Nathan’s mother drew a delicate handkerchief to her mouth. “But we’ve always treated her well.”
“Please don’t deny what I already know.” Nathan’s features refused to soften as they usually did when addressing his mother. “Everyone in this room has been disrespectful to Judi in one way or another. Again, I want you to know I love Judi and we are still a married couple.”
“But what about Lindsey?” asked Laurie, a worried expression intensifying across her brow.
“I’ve already explained the state of affairs to Lindsey and although it’s been an unfortunate situation for her, she will come through this.”
Once again questions began. Nathan fielded each subject as best he could, explaining the complexities of the circumstances.
“What about your elected seat in the statehouse?” his father asked, still giving sour looks to Judi. “You can’t just give it up.”
“I already have!” Nathan heard Judi’s quick intake of breath, and he ruefully turned to her. “I’m sorry. I had hoped to discuss this with you before the family arrived.” Judi’s quick smile of understanding gave him courage to continue. “Although it is possible for me to retain the seat, it would mean a media circus that would inevitably hurt all of us and work against my fellow lawmakers.”
“You’re throwing away all your hard work,” his father charged, the color deepening across his already ruddy face. “All you have to do is tell them Judi suffered from amnesia and recently got her memory back. It might even gain you points.”
“Maybe it would,” Nathan responded. “But spinning the story won’t gain points with God. There will be no lies or deception. The people I serve have supported me because I gave them what they wanted—honesty and a genuine interest to see our state grow. Lies have no gain.”
“Honesty has its place, son,” his father continued. “But you’re going to lose everything, and I don’t think you’re going to like living on the other side of the money belt.”
Nathan smiled. “I’m not trying to build an empire. It’s more important to lay my treasure with God where it belongs. The book of Matthew tells us to seek God’s kingdom first.” He looked at those gathered in the room. “No, I can’t say that I want to live in poverty, but if I don’t like it here, I’m certainly not going to like living like a pauper when I reach heaven because I have nothing to show for my life.”
Jeff stood and shook Nathan’s hand. “I’ll support you, brother, in whatever you do. And if you need help searching online for a job, I’m your man.”
Nathan smiled and gripped his brother’s shoulder. “I appreciate that.” He turned to Judi. “But I already have a job, if Judi is agreeable.” There was uncertainty written across her face, and he gave her a reassuring grin. “I’ve been offered a partnership in a law firm in Cleveland with a new branch office on Bay Island.”
“Nathan, when did this happen?” Judi asked, excitement in her voice.
Nathan reached for her hand. “The offer came last weekend, and I’ve decided to take it. I’ll be handling the accounts for Kelly Enterprises—the company that donated the land for the church camp on the island. From what I understand, this company is a full-time job in and of itself. I’ll also take on extra work like wills and probate for those on the island. It’s the perfect job!”
“Van Edwards!” she whispered almost reverently, her eyes meeting his.
Nathan had to only smile his response. Whatever or whoever Mr. Edwards was, “rescuer” could easily be added to his résumé. In time, Nathan hoped to discover the real person behind this unusual and secretive old man. Mr. Edwards also indicated that the mayor’s position might be opening soon if Nathan still wanted to remain active in politics. Nathan thought this might be a conflict of interest, but Van said on an island that small, everything was a conflict of interest. He was probably right!
Laurie broke in. “You’ll be moving?”
Nathan nodded, his eyes never wavering from Judi. “If Judi is willing to go back to Bay Island, I’d like to sell this house and my car. With our savings and equity, we will have enough to clear our debts and start over.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Hope was written on every feature of Judi’s face. “You love this house and living in Pennsylvania.”
“Yes, but I’m rather fond of the island and your golf cart, too,” he answered with a laugh. “And your little VW Beetle should fit right in once we get it back in working order.” Judi jumped up and hugged him with abandonment, and he leaned close to her ear. “By the way, the church turned down your resignation. Once your original Social Security number is back in order, your job will be waiting.”
Obviously speechless, Judi snuggled against his shoulder. He closed his arms around her, feeling the fragility of her body.
“Besides, when we get settled,” Nathan continued in low tones, “you’re going to get that college education you always wanted—the honest way.”
Judi looked up. “You promise?”
“I promise!”
Jeff stepped forward and placed his hand on Judi’s shoulder. “I’m sorry that we treated you poorly. I can see Nathan has made an excellent choice. Right, sis?”
Laurie grudgingly agreed and walked over to join in a group hug. Nathan could tell Judi was happily reserved, but weary and near collapse. He needed to end this inquisition.
“Anyone else have anything to say to Judi or to me?”
His mother cleared her throat. “When Laurie called us this afternoon”—Nathan shot his sister a disapproving look, and she innocently shrugged—“I thought it might be good,” continued his mother, unwrapping her white lacy handkerchief, “for me to give this back to Judi.” A red ruby stone brooch lay in stark contrast against the white cloth.
Judi let go of Nathan and leaned forward, pale and uncertain, looking questioningly back at his mother. “It’s my grandmother’s brooch.”
“You took it?” Nathan accused, unable to keep the disbelief from his voice.
His mother frowned. “Judi had shown it to me one time, and I knew it was something important to her. I saw it the day I helped you clean out her clothes and, well—I wanted something to remind me of her.”
Like having the air sucked out of his lungs, Nathan felt sucker punched and at a loss for words. He knew the excuse was an outright lie and another example of his family’s impertinence toward his wife. It was time to stand his ground.
Suddenly, Judi placed her hand on his arm and stepped forward.
“That was awfully sweet of you,” Judi told his mother, taking the offered ruby. “Thank you for taking such good care of it.”
His mother smiled contritely. “I should have told Nathan, but you know—”
“It’s okay,” Judi assured, smiling at the older woman.
Nathan was pleased to see his mother had the decency to blush. Served her right—she should be ashamed. His father remained silent throughout the exchange, but Judi didn’t seem to notice.
“You’re all invited,” Nathan announced, breaking the intense moment as he pulled Judi to his side, “to Bay Island for a visit, especially for the ceremony to recommit our vows as we begin our lives together again. I believe our good friends, Tilly Storm and Van Edwards, have something cooked up that should prove to be a very classy celebration. You won’t want to miss it.”
Nathan smiled down at Judi and kissed her full on the lips. “Are you game?”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Mr. Whithorne!”
epilogue
Judi walked proudly down the aisle, her father’s arm hooked inside hers, feeling like a redeemed Cinderella. Her simple, sea-foam chiffon dress felt light and airy, ready to sing like her heart. At the altar, Nathan looked undeniably handsome in his dashing gray suit. He sent her a quirky smile that sent waves of joy through her.
Nathan’s entire family was present, attempting in their own way to mend fences. Funny how much easier it was to forgive when so much had been forgiven of her. Even her
father looked attractive and clean-cut, and healthier than he’d been in years. She never thought happiness would be hers to embrace again, but here she was, sailing like a bird above crystal blue waters.
Nathan and she were stronger and better than before. Tilly and Van were insistent about planning and paying for the ceremony. Someone had to throw a party, Tilly had said.
The service was simple, but an absolute ball. Family and friends gathered at the church reception hall bubbling over with food and laughter. Judi tapped her foot to the lively brass quartet, watching Jason and Lauren sway to the music. Larry and Becky were having a great time, too, and Judi reveled in the happiness of the expecting couples. As she looked over the gathering, she realized new life was everywhere on the island.
Judi caught a glimpse of Tilly slipping through the crowd and into the kitchen. With a smile, she detached herself from the festivities to follow.
“Hey, where you going?” Nathan laughingly stole up beside her, taking her hand in his.
“To the kitchen!” Judi gave him a full smile. “I want to thank Tilly for all her hard work, including putting this together. I’m having the time of my life.”
“We’ll go together,” he whispered in her ear.
They made their way toward the partially closed kitchen door and skidded to a stop. Judi put her hand over her mouth to keep from bursting out.
Nathan gave her a mischievous grin and immediately pulled her away into the deserted hallway. “You always said Mr. Edwards and Tilly were sweet on each other.”
“But kissing in the church kitchen?” Judi laughed.
“How about in the church hallway?” Nathan asked, gently pulling her to him, his lips meeting hers. “Are you happy, Mrs. Whithorne?”
“Indubitably!”
“That’s a pretty fancy word.”
“I have a pretty fancy husband.”
He kissed her again. “And a pretty awesome God!”
Special thanks to Becky Rickard for all of her editing services. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Deep appreciation goes to Bill Hedrick, city of Columbus prosecuting attorney, for his legal expertise.
A big thank-you to Pennsylvania State Representative Karen Beyer and her assistant, Maurine Payne, for sharing their knowledge of the Pennsylvania Statehouse.
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Beth Loughner
Author Relations
PO Box 721
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
BETH LOUGHNER has worked several years as a regular columnist and has written for various magazines and three full-length dramas. She began writing in 1990 while enjoying her years as a stay-at-home mom. Beth also finds great excitement in her occupation as a registered nurse.
Through her writing, she hopes to inspire others to find the true character of God and to encourage readers to apply these truths to their lives. Her husband and two children have made the beautiful state of Ohio their home. They love traveling to unusual places within the state and beyond its borders. Visit Beth’s Web site at www.bethloughner.com.
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