The Way of Grace (Miller's Creek Novels)

by Bryant, Cathy

  Her mouth fell open. “You did?”

  “Yeah. I planned to give it to you for Christmas, but there were other things more pressing at the time. Since then, you’ve done nothing but push me away. And honestly, I’ve had about all I can take.” His voice raised in volume with each word.

  Tears pooled in her sorrow-filled eyes. “But why would you want to marry me?” Her gaze dropped to her lifeless legs. “I have nothing to offer. I can’t walk, and I can’t—” She buried her head in her hands, the tears flowing freely once more.

  Matt’s heart broke for her, and he pulled her wheelchair to face him and took her in his arms. “Oh sweetheart, don’t you understand? I fell in love with you, not your ability to walk or have children. I love you.”

  She pulled back and searched his face, her long eyelashes clumped with tears. “But that night when Dr. Jackson told me I couldn’t walk or have kids, you kept your head down and wouldn’t look at me.”

  He brought a finger to her face to catch a stray tear that wandered down her left cheek. “Because I was praying for you. I knew how much you want to be a mother and how especially hard that news would be for you to take.” Matt reached for the ring. He brought her left hand to his lips, and then placed the ring on the finger that would one day hold a wedding band. Holding her hand in his, he brought it to rest on his heart. “I promise to love you always, Gracie. I promise to cherish you and help you in every way I possibly can. I promise to be with you through good and bad, thick and thin. And I promise to faithfully commit myself to you with the intention of one day making you my wife. Will you accept this ring as a token of my promise?”

  Her eyes held a softness they’d not held in so very long, and did he dare hope they also held love?

  His pulse pounded against his chest as she shook her head. “Only if you let me say a few things first.”

  He sighed in exasperation. Would a day ever come when she didn’t try his patience? “Only a few?”

  Gracie punched his arm. “What exactly do you mean by that?”

  “Well, you’re an attorney, and they make their living by really long arguments.”

  She balled up her right fist and punched him twice more.

  “Ow! Cut it out.” He gripped his arm with the other hand, happy to see this playful side of her again.

  With a lovely, heart-stopping smile on her lips, Gracie nodded. “Only if you’re ready to listen.”

  “Okay, but do try to give me the condensed version if you don’t mind.”

  She laughed, and Matt relished the sound. When was the last time he’d heard that soft girlish giggle?

  Gracie’s intense gaze pierced to the depths of his soul. “I’ve loved you for a lot longer than I’ve been able to let on, Matt. I so desperately wanted to tell you, but wasn’t in a place where I could be completely ready to show how I felt. There was so much going on in my life, and I was so very confused. Under those circumstances it wouldn’t have been fair to you to lead you on when I couldn’t totally commit.”

  He released the question that burned within him. “And where does Jason Dent fit in all this?”

  “I turned to him when you left to go on the road without even saying good-bye. Part of me felt betrayed, like you didn’t really care for me as much as you said you did.”

  Matt stopped her. “Wait a second. As I recall, you were the one who pushed me away.”

  Her head tilted to one side, and a thick strand of hair touched her elbow. “That’s true. But I did it because I was being stalked. I was afraid of putting you in danger.”

  “Stalked?”

  “Or terrorized. Whichever way you want to put it.”

  The small frown that started earlier now pulled his brows so tight they ached. “Jason?”

  “At the time I thought it was Elena, but I’m almost certain now that he did it. He called me on the phone at all times of the day and night, but wouldn’t answer. Then one of the patio chairs was moved beneath my window. And,” she hesitated, swallowing hard, her eyes taking on a dark distance, “and then Millie was killed.” She whispered the words.

  He thought back to that night he’d found her screaming, her hands covered with blood. He’d been so engrossed in taking care of her he hadn’t noticed a dead cat. When he went to investigate, he’d only found a puddle of water. In the short time they’d been inside, Jason must’ve removed the body and cleaned up the blood. He opened his eyes wide and shook his head, his mind still reeling. “I’m so sorry, Gracie. Sorry I didn’t catch on to what was happening. You were acting so strangely that evening, and then you kicked me out of your house.”

  “To protect you.” She squeezed his hand. “I also wanted to tell you how I felt that night at Elena’s, but I saw Jason’s car and decided it wasn’t safe.” She stopped, a frown creasing her forehead. “What made you come back that night?”

  “I saw his car, too. I was afraid for you, but I also felt like you loved me and had pushed me away. It finally dawned on me that you knew you were in danger and wanted to protect me.”

  Her eyes once more took on a distant glaze. “I was so blind. You were the only one who saw who Jason really was. I’m sorry for not listening to you. So terribly sorry.”

  Matt caressed her cheek and smiled. “It’s okay. He put on a good show, and you were looking for Mr. Perfect.”

  Gracie closed her eyes, a slight smile on her lips. “I’m just grateful God spared me from my personal pursuit of that so-called perfection.” She turned her focus back to him. “And so incredibly happy His plan won out over mine.” She leaned forward and planted a tender kiss on his lips, her soft scent swirling around his head.

  A knock sounded on the door.

  “Come in.” The lilting joy in her voice—missing for so long—returned.

  Dr. Jackson entered, a knowing look in her eyes. “The nurses told me I just might find you two here. While I’m sorry to interrupt your Valentine luncheon, it sure is good to see my favorite patient looking so happy.”

  Gracie tilted back her head and laughed. “Favorite? I’ll bet you say that to all your patients.”

  A broad smile spread across the doctor’s face, and she glanced at Gracie’s hand. “Is that a new ring I see?”

  Her face glowed as she held up the ring for Dr. Jackson to examine, and Matt marveled at the difference. Thank You, Jesus.

  “There’s no medicine in the world like love.” Dr. Jackson leaned her weight against the table. “So, are we ready for round two of rehab after lunch?”

  Apprehension flooded Gracie’s face as she turned her gaze to Matt. He cupped her chin with his right hand and gazed deeply into the dark eyes he loved so much. “I love you, Gracie, and I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

  A peaceful smile came to rest on her face.

  Matt squeezed Gracie’s hand and looked up at the doctor. “We’re ready.”

  27

  The fellowship hall of Miller’s Creek Community Church bustled with activity. Voices melded with the noise of chairs and tables being moved into position to create a cacophony of sound. Matt stepped aside to let a white-aproned waiter from Soldano’s Restaurant pass, the silver warming pan he carried wafting the aroma of chicken fajitas throughout the space and causing his mouth to water.

  Gracie’s dad had spared no expense on the food for his only daughter’s homecoming, and Matt felt obliged to help out however he could, even though it meant letting Dani, Trish, and Mama Beth pick Gracie up from the hospital instead of him.

  He’d struggled with the decision, but when he’d talked to Gracie on the phone, she said she understood his need to stay in Miller’s Creek to work. Of course, he couldn’t tell her why. The whole shindig was meant to be a surprise. He pressed his lips together and released air through his nose. Hopefuly Gracie was up for a surprise that involved most of the residents of Miller’s Creek.

  Juan moved up beside him, his red chef’s apron showing signs of a full morning of cooking. “Hola, Matt.” He held out a h
and.

  Matt shook his hand, wondering about the change that had come over him. Had it really only been a few months ago that he’d asked him to stay away from Gracie? “Hey, Mr. Soldano.”

  “How are you?” The man smiled revealing a gold-capped tooth.

  “Good. Just a little nervous this might be too much for Gracie.”

  “Si, I have wondered the same thing myself. This started off as just a few family friends, and before I knew it, everyone in town had invited themselves. Ay yi yi.” He spoke the words in his thick Hispanic accent and gave his head a shake. “But I know Graciela will do her best to handle it well.”

  “No doubt about it. She always seems to rise to the occasion.” Matt winced at the unfortunate choice of words. In spite of several weeks of rehab, Gracie still couldn’t walk. And it wasn’t from a lack of trying. Everyday she’d given it her all, refusing to give in to despair and hopelessness. And every night she’d cried when her efforts failed to produce the results for which she’d so desperately hoped and prayed.

  Mr. Soldano cleared his throat, drawing Matt’s gaze. His eyes held a pleading look that very much reminded him of Gracie. “Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Matt followed him outside to the church pavilion, peaceful and quiet in comparison to the bustling fellowship hall. Gracie’s dad chose a picnic table on the far end, where they were less likely to be disturbed. An April breeze danced among nearby cedar bushes, the fresh fragrance floating through the air.

  “I wanted to thank you privately for all you did to save my daughter’s life. And you’ve stayed by her side over the past months.” Tears formed in the man’s eyes.

  “No thanks necessary. When you love someone, you do what you have to do.”

  Juan nodded. “That’s how I know you are the right man for her. It was the same with my new wife, Maria, and also with Graciela’s mother.”

  A flicker of hope ignited in Matt’s chest. “So if I were to ask Gracie to marry me, we’d have your blessing?”

  “A thousand times, yes.” He momentarily lowered his gaze to his hands which rested on the table. “I know at one time I was not very kind to you. I underestimated you and didn’t think you were good enough for my daughter. I was wrong. Please accept my apology.”

  Matt sent up silent thanks to God. Only He could have brought about this change in His timing. “Of course. Glad to know that your opinion of me has changed.”

  The older man reached over and patted him on the back. “I’d be honored to have you as my son. Now we’d better get back to work, eh?”

  “Yep.” He stood and followed the older man back inside, his nervousness returning. Somehow he had to find a way to make this whole experience easier for Gracie.

  Unbridled panic coursed through Gracie as Dani and Trish made certain her wheelchair was secured with safety straps, and Mama Beth scooted closer to the window to begin building her nest for the trip back to Miller’s Creek. These were some of the very people who shunned her before she left for Bellview. And now, on this beautiful April morning, she had at least a two hour’s drive with them in a confined space. Would they once more make her feel condemned and worthless?

  She used her arms to pull herself to a more upright position. Just a couple of hours and then she’d be home. The first thing she’d do was call Matt and invite him over, even if she were still a tad bit disappointed that he hadn’t come to pick her up.

  Dani’s blond head bobbed up to her right, a happy light in her clear blue eyes. “There. That should keep you from sliding around in this big old van. I’ll try not to weave in and out of this horrible Dallas traffic.” With her baby bump just starting to protrude, the mayor’s wife eased out of the van’s side door and made her way to the driver’s seat.

  Now Trish stood, but unlike Dani, stooped to keep from hitting her head on the van ceiling. She flashed her brilliant smile which always seemed especially bright in contrast to her dark skin. “Ready to roll, Gracie?”

  “That depends on your definition of roll.”

  Trish laughed. “Spoken like a true lawyer. Maybe we should make you sign a disclaimer first.” She winked and backed out of the van, slamming the door shut behind her before she crawled into the front passenger seat and buckled her seat belt.

  “Okay, ladies, here we go,” Dani’s cheery voice called out.

  As they pulled away from the hospital parking lot, Mama Beth reached over and patted her leg. “We’re so glad to finally have you back, Gracie. We’ve all missed you.”

  She nodded, unsure how to respond. “Thanks. I’ve missed y’all, too.” Though they might not believe it, she meant every word. The time in Bellview and the hospital had honed her appreciation of them, in spite of how they’d treated her. But would she ever truly fit in? Lord, please tear down these walls. Help me do what I need to do to not just feel comfortable around them, but connected to them.

  Gracie peered out the window as the skyscrapers of downtown Dallas came into view. A scripture she’d read earlier that morning popped into her head—something about being humble and considering others as better than herself. Yes, that should help remove at least part of the walls. “Thanks to all of you for coming after me. I really thought Papa or Matt would do it, but I know they have things to do, especially with all the time they’ve both spent at the hospital with me.”

  “Our pleasure, Gracie.” Trish turned her head and flashed another vivid smile.

  Dani made eye contact via the rearview mirror. “Your Papa and Matt both wanted to be here.” Her expression oozed sympathy.

  Hurt raked long claws throughout her insides. She didn’t want anyone’s pity! Is that why they were here?

  Mama Beth leaned over and gave her a sideways hug. “I, for one, am glad they couldn’t come, so we get the chance to spend time with you. I think we all need a nice long chat.”

  Uh-oh, here it comes. Gracie held up both hands before this went any further. “Look, I know how you all feel about what I did. All I can say is how very sorry I am. It was wrong and I shouldn’t have done it.”

  The van grew uncomfortably quiet for several minutes, the only sound the noise of passing cars and eighteen-wheelers. Hmm, maybe she’d spoken too soon.

  Trish finally broke the awkward silence as they drove past Six Flags theme park in Arlington. “You’re not the only one who needs to apologize. I should ‘ve handled things a lot differently. I judged you without knowing the full story.” She turned around in the seat, her tawny brown eyes full of tears. “Please forgive me, Gracie. I know now that you were only trying to help Andy, and I’m very grateful.”

  “That goes for me, too.” Mama Beth, her voice cracking with emotion, snatched her purse from the floorboard, rifled through its contents for a tissue, and dabbed at her nose and eyes.

  “Me, three.” Dani’s face held sincerity. “I know how it feels to be an outsider in Miller’s Creek, so I should’ve known better. I treated you shamefully, and I’m so sorry.”

  Tears flowed unbidden down Gracie’s cheeks, and her throat closed, making it impossible to speak.

  Mama Beth glanced over and noticed the tears, then began to cluck around like a mother hen, going through her earlier routine to procure a tissue for Gracie.

  “Thanks,” she at last managed to squeak out with a sniffle. “Your friendship means more than I can say, and it feels good to have everything out in the open.” But would the rest of Miller’s Creek follow suit?

  Mama Beth reached across and patted Gracie’s left hand. “Just so you know, we were all very hurt and confused by what happened.” The older woman paused, her pale blue eyes questioning. “I know it’s none of my business, but what happened to make you act in such a way?”

  At last! Someone finally asked the right question. All the words of defense and vindication and justice she’d harbored inside over the past few months rushed to the tip of Gracie’s tongue. But she clamped her lips together as the Lord’s still small voice
sounded in her head.

  Love God and love people, my child. That’s all you need to fulfill My commands.

  She lowered her head until the angry feelings abated. How she’d longed for this moment! But all that really mattered was doing what God’s Spirit led her to do. Gracie gave her head a slight shake and raised her gaze to Mama Beth’s kind face. “It no longer matters. I won’t say one more word to defend my actions or to damage another person’s reputation. End of subject. If that makes me look guilty, then so be it.”

  The older woman’s face glowed with wisdom gained only from a rough life and a close walk with God. A sad smile appeared at the corners of her mouth. “I’ve never met a young woman as wise as you, Gracie. I’m as proud of you as if you were my own daughter.”

  Her heart once more in her throat, Gracie lowered her head. “Thanks. I know you all care for Andy very much, and I’m sure to you it must have seemed like I’d betrayed him.”

  Mama Beth nodded. “And I’m sorry we hurt you in return. It was a knee-jerk reaction to the pain we were feeling. The entire situation was one of the most difficult things I remember ever going through.”

  Regret plunged its razor-sharp blade deep into her soul. Mama Beth had endured so much. The whole town knew how Big Bo Miller had been the love of her life and had married someone else. So for her to say it was one of the hardest things she’d ever faced was almost more than Gracie could bear. She lowered her gaze to her lap, her right hand fiddling with the balled-up tissue. “I believe Satan’s had a field day with all of us.”

  Dani pounded a palm against the steering wheel, effectively bringing all eyes her way. “Steve and I were just talking about this over breakfast. Isn’t it just like the enemy to cause discord and strife among God’s people?” Her cornflower eyes flashed with a warrior’s light.

  In a moment’s time, the atmosphere inside the van changed, as though they were returning from a day of shopping. Now they all talked at once, more like old times, four good friends sharing their experiences with one another. When they pulled up outside the church two hours later, Gracie almost wished the drive could last a while longer, though she had to admit to being a little curious about why they’d stopped at the church.