A Haven for Her Heart

by Susan Anne Mason

  Darius cleared his throat, wishing he could see Olivia’s face. Were his words having any effect? The flinty stares of the council members gave him little indication.

  “As for the residents of the home,” he continued, “they are a true community who work together to help one another, whether it’s making clothes, knitting blankets, or caring for the newborns. There is nothing untoward or undesirable about anyone at Bennington Place. As Miss Rosetti stated, they are doing God’s work, and I, for one, believe they should be allowed to continue their admirable mission. Thank you.”

  As Darius turned away from the stand, he glanced over to where Ruth and Olivia were seated.

  Olivia held a handkerchief to her cheek. “Thank you,” she mouthed with a trembling smile.

  He nodded and let out his breath. Had his words hit their mark? He wasn’t sure, but it was the best he could do to show Olivia his support. Whether it would make any difference to the council’s decision—or to Olivia herself—he had no idea. All he knew was that he had to follow his heart and give credit where credit was due.

  Darius took a seat as Sal stepped forward.

  “Good morning. I am Reverend Salvatore Rosetti, priest at St. Michael’s Cathedral and brother of Olivia Rosetti, whom you’ve already met.” Sal looked at each of the men in front of him in turn. “Please do not negate the testimony I am about to give solely based on my relationship to the home’s co-founder. My first and foremost priority is always to God, and the second is to my parishioners and the surrounding community. That is the main reason I come before you today.

  “I believe that our city can only benefit from the presence of Bennington Place in our neighborhood. By providing refuge for those in crisis, we are fulfilling our mandate as Christians to help the less fortunate and to act out of love and compassion, not fear or hatred. The founders of Bennington Place are doing just that. Instead of condemning women for their mistakes, they are offering them a hand up, giving the innocent children the best start in life, despite their unfortunate circumstances.” He paused, letting his words resonate like a Sunday sermon. “Two of the most powerful mandates Jesus gave us are ‘Judge not, that ye not be judged,’ and ‘Do to others as you would have them do to you.’ These are not mere platitudes. These are the cornerstones of our faith, the very foundation of what we are called to do as Christians. This is what my sister and Mrs. Bennington are doing—serving others in their community as Jesus decrees. I challenge all of you here today to do the same.”

  This time the audience responded with enthusiastic applause. Several people even stood to shake Sal’s hand when he passed by.

  Darius leaned back in his seat and allowed his muscles to relax. He only prayed that everyone’s combined testimonies would be enough to convince the mayor and the council members to allow the maternity home to remain open.

  Then, perhaps in some small way, he’d have helped one of Olivia’s dreams to come true.

  43

  Olivia had been prepared for the council to defer their decision to a later date, as was their prerogative, so she was both relieved and terrified when they indicated they would vote on the matter today. The members asked for a brief recess to discuss the issue before rendering their decision.

  As soon as the council members filed out of the room, Olivia rose and followed the spectators who’d chosen to stretch their legs or go out for a cigarette. Her emotions were still reeling from Darius’s and Sal’s speeches, and she needed to thank them both for their support.

  No matter the outcome, she would be forever grateful for their generosity.

  Out in the crowded corridor, her brother’s head was visible above the fray, and she immediately went to greet him. “Sal, thank you for speaking on our behalf,” she said. “It was so thoughtful of you.”

  “My pleasure, Liv.” He gave her a quick hug. “When Darius suggested it, I knew it was the right thing to do.” He smiled down at her. “I’m sorry I can’t stay to hear the verdict, but I have to get back to work.”

  “That’s all right. Thanks again for coming. I know your testimony made a big difference.” She darted glances around the hallway but couldn’t see Darius anywhere. “Do you know where Darius went?”

  “He said he needed some air. Why don’t you walk me out?”

  “Good idea.” She looped her arm through her brother’s and followed him out the front entrance on slightly shaky legs. The mere thought of seeing Darius again had her heart thudding loudly in her chest.

  After Sal wished her good luck and set off toward the cathedral, Olivia stood on the city hall steps and nervously scanned the sidewalk below. Darius was nowhere in sight. A crush of disappointment swept over her. Would he have left before the decision was rendered? Or was he avoiding her? After all the turmoil she’d put him through, she couldn’t really blame him.

  “Hello, Olivia.”

  Her heart stuttered at the familiar voice behind her. She slowly turned to find Darius on the steps above her. It had been three weeks or more since she’d last seen him, and she drank in the welcome sight of him, so distinguished in his navy suit, his dark hair blowing around his forehead. When she met his gaze, those unforgettable blue eyes seemed to swallow her whole.

  “Darius.” Her voice sounded breathless. “I was looking for you.”

  “I needed some air. And a minute alone to pray.” He came down to her level, an unreadable expression shadowing his features.

  “Thank you for being here,” she said, “and for speaking on our behalf. It was . . . good of you to come.” How lame could she sound? She twisted her damp hands together, every thought seeming to drift from her mind like the leaves blowing about the sidewalk below.

  “I’m glad I could do something, though I’m not sure it helped much.”

  “I think it helped a lot.” She paused, sifting through her jumbled thoughts. “But did I hear you right? Did you say you no longer work for Walcott Industries?” It couldn’t be true. Darius loved his property management job with his office that overlooked downtown.

  He lifted one shoulder. “I handed in my resignation about a week ago.”

  “Not because of me, I hope?”

  “Not directly.” He squinted against the glare of the sun. “I just couldn’t keep working for a company that had no moral compass to guide it.”

  Olivia’s stomach swooped. It had been because of her. “I . . . I don’t know what to say. I feel terrible.”

  “It’s for the best, really. You and Ruth helped me see that Walcott Industries wasn’t a good fit for me.” A gust of wind ruffled his hair. “I’ll find work somewhere else. This time I hope to follow your example and put my skills to use in helping others in whatever way God chooses.”

  She shook her head as a slow smile bloomed. “You might be the best man I know, Darius Reed. Well, maybe second to Sal.”

  He laughed out loud. “I suppose I can’t top a priest.”

  With the crowds still filing past them, he guided her to a less busy area.

  “Speaking of Sal . . .” She narrowed her eyes. “I know what you put him up to with the Children’s Aid.”

  He stiffened, his grin fading. “Olivia, I never meant . . . that is . . . I hope you’re not angry. I only wanted to bring you some peace of mind.”

  “I’m not angry.” She softened her gaze. “It was kind of you to try.”

  The lines across his brow eased. “I hoped Sal might have some success, but they wouldn’t tell him anything.”

  “I know. I went to the office myself a week later, and that’s how I found out Sal had been there.” She smiled. “I didn’t have much better luck, except I did learn that Matteo has been placed with a good family.”

  He let out a breath, tension seeming to leak from his frame. “That’s good. I hope it’s some consolation at least.”

  “It is.” She bit her lip, hating the stiltedness between them. There was so much she wanted to say, but now wasn’t the time or place for such an important conversation.
>
  He stepped closer and laid a warm hand on her arm. “Olivia, I want you to know . . .” He swallowed and hesitated, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

  The breath stalled in her lungs. His serious expression made her heart squeeze in sudden terror. Was he about to tell her good-bye? After today, they really had no further reason to stay in contact.

  The people on the steps began to shuffle toward the door. “Council’s back,” someone called.

  She couldn’t let him go. Not yet. She gripped his arm. “I have some things I need to tell you. Could we talk after the meeting is over?”

  He gave her a long look and nodded. “I’ll look for you afterward. Good luck, Olivia. I’m praying they decide in your favor.”

  “Thank you. Though I guess it’s up to God now.” She gave him a tense smile, and as they headed back inside to learn the home’s fate, she didn’t know what she dreaded more—the council’s verdict or figuring out what to say to Darius afterward.

  Fresh nerves rioted through Olivia’s system as she resumed her seat. When one of the council members, a Mr. Nathan Phillips, rose to declare the decision, she gripped Ruth’s hand tightly in hers.

  This was it. The make-or-break of their home. If the vote was no, Ruth would do her best to find a new location, Olivia was certain. The fact that she had a real estate agent already scouting potential rentals gave credence to that reality. But the atmosphere of Bennington Place, the everyday fundamentals, would never be the same again. Olivia breathed a silent prayer that she could accept God’s will for whatever the future held for them.

  Mr. Phillips unfolded a piece of paper and cleared his throat. “The council members have reached a decision. By a vote of ten to eight in favor of the maternity home, Bennington Place will be allowed to continue its operations.”

  Olivia’s hand flew to her mouth. Instant tears sprang to her eyes.

  A burst of outrage sounded from the other side of the room, overpowering the few gasps of pleasure.

  “Thank you, Mr. Simmons,” Alderman Phillips continued, “for bringing your concerns before this council, but we now charge that all opposition to this facility must cease. In the event that any new circumstances arise, you are, of course, free to bring it to the council’s attention. Although I caution you that the members will not tolerate your wasting our time on trivialities.”

  The speaker of the house rose. “I now pronounce the current session of the Toronto City Council to be adjourned.”

  Ruth gave a cry of elation and leaned over to clasp Olivia in a tight hug. “We did it, my dear. We won.”

  “I can hardly believe it.” Olivia squeezed her back. Her head spun with the sudden release of tension. “I feel like I can finally breathe again.”

  “You and me both.” Ruth laughed out loud, the lines of worry vanishing from her face. “I believe this calls for a celebration. Why don’t we get the other girls and go out for a treat? I’d say we’ve earned it.”

  Olivia hesitated. “That sounds wonderful, but I need to speak to Darius first. Could I meet you somewhere?”

  Ruth got to her feet. “Oh, by all means. That man deserves a huge thank-you, as does your brother. I believe their testimonies went a long way toward swaying the officials.” She turned toward the aisle. “We’ll be at Marty’s Diner if you care to join us. But if not, I’ll see you at home.” She gave Olivia a bold wink, then moved off.

  As the people filed out, Olivia attempted to gain control of her emotions at the thought of the upcoming conversation. “Am I doing the right thing, Lord?” she whispered.

  She took in a few deep breaths, allowing Sal’s words to repeat in her head. “God wouldn’t want you to remain a prisoner of your shame, Olivia. Be brave enough to claim the happiness He has in store for you.”

  A sense of peace washed over her, and with it, her resolution firmed. She would speak the truth, no matter the outcome. That way, nothing would be left unsaid between them.

  A few minutes later, Olivia found Darius waiting for her in the corridor. Her heart fluttered in her throat as their eyes met. He looked so strong and protective. Her own personal guardian angel.

  The moment she stepped in front of him, he gathered her into a hug.

  “Congratulations, Olivia. I’m so happy for you and Ruth.”

  She drank in his warmth and his familiar clean scent. “Thank you. I still can’t quite believe it.”

  He moved back and frowned at the crowds chattering excitedly around them. “How about we find somewhere a little quieter to talk?”

  “I’d like that,” she said. “Do you have anywhere in mind?”

  “There’s a spot not far away that should do.” He took her by the hand and led her past the marble columns, out the main entrance, and down the steps. Then he continued along the sidewalk.

  Walking quickly, Olivia did her best to calm the nerves jumping in her stomach.

  He turned the corner and veered over to a patch of grass, where a lovely crabapple tree created a secluded area. They stepped beneath its welcoming canopy of branches and the rest of the world simply fell away.

  Darius leaned his back against the tree trunk and gazed down at her. “I’m so proud of you, Olivia. It took a lot of courage to tell your story in front of all those people.”

  Pleasure curled through her chest at the admiration in his gaze. “It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. But it was worth it.”

  “Yes, it was.” He smiled at her, tiny lines creasing his mouth. “So, Miss Rosetti, what is it you wished to talk to me about?”

  Now that the moment was here, Olivia’s mouth went dry. How did she begin to reveal everything in her heart? Would he welcome her words, or had he become used to life without her? “First, I want to thank you again for coming today. I never imagined you would speak on our behalf.”

  Darius laughed. “I never imagined that myself.”

  She hesitated, closing her eyes as a wave of uncertainty crashed over her. Was she really going to bare her soul here on the city hall’s side lawn?

  “Is there something else?” Darius’s gentle prompt made her eyes open.

  His tender expression as he searched her face brought a lump to her throat, giving her the reassurance she needed.

  “Yes, there is.” Be brave, Olivia. You can do this. “I’ve done a lot of soul searching since Sofia’s birthday, and something my brother said the other day made me come to a realization.” She squared her shoulders, the soles of her shoes shifting on the grass. “He told me that God wouldn’t want me to live in shame, and that I should be brave enough to claim the happiness He has in store for me.” She paused, the slight fluttering of the leaves overhead seeming to whisper encouragement.

  “He’s right.” Darius placed a finger under her chin and gently brought her gaze to meet his. “You deserve the best in life, Olivia. And I’d do anything in my power to give it to you—if you’d only let me.”

  She stared into his eyes, so earnest and kind, and swallowed against the rise of tears. “Then I don’t suppose you’d reconsider my earlier proposition?” The breeze blew several strands of hair across her face.

  “What proposition is that?”

  She placed a hand on his sleeve, needing the physical connection between them. “The personal merger I mentioned once before in your office.”

  Darius’s eyes widened. “Olivia Rosetti, are you asking me to marry you?”

  She bit her trembling lip and nodded.

  Darius’s heart jackhammered against his ribs as he stared into Olivia’s beautiful face, the face he’d missed more than his next breath. A river of joy spread through him, but he took a moment to hold himself in check. Although he longed to simply blurt out his answer, he owed it to them both to be practical. He needed to take into account the fact that his circumstances had changed and he had no way to provide for her at present. “Before I give you my answer,” he said, “there’s something I need to tell you.”

  A flicker of uncertainty bloomed in her ey
es. “What is it?”

  “Now that I’m unemployed, I’ve been considering a pretty drastic career change.” He pushed away from the tree and took one of her hands in his. “I want to do something to serve my community. Perhaps even help prevent the type of violence and hatred that killed Selene.” He paused. “I’m thinking of becoming a police officer. So I need to know if you’d be willing to be a policeman’s wife.” He held his breath, searching her face. His own mother hadn’t taken the news well, making it clear she was not in favor of his decision. Would Olivia feel the same?

  Olivia frowned, shadows hugging her features. “I think you’ve got it wrong,” she said slowly. “Would they accept you if I was your wife? A woman with a questionable past who’s been incarcerated?”

  “I hadn’t thought of that.” He had no idea if that would prevent his acceptance onto the force, but if it did, he had other options in mind. “If not, I could always apply to the fire department instead.”

  Her lips twitched. “You have it all worked out, I see.”

  “I do. Either way, I’d be using my life to help others, which is all that matters.” An insect flew by his ear, its buzzing matching the hum of nerves inside him as he awaited her answer.

  “Both are admirable careers,” she said carefully. “And although the thought of you being in danger makes me nervous, I think you would make a fine policeman or fireman.” Then her brow furrowed. “What about Sofia, though? Are you sure my background wouldn’t be a detriment to her?”

  He held her gaze. Never again would he let her feel unworthy. He tightened his grip on her fingers. “Olivia, you are the kindest, bravest, most loyal person I’ve ever met. Sofia would be lucky to have you in her life.”