Wounded Grace (7 page)

“I think we deserve a treat for a job well done,” he exclaimed and opened a small box of chocolates for them to share.

“Oh, no. I don't dare. I'll gain ten pounds.”

“Not likely. You'll run off those calories. I don't think I've ever seen a woman who works as hard as you. I'm having trouble keeping up.”

His words warmed Madison and stayed with her for days. It had taken her years to earn Lance's respect and it was a prize she valued.

Lance's enthusiasm was contagious. Vivian had even shown a spark of interest. When all of the Heart's Haven residents gathered at the big house to color eggs and fill the baskets, Vivian instructed everyone on the “proper” way to make an Easter basket.

The Heart's Haven community could not have gathered in this place where Mr. Hart's presence had such a profound effect and not think of him. They were all conscious of his absence. Misty eyes and awkward silences scattered their way through the evening, interspersed with smiles and fond remembrances, stories of things the beloved landlord had said and done.

When all the tasks were completed and they sat down to share the pizzas, cold chicken, and salads, David said a blessing.

“Thank you, Lord, for the gift Andrew Hart's life. Thank you for the wonderful example he set and the blessed traditions he has begun. Please, give me the strength to carry on the good work he has begun.”

Madison was particularly glad to hear the last, knowing those words signaled the start of David's healing. She had no doubt that the Lord would answer his prayers and allow David to carry on his uncle's work.

Every eye in the room sparkled with moisture when David finished, but they were happy tears.

Madison could not think of the evening without smiling, knowing that through God's grace, their suffering had been turned into joy.

Yes, they had been good days.

Today, on this Easter Sunday, they had much to celebrate. David stepped up to the pulpit to start his sermon. He looked happy for the first time in weeks.

“Good morning all. I can't begin to preach today without sharing the good news that he Pia and I are expecting a baby.”

Their parish family burst into applause.

Lance leaned closer to Madison and said in a low voice. “Vivian said that Zoe told her it would be a boy.”

Madison smiled. “It will be.”

Lance studied her, then leaned in again, lowering his voice as the clapping died down. “That's not the first time you've said something like that with authority. Do you have a special connection, similar to the one Andy had?”

“You mean with the angels?”

He nodded and a little wave of surprise swept through Madison. She didn't understand how Lance had guessed her secret. Perhaps he'd been paying closer attention than she realized.

“No, I don't see and hear the angels like Mr. Hart did.”

“But you do have your own guardian angel. I remember you saying.”

She nodded, but didn't take her eyes off of David on the pulpit, hoping Lance would drop the uncomfortable subject.

“How do you know this angel? How does it appear?”

Apparently, Lance didn't get the hint. “He doesn't appear. I hear a voice,” she whispered.

Lance didn't respond. Did he think she was crazy? Was he looking for a way to ridicule her, or worse, make her doubt? She was forced to look at him to see his reaction. His wore a puzzled frown.

“Where was this angel all those years you were married to Tony?”

A small smile of relief slipped over Madison's lips before she could stop it. He wasn't preparing to make fun of her or looking for a way to question her. He wanted to understand.

“He was there. I just stopped listening.”

“You heard him when you had to stop in the hospital.” He nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his expression.

Once again, surprise swept over Madison. He remembered. She studied his features. She'd always loved his hazel eyes that changed shades with his mood. They had a way of always making a person feel like they were the only one in the room. His gaze was so full of compassion and sincere interest. Age had added wisdom to the appealing mixture and created the sense of a safe haven. Lance conveyed the assurance that one's secrets were safe with him.

“I thought you didn't believe.”

His lips lifted in a wry smile. “I saw that shadow. Seeing is believing.”

On his other side, Vivian leaned forward. “Are you two going to talk all through David's sermon?” Her tone sounded stern, but the corners of her mouth twitched with laughter.

They all faced forward, but Madison couldn't stop smiling. Things could not be more perfect.

Kaci and Ryne sat a few rows ahead of them. Apparently, their squabble had ended and they were once again happy and united. Sunshine fell over the couple, bathing them in bright light, like a heavenly aura.

David gave the congregation a scripture to look up. Kaci and Ryne shared a Bible, and as Kaci flipped through the pages, Ryne's head tilted toward her. She leaned into him and he rested his cheek on her lovely, blonde hair as they read the page together. The sweet sight touched Madison to the core. A bittersweet note found its way into her perfect song.

Was she really content just to have Lance's respect?

As wonderful as it was to have her friend back, Madison knew it would not be enough. Seeing him day after day, smiling, talking, loving the wisdom age had brought him, created a longing inside her. Even now, his hand was stretched out on his thigh, so close to hers she could reach out and touch it. The yearning to wind her fingers through his was so intense, she clenched them into a fist and held them in her lap.

The longer she stayed here, the closer they became, the more she risked saying or doing something that would permanently damage the fragile friendship they'd found again. Madison refused to allow that to happen.

Leaving Heart's Haven was more important now than ever.

****

 

Childish laughter echoed across the air, mingled with the occasional neigh of a horse. Lance perched on the bottom rail of the corral, watching as Dex Beckett and his band of cowboys led the horses around the large arena with some of the children from Miss Sophie's school on their backs.

Beside Lance, six-year-old Chloe Mabrey looked cute as a button in a miniature cowboy hat, a red shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots. Dex's stepdaughter, Chloe, lived right here on Sonshine Ranch with him and her mother, Layne. The child also attended Miss Sophie's school for special children, so she gave Lance a very thorough narration of the occurring events.

“That's Emily, my bestest friend. She's scared of the horses, so I'm giving her my turn to ride so she won't be scared no more.”

“Won't you be sad to lose your turn?”

She shook her head, but then she paused. “Well, just a little. But I get to ride all the time, so I can wait. See that horse with the white face? The one Jimmy's riding right now? She's my horse. Her name is Star.”

“Well, I think it's very kind of you to give up your turn.”

She cocked her head. “I guess so. But I just love Emily. I'm so glad she got to come today.”

Lance smiled and the little chatterbox beside him was silent for the first time.

When she spoke again, her voice had lost some of its exuberance. “I miss Mr. Hart. I wish he was here.”

“We all miss him, little one.”

“Mommy says Miss Vivian will be ‘specially sad.”

“Yes, she is. That's why I came to take care of her.”

“I'm glad. You're a nice man.”

“Thank you. That means a lot to me.” Lance managed to hide his smile, but he meant every word.

“You're doing a good job. I saw Miss Vivian smile twice today.” Chloe nodded to seal her opinion.

Lance chuckled. “Twice, huh. That's a lot for her.”

“Yeah.” The child's tone had turned serious. “She still misses Mr. Hart, and so do I. But Joy says he's very happy.”

“Who is Joy?”

“My angel, o' course. She watches over me.”

Lance gave a start. Did everyone at Heart's Haven see God's heavenly messengers except him? He clearly had a lot of faith-growing to do. Good thing he planned to stay for a long while.

“Chloe,” Dex called across the corral. “Everyone's had a turn. There's time for you to ride if you want.”

“OK, Daddy, I'm coming!”

Very carefully, she climbed down from the fence. When she reached the bottom, she looked up. “Bye, Mr. Lance. I have to go now.” Then she spun and ran off, jean-clad, round bottom and chubby arms pumping as fast as they could.

Dex lifted the little girl into the saddle. She picked up the reins and clicked the horse into motion as if she'd been doing it all her life. As she circled around his way, she waved. Lance loved the sight of her happy, slightly slanted eyes and crooked little smile. No wonder Andrew had called her one of his sunshine girls.

Lance looked behind him to the large grass-covered yard of the ranch house. Earlier, before the children arrived, the Heart's Haven residents had hidden over one hundred colored Easter eggs. After the children arrived, Madison organized the massive hunt.

Peals of laughter filled the yard. Lance watched Madison, roving from child to child examining their baskets.

He moved into step with her. “What are you doing?” he whispered.

“Making sure even the littlest ones find some eggs for their baskets.” As she spoke, she found one empty basket and promptly directed the three-year-old in the direction of a bush hiding many brightly colored eggs. Smiling, Lance finished the inspection with her.

After the egg hunt, lunch had been served from the long tables on the grass. Ham. Potato salad. Deviled eggs. Relish plates of olives and pickles. Veggie and fruit platters and one two-tiered cake decorated with chocolate fondant and covered in pink, yellow, and green frosting eggs. It was almost too pretty to eat but Lance had two pieces.

Now, leaning against the fence, he watched the ladies finish cleaning up the paper plates, cups, and covering the left-overs on the tables. Families sat on large blankets and quietly chatted with their neighbors while the children who had finished their horse rides dove into their Easter baskets. Lance smiled, deep contentment filling his soul.

This, too, was part of Andrew Hart's impressive and amazing legacy. No wonder David had felt intimidated stepping into his uncle's shoes. But David was the man for the job. All he needed was a little help from his friends. If Lance had anything to say about, he would be one of those friends.

Madison had been busy all morning. Just a little while ago, she'd dropped into a lawn chair next to Vivian. Lance let her rest for a moment, while he enjoyed his chat with Chloe. But now he'd waited long enough. What he had to say couldn't be put off any longer.

Crossing the green expanse, he stopped in front of Madison's chair. Vivian stopped short in the middle of a sentence. Madison looked up, shading her eyes against the sun.

He simply held out his hand.

Madison stared at it, uncertain.

“Well, go on,” Vivian said. “I promise he won't bite.”

Pink flushed Madison's cheeks, but she took hold of his hand. Lance pulled her to her feet and tugged her toward the corner of the ranch house where he'd seen a giant oak tree with a wooden seat around its base.

Once they were out of sight of the group, Madison tried to tug her hand free, but he held on.

“This was a wonderful day.” He kept his tone low, not wanting to make her nervous. “It's been a long time since I enjoyed myself like this. I wanted to thank you.”

“I had very little to do with that, I'm sure. It's Heart's Haven.” She tried to loosen her fingertips again, but he had no intention of letting go. He held on and gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

“Heart's Haven has a lot to do with it, but mainly it's you. Madison, I've thought a lot about what you've told me of your past and your life canvas. It made me think about mine. For years, my life was a bright, beautiful picture, but the last two years, it's been empty, completely empty. Not even dark. Just empty." He paused to draw a breath, but retained his hold on Madison's hand. "I take care of my business, my children, and my grandchildren. But I live through them. I've added nothing to my own canvas, and I don't think that's what God wants for me. I think he has more in store for me.”

They'd come to the large oak bench around the tree. He led her to it and motioned for her to sit down, reluctantly releasing her hand while she settled herself. Sitting beside her, he reclaimed her hand with both of his.

“I want to fill my canvas with color—like you‘ve done, Madison. I'm going to sell my place and move here. Viv could use my help around the big house, and I want to be a part of this life…this wonderful community. I think there's work for me here.”

Madison ducked her head and clamped her lower lip with her teeth.

“You don't like that idea?”

“Of course. It's a wonderful idea. Viv will be so pleased.”

“But not you?”

“It doesn't really matter what I think. You know I can't stay. But it pleases me to know you'll be here once I'm gone.”

“You can't leave Heart's Haven. They need you. I need you.”

Her lovely brown eyes widened. “What do you mean you need me? Lance Dalton, do you remember who you're talking to? I'm the girl who disappointed you and betrayed your sister.”

He released her hand long enough to pull a small black box tied with a red ribbon from beneath the bench where he'd hidden it earlier. “This is for you.”

She stared at the box, her expression puzzled and wary. He chuckled. “Go on. It won't bite either.”

Finally, she took it and pulled the red ribbon. She gasped when she pulled the heavy, golden trimmed, red Fabergé egg out of its black velvet bed.