To Honor and Trust (27 page)

She held her purse aloft as she approached the older woman. “It was right where I left it.”

The two of them joined arms but remained silent as they returned to the hotel. Callie was lost in thoughts of how she might get Mr. Bridgeport alone to tell him the sad news. No doubt Mrs. Bridgeport was lost in her own thoughts and fears. When they reached the door leading to the Bridgeports' suite, Mrs. Bridgeport turned to bid Callie good-night.

“I thought I might come in and see Thomas and Lottie if they're still awake. I haven't had much time with them these last few days.”

Mrs. Bridgeport nodded. “Of course. Do come in.”

“Mama! Miss Callie!” Lottie jumped up and hurried toward them. “How is Daisy? Can we go see her soon?”

“Not just yet, dear. She's still not well enough, but when the time is right your father will make arrangements so the two of you can slip up to her room for a few minutes.” Mrs. Bridgeport glanced toward her husband. “Won't you, Luther?”

“I'll do my best.”

Mrs. Bridgeport removed her hat. Her shoulders sagged, and the hollows beneath her eyes revealed a tale of sorrow. She turned to her husband. “I believe I'll go in and lie down for a few minutes, if you don't mind.”

“Not at all, my dear. You rest as long as you like. We'll be just fine.” Once she'd closed the bedroom door, Mr. Bridgeport
motioned for Callie to sit down. “I took the children to Lula's home here in Biscayne this afternoon. She's going to come in the morning and stay here at the hotel to help with the children as long as Daisy's in the hospital.”

Lottie turned from her drawing. “We're going on the streetcar tomorrow, and Lula's taking us to the park, isn't she, Papa?”

He smiled and nodded. “That's right.”

Callie shot a nervous look at the bedroom door. She needed to gather her courage and tell Mr. Bridgeport, but she'd need to be careful the children didn't overhear.

“Did the doctor come to see Daisy while you were at the hospital?” Mr. Bridgeport asked, scooting forward on the couch.

“Yes.” Callie glanced at the children and gestured to the other side of the room. Keeping her voice low, she told him that Daisy had been fitful and they hadn't been able to control her temperature. “The doctor didn't tell Mrs. Bridgeport, but I overheard him tell the nurse that Daisy probably wouldn't live through the night.” The words choked in her throat as she relayed the doctor's prognosis for Daisy's remaining hours. “I didn't tell her, Mr. Bridgeport. I'm leaving that decision to you. I don't know what is best.”

Pale and shaking, he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and blotted beads of perspiration from his face. “I thought Daisy was doing a little better earlier today.” His voice was a hoarse whisper. “Did Eunice not see how much change had taken place? Perhaps she's aware but doesn't want to admit it to herself.”

“The doctor encouraged her to come back to the hotel. I believe she took that as affirmation that Daisy would be all right during the night. Of course, she didn't actually say that, so I can't be certain.”

He dropped to a chair and rested his head in the palm of his hand. “I truly don't know what to do, either. Perhaps the doctor is right. More than anything, I think we must pray. You go on to your room, Callie. If I change my mind and we decide to go to the hospital later tonight, I'll come and get you so you can stay with the children.”

Callie bid the children good-night and slowly trod the short distance to her room. Once inside, she knelt at the side of her bed and prayed. Sometime later, she moved to the overstuffed chair and continued her prayers. She prayed for Daisy. She prayed for Thomas and Lottie. She prayed for Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport. She prayed they would all have the strength to accept God's will, no matter the outcome.

The following morning, Callie trudged to answer the door. She'd remained awake to pray throughout most of the night, and this morning she longed for a few hours of sleep. Mrs. Bridgeport's greeting bore a mournful quality that matched the look in her eyes.

The older woman reached for Callie's hand. “We're quite a pair. I believe you look as tired as I feel, and I look as tired as you feel.”

Callie grinned. “You're probably right. I was up praying most of the night. Has there been word from the hospital?”

“No, but Luther and I are preparing to leave. Lula hasn't arrived yet, so I wondered if you would take the children down to breakfast. We don't want to wait any longer.”

“Yes, of course. Just give me a minute and I'll be down to your room.” She closed the door and hurried to the dressing mirror. After quickly arranging her hair, she pinned a large hat over her curls and hoped it would hide the fact that she'd spent little time on her coiffure.

As she picked up her gloves and purse, Callie's stomach again tightened with worry. What news would the Bridgeports
receive when they arrived at the hospital? Selfishly, she was glad she wouldn't be with them. Her tears would only make matters worse, and she doubted she'd have the strength to comfort them. She'd never had a child of her own, but she was overcome with physical weakness when she thought of losing Daisy. How would the family ever cope with such a loss?

Callie understood they would need to rely upon God rather than their own strength. They would need prayer and all the support their friends and family could muster. Callie inhaled a deep breath. And if the worst should happen, she would need to gather strength and courage to do her part to help them. Tears pricked her eyes. But how would she ever do that when her own heart throbbed at the very thought of losing the little girl?

She had so many questions about what was happening to Daisy. If only Wes were here. Her heart pounded harder, and she ached to fold herself in the strength of his embrace. Shaking her head, she turned toward the door. No. She couldn't think of Wes. She couldn't think of her needs. She needed to focus on Daisy and the Bridgeports.

She hastened down the hallway, and soon after Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport departed, Callie tied blue ribbons in Lottie's hair and led the children downstairs to the hotel dining room. She handed each of them a menu.

While the children were perusing the menu, Callie signaled to the waiter to bring her coffee. After taking a sip, she looked over the rim of the cup. “What would you like, Lottie?”

“I want the orange pancakes.” She looked up from the menu. “Do you think they're good?”

Callie smiled. “I'm sure they are delicious. What about you, Thomas?”

“Scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.” He placed the menu on the table. “And I'll have orange juice, too.”

The waiter returned to the table, poured Callie additional coffee, and took their orders. “Milk for the children?”

“I want some.” Lottie smiled at the waiter.

After the waiter had taken their order, the children peppered Callie with questions about Daisy and when they might see her. She did her best to answer honestly but was thankful when the waiter finally delivered their food. She didn't want to alarm them, yet she wanted them to be aware that their sister's condition had taken a turn for the worse. Lottie didn't seem to understand—or at least acted as though she didn't—while Thomas put on a brave face and had little to say once he heard the news.

They'd swallowed only a few bites when Lula arrived and joined them at the table. “You two ready to take the streetcar to the park?”

Lottie stuck out her lip and Thomas shrugged.

“Why the long faces?” Lula lifted Lottie's chin.

“Last night Daisy wasn't doing very well.” Callie did her best to keep her voice calm. “I'm not sure you should take the children away from the hotel until we know how she is this morning.” She tipped her head to the side, hoping Lula understood but praying she wouldn't begin crying and upset the children.

Lula nodded. “I see. Are Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport at the hospital?”

“Yes. They left just before I brought the children down for breakfast. I thought I would go over as soon as you arrived. Then I can send word back, and you'll know whether to take the children to the park.”

Lula glanced at Thomas and Lottie. “Maybe we should all go over there. The children and I can wait in the lobby until you send word down to us.”

“Yes, yes. Let's do that.” Thomas bobbed his head enthusiastically, and soon Lottie added her excited agreement.

Callie inwardly groaned. If Daisy hadn't made it through the night, Mr. and Mrs. Bridgeport would be distraught. To have Thomas and Lottie see their parents in such a state of distress couldn't be good for them. She wished Lula hadn't made the suggestion in front of the children, but it was too late now.

“I suppose that would be all right.” She gave both children a stern look. “But once we get to the hospital, don't ask to go up and see your sister. You must stay in the waiting room and mind Miss Lula. Understood?”

“Yes, Miss Callie.” Their voices combined in singsong unison.

On the way to the hospital, Lula touched Callie's arm. “You angry with me, Miss Callie? You haven't said a word since we left the hotel.”

Keeping her voice low, Callie explained her concerns. “I want to protect the children from as much sorrow as possible. I fear having them at the hospital may prove a mistake.”

“I'm sorry, Miss Callie. I didn't realize. I can try and talk them into going back to the hotel if you want.”

“No, Lula. We're almost there, and without telling them of my concerns for their sister's health, I wouldn't know how to explain sending them back.”

Once inside the hospital, the children and Lula settled in the waiting room. Callie produced a tablet, pencils, and crayons. She passed the items to Lottie and smiled. “I think Daisy's room might need some new pictures.”

As soon as she was out of their sight, she hurried up the stairs and down the hallway, her gaze focused on the white tiles. She stopped short and looked up when a pair of dark shoes appeared in front of her. Her breath caught in her throat.

“Wesley! How—when—why are you here?”

He smiled down at her. “I'll answer those questions in a moment, but first come with me.” Taking hold of her hand, he hurried toward Daisy's room. “I have something to show you.” Stepping inside the doorway, he moved aside. “See who is sitting up in bed.”

Daisy beamed at Callie. “Miss Callie. You came to see me.”

Tears pooled in Callie's eyes and ran down her cheeks as she rushed to the child's bedside and embraced her. “Oh, Daisy! I'm so happy to see you awake.”

Daisy's eyes clouded. “I wake up all the time, Miss Callie.”

“Yes, of course you do. I should have said that I'm happy to see you feeling much better.”

“Then why are you crying?”

Callie wiped the tears from her cheeks. “Sometimes big people cry when they're very happy. I know that sounds silly, but we do. Just ask your mama and papa. They'll tell you I'm right.”

Mrs. Bridgeport drew near the other side of the bed. “She's exactly right, Daisy.” The older woman looked at Callie. “Can you believe the difference?”

“I'm amazed. Has the doctor given any explanation for the change in her condition?”

Mr. Bridgeport shook his head. “He's as astounded as we are.”

“Answered prayer,” Callie whispered.

Wesley moved to her side. “I agree. After looking at her
medical chart and reading the doctor's notes, I believe there's no other explanation for her recovery.” He reached for Callie's hand. “She isn't completely recovered, but I believe she's going to be fine and the worst is over. Daisy's doctor agrees.”

Mr. Bridgeport looked outside for a moment. “Did Lottie and Thomas go with Lula?”

Callie explained they were waiting downstairs for some word of Daisy's condition. “I know they would be thrilled to see her, but the rules—”

“Wesley spoke to the doctor and managed to convince him that a brief visit from her brother and sister might do Daisy more good than any medicine.” Mr. Bridgeport tugged on his waistcoat. “I'll go down and get them. And I believe you two should find someplace private to talk.” He winked at Wesley. “Don't you agree?”

“Indeed I do.” Wesley smiled at Callie. “There's a private waiting room down the hall. Why don't we see if it's empty?”

Callie walked alongside Wesley, her heart thumping, her stomach churning, and her thoughts skittering around like leaves on a windy autumn day. The minute they entered the room, she turned to him. “Please, let me speak first. I want to apologize for my harsh behavior.”

Wes pressed a finger to her lips. “There's no need for you to apologize.”

She pulled his hand away. Her eyes misted. “Please, Wes, I need to tell you this.

“Over the past couple of days it has become abundantly clear that I was wrong to pass judgment on you. I now realize that most of us get caught up in withholding information for protective purposes from time to time. I'm not saying I believe it's the proper thing to do, but I do understand that
you weren't attempting to mislead or hurt me when you didn't immediately tell me certain things about yourself. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Of course I forgive you. It pained me that I had hurt you.” He cupped her cheek in his palm and thumbed away a tear on her cheek. “And I hope that you've forgiven me. I was wrong. My motives were selfish. I was afraid you would reject me if you knew the truth. And when you left the island, I feared all was lost.”

“What changed your mind?”

He chuckled. “My parents.”

“Your parents? Honestly?”

Pulling her closer, he laughed again. “Yes, honestly. Remember, no more lies. They agreed that if I let you go without pleading my case, I'd never forgive myself. I knew they were right. I decided to follow you, even if it meant going to Indiana, and even if you rejected me—I couldn't let you go without trying to make you understand that I realized what I'd done was wrong, but it was because I cared for you so deeply that I'd followed the wrong path.”

Callie's heart soared at the adoration sparkling in his eyes. How could it have been the wrong path if it led her to his arms? Hadn't God had a plan all along?

Wes grasped her hands. “If we're going to have no more secrets, then there's one more thing I need to tell you.”

Her breath caught.
No. Please. Not another secret.

He flashed her a heart-tilting grin. “Callie Deboyer, I want us to be together always.”

His words resonated in her heart. A life with this warm and caring man was more than she'd dared imagine. Her smile broadened until her cheeks hurt.

Then she gasped. Her heart plummeted. Last night she'd made a promise to God.

“Callie, what's wrong?”

“I don't think it's possible for us to be together.” She lowered her eyes to his chest, now heaving under the weight of her words.

He loosened his hold on her hands and stepped back. “So you forgive me but you won't consider me for a husband? Is that it? You still don't believe you can love and trust me?” Pain shone in his eyes.

She shook her head. “No, that isn't it. I do love you, and I do believe I can trust you, but—”

“But what?” His voice rose, anger lacing his words. “If we love and trust each other, we can build a strong marriage.”

“Where will we build that marriage? In Massachusetts? With you working at your father's textile mill? I can't do that.”

His voice softened. “Is that all? We don't need to live in Massachusetts. I can find work. I'm educated. I can support you anywhere you choose.”

“You don't understand.” Her heart ached. Was this a final test from God? She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Last night when I prayed for Daisy, I made a promise to God.”

He nodded. “Go on.”

“I promised Him that if Daisy got well, then I would go to Africa and help my parents on the mission field.” She forced a smile. “This morning I discovered that God has answered my prayer, and now I must willingly do as I've promised.”

“But God doesn't make deals with people. He wouldn't hold you to that.”

“But I hold myself to it. I made a vow to Him.”

Wesley stared at her for several moments and then stood. He
walked to the window and stared outside for several minutes. “If I remember correctly, you told me there is a need for doctors as well as teachers in Africa.”

What was he saying? Her heart pounded like a kettledrum. “Yes. That's what my parents have told me.”

“I know I don't want to work in the textile mills. I've already told my father that I won't join his company.” He sat down beside Callie. “I've prayed for God to show me where I belong and what He would have me do with my future.” He took her hand in his. “I believe He has shown me.”

Callie gasped. “Truly? We'll go together?”

He smiled. “As husband and wife.”

“But what about your fears? Do you think you'll be able to practice medicine once again?”

“I won't know unless I try, but I do believe God can equip me if this is where He would have me serve. I believe all of this has happened for a purpose that I will probably never understand. But I do know that I don't want to live the rest of my life without you at my side.”

Wesley stood and drew her into his arms. “I love you, Callie. I want to hold you in my arms for the rest of my life. I want to honor you with my whole being. Will you marry me?”

With her hand on his chest, she felt his heart beating beneath her hand—a heart she truly trusted to cherish her own. “Yes, I'll marry you, Dr. Townsend.”