Here for You

by Pat Simmons

  For the next half hour, he preached hard on the formula for perfect peace. “Seek God in bad times and even when things are good at the moment.”

  The sermon inspired a heavy dose of praise and worship.

  After the offering and benediction, Nicholas made a beeline to where Rachel was chatting with Ava. Mother Jenkins was coming from another direction as if they were racing to see who could get to Rachel first.

  Somehow, Mother Jenkins shifted to third gear and beat Nicholas by four steps. “Well, well, well.” Her face glowed with happiness. She was about to wrap her arms around Rachel when Nicholas linked his hands through Rachel’s and moved her out of harm’s way.

  She squinted. “Minister Adams, please step aside so I can give her a hug.”

  Rachel leaned close to Mother Jenkins and whispered, “I’m still sore from my radiation treatment.”

  “Oh, of course.” Mother Jenkins nodded. “You’re always on my personal prayer list. I’ll call and come visit one day this week.”

  Rachel’s eyes lit up. “I’d like that. I always look forward to our talks.”

  “Hello.”

  Nicholas recognized Evangelist Union’s voice before she approached.

  “I caught a glimpse of your Ankara scarf in service.” She scanned the headwrap as if she was cataloging the twists and folds to duplicate it. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” Rachel answered in a shaky voice. She still appeared a bit self-conscious.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m Evangelist Union.” She extended her hand for a shake, and Rachel loosened her fingers from Nicholas to accept it. “I’m also assigned to the sick and homebound list. If it’s okay, maybe I can tag along when Mother Jenkins visits. My sister had breast cancer and recovered fully.”

  Rachel’s eyes brightened. “That would be nice.”

  Mother Jenkins cleared her voice. “Too many visitors will wear Rachel out.”

  Nicholas blinked. Did Mother Jenkins ever let her guard down toward women? What unfounded suspicions did she have now? Didn’t matter as Nicholas held his tongue. It appeared Mother Jenkins’s overprotectiveness now extended to Rachel. And Nicholas liked that.

  Chapter 34

  “The good news is you’re clear to travel Thanksgiving, since you’re taking a short flight to St. Louis. Your vitals look good, and your body continues to respond to the chemo,” Dr. Rush, her primary oncologist, said after the nurse submitted Rachel’s chart for review. “However, you should be aware of the risks and take precautions.”

  “What type of precautions?” The holiday was ten days away. She had just finished her radiation treatment, and Rachel looked forward to meeting Kym in St. Louis to spend the holiday with Tabitha and Marcus. She had already started to eat more to build her strength so her family wouldn’t make a fuss over her at the dinner table.

  “Cancer can increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis—or a blood clot—when flying.” He cited more precautions. “I’ll have Amanda give you some pamphlets on the dos and don’ts for cancer patients.”

  It was bittersweet news. Once Rachel returned home and read over the travel tips, she debated whether it was worth the four-day visit. Would fatigue get the best of her amid the expected crowds? If she had a medical emergency, her oncology team was hundreds of miles away. Should she go home, or should she stay in Nashville?

  After a couple of days, Nicholas sensed her distraction. When she explained her dilemma, he suggested an impromptu field trip. “Just the two of us. We can go to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, then we’ll see how you feel navigating crowds.”

  Rachel wasn’t sure if that was a good idea but gave his suggestion some thought. Neither of them had been inside the museum since the expansion was completed. The project had doubled the square footage and included interactive sections.

  “We’ll go at your pace and leave when you feel yourself getting tired.” The compassion in his words and eyes melted her heart.

  “Okay.”

  On Saturday afternoon, Nicholas showed up in jeans and white sweater, matching her choice of attire—a white sweater and jean skirt and leggings. “You look pretty.”

  He had no idea how much his words touched her. “Thank you.”

  Grabbing her hand, he brought it up to his lips. “And you look like you belong to me.” He winked.

  Surprisingly, Rachel tapped into her energy reserves and threw caution to the wind, ignoring the stares from people who might have suspected she was a cancer patient. Hand in hand, they viewed some historic video clips and admired only a sampling of the stockpile of costumes and music instruments the museum housed, dating back a hundred years.

  The old music recordings and impressive photo collection alone were reasons why Nashville attracted so many tourists each year. Plus, there was an addition of the Taylor Swift Education Center. Kudos for Nashvillians.

  Nicholas asked if she was ready to move to another display, but an odd sensation seemed to drape over her, and she couldn’t move. He faced her. The worry in his eyes showed his concern. “What’s wrong? Babe, talk to me.”

  Rachel was hesitant to say. “It will seem as if I’m complaining.” She lowered her head in shame. “I keep having these mood swings.” She thought she had overcome these pity parties, but they popped up without warning. She hated seeming spiritually as weak as her body, especially when she was reading her Bible more.

  “Hey.” Nicholas released her hand to lift her chin. “I’m here. You’re going through major obstacles. Talk to me so I can understand.”

  She smiled despite her troubled spirit and debated if she should vent after his soothing words. “My life seemed so simple before my diagnosis—I worked hard and enjoyed what I did, my sisters and I traveled at will, I was active in my community… Being a cancer patient changed what was once commonplace.”

  “I know.” He held her hand again and massaged her fingers. His warm smile encouraged her to continue.

  “As a cancer patient, I have a risk of developing a blood clot if I choose to fly. During the holidays, I could be more susceptible to a pat down at the airport because of my head covering, and I might be asked to reveal…my prosthesis.”

  She shivered at the thought of someone seeing the effects the radiation had on her skin. “There are risks of an infection around large crowds. Like now, I’m becoming paranoid, wondering if someone is sick. This is crazy.” She sighed, then faced the glass again as an old black-and-white film clip played.

  Rachel rested her head on his shoulder.

  He kissed her forehead. “Tired?”

  “A little overwhelmed. This place was already big, but with the expansion, it is huge. You know I like skylines, so I really wanted to see the view over the city from the event halls.”

  “Another day, maybe.” He looked at the time on his phone. “We’ve already been here for a couple of hours. Let’s go to the café so you can rest.”

  She nodded and let him lead her. While she sat, Nicholas took off to get her something to drink.

  He returned with bottled waters for both of them and a snack to share. “I’m taking you home for the holiday,” Nicholas said out of the blue, his jaw set. “You haven’t seen your sisters in weeks.”

  Rachel smiled and rested her hand on top of his. He was everything she never knew she wanted in a man.

  “Aw. That’s sweet, but I don’t think I’m up for a four-hour road trip.”

  “You’re not.” Nicholas bobbed his head. For the next few minutes, he was focused on something on his phone, then he looked up and gave her a brilliant grin. “Booked. I’m escorting you home on the plane.”

  Speechless at first, Rachel could only stare at this man. “What about your family?” she finally asked, beyond surprised.

  “Since it’s a short flight, I won’t miss a beat. After I get you to your family, I’ll turn a
round and board my return trip back home. Airport parking should be cheap.” He grinned.

  Talk about sacrifice. The things he was willing to do for her. “You think of everything, and I couldn’t love you more.”

  “Remember that when I ask you to marry me.” He winked.

  Huh? Marriage. A future. She still worried about her survival, and she still worried about the ups and downs in her faith. But for Nicholas’s sake, she mustered a smile and replied, “Noted.”

  * * *

  The day before Thanksgiving, the media reported an increase in the spread of flu cases across the Midwest. “Great.” Rachel twisted her lips in disappointment. Would there always be some sort of emotional setback? Before she could text Nicholas about possibly backing out, he called.

  “As soon as I saw the health alert about the flu, I thought of you and said a prayer that no harm, disease, or illness would come near you. Wear your surgical mask and pack your hand sanitizer. You’ll be fine. God is a keeper.”

  “Yes, thanks for the constant reminder.” Rachel ended the call and finished packing while she reflected on her past. It was sad that she and Jacqui had used their looks and sass to turn heads from the opposite sex, but now her physical beauty was in remission while her cancer took center stage. Nicholas never backed down from his feelings.

  Her bald head, hairless face, and weak stature drew unwanted scrutiny, but she was working hard to change her image and attitude. Fake lashes, a brow pencil, and lipstick could do so much, even without the head wrap and full makeup application: primer, highlights, contour. Then, the perfect accessory was spiritual strength.

  At three o’clock, Rachel gave her reflection one final check. Bright shades of blue had always enhanced her skin tone. She smiled at the sapphire sweater and same color cape that accented her off-white pants and cowboy boots—after all, she was from Nashville.

  “You can pull this off,” she told herself as the doorbell rang. Grabbing her surgical mask, she covered her nose and mouth, then looped the thick strings behind her ears. Nicholas had only seen her wear it a few times, usually after her treatments. Smiling behind the mask, Rachel opened the door and stepped back so he could enter. “I know it’s going to draw attention—”

  Nicholas held up his hand to protest and shook his head. “All that matters to me is you stay healthy.” He grabbed her hand and squeezed. “I’ll be right there beside you. Where’s your luggage?”

  She pointed to the hall. “I notified TSA Cares. Amanda, my oncology nurse, gave me a pamphlet. I advised them that I’m a cancer patient. A TSA lead officer will be there to assist me. They also gave me a preboarding pass. I might not have to remove my head wrap or reveal…you know. That would be sooooo embarrassing.” She pointed to her designer luggage. One carry-on and one to check.

  “You got your medicine?” he asked.

  Rachel patted her handbag. After doing one final sweep of her condo to make sure she didn’t leave anything, she walked out with her hand in Nicholas’s.

  At the airport, Rachel did her best to brace herself against the stares and whispers of “I hope she doesn’t make us sick” or “I wonder what’s wrong with her.” To be honest, prior to becoming a cancer patient, she would have had the same thoughts.

  Her heart raced as they inched closer to the security checkpoint. After Nicholas put her luggage and his overnight bag—just in case he missed his turnaround flight—on the conveyor belt to be screened, she held her breath.

  Besides the compliments on her head wrap and a pat down from the awaiting TSA lead agent, her experience was stress free to her relief. Her preboarding ticket allowed her to board the plane with other passengers who needed assistance before the A-section travelers.

  She claimed the window seat while Nicholas stored their luggage in the overhead bin, then they strapped their seat belts for the one-hour flight to St. Louis. Although Rachel tried to avoid eye contact, she could feel eyes lingering on her and her mask as passengers made their way down the aisle to find seats.

  It didn’t go unnoticed by her that a couple of women’s eyes lingered on Nicholas longer than necessary. When one woman whose perfume permeated through Rachel’s mask took the aisle seat next to Nicholas, Rachel rested her head on his shoulder. When he wrapped his arm around her, she closed her eyes. She would be glad when her treatments were over. She may not have all her hair and the same body again, but at least she was loved.

  Soon, she and Nicholas landed at Lambert Airport in St. Louis. As the two of them exited the terminal, Rachel’s eyes watered at the sight of her welcoming party. Her sisters and Marcus held balloons, flowers, even a stuffed toy. Rachel laughed as Nicholas squeezed her hand.

  “You are loved, sweetheart.”

  “I know.” She gazed at him.

  The sisters took turns hugging and kissing Rachel. The mask didn’t deter their affections. “Nicholas, thanks for bringing our sister home,” Kym said with tear-filled eyes.

  “You’re welcome, but remember you have to give her back to me,” he said, and emotions choked in Rachel’s throat.

  * * *

  On the return flight to Nashville, Nicholas snagged a window seat and glanced out. Although he missed Rachel beside him, he knew he’d made the right choice in accompanying her home. The visit would be good for her as long as she stayed healthy. He saw the looks cast in their direction, and he hated that she had to be subjected to people’s pity. He hoped, in the midst of pity, someone added her to a prayer list.

  “Thanksgiving is all about family, and you brought me home to mine.” Rachel had hugged him tight. He had limited his embraces for fear of hurting her. “Go and enjoy your folks,” she said.

  “I’ll be back Sunday afternoon. Remember I love you and I’ll be praying.”

  That was when her eyes sparkled. “Love you more and thank you.”

  With that, he had shaken hands with her family, given her one final hug, and made his way into the line for the security checkpoint. Despite his urging for Rachel to go, she didn’t budge as he continued walking toward his gate.

  “God, I love her.”

  “That’s a bummer,” his seatmate, a pretty woman with rich dark skin and stylish short curls, said. “I was hoping you weren’t seeing anyone.” Her lips curved upward. “You’re not wearing a ring.”

  Nicholas didn’t realize he had spoken his thoughts out loud. Slightly embarrassed, he chuckled. “Trust me, my woman has me wrapped around her finger.” He waited for his flight to take off. The sooner he could get home and enjoy Thanksgiving, the sooner he could return to St. Louis for Rachel.

  Chapter 35

  Thanksgiving morning, Nicholas sent Rachel a text before he left for the annual church service. She would attend Bethesda Temple in St. Louis with her family.

  She called him. Before he could say hello, she blurted out, “I love you, and I miss you!”

  Her declaration breathed life into him, and he closed his eyes to savor the moment. Nicholas had never thought those three words had that much power. Hours later, he was still smiling when he showed up at his parents’ house for dinner.

  “Hey, Son,” his dad said as Nicholas walked through his childhood home. While Karl favored their father, Nicholas had inherited his mother’s facial features. His nephews barreled toward him when they heard his voice. He and Karl entertained the boys until his mother and sister-in-law set the table.

  After his father gave thanks and asked for God’s blessings, everyone ate. The conversation was lively, covering everything from the morning message to hanging Christmas decorations, which prompted the boys to shout out their gift lists, to his favorite topic—Rachel.

  “Uncle Nick, is Miss Rachel going to die?” Kory asked the bombshell, silencing everyone.

  Nicholas snarled at his brother. Number one: Where had his nephew heard that from? Number two: Karl, also a minister, should have had this
talk with his son.

  Nicholas selfishly hoped not anytime soon, but only God had that answer. To say no and then have Rachel succumb to cancer could affect his nephew’s relationship with God in the long term. To say yes or maybe would be too much for even Nicholas to bear. “If we want to be with Jesus, we have to have a new body, so the old one has to go away.” That was the best Nicholas could do without encouraging more questions.

  “I want to see Jesus too, but I don’t want to die.” Kory shook his head. “And I don’t want Miss Rachel to die either.” His bottom lip trembled.

  “None of us do, Son.” Karl spoke up for the first time and rubbed Kory’s head. “Just keep praying for her, okay?”

  Kory bobbed his head.

  “I’ll pray too!” Rory added.

  * * *

  Nothing like family love. Rachel felt more like herself surrounded by them. Since no one was sick, she didn’t have to walk around the Whittington house talking through a surgical mask.

  Rachel also appreciated not being bombarded with questions about her condition. Although she had to rest twice, she was able to work alongside Kym and Tabitha to help recreate Marcus’s mother’s secret pie recipe. If they missed the mark on the half sweet potato half pecan pie, would her taste buds know any different?

  “You know, I’m glad you have Nicholas in your life,” Kym said, then turned to Tabitha and patted her hand. “And Marcus is in yours. Although I’m the oldest, I didn’t expect to be an old maid.”

  “You won’t be for long.” Tabitha playfully scrunched up her nose. “If you weren’t so picky.”

  Kym lifted a shoulder and her chin. “It’s called selective.”

  Rachel glanced at Marcus, who stood. “That’s my cue. Sounds like a lively Knicely sisters discussion is about to start, so I’ll take my leave.” With that said, he hurried toward the hallway.

  “Wait, babe,” Tabitha called after him, and he pivoted around.