by JoAnn Durgin
Josh knocked and ducked his head in the open doorway. “Beck, the Moores are downstairs.”
“Is Kevin with them?” She wiped her eyes and gave him a feeble smile. She’d attended church with her mom and Josh on Sunday morning, but she hadn’t talked with Kevin although he’d left her a message on her home phone, maybe more than one. She’d been existing in a fog. For whatever reason, she couldn’t call him back. His family had been at the funeral home, and he’d given her mom a hug and kiss and then talked with Josh. He’d said a few brief words to her but otherwise kept his distance. That hurt but she couldn’t blame him.
“Yes, Kevin’s here. I hope that’s a good thing?”
Rebekah focused on him with a hint of a smile. “Yes. Kevin just doesn’t know it yet.”
Josh grinned and it eased the lines on his face. From the looks of him, he’d gotten no more sleep than she had the last couple of days. Smoothing a wrinkle in her navy dress, she paused, gathering her thoughts and whispering a quiet prayer for strength. It didn’t take much these days to bring her to tears. One look from Kevin might send her over the edge.
“Is Winnie coming?” she asked.
“Later tonight with the rest of the TeamWork crew and she’s bringing Chloe. Her nanny, Dottie, is coming and she’s agreed to watch the kids. Everyone’s congregated at Sam and Lexa’s and they’re bringing a caravan over.” He tweaked her chin. “Your hero’s even flown in from Boston.”
“Marc?” Rebekah’s heart swelled. “With Natalie and Gracie, too?” Josh nodded and her eyes strayed to a photo of the two of them on the wall back when they were both gawky, long-legged teenagers with big dreams and mouths full of metal. Were we ever that young?
Josh pulled her close. “You okay, squirt?”
She loved the hug from her eight-minutes-older brother. Refusing to cry, she swallowed fresh tears. “I’m fine. It’s just hard to be a grownup sometimes, you know?”
He kissed her temple. “You’re one of the most grownup people I know. You and Kevin will be just fine, and right now, he’s waiting to see you.”
She nodded and squared her shoulders. “Thanks. Let’s go.”
Josh waited and came down the stairs behind her as she descended the staircase. She zeroed in on Kevin as soon as she reached the living room. She’d recognize that head of wavy, dark hair anywhere. He talked with a couple who’d worked the soup kitchen with them the last time they were there together.
As she reached the bottom stair, Rebekah greeted Elizabeth and Richard with hugs. Tommy swooped her into one of his characteristic bear hugs and planted a kiss on her cheek.
“I’m so sorry,” he said. “When you came to see Mom in the hospital, we had no idea we’d be here like this today.”
“Thanks, Tommy.” She drew in a deep, shuddering breath. “I’m thankful to see your mom’s doing so well.”
He smiled. “Yeah, she’s doing great, eating healthy stuff, and Dad’s got her walking around the neighborhood every night now. Even bought her one of those Exercycle things so she can pedal while she watches those game shows she likes so much.” He squeezed her hand and turned to greet Josh.
From the corner of her eye, Rebekah saw Kevin talking with her mom, her Aunt Selena and cousin Ben. Her eyes misted when she saw him give her mom a gentle hug and kiss on the cheek. How her family adored him.
The doorbell rang and she opened it to more friends from their home church. They came bearing a fresh floral arrangement and a peach pie. Her mother took the flowers and greeted them. Mumbling her thanks, Rebekah hurried to the kitchen with the pie. Putting it on the kitchen counter, she gulped deep breaths. Must breathe. Putting a hand over her stomach, she moved her other hand over her mouth.
Two strong hands touched her shoulders and turned her around, drawing her into the warmth of his embrace. Kevin. She’d held the tears back until now, but as he held her, she sobbed freely, tears coursing down her cheeks. Not knowing what to do with her arms, she let them fall to her sides.
“Put your arms around me, Rebekah,” he whispered against her hair. “Let me hold you.” When she wrapped them around him, he pulled her close.
“They brought peach pie, Kevin,” she said, wiping her nose, embarrassed. “I suppose that doesn’t even make any sense. Sam’s the one with the peach fixation, not Dad.”
He pulled her along with him and retrieved a tissue box on the counter. Moving her back to the sink, leaning against it while not releasing his gentle hold on her, he handed her a few tissues.
She cried a little more, snuggling against his chest, loving the steady sound of his heartbeat. He stroked her hair and she was thankful he didn’t say anything. Words weren’t necessary. He was there. That’s all that mattered.
“Thanks,” she mumbled against the soft tissue, turning her head and blowing. She tossed the tissues in the direction of the sink, not caring where they landed. “I got mascara on your shirt.”
“I don’t care. I have others.” He pulled her close again. Somehow she knew he needed it as much as she did.
“I hope the stain comes out. It should.”
“Doesn’t matter. I can throw it away.” Pulling back, he stroked the back of his hand over her cheek in a light, sweet caress.
“Kevin, my daddy’s gone. He’s always been here for me and I’m not sure what I’ll do now. I feel so lost.”
“I know.” He cleared his throat. “But he left you a wonderful gift to help you carry on when he can’t be here.”
She looked up at him, puzzled. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Josh. Your dad gave you Josh to watch over you and your mom.”
You, too, Kevin. You just don’t know it yet. Even though it’s because of the saddest circumstances, his death brought you here today, into this kitchen. Thank you, Daddy.
Kevin’s warm lips grazed her forehead and she leaned into it, closing her eyes. His hold tightened even more and they held each other. For how long, she had no idea. It was a miracle no one came into the kitchen—usually a hub of activity in situations like this—but she suspected Josh had something to do with it. When they finally returned to the living room, her eyes sought her brother. Seeing him standing in a corner talking with their neighbors, she nodded and mouthed her thanks. He raised his hand in a salute.
Rebekah prayed she made some kind of sense as she went through the motions. Names, faces, conversations blurred together. Josh checked in with her every now and again, making sure she was okay, asking if she needed anything and being incredibly attentive. Kevin stayed nearby, too, and his presence was comforting. Leaving an hour later with his family, he paused in the doorway as she called to him. “Thank you for being here.”
He nodded, stepping closer. “I’ll see you in the morning. Sam, Lexa and some of the TeamWork crew are coming.”
She welled up again as he told his parents to go to the car and he’d join them shortly. He tipped her chin, meeting her eyes. “‘But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.’ Cling to those verses, Rebekah. Let them comfort you.”
She nodded as he started to walk away. “Kevin?” Her voice sounded small, carried away on the soft breeze. But he heard and turned back toward her.
I love you. Not able to speak the words—not like this—she put her hand over her heart and hoped her eyes and expression told him.
Kevin mirrored her when he raised his hand, and placed it over his heart.
Chapter 35
The Next Day
“Are you ready for this?” Josh asked early Wednesday afternoon as they prepared to enter the church.
Rebekah helped him straighten his tie, so proud of the man he’d become. “Not sure,” she said, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. “You?”
“Same.” He grabbed her hand and she held on tight, drawing
comfort from it. Putting his other hand in his mother’s, the three of them walked together to the front of the church, nodding to friends and family along the way. Dad wouldn’t want them to be sad, but it was difficult to ease the constant ache in her heart.
As the service started, Rebekah felt an unbelievable calm wash over her. Glancing over her shoulder, three pews behind them were their TeamWork family—Lexa and Sam, Natalie and Marc, Winnie, Amy, Dean, Marta, Cassie, Gayle and Eliot. Kevin and his family sat one row behind. She darted a quick glance at Josh and nodded over her shoulder. Seeing him cry almost did her in as his shoulders rocked. Rebekah pulled him close, kissing his temple. On the other side, Mom squeezed his hand and—retrieving a package of tissues from her purse—she pushed one into his hand and handed one across to her. Wiping his eyes, Josh lifted his head, giving her a nod.
Several of the men in the church gave remembrances of their father, speaking of his faithfulness to the Lord and doing His work in and around the church in many different leadership roles through the years. A young man spoke about the impact Lucas Grant made in his life when he’d led the teen boys’ Sunday school class. A couple of longtime co-workers from his architectural firm spoke of his expertise, strong work ethic and innovative designs.
When Josh rose to go to the podium, Rebekah was stunned, but she shouldn’t really be surprised. It didn’t look like he had anything prepared as he gripped the edge of the wooden podium and looked out over the capacity crowd gathered in the sanctuary.
He thanked them for being there and relayed several childhood memories. Josh was a natural orator, always had been, although speaking in public always proved a stumbling block for her. In school, she’d write down everything on index cards and then memorize it. Fixating on a focal point on the opposite wall, she’d stare at it while reciting her speech. The carpet beside her bed was worn from where she’d knelt all those nights, praying the Lord would honor her desire to be a teacher and give her the courage to stand in front of a group of kids. It wasn’t easy, but she loved her students and, bolstered by a confidence only the Lord could give, she couldn’t imagine herself doing anything else.
Josh’s words brought her back to the present. “My dad taught me about more than fly fishing. He taught me about being good and strong, and how to be a man of unwavering faith. When I faltered in my own path,” he said, lowering his head, “Dad never hesitated. He was beside me the whole way, praying for me, guiding me and waiting patiently for me to find my way back.” He looked around the crowd, his eyes bright. “My dad was the kind of man I can only hope to be. Lucas Grant taught me one of the greatest lessons in life, and that’s forgiveness.” His gaze found Sam.
“Forgiveness is unconditional when you love someone.” His eyes moved over to Winnie and he nodded. “Whether or not you knew Lucas Grant well, he was a man saved by the grace that covered my sins when I couldn’t seem to help myself. I pray you all have or will one day come to know that same grace.” He turned. “I love you, Dad, I’ll miss you, and I’ll look forward to seeing you again.” With a salute at the photo of their dad poised atop the closed casket—draped with an American flag symbolizing his military service in the Army—Josh moved away from the podium.
The next few hours went by in a whirlwind of activity. At the graveside service, Rebekah jumped when rifles fired three times in her dad’s honor. She put her hand over her heart, clutching her wrap around her, steeling herself to be strong. Perhaps the hardest thing was when they lowered her father’s casket into the ground. Something about it was so final.
Placing the red rose on top of the casket along with her other family members, Rebekah whispered, “I love you, Daddy.” As she backed away, a large, rough hand wrapped around hers. Kevin. Another hand touched her shoulder and squeezed. Sam. Lexa was right behind him as well as the rest of her TeamWork family. Her other family. They might not see each other often, but if one of them was in trouble or needed their support, they were there. That thought gave her immeasurable comfort.
Pastor Scott prayed and said a few closing words before dismissing them. Josh stood on the opposite side of the open grave as the small crowd began to disburse. Rebekah’s eyes welled with tears as she saw him pull Winnie close and kiss the top of her blonde head. He leaned his head against hers, talking quietly. Seeing them together, seeing how happy he was in spite of the overwhelming sadness prompted her first genuine smile in days.
Sam hugged her and she clung to him for a long moment. “I’m so sorry, Beck. Your father was a great man and he raised two wonderful people to carry on his legacy.”
She murmured her thanks, unable to speak as Lexa enveloped her in a long hug and kissed her cheek. Kevin waited until she walked toward him. Taking her hand, he didn’t say anything for a long time as he helped her into the cab of the truck before sliding behind the wheel. Allowing the tears to fall, Rebekah didn’t bother to stop them. He pushed another tissue into her hands. She rested her elbow on the door, staring out the window as he drove, not seeing anything, lost in memories of her father. When he reached for her hand, her breath caught in her throat. As he turned the corner nearest the house, she turned to look at him.
“You know about Josh and Winnie, don’t you?”
“Yes. Do you want me to drop you off in front of the house? I’m going to have to go a little further down the street because of all the cars.”
Rebekah shook her head. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll stay with you and we can go in together.” She treasured the look on his face, and understood how her words pleased him. “And Chloe?”
He nodded and gave her a gentle smile. “I do now, but I didn’t when you first asked me about it.”
It didn’t even matter how he knew, but she was so thankful he did. “Good. I’m glad you know.”
“Me too.”
Chapter 36
Rebekah watched Sam introduce her brother to the man who’d saved her life in Montana. Josh pulled Marc into a hug and said something to him she’d never know but appreciated all the same.
Lexa came to stand beside her, slipping an arm around her waist. “Your dad sounds like a great man, Beck. I wasn’t as close with my dad as you were with yours, but I loved him and I still miss him. If you ever need to talk, call me. Know we’re praying for you and Josh. Our door’s always open.”
“Thanks. I will.” Lexa’s eyes strayed over her shoulder and she nodded, stepping aside.
“Rebekah.” No mistaking that sweet, gentle voice. She turned and embraced Winnie.
“Winnie, thank you for being here. Most of all, thanks for making Josh so happy.” She pulled back, wiping away more tears as Winnie did the same.
“I regret your dad never—”
“I know. Somehow I like to think he does know. He knew about Chloe and Josh showed him the photo.” Likewise, he knew she’d ditched Adam and she prayed her father knew Kevin would take good care of her.
“I should have told Josh, should have told all of you sooner. Can you ever forgive me?” Winnie’s words brought her back to the present.
More tears escaped as Rebekah gathered her in her arms. “Like Josh said at the service, you don’t even need to ask.” She smiled through her tears. “We start fresh from here. I can’t wait to meet Chloe. You don’t know how excited I am to be an aunt. Winnie, you’ve given my brother the most incredible gift of his life, and something precious for my mom.” She glanced at the other members of the TeamWork crew and lowered her voice. “Do they know?”
Winnie dabbed under her eyes with a tissue. “They’ve accepted everything the way you’d expect them to—no questions asked but with open arms and hearts.”
“TeamWork,” Rebekah said for them both.
A few minutes later, she joined Natalie on the sofa, giving her another hug. She had to store them up to take her through the drought before she’d see them again. Hopefully, the next occasion would be a happy one. They talked for a few minutes, catching up on the latest news just as she’d done earlier with Amy.
Introductions had been made for the newest TeamWork members, and Sam watched them all like a proud papa.
“Thanks for coming all this way, Natalie,” Rebekah said. “I can’t wait to meet Gracie and Joe and our expanding TeamWork crew.”
“We wouldn’t miss it, but we need to go rescue Dottie soon,” she said with a soft laugh. “She’s watching them in the church nursery. The poor saint will probably be flat on the floor with an infant, a toddler and a four-year-old.”
Rebekah smiled. “I hear you and Lexa have a little arrangement between Joe and Gracie.”
Natalie laughed and her deep blue eyes sparkled. “I think it’s more Marc and Sam that are pushing for that relationship. We’ll see how the Lord leads.”
Glancing around the crowded room, Rebekah spied Amy and Winnie talking together in one corner. They were so close, and she was thankful distance didn’t deter the tight friendships they all shared. “Where’s Marc?”
“Waiting to speak with you.” Natalie nodded across the room.
Thanking her and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, Rebekah walked to where Marc talked with Kevin, giving his arm a squeeze from behind. “How’s my hero?” With a small smile, Kevin departed, giving them privacy.
Marc swept her in a hug, held her tight for a few seconds and kissed her cheek before releasing her. “Beck, I can’t tell you how sorry we are. In spite of the circumstances, I’m glad to see you.”
She laid one hand on the side of his handsome face. “You don’t know how thankful I am for the Lord’s protection and watch care over you, my friend.”
Marc nodded, his eyes bright. “Each day is a precious gift.”
“Fatherhood certainly agrees with you. I can’t wait to meet this beautiful daughter of yours I’ve heard so much about, especially before she marries Joe Lewis.”