden sunrise reminded him of her eyes. The shy tilt of a woman’s chin at a rest stop made him think of her as well. He had been looking forward to going back to work just so he wouldn’t be remembering so much.

But with one question from his boss, he was transported back again to the inn.

“Where did you go?”

“Cincinnati.”

Kevin looked at him in surprise. “That’s quite a ways. What was there?”

“An inn. I had heard about a special bed-and-breakfast, the Brenneman Bed and Breakfast. It’s family owned.” Still struggling with how to make his words sound nonchalant, he shrugged. “I thought it would be a good place for me to be.”

“Ah. Did you enjoy yourself?”

Had he? It had been an eventful visit, that was for sure. But enjoyable? Was falling in love unexpectedly an enjoyable thing? “I did enjoy myself.”

“I bet it did you good to get away,” Kevin murmured. “Are Christmases still as painful as ever?”

It was sometimes a surprise to realize everything he’d taken such care to hide hadn’t been hidden at all. “I had thought it would be a painful time, but it was an easier thing.”

“Then you made the right choice, going away.”

“Perhaps.” Now, instead of only thinking about Rosanna’s death on Christmas Eve, he found himself reliving the miracle of Faith’s birth. “As a matter of fact, I think the pain has lessened quite a bit.”