For Her Son's Love

by Kathryn Springer

  “No.” Miranda realized Andrew’s presence was far from comforting. “It… I’m fine. Now.”

  He frowned. Miranda looked down but his hand cupped her chin and gently lifted it up. He searched her eyes, looking for the truth. “You couldn’t find Daniel. Did you think something had happened to him? Here?”

  The question made her fear seem irrational and silly. But she couldn’t deny it. “Someone said they’d seen him leave with an adult. It’s stupid, I know, but—”

  “No, it’s not.” Andrew let out a slow breath. “It’s my fault. Daniel saw me talking to Pastor Fraser right after the program. He told me you were with Leah and he was so anxious to show me the birdhouse he’d made, I didn’t stop to think about how you’d feel if you couldn’t find him.”

  His willingness to accept he’d made a mistake chipped away at her defenses. Miranda tried to find a way to shore up the wall between them. “Daniel can’t accept the baseball glove, Mr. Noble.”

  Andrew was motionless as he stared at some unknown point on the wall.

  “Why?” The simple question broke the silence.

  Miranda stood up and walked to the window, needing to put some space between them. It didn’t help. “I don’t know you.”

  “You don’t know me,” Andrew repeated the words. “Is that the real reason, Miranda? Or is it because you think you do?”

  The photo of him and Juliana Overstreet flashed in her mind. And so did the memory of the unexpected hurt she’d felt when he’d left her and Daniel in the park with no explanation. Her frustration bubbled to the surface and spilled over.

  “Daniel has always been quiet but he can’t stop talking about you. He even came up with some crazy reason why you left us in the park. He said you got the call to help someone. He’s been…disappointed before. Can’t you see, it isn’t good for him to get attached to you—to trust you? It’s only going to lead to—” Her voice broke off when she realized the words were as true for herself as they were for Daniel. And judging from the expression on Andrew’s face, he knew it, too.

  “What is it going to lead to?” He moved toward her.

  Miranda shook her head mutely and braced herself, anticipating he’d stand close enough to intimidate her with his size and strength. He didn’t. He stopped several feet away and shoved his hands in his front pockets.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you why I left.”

  Miranda was confused by the way he phrased it. He wasn’t sorry he’d left, but sorry he couldn’t tell her why?

  “Miranda? I’d never hurt Daniel. Do you believe me?”

  She wanted to believe him. And that was what scared her the most.

  “He thinks you’re some kind of hero. He’s going to be disappointed.” I’m going to be disappointed.

  “A hero? I guess I’ll have to set him straight, won’t I?” Andrew’s lips twisted. “Please let Daniel keep the baseball glove. I didn’t mean to overstep my boundaries.” When she didn’t respond, he walked toward the door. “He’s a great kid. You’re doing a good job, Miranda.”

  Out of all the things he could have said to end their conversation, it was the last thing she’d expected. And exactly what she needed to hear.

  “Scoot down, girls. Another one of the belly buddies has arrived,” Meg Kierney announced.

  “I think we’re going to need a bigger table, Miranda.” Kelly Van Zandt eyed the group of friends who’d been waiting her arrival, one hand resting on her bulging tummy.

  “I don’t need a bigger table—” Pilar Fletcher sighed “—I need a bigger chair.”

  “Oh, please.” Kelly laughed as Anne and Leah maneuvered their chairs to make more room. “You’re as slim as ever. From the back.”

  Pilar wrinkled her nose. “Pretty soon I won’t be able to see my feet.”

  “Would you be more comfortable in a booth?” Miranda ventured.

  “We’re fine.” Meg’s bright auburn curls bounced in response to her decisive nod. “Life is crazy enough at the moment. Something has to stay the same. Like sitting at our favorite table.”

  A silence settled over the noisy group as everyone absorbed the truth in what she’d said. Miranda knew Meg was referring to the recent backlash in the community over the documents found hidden in the Harcourt mansion. The story had been leaked to the press and several scathing letters to the editor, directed at the Harcourt family, had already appeared in the weekend edition of the Gazette.

  According to the letters Miranda had read, two families had already discovered their children’s adoptions hadn’t been legal. She’d lain awake the night before, battling the fear that Daniel’s adoption might be one of the ones that came into question.

  “Meg’s right,” Pilar said, her tone deliberately light. She patted her tummy. “The only thing that’s changed today is my coffee preference. I’m ordering decaf.”

  Miranda took the rest of the drink orders and went behind the counter. By the time she returned with the tray, everyone was in line for the buffet except Anne.

  “I had to call home and find out how Christina is doing,” Anne confessed with a smile. “Not that I don’t trust Caleb and Dylan with her, of course, but if she’s not in my arms, I just feel like something’s…missing.”

  “I know what you mean.” Miranda relived the heart-stopping moment when she couldn’t find Daniel. The panic she’d felt had melted away the instant she’d realized he’d been with Andrew. Did that mean on some level she trusted him?

  Was that what Andrew had wanted to hear?

  She shook the unsettling thought away.

  “I’m glad Daniel came to Sonshine Camp,” Anne continued. “He seems so shy but he actually volunteered to play the part of Daniel in the skit.”

  Miranda had been surprised, too, but not as surprised as she’d been when Daniel had shown her the plaque his teacher had given him for memorizing all his verses. It had to be a coincidence that the verse on the wooden plaque was the same one she hadn’t been able to shake out of her thoughts all week.

  See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.

  “It was good for him,” Miranda murmured.

  “The youth group is helping out with games at the Fourth of July celebration this week. Caleb even mentioned forming some teams for baseball. Are you working?”

  “Sandra closes the diner so everyone can have the day off.”

  Anne’s blue eyes lit up. “You should join us. Reverend Fraser and Scott Crosby are manning the grills and everyone brings a dish to pass. We sit in the shade, eat way too much and then watch the fireworks.”

  “Speaking of eating too much,” Meg said as she, Pilar and Leah rejoined Anne at the table. “It’s not fair that I gain a pound just by looking at Sandra’s homemade cinnamon rolls.”

  “Olivia will be at the celebration,” Leah added, making no effort to hide the fact she’d overheard at least part of Miranda’s conversation with Anne.

  “I’m not sure what our plans are yet.” Miranda thought of the suitcases stashed in the closet.

  Kelly winced suddenly and pressed her fingers against her ribs. “I’m convinced Ross and I have a future ballerina in here.”

  “Or maybe a soccer player.” Anne winked at Miranda.

  “Or a soccer team.” Meg, who had twin boys, Luke and Chance, grinned impishly.

  “Oh, no. Pilar and Zach are the ones working on a team,” Kelly said.

  Pilar’s dark eyes warmed. “That’s true. If everything goes according to plan, the adoption proceedings will be final and Adriana and Eduardo will be part of our family by Thanksgiving.”

  “Did you need anything else?” Miranda took advantage of the tiny break in conversation.

  Meg and Pilar exchanged a look.

  “This is going to sound strange,” Meg said. “But can we get a breakfast plate to go? Rachel shouldn’t have to miss out on our weekly waffles and gabfest just because she’s on bed rest.”

  “We’re all going over to her house after we eat,
” Pilar added. “I told Eli not to feed her…much.”

  “Let me know about ten minutes before you leave and I’ll put it together.” Miranda was always amazed by the love and genuine concern that bonded the women together. The only person she’d ever been that close with was her sister, Lorraine. There had been several women near her age working at the bank, but Hal’s possessive streak had discouraged her from pursuing any friendship with them.

  “Will someone please give thanks for this meal before I faint face-first into my scrambled eggs?” Kelly moaned.

  “I will.” Meg chuckled as they all joined hands, completely at ease with each other and their faith.

  Miranda couldn’t walk away now without disrupting Meg’s prayer. She glanced down self-consciously at the floor when the women bowed their heads.

  “Lord, we love You. And we trust You,” Meg murmured. “We trust Your protection and Your faithfulness even though we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Thank You for this food. Bless the hands that prepared and served it. Amen.”

  There was that word again. Trust.

  Can I trust you, God?

  The question escaped like steam from the vault of pain and doubt that had taken up residence in Miranda’s heart. How long had it been since she’d talked to God? Would God even hear her anymore? Or did He only listen to women like Sandra, who’d clung to Him when things had gone wrong instead of walking away?

  She looked up and found Anne’s compassionate gaze resting on her.

  “Don’t forget about the Fourth of July celebration,” Anne reminded her. “It starts at noon.”

  “Olivia would love to play with Daniel,” Leah chimed in. Her warm smile was reflected in the faces around the table and for the first time, Miranda didn’t let her experiences from the past sever the fragile connection she felt with the women gathered there.

  She knew Daniel would enjoy spending the afternoon with the friends he’d made at church the week before.

  “All right. We’ll be there.”

  She said the words before she could change her mind.

  Chapter Ten

  Pastor Fraser recruited Andrew to join a baseball team the minute he walked through the entrance of Winchester Park. In the name of patriotism and to identify him as a “Firecracker,” Andrew had been given a red-white-and-blue striped baseball cap. Which looked ridiculous. He might have complained if Ross hadn’t sidled up to him, wearing a “crown” made out of green foam that looked suspiciously like the one Lady Liberty wore.

  “Humbling, isn’t it?” Ross muttered. “I want to hunt down the person responsible for this.”

  Andrew’s gaze scanned the park. “Just so there aren’t any reporters lurking around today.”

  Ross lifted an eyebrow. “I hate to be the one to break this to you, but they’re going to be swarming the place later. Jared mentioned that Douglas Matthews is going to be here. His show is going national, you know, so he’s big news now. Hometown boy becomes successful television personality.”

  “Let’s make him an honorary Firecracker. I’ll give him my hat.”

  “I respect a man who puts the needs of others first.” Ross grinned.

  “Andrew, Ross, we’re ready to start.” Scott Crosby, the associate pastor of Chestnut Grove Community, waved a baseball bat in the air to get their attention.

  “Time to separate the men from the boys.” Andrew tipped his hat at Ross.

  “Take it easy on me, Noble. I’m an old married man now, you know.” Ross blew a kiss to Kelly, who sat at a nearby picnic table with Sandra Lange. Seated next to Sandra was an older gentleman whose snow-white hair and Hawaiian-print shirt made him look like Santa Claus on summer holiday. Andrew recognized him as Tony Conlon, the owner of Conlon’s Gift Emporium.

  Andrew had almost reached the dugout when a small whirlwind in a green T-shirt intercepted him. Daniel. Without thinking, he scooped him up and tossed him over one shoulder.

  “Hey, bud. I didn’t think I’d see you here today.” But he’d been hoping.

  Daniel’s words were muffled against Andrew’s shoulder.

  “What?” Andrew shouted. “I can’t hear you. You have to speak up.”

  “Mom’s. Over. There.” A giggle punctuated each word.

  The sound of his laughter pierced Andrew right down to the bone. How had this little guy and his mom gotten under his skin so quickly?

  “Where?” Andrew spun in a circle, turning Daniel into a human wind sock before depositing him on the ground once again.

  Daniel pointed to a tree not far from the ball field. Miranda sat underneath it on a colorful blanket. Alone. The sunlight filtered through the trees, coaxing out russet highlights in her hair. He could tell she was watching them but his spirits lifted, knowing Daniel must have had her blessing to come over and say hello.

  “I better go get her.” Andrew winked at him. “We need her on first base. I hope you brought your glove.”

  “We can play?” A wide grin split Daniel’s face. “Both of us?”

  “Are you kidding? Everybody gets to play today.” Andrew yanked the hat off his head and put it on Daniel’s. “You are now officially a Firecracker. I’ll be right back.”

  Miranda rose to her feet when he jogged over, her expression uncertain. He wasn’t surprised. He hadn’t been back to the diner since he’d walked out on her at the church Friday evening. It hadn’t been stubbornness that had kept him away—it was pure self-protection.

  He might not have seen her in person but she’d been in his thoughts and his prayers all weekend. On Saturday morning, when he’d pried a charred blueberry bagel out of the toaster, he’d wondered if she had the weekend off or if she was working. On Saturday night he’d watched Field of Dreams with Rachel and Eli and remembered how Miranda had briefly opened up to him when she’d tried to give the baseball glove back. Even Pastor Fraser’s sermon on Sunday morning about the lost sheep had brought her to mind. If there was anyone wandering from the care and concern of the shepherd and the rest of the fold, it was Miranda Jones.

  “Anne Williams invited us,” Miranda said instead of hello.

  Anne might have invited her, but she’d accepted the invitation.

  Thank you, Anne.

  The knot that had formed in his stomach over the weekend loosened a little. It was as if God was reassuring him that He was reaching out to her. Just like the message in Reverend Fraser’s sermon, He was seeking out the lamb that had wandered away. Miranda was alone and afraid of something. And she didn’t trust easily. He hoped that her willingness to attend the church picnic meant she was ready to open her heart a little.

  “Come on. The Firecrackers need you.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “There aren’t too many people brave enough to risk life and limb and slide into home plate.”

  A reluctant smile lifted the corners of her mouth.

  “You’ll have fun. Trust me.” He said the words without weighing their meaning but the shadow in Miranda’s eyes told him she was replaying their last conversation in her mind.

  If it had been anyone else, he would have grabbed her hand and pulled her along. Not with Miranda. He held out his hand and waited.

  She hesitated only a second. And then she wove her fingers through his.

  “Admit it, Anne, these games are part of a diabolical plot to work up everyone’s appetites so there are no leftovers,” Kelly said as she squeezed between Miranda and Sandra at the picnic table.

  “I don’t need games to work up an appetite,” Tony Conlon chuckled. “All I need is a whiff of Sandra’s cooking and that does it for me.”

  Sandra’s cheeks instantly turned pink and Miranda smiled when Tony gave the rest of the women at the table a broad wink.

  After the Firecrackers triumphant win, Sandra had offered her a seat in the shade and a tall glass of lemonade while Andrew took Daniel to the other side of the park for the children’s games.

  The flash of disbelief in Andrew’s eyes when she’d
given Daniel permission to go without her had weighted her down with guilt. She hadn’t expected she had the power to hurt Andrew but somehow she had. She’d gotten so used to second-guessing people’s motives—she’d immediately thought the worst when Andrew had tried to befriend them—that he felt sorry for them and when the novelty passed, he’d move on. She wanted to believe it was Andrew’s reputation that made her wary but she knew she couldn’t put the blame entirely on that. She’d lived so long in the shadow of her secrets, it felt safer to stay there than to venture into the unknown. And a man like Andrew Noble definitely fell into the category of the unknown.

  She’d memorized an apology but Andrew hadn’t come into the diner all weekend. She tried to convince herself the wave of relief that had washed through her when Daniel had pointed to Andrew by the baseball field was due to the fact that she had another opportunity to make things right, not because she’d missed him.

  “I know for a fact teenagers don’t need to do anything to work up an appetite,” Anne said. “My grocery budget doubled since Dylan came to live with us.”

  “Are you taking notes, Miranda?” Trista Van Zandt asked ruefully, nuzzling her son Aidan’s plump cheek. “I can’t imagine this little guy outgrowing his strained fruits and veggies.”

  When Kelly had introduced the young woman who’d joined them at the table as Ross’s younger sister, Miranda had immediately seen the resemblance between the two siblings. Ross and Trista shared the striking combination of midnight-black hair and dark blue eyes.

  Trista had mentioned she’d moved to Chestnut Grove to be closer to Kelly and Ross, but Miranda recognized the haunted look in her eyes. Aidan lay cradled in the protective circle of her arms and her ring finger was bare.

  “They grow up too fast,” Miranda agreed, remembering how small Daniel’s bicycle looked and his need for new clothing.

  Kelly glanced at her watch and stood up. “It’s getting close to one, so I better go and rustle up the dessert I brought. Teenage boys aren’t the only ones with a sweet tooth, you know. I had to hide the cake from Ross this morning so he wouldn’t snitch a piece. All in the name of a taste test, of course.”