by Ruby Hill
Laura was speechless. The gift was more than she could have ever hoped for, but she knew that they could never be together. It wasn't like Michael could run away with her. He had to manage the ranch and care for his mother and sister. Her aunt and his ma would never allow the relationship. Laura also knew that she had to accept the gift. Michael had said she had stolen his heart, and the truth was, he had stolen hers too.
"I will wear it always."
She kissed Michael again, this time with more intensity. They both wanted the moment to last forever, but she knew if she stayed any longer she wouldn't be able to sneak back into the house.
"May I ride home with you today?" asked Michael. "We won't see each other until after Christmas and I want to spend as much time with you as I can."
"I would love that."
Michael helped Laura onto her horse as they rode back to the Williams's ranch. When they reached the winding road that led to her family's house, Aunt June came running toward them.
"Oh, thank the Lord," cried Aunt June. "We didn't know where you had run off to."
Aunt June stopped abruptly when she saw Laura's companion. A fiery gaze revealed her anger.
"Ma'am, I just wanted to make sure she got home alright."
"And just where did you take her. Did he hurt you, Laura?
Shocked, Laura answered, "Hurt me? Of course not. How could you even think that? We just watched the sun come up over the mountains. It was so lovely, Aunt June."
Uncle Robert and Thomas came down the winding road on their horses.
"Ma, you found her. Where were you off to, girl? You've created quite the fuss around here," offered Uncle Robert.
"Honestly, I didn't mean any disrespect, sir. I just wanted to make sure she got home safe. If it's alright with you, I'll be off now," Michael said as he tipped his hat.
Uncle Robert nodded his head in a farewell to Michael. Strangely, Uncle Robert and Thomas did not seem upset that Michael had brought her home. However, the questions from Aunt June were unrelenting.
"How long have you been sneaking off with him? Do you know what the neighbors will say? First James and now Michael. You know you can't just go flirting with every boy who smiles at you."
Laura answered every question honestly. She didn't believe she had done anything wrong, other than sneaking out of the house every morning. In Aunt June's mind, Laura had been fraternizing with the enemy.
When Aunt June was ready to shoot off another round of questions, she noticed the red heart around Laura's neck.
"Did he give that to you? How could you accept such an expensive gift? Didn't your father teach you any manners?"
Laura sighed and wished the inquisition would stop.
Uncle Robert walked in and laughed, "Ma, leave that poor girl alone."
"Pa, that boy gave her a necklace. Her reputation is ruined. You need to go over to the Cummings' ranch right now and put an end to this."
"Ma, I ain't doing no such thing. Michael Cummings has always been a nice boy and its time you stop fighting with his mama. They're respectable folk, and there was a time you got along real good with Mrs. Cummings."
Refusing to be told what to do, Aunt June snorted, "Well if you won't do it, I will. Laura, put on your coat."
Although Laura didn't want to be involved in the great Cummings-Williams disagreement, Laura was eager to see Michael again.
Aunt June banged on the front door of Michael's home. Mrs. Cummings answered the door in disbelief.
"What are you doing here? I bet it ain't because you are bringing some gingerbread cookies," said Mrs. Cummings. She softened, "Well, as long as you're here, you might as well come in from the cold."
"Did you know that your boy has been flirting with my niece? He's been following her around like a lost puppy ever since she got to town," accused Aunt June.
"Aunt June, that isn't true. Michael has only been respectful and kind," explained Laura.
"You ought to listen to that girl, June Williams," said Mrs. Cummings in a loud, defensive voice. "My boy was raised right. He wouldn't disrespect anybody, not even your family."
Michael heard the commotion and descended down the stairs. Laura couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked in his dark pants and collared shirt. The warm glow from the fireplace lit up his face and highlighted his chiseled jaw and soft skin.
Aunt June and Mrs. Cummings watched as Laura and Michael looked at each other lovingly. Mrs. Cummings caught a glance of the familiar red heart around Laura's neck.
"Michael Cummings," she yelled. "You gave this girl your grandma's necklace?"
"I did, Ma. I love her," answered Michael, not taking his eyes off of Laura.
Laura's heart melted. This was the first time Michael had said these words out loud. The same words had been on the tip of her tongue for weeks, but she never uttered them for fear her love would be unrequited.
"I love you too, Michael."
"I feel faint," said Aunt June, who started to fan herself out of pure disbelief to what she was witnessing.
Michael rushed to Aunt June's side and led her to a chair in the parlor room. Laura sat next to her aunt while Mrs. Cummings took a seat on a nearby sofa. Michael headed to the kitchen to fetch some water for Aunt June.
Michael returned, handed Aunt June a glass of water, and took a seat next to his mother. Laura saw this opportunity to settle the dispute once and for all.
"Mrs. Cummings, why are you fighting with Aunt June anyway? Uncle Robert says that the two of you used to be friends."
Mrs. Cummings said, "Your aunt knows why we ain't speaking."
"I certainly don't," bellowed Aunt June. "After your husband died, you quit speaking to me."
"Well, of course I quite speaking to you. You didn't even bring me your gingerbread cookies that year. It was so soon after his death, and you completely forgot me."
"Forgot you? What do you mean? I baked you an extra batch that year. You were my first stop. I also brought you dinner every night for a month. Every evening, Michael said you were sleeping."
"Is that why you quit speaking to Mr. and Mrs. Cummings, Ma?" questioned Michael. "Did you really think it was Helen cooking all those meals? She was only three when Pa died. And as for the cookies, Helen and I ate all of them. All you did was sleep for a month, and I didn't know how to cook. If it weren't for Mrs. Williams, we all would've starved."
"Oh June, I had no idea," said Mrs. Cummings with tears rolling down her face. "I thought you forgot about me, and I held onto that anger for all of these years."
Mrs. Cummings rushed to Aunt June and grabbed her hand lovingly, and the two sobbed together.
"If I would have known you were angry about the cookies, I would have baked you a batch every week," said Aunt June. "Just think of all the time we've lost over such a misunderstanding."
It was obvious the two women had a lot of catching up to do, so Laura took the liberty of inviting them all to Christmas dinner.
"But we've never spent Christmas at another table," said Mrs. Cummings.
Michael responded, "Well, it's probably time we start some new traditions."
Mrs. Cummings agreed, "I will bring my bread pudding."
6
Laughter filled the air as the two families enjoyed a festive celebration. They shared memories and made new memories with the first of many Williams-Cummings Christmas dinners.
Annie and Helen were already friends from school. Thomas confessed to his mother that he would often visit the Cummings's ranch, along with his pa, to help with needed chores after Mr. Cummings died. Aunt June was shocked that her entire family had already ended the Williams-Cummings feud without her knowledge. Aunt June and Mrs. Cummings picked up the friendship where it had left off and decided to forgive all past grievances.
As the women started to gossip, even Thomas had something to add, "Did you hear that James and Rebecca are engaged?"
Michael squeezed Laura's hand under the table. Laura was grateful for Micha
el's willingness to stand up to James and defend her. Her initial interest in James seemed like it happened years ago. Realizing that Michael had always been God's plan for Laura, she lifted up a silent prayer of gratitude to Him.
Michael excused himself from the table and asked Laura's uncle to join him in the parlor. The women continued to laugh as Thomas helped himself to a third piece of pie.
Within minutes, Uncle Robert returned and announced, "Laura, there's someone waiting for you in the parlor. Why don't you join him?"
Aunt June and Mrs. Cummings exchanged hopeful glances.
Laura walked into the parlor and instinctively placed her hand over the heart necklace that Michael had given to her. Michael walked over to Laura and took a few seconds to find the courage to speak.
"My world has turned upside down since we met. You're all I can think about, and to be honest, you're all I want to think about. I want to spend every night together. I also want to spend every morning with you, never missing a sunrise. I want to hold you in my arms when you're sad, and I want to hold you in my arms when you're bursting with joy. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. I talked to your Uncle Robert, and…" Michael paused and got down on one knee, "Laura Brooks, will you marry me?"
Laura clasped Michael's hands to stop his fidgeting. Obviously, he was nervous.
"Yes, Michael. Yes."
Michael placed a ring on Laura's finger and stood up to seal the engagement with a kiss.
"A wedding! I can't believe it!" exclaimed Aunt June as she rushed into the parlor with Mrs. Cummings.
The two women embraced the newly betrothed couple. Uncle Robert, Thomas, Annie and Helen joined the group hug.
Michael had once told Laura that God worked on His own timing. Laura knew that Michael had been right and she needed to trust in God, even when everything seemed to be falling part. Because in moments like this, everything was right. As she looked around, Laura knew her father was looking down on her from heaven and would be pleased that she had found a family to care for her. Her father would have loved Michael. God had given her the Christmas blessings of family and love. Laura was confident she was exactly where God wanted her to be. Laura was home.
* * *
THE END
Part IV
Inspired Heart
Love Light Faith Books
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1
New York, New York, 1885
It was a clear, summer day in New York City. The sun was shining on Rebecca Hayward’s dark brown hair and somber black gown. With her head bowed, the reverend’s voice reverberated through her ears, yet Rebecca could not make out what he was saying. Her heart fluttered in her chest with panic and dread. Her husband’s life was over, and it seemed like hers was, too. How would she survive as a twenty-one-year-old, penniless widow?
As the first sod of earth was shoveled into the grave and hit the coffin inside, her knees failed, and she fell onto the churchyard grass. Her father’s hands reached down to lift her back up. As the funeral service ended, Rebecca’s father and her two younger sisters walked her back to a waiting carriage.
They arrived at the run-down building where Rebecca had lived for the past three years with her husband. The rent had not been paid in two months, but her landlady, Mrs. Allen, had been kind enough to let Rebecca stay. Her husband was sick for months before his death, and Mrs. Allen didn’t have the heart to kick them out.
Rebecca sat down on her old, squeaky bed with one sister sitting on each side of her. Rebecca’s father sat in a worn chair in the corner.
“How are you feeling, Rebecca?” asked her father.
“I don’t know how I feel, Papa. I just feel numb,” answered Rebecca, her green eyes glazed over from worry and lack of sleep.
“Well, I know this isn’t the best time to bring this up, but where do you plan on going?” asked her father.
“I don’t know,” said Rebecca. “I was hoping that I could move home with you. I’ll try to get a job at a factory to help with putting food on the table.”
“Rebecca, I just can’t take you in again. You know I love you, but we don’t have the room since I got remarried. And to be honest, I don’t have any extra money to feed you,” said her father, refusing to make eye contact.
Unable to speak, Rebecca stared at her father in disbelief.
Feeling guilt, her father continued, “I married you off three years ago to a man who was supposed to take care of you. I had no way of knowing he was going to die.”
Rebecca turned her face away from him. She didn’t want him to see the tears in her eyes.
When she collected herself well enough to speak, Rebecca said, “It’s alright, Papa. I am sure Mrs. Allen will allow me to stay until I get a job.”
Rebecca had no way of knowing whether or not Mrs. Allen would let her stay, but she didn’t want to worry her younger sisters. More importantly, she didn’t want her father to see how much pain she felt.
“I am sure she will, Rebecca,” said her father. He appeared pleased that Rebecca didn’t force the conversation.
The awkward silence was too much for Rebecca, and more than anything, she just wanted to be alone. “Thank you all for attending my husband’s funeral today, but I am really tired. I think it’s best if you head on home. I really need some rest.”
She hugged her sisters and father goodbye. She was angry, scared, and had never felt so alone in her entire life. Although she loved her father, she secretly hoped that she would never have to see him again. He had hurt her deeply once before, and now that he once again turned his back on her, she didn’t know if she could ever forgive him.
Rebecca cried herself to sleep, hurt clawing at heart. In that moment, any hope of healing seemed impossible. The death of her husband wasn’t making her sad; he was rarely kind when he was alive. Her anguish came from the uncertainty of her future. She had nowhere to go and no money. Sleep finally took over to give Rebecca a needed reprieve.
Hours later, a soft knock startled Rebecca awake.
“Rebecca, dear, are you alright? Do you need anything?” asked Mrs. Allen as she entered the room.
Rebecca turned to the door and looked into Mrs. Allen’s kind eyes, which reminded her of her mother. How Rebecca wished her mother was here to comfort her and pray with her, just as she had done when Rebecca was a child.
“No, Mrs. Allen, I don’t need anything. Thank you for asking,” said Rebecca.
“I just wanted to check on you,” said Mrs. Allen as she began closing the door.
Rebecca sighed, knowing she needed to ask Mrs. Allen if she could stay. She called after her. “Mrs. Allen, please wait. Would you mind if I had a word with you?”
Mrs. Allen slowly reopened the door and crossed the room to sit next to Rebecca.
“Well, Mrs. Allen, my father was just here…and—” stammered Rebecca. It was best just to state what she needed. “Papa said he can’t take me in, so I was wondering if I could stay with you until I find a job. I will help you with cooking, cleaning, and whatever else you need. I promise I will pay you back. I don’t want to be a burden.”
Mrs. Allen answered sympathetically, “Poor child, of course you may stay here. You just buried your husband hours ago. Stop worrying about such things.”
The landlady left the room, and Rebecca let out a sigh of relief. At least she was safe for the time being.
Rebecca reached under the bed to pull out the only thing her husband had left her: a small wooden box. Inside was a watch and two twenty-dollar gold pieces.
Memories came flooding back of her last night with her husband.
“It’s all I got to give you. Now, I know that I ain’t been kind to you—” His words were interrupted by a fit of coughing as blood welled
up from his lungs.
Rebecca wiped his mouth and tried to give him some water, but he gripped her hand.
“Listen to me, girl. You don’t ever listen. I’m leaving you with nothing. We don’t have any money. All I got is gonna go to the creditors. So you gotta take this and keep it safe. It ain’t much, but it’s everything I have.” He let go of Rebecca’s hand and gave her the box with his only possessions worth any value.
Rebecca placed her hand on his shoulder and urged him to rest. Completely exhausted, he fell asleep and never woke up again. Rebecca, having fallen asleep at his bedside, woke up the next day to find him cold and still.
That was two days ago.
Her husband was twenty years her senior, and she never loved him. He was cruel and prone to frequent violent outbursts. Oftentimes, Rebecca was the target of his rage. Rebecca met her husband, Mr. Robert Hayward, at her father’s general store. Mr. Hayward sold medical supplies to Rebecca’s father. After Rebecca’s mother died, the shop wasn’t providing the financial support needed to support a family. Rebecca’s father owed Mr. Hayward a lot of money, so he settled his debts by promising Mr. Hayward Rebecca’s hand in marriage.
Rebecca felt betrayed by her father. The marriage would never have happened if her mother had been alive. In her mind, Rebecca couldn’t turn down Mr. Hayward for the sake of her family. Mr. Hayward presented himself as a man with some means, so Rebecca told herself she would at least have a comfortable lifestyle. This gave her some comfort from the repulsion she felt for Mr. Hayward. Rebecca soon learned that Mr. Hayward lived on a very meager income, loved the bottle, and had a temper that terrified Rebecca daily.
Rebecca sighed and wiped the tears away from her eyes. She dreamed of a husband that was kind and she dreamed of being in love, but now that she was a widow, she felt that nobody would ever love her.