Rocky Point Reunion (15 page)

“Yeah, I'm not so good at delivering bad news.”

“You mean in person,” the older man said softly.

Zack sat in a chair near the sofa. What could he say in response? The man was right.

In less than five minutes Marcie came flying into the living room, stopping short when she saw both her father and Zack.

“No fireworks?” she asked. “Is this a peace conference?”

“Cupcake, come sit beside me,” her dad said.

Zack saw the expression change in her face. “What's wrong?”

Bill explained in a concise manner, ending with, “I didn't want you to needlessly worry. I'm in the Lord's hands. Whatever happens, happens.”

“Dad, we could have been praying for you all these months.” She gripped his hand. “I don't want to lose you. Can I donate a kidney?”

Bill smiled and patted her hand. “We can see. Zack already offered, but isn't a match.”

Marcie looked at Zack. “You offered a kidney?” She was stunned. There were bad feelings from her dad and Zack still offered. Her heart blossomed at his generosity.

He nodded. “Wasn't a match.”

“Thank you. I'll be a match, won't I?” she looked back at her father.

“There's no telling. Zack got a bunch of literature from the doctor. Read up and then decide. There's no immediate rush.”

“It's hard to take in. Why didn't you tell me?” Marcie asked.

“I didn't want you to worry.”

Zack stood. “I'll take off.”

Marcie rose, as well. “I'll walk you out.”

Once on the front porch, with the door closed behind them, she reached out to Zack. He folded her into his arms, holding her close, just being there for her.

“Is he going to die?” she asked against his chest.

“Not if he gets a transplant. In the meantime, he's on dialysis. That's where he's been going. I don't know who was more surprised at the hospital, him or me. If Sean hadn't injured his hand, I wouldn't have been there. God works in mysterious ways.”

She leaned back a little. “He does. How's Sean?”

Zack brought her up-to-date on the teenager. Brushing back her hair from her cheek, he smiled at her. “You'll be okay. Your faith will sustain you. And if you get that prayer chain going, I bet we'll see other miracles in play. Call me if you need me.”

Marcie nodded, then stepped back. “Thank you, Zack. I know you have other things to be concerned with.”

“Nothing that compares with this. You call me if you want to talk, you hear?”

She nodded, patted his arm and turned to reenter the house, but not before looking back with a new expression for him in her eyes.

 

Marcie paused a moment to catch her breath and offer a prayer to the Lord.
Help me know what to do, Father. This is so unexpected. I need my dad.

She entered the living room.

“Now, don't go worrying, cupcake. I'm on dialysis and the waiting list.”

“But, Dad, you didn't need to go through this alone.”

“I didn't want you to worry, Marcie.”

“So tell me everything and how I can find out if I can be a donor. If not me, then maybe someone at the church.”

He sighed. “I didn't want to burden anyone.”

“Dad! Honestly, I'm scared to death, but so glad to know. With the Lord's help, we can manage this.”

Marcie called the restaurant and told them she wouldn't be back that day, and asked if Tim could come in and make arrangements to cover for Sean until the teenager was fit again. Then she prepared a nice dinner of salads and sandwiches for her and her father. They ate on the patio behind the kitchen. And talked.

When she offered to stay the night, her father shook his head.

“This is one reason I didn't want people to know. I'm fine. I can live a completely normal life with the dialysis as long as I'm careful. I don't want people fussing over me. You get on home and tend to your life. I know you're here for me, and that means the world. Tomorrow you can see about the compatibility tests and we'll go from there.”

“Okay. If you're sure.” She hated to leave. What if something happened?

“Trust me and in the Lord,” he said, giving her a hug. “Remember, this is my life, the path God has for me. You can join in on the journey, but it's not your path. God has a plan for each of us. Seek His will in your life, and let me follow the way He's leading me.”

She nodded, finding comfort in remembering her father was in perfect hands.

When she got home, she called Zack. She couldn't forget the comfort she felt in his arms. The feeling he really knew what she was going through and could make it better. She wanted to hear his voice.

“I'm so scared,” she said.

“Would you like to come over here? We can tell Joe and Gillian together.”

Grateful, she managed a yes.

When she turned in the driveway of the old house on the bluff, she felt relief. Her friends would rally around. The entire town would, she had no doubts. But for her it was so much more personal. Her dad! What would she do if he died?

“Hey, honey.” Gillian came out of the house and reached out to hug Marcie as soon as she was out of her car. “Tough times. Cling to the Lord.”

“I am. And so's my dad.” Marcie returned the hug and then was swept up by Joe and then Jenny.

“We're praying for your daddy,” Jenny said. “God loves him, you know.”

“I do know,” Marcie said, giving the girl a hug. Zack stepped into the circle and she felt as if she'd come home. He gave her a hug, then with an arm slung over her shoulder turned toward the house.

“Gillian made the most fantastic pineapple upside-down cake. I saved you a piece,” Zack said.

“I brought the info you got today,” she said. “There's so much and some of it's confusing.

“We'll all read it together,” Gillian said.

“And tomorrow I can be tested,” Joe added.

“Probably won't match. I didn't.” Zack urged Marcie into the family kitchen. In only moments, the adults sat around the table, hot coffee for each, and a large piece of cake in front of Marcie. Jenny hung around for a few minutes, then went to play in her room.

“Family conference,” Joe commented.

“What?” Gillian asked.

“When our folks were alive, we'd have family conferences to discuss things pertaining to the entire family, such as where to go on vacation, what to donate to the church rummage or when Zack and I could have a car.”

“I remember,” Zack said, looking at Marcie.

“I'm not really family,” she said.

“Yes, you are,” Gillian spoke firmly. “I've learned family is more about love and commitment than blood ties. Besides, we're all joint heirs of the Father, so that makes us family.”

Marcie couldn't help thinking of what life would have been like had she and Zack married. She would feel more like family with that tie. But Joe had relied on her when his first wife had died. She knew he and others in town would offer whatever support they could. She hadn't expected him
to offer to donate. Nor Zack. There was more to the Kincaid men than met the eye.

For a moment she yearned for the closeness she and Zack had had when teenagers, for the feeling that one special person cared for her more than anything. Since he'd been back, she'd been tempted to give in to her need to recapture that feeling. Holding off for fear of being hurt again kept some distance between them. Would this crisis heal that breach or widen it?

What was she thinking? He'd already said he was going back to racing. He would be leaving in a couple of weeks or so. She'd known all along he wouldn't stay, despite his protestations. Maybe he saw himself staying, but she knew he'd grow restless and bored in Rocky Point. Time for her to pull back a little, so his departure would have less impact than last time. Surely she'd learned that lesson!

“Have you talked to Pastor John yet?” Gillian asked.

“Dad called him this afternoon. They're meeting in the morning. In the meantime, we've added his name to the prayer chain per Zack's suggestion.”

Joe looked at him in surprise.

Zack shrugged. “It's what Trinity people do.”

“And you remembered that after all these years?” Joe asked, looking surprised.

“I believe I've seen the power of prayer firsthand,” Zack said.

“You have?” Marcie asked, startled.

“Jenny told me she and Joe have been praying for my safety and return home. Both requests answered. Can't go against stuff like that.”

“And we'll be praying especially hard when you return to Europe,” Joe said.

“And for you and your father,” Gillian added. “In fact, let's open this meeting with a prayer.
Father God, we
praise You for all Your mighty works. We are looking to You now, Father, for healing for Bill Winter and peace in his heart and in Marcie's. We thank You for keeping Zack safe all these years and rejoice he has returned home. Amen.
”

Everyone looked up and began to talk about what could be done for Bill. The literature was read and discussed. And after talking with her friends long enough to be buoyed up by their positive thinking, Marcie said it was time to return home.

“I'll drive you,” Zack said.

“I drove here, I can drive home,” she said.

“It's late. You've had an upsetting day. I'll drive you home, and bring your car to you tomorrow in time to go to work. What time is that?”

“Before seven. The weekends are hectic and I like an early start.”

“Ouch. I guess I can get up that early,” he said with a teasing grin.

“You better,” Joe said, returning the smile. “I need you in the shop earlier than the banker's hours you've been keeping.”

The drive to town didn't take long. When he stopped behind the bakery, Zack got out and opened the door for Marcie, escorting her up the stairs to her door.

“Thanks for everything, Zack. It's hard to know, but better than wondering. Now I wish his mysterious disappearance had been about a lady friend,” she said.

“I know. But the Lord will see you through this.”

“So are you getting back in touch with God?” Her eyes widened in surprise.

“I believe so. I've done a lot of thinking since I've been back. Talking to Jenny with her clear, strong faith, talk
ing to you. I think maybe God didn't forsake me. I turned away.”

“He's always there waiting for you,” she said softly, her eyes shining with happiness.

“I know that, now. And He's always there for you.” He tilted up her chin and brushed his lips lightly across hers. “I'm here for you, too, Marcie. Lean on me.”

The lighting was dim, but she saw the sincerity in his gaze. She wanted to tell him she loved him, but now was not the time or place. In fact, it might be a burden for him to know that. He'd moved on, and she'd thought she had, but for a moment the yearning to be Zack's girl again was so strong she almost blurted it out.

“Good night,” she said, and quickly went into the apartment, closing the door and leaning against it as she relived that faint kiss.

T
he next morning Zack and Joe sat in the kitchen of the family home finishing their coffee.
And
their conversation.

“You sure you want to do that?” Joe asked.

“I'm sure.”

“You've prayed about it and all?”

“One thing coming home has done for me is reconnecting me to the Lord. I've been a bit rusty at the prayers, but I'm getting back into it. Yes, I prayed last night after I took Marcie home. I'm feeling pretty confident the Lord is moving me in this direction. You don't need the house. You'll be living in Gillian's. Unless you want to keep it for Jenny.”

“Hey, I only own half. I don't expect her to live here. If you want to buy me out, fine, I'll put the money in a college fund for her.”

“And any other kids you may have.”

Slowly Joe smiled. “Yeah, and any others Gillian and I might be blessed with. She's going to be a fantastic mother.”

“To you she's fantastic in every way.”

“That, too,” Joe acknowledged.

“I'll call Julian Green and set up an appointment,” Zack said, glad to resolve the issue of home ownership. When their parents had died, they'd left their entire estate to their two sons, half and half. After Joe married Pamela, Zack sort of mentally relinquished his ownership, planning for them to live there forever. And now that Joe was marrying Gillian, if they hadn't had other plans, Zack would have been fine with his brother's living there.

But now, he wanted a place of his own. Where he could raise his own family and settle in. This place had a view of the sea. The only thing lacking was a white picket fence.

“I'm serious about buying into the business, if you'll let me. I need something that I can contribute to.”

“What about the driving course?”

“That, too. Do you think I can't do both?”

“I think you can do all you want, if it's the path the Lord has for you.” Joe studied his brother for a moment. “You're really going to stay? Maybe you should wait until after the next race. Once back on the track, you might change your mind.”

Zack shrugged. “If you want to wait, I'm okay with that.” He leaned closer, holding his brother's gaze. “But I'll be back right after that race.” He wanted to pound the table in frustration. No one believed him about this.

“Besides, I have the defensive driving course to lay out. On the ride back from the hospital yesterday Bill Winter and I spoke about insurance for what I have planned. I'm talking to the owners of the mill today. There's a lot more involved than I originally thought, but I'm up to the challenge. I think it'll be something teens would like.”

“What's not to like, driving fast in a safe environment, with instruction from a famous race driver.”

“Fame is fleeting. In ten years no one will remember.”

“Don't count on that, bro, you're Rocky Point's claim to fame. We have long memories.”

“I know that! I wish people would forget how I left Marcie.”

Joe nodded slowly. “I expect you do. That's a hard thing to forget. Especially when Marcie is so well liked. Actually, hard as it is to believe, folks liked you, too.”

“You've been close to Marcie over the years. Do you think she'll ever get beyond it?” Zack asked.

“Why're you asking?”

Zack stared at his coffee for a moment, then raised his gaze back to Joe's. “I want her as my wife.”

“Whoa, are you serious?”

Zack nodded. “I made a mistake, okay. Now I want to make it come right.”

“That's a hard one. Up to Marcie, and I couldn't begin to guess how she might react.”

“I think she's softening toward me. I mean, she came right here last night. Doesn't that count for something?”

“Sure it does,” Joe said gently. He rose and carried his cup to the sink, looking over his shoulder. “Just go easy and make sure you deliver on any promises you make.”

Zack knew he deserved that comment. He'd asked her to marry him before, which was a kind of promise to be there, to go through with the wedding, to build a life together. Instead…

“I'm taking Marcie's car back for her. She said she'd walk to work—do I park it there or at her apartment?” Zack asked as Joe prepared to leave for the shop.

“Apartment. She likes to walk to work in nice weather.”

“You know that and I don't. I've got a long row to hoe,” Zack mused.

“There was always something special between the two
of you. If you're serious, I'd say do your best. If not, leave her alone. She has enough on her plate right now.” But he
was
serious. He just had to prove it to everyone.

 

On Monday morning, when Zack reached the shop, he was surprised to see Sean already there, hanging over one of the engines Joe was working on.

“How's the hand?” Zack asked when he joined them.

“Hurts, but I didn't want to take pills since I'll be around equipment,” the teenager said.

“Take your pills, it'll help in the healing. And you won't get so woozy you can't function. You won't be operating the machinery,” Zack said.

“I called Marcie yesterday and she said I can still work—at the cash register. My right hand works fine,” Sean said, holding up his uninjured hand.

“Good deal. What have we here?” Zack asked, eyeing the engine.

Joe explained, mostly for Sean's benefit, and soon they were busy tearing the engine down and examining each part. The morning passed swiftly and the men working in the shop broke away from work around twelve-thirty for a lunch break.

“I'm heading home to clean up and get to work,” Sean said.

Zack was wiping his hands with grease remover. “Good idea. Later I'm talking to the mill owners about the driving course.”

“Hey, man, that's cool. How soon do you think before we can start?”

“After I get back, most likely.”

“Back from where?”

“He's got another race, in Stockholm in a couple of weeks,” Joe said.

Sean's excitement faded. “Oh.”

Zack picked up on it right away. “I'm coming back.”

“Sure. See ya, I've got to get home.” Sean left without another word.

“Actions speak louder than words,” Zack quoted, tossing his towel on the bench.

“Meaning?” Joe asked.

“Once I've been here for fifty years, folks might believe me when I say I'm settling in Rocky Point.”

“Yeah, maybe. Fifty years, huh?”

“I'm hoping for that much with Marcie. Maybe longer if the Lord wills it,” Zack said.

Just then Marcie stepped into the garage, a sack in one arm and a tote hung over one shoulder. His expression lightened when he saw her. He would put aside anything and everything to spend time with her.

“Anyone hungry?” she called out.

The two mechanics who had been with Joe from the beginning, Paul and Chas, looked up from the makeshift picnic table where they were eating. “Yeah, if it's some of your food,” Paul called.

Marcie laughed and headed for the table, waving at Zack and Joe. “I've brought enough to feed an army, though it looks as if your wife packed you more than enough, Paul,” she said. Setting the bag on the plank table, she started pulling out sandwiches, cookies and apples. A large thermos and a stack of plastic glasses soon appeared.

Zack and Joe joined the others at the table. “You staying?” Zack asked Marcie.

“I am. I wanted to thank you for yesterday. It means a lot. Plus, the first aerobics class starts at two. I'm making sure I'm not late.”

Zack held her gaze. “You doing okay?”

“Yes. After I got home from your place, my best friend Jody called. She had just heard. It's good to have friends rally around.”

He wanted to be considered more than a friend, but knew he had to take things slowly. And wait for better timing. Who wanted to be courted when worried about her father's very life? Whoa,
courted.
That sounded old-fashioned and antiquated. Yet it was exactly what he wanted to do. Court this pretty woman who had too much to forgive.

Chas told Marcie he'd heard about her dad and asked if there was anything he could do. She said there wasn't, but she appreciated his support.

“Pastor John visited Dad and rallied everyone in the church. I don't think he'll have to cook a meal for months. And his fishing buddies have planned a schedule to take him up to Portland for the dialysis each time, and stay with him to keep his spirits up,” she told them.

“And testing?” Joe asked. “I called the clinic this morning. That new nurse said I can come by this afternoon. Apparently there were a couple of others already asking.”

“We're blessed,” she said, tears threatening.

“So are we with this feast. Want me to say grace?” Zack asked to ease the growing tension.

She blinked and nodded.

When they'd finished lunch, Zack offered to walk out with Marcie.

“I've got an appointment with Julian around two. I heard you gave Sean another task, to keep him employed.”

“Tim, the manager at the café, and I discussed it. We've rearranged some assignments and we'll each be picking up some of the slack. Good help is hard to find and Sean's a hard worker.”

Marcie waved to an elderly woman who was getting into a car across the street.

“Who is that? She looks familiar,” Zack said.

“Maud Stevens. She's the matron of honor at Gillian's wedding.”

Zack stared at Marcie in surprise. “You're kidding.”

“Maud has been a great friend of Gillian's. She can tell her all the stories about the great-grandmother she never got to meet. So when Gillian was first planning the wedding, she insisted Maud stand up with her. I'm one of the bridesmaids—there are three of us.”

“Remember, the best man escorts the matron of honor during the reception,” Zack said.

“Yes.”

“I thought I'd sit with you,” he said.

Marcie nodded, her smile hard to hide. “I'd like that.”

“You've been waiting for me to find out that I'm paired with a great-granny, haven't you?

She laughed. “I did wonder if you knew. Gillian's having a get-together next Saturday so everyone can contribute their suggestions for her wedding. Her mother's dead, so she doesn't have anyone to help her.”

“Her father?”

“Oh, don't go there. He tried to swindle the house away from her. Anyway, no one knows where he is. But she has plenty of friends at Trinity. We're going to make sure it's the best wedding ever.”

“We thought ours would be the best ever,” he said gently.

The smile faded from her face. Zack could have kicked himself for bringing it up.

“I've got to get to class,” Marcie said, turning to the building next to the garage. She scooted in the door, leaving Zack standing alone on the sidewalk.

“That went well,” he murmured.
Lord, help me, please. I am stumbling and obviously need help in making things right. If that's what I'm supposed to be doing.
He had a few minutes before he was due at the attorney's, so Zack crossed the street and headed for Trinity Church. Entering a few minutes later, he was immediately enveloped with the sense of peace. He sat on the last row and bowed his head to pray a request for forgiveness.

 

Marcie returned to the café after the aerobics class, feeling calmer than she had in ages. The kitchen was quiet as the last of the lunch crowd had been served a while ago. She went to change into the waitress uniform she kept in her office. She'd be helping out the rest of today and for the next few weeks until Sean's hand healed. She admired the young man who wanted to keep working even though injured. He could have begged off.

She was glad of the physical workout at Gillian's. Last night she'd been so restless after talking with Jody. She'd wanted to go back to her childhood home and reassure herself her dad was still there. But she hadn't. Finally, she'd picked up her Bible and read where it fell open, in first Peter—
cast all your cares on me.
Prayer had finally enabled her to find peace and sleep for the rest of the night.

Focus on the Lord, and on what He wants, and let God work in both her father's life and Zack's. She didn't even know when he was leaving.

And couldn't trust he'd return.

Instead of staying away, she'd deliberately put herself in his path today, taking lunch to Joe and the other men in the shop. She'd known Zack would be there. Why not just admit she was as fascinated by him now as before? Actually more so. She could see the man he'd become and for the most part admired him. No one said he had to do so
much for a fatherless teenager. No one said he had to drop everything to return to help his brother. And no one said he had to be so kind to her own father yesterday, when Bill had been nothing but scathing since Zack had returned.

She wished she knew what to do. Afraid of being hurt closed her off. Was there a chance he meant what he said? Dare she step out in faith? It was so much easier to trust God.
If it is Your will Zack and I reconnect, Father, please let me know that. Fear is not what You want for my life. Show me Your way, please.

Time to get to work. Putting on a bright smile, she headed for the customers.

By the end of the day, Marcie knew she'd sleep well that night. Everyone had something to say about her father's condition. Offers of help and support came from each Rocky Point customer she saw. Even some of the tourists apparently had picked up on the news and offered help. She was touched and amazed by the awesome power of God working through His children. She felt buoyed up and hopeful. And tired by the end of the shift.

She grabbed two dinners from the kitchen and headed for her dad's place. They ate on the patio, feeling the cool breeze that kept nights comfortable for sleeping.