by Amy Clipston
Leaning against the wooden fence, he took a deep breath in an effort to placate his shuddering body. He hated himself for spewing those cruel words at Mia before rushing outside. Why couldn’t he keep his temper in check? Why did he always have to hurt her?
Chace stared across the dark pasture as ice-cold rain dripped down his face and soaked through his coat. He needed time alone to sort through his confusing emotions. After he calmed down, Chace would have a civil conversation with Mia and work things out with her. He just needed time to figure out how to fix this before it was too late.
Mia stared at the door, the slam echoing through her mind. She stood frozen in place, waiting for Chace to reappear with an apology and a warm hug, but the door remained closed. Kaitlyn whined and coughed, and the sound propelled Mia into action.
She rushed into the bedroom and changed Kaitlyn’s diaper before packing a bag for Kaitlyn and one for herself. After they were bundled up in warm coats, Mia snatched the truck keys from the counter and dashed outside.
She hoped Chace would be waiting for her on the steps, ready to apologize before offering to drive Kaitlyn to the hospital, ready to beg for medical attention even though they had no way to pay for it. But the front steps were empty. Balancing Kaitlyn on her hip and their bags on her opposite shoulder, Mia scanned the area in a desperate search for Chace’s tall silhouette in the dark, rainy evening.
When she didn’t find him, Mia loaded Kaitlyn into her car seat and set the bags on the truck’s passenger side floor. Then she started the engine and steered toward the main road, heading toward Philadelphia and her childhood home.
Mia’s stomach roiled as she imagined begging her parents for help. Would Chace ever forgive her? Kaitlyn coughed again, and Mia dismissed her concerns about Chace’s feelings. All that mattered right now was Kaitlyn. She just hoped Chace would someday understand her decision to put Kaitlyn before their marriage.
Chace heard the rumble of his pickup and panic rocked him to his core. Mia is leaving me! I have to stop her!
He took off running toward the driveway. Sliding through the mud, he came to a stop at the bottom of the driveway just as the truck bounced onto the main road, accelerating out of his sight.
Reality slammed into him, knocking him to his knees in the muddy, rocky driveway. Chace had finally pushed Mia too far, and now she and Kaitlyn were gone.
What did you expect? You couldn’t support them! Mia had no choice but to leave you. She’s better off without you!
Tears burned his eyes as he tried in vain to swallow against the messy lump of despair and regret clogging his throat. His world crashed down around him. It was over. He’d lost everything he loved most in this world. He pressed at an ache in the center of his chest and tried to breathe.
Chace buried his face in his hands. He wasn’t worthy of Mia or Kaitlyn, and they were better off without him.
But how could he let them go? Mia and Kaitlyn were his reason for living. He was nothing without them by his side.
As he slammed his eyes shut, Isaac’s words filtered through his mind like a salve to his tortured heart: “Trust in God. He is the light of the world, and he will guide you onto the right path if you follow his Word.”
Kneeling on the muddy driveway, Chace opened his heart. Please, God, bring Mia and Kaitlyn back to me. Please help me be worthy of them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Then Chace sobbed.
Mia steered the pickup into her parents’ horseshoe-shaped driveway ninety minutes later. Her pulse pounded as she wiped her hands across her cheeks. She’d spent most of the trip crying and whispering to Kaitlyn, promising her they would be okay. But Mia would never be okay without Chace by her side.
She turned the key and the loud engine died, leaving the cab of the truck silent except for the tapping of the raindrops peppering the windshield. She stared up at the brick mansion, taking in the lighted, manicured landscaping and dozen large windows staring back at her. The oppression that had haunted her when she lived in that house weighed heavily on her, pressing down on her chest.
Mia looked down at Kaitlyn. She resembled a tiny angel as she slept with her pacifier plugging her mouth. Mia couldn’t stomach the idea of Kaitlyn living in that same cold, contemptuous house with Mia’s mother dictating to Kaitlyn what to wear, whom to choose as friends, and, ultimately, who was worthy of her love. Kaitlyn deserved a home full of love and acceptance, not judgment and price tags.
“What am I doing here?” Mia’s heartbeat galloped with anxiety. She had to find help elsewhere. She couldn’t run the risk of her mother manipulating her in exchange for monetary assistance.
Kaitlyn coughed, her chest rattling, and Mia turned the key. She pulled out of the driveway and drove down the street, her parents’ home fading in the rearview mirror.
When she slowed at a stoplight, Mia’s childhood church came into view. She slapped on the blinker and steered into the parking lot, which was half-full with cars for Wednesday night services and committee meetings. Mia parked near the front of the lot and lifted Kaitlyn into her arms, folding a blanket around her. Then she slipped in through the front door of the church, careful not to draw attention to herself.
When she entered the sanctuary, a peace settled over Mia. She glanced around, taking in the large, colorful stained glass cross and the familiar wooden altar. Memories of Easters and Christmases spent sitting between her parents in this holy house filled her mind. She sank into a pew in the back row and held Kaitlyn to her chest as renewed tears threatened to spill. Mia closed her eyes.
God, I’m lost and have no idea where to turn. I’m terrified Kaitlyn’s illness is progressing, but I don’t know how to find her help. I’m also terrified of losing Chace. The last thing I want to do is break his heart. Everyone he’s ever loved has abandoned him. How can I find help for my baby without losing my husband? Please help me, God. Please guide me. Send me a sign. Amen.
Mia hugged Kaitlyn as tears rolled down her cheeks. She kissed the top of her head as silent pleas continued to pour from her heart. Mia’s mind was suddenly flooded with images of Chace and Kaitlyn—Chace holding Kaitlyn, hugging her, whispering to her, and watching her with love in his eyes. Kaitlyn needed and deserved both of her parents, but how could they take care of her if they were living in poverty?
“Mia Whitfield? Is that you?”
Stunned, Mia craned her neck over her shoulder to see the church’s pastor standing at the back of the sanctuary. “Pastor Deborah?”
Pastor Deborah Morgan approached. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I was walking past the sanctuary, and I saw you sitting here alone. May I join you?”
“Yes, of course.” Mia scooted over and wiped her tears.
Pastor Deborah was in her midforties and had dark hair and warm brown eyes. She sat beside Mia and peered down at Kaitlyn. “Who is this little cherub?”
“This is Kaitlyn Leanne.” She angled the baby toward her. “She just turned six months.”
“She’s beautiful. May I hold her?”
“Of course.” Mia handed Kaitlyn to Pastor Deborah.
When Kaitlyn coughed, Pastor Deborah frowned. “Has she been seen for that cough?”
Mia shook her head and sniffed. “My husband and I don’t have any health insurance or any money. I live in Bird-in-Hand now, but I came here to ask my parents for help. When I got to their house, I couldn’t face them because my mother told me I had to leave my husband before she’d help me.” She took a trembling breath in an attempt to calm her frayed nerves. “I didn’t tell my husband I was going to see my parents, and he’s going to be so upset when he realizes I left. I didn’t even think to leave a note. I’m so confused. I don’t want to hurt Chace. I just want to be a good mom.”
“Slow down.” Pastor Deborah touched Mia’s shoulder. “Someone here can help. She’s in a committee meeting right now. Come with me, and I’ll get her for you.”
Mia followed Pastor Deborah out to the hallway. Deborah disappeared inside a clas
sroom and then reappeared with someone Mia knew, Dr. Renee Simpson. She was tall with graying brown hair and bright hazel eyes. She wore a fashionable red coat and designer shoes with an expensive designer purse and matching messenger bag slung over her shoulder.
“Mia!” Dr. Simpson hugged her and then looked down at the baby in Pastor Deborah’s arms. “Is this your baby?”
Mia nodded. “Yes, she is.”
“May I hold her?” Dr. Simpson asked.
Pastor Deborah handed off the baby and then nodded toward an empty classroom. “You can go in there and talk. I need to check on another meeting before I head home.”
“Thank you so much, Pastor Deborah.” Mia hugged her.
“I’m happy I could help you.” Pastor Deborah smiled and then headed down the hallway.
After they sat down at a table in the classroom, Dr. Simpson held Kaitlyn while Mia told her about her situation. Kaitlyn coughed a few times, and Dr. Simpson’s brow furrowed.
When Mia finished, Dr. Simpson shook her head. “Why didn’t you call me? You know I would see Kaitlyn without charging you.”
Mia blinked. That was a valid question. Dr. Simpson had been Mia’s pediatrician when she was growing up, but it had never occurred to Mia to ask her to see Kaitlyn.
“I’ll listen to her chest right now,” Dr. Simpson said. “You can bring her to see me for a follow-up next week.”
“Thank you,” Mia whispered.
“But first, I want you to tell me what’s going on with your parents.” Dr. Simpson touched Kaitlyn’s arm. “I had no idea you had a baby.”
Mia shared everything, beginning when she told her parents she was pregnant and ending with her trip to their house this evening.
“I’ve seen your parents occasionally in church during the past several months, but your mother never mentioned your marriage or baby.” Dr. Simpson clicked her tongue. “When I ask about you, she gives me a tight smile and says you’re fine.”
Mia leaned her arm on the table. “I’m not surprised since I’m her biggest disappointment.”
Dr. Simpson frowned. “Don’t say that. You’re doing the best you can.” Her expression softened. “Gary and I were broke when we were in medical school at the same time, but we got by. It may seem like the end of the world now, but you and Chace will be fine.” She smiled. “Is Chace the handsome man who was with you at your parents’ Christmas party two years ago?”
“Yes.” The time of that party seemed like a decade ago.
“Gary and I talked to Chace, and we liked him.” She looked down at Kaitlyn. “You have two good parents, little girl. You will be just fine.” Then she peered up at Mia. “I’m sorry your parents can’t see the good in Chace. They’re making a huge mistake by not accepting your choices. Your mother has a darling granddaughter right here. I will have to tell her all about her.” She nodded toward the messenger bag on the floor. “Would you please open that and hand me my stethoscope? We can do the exam right here.”
“Thank you.” Mia opened the bag.
Nearly an hour later, Mia stood outside the truck with Dr. Simpson as Kaitlyn lay asleep in her car seat.
“You get the prescription filled right away.” Dr. Simpson explained where the closest all-night pharmacy was located. “Do you have money for the prescription?”
Mia shook her head. “No, I don’t, but Chace will be paid tomorrow.”
“That’s not soon enough.” Dr. Simpson pulled out her wallet and gave Mia a handful of bills. “I would have given you free samples if we were in my office, but it’s late and Kaitlyn needs this medication now. Use what’s left for diapers and gas.”
Mia stared at the money in her hand. “Dr. Simpson, I can’t accept this—”
“Don’t be silly.” Dr. Simpson waved her off. “Consider it a wedding and baby gift since I wasn’t able to celebrate with you. And call me Renee. You’re a grown woman now.” She wagged a finger at her. “I know it’s a long drive, but I want to see Kaitlyn in my office early next week. Call my office and tell the scheduler I’m expecting you, all right?”
“Yes.” Mia hugged her. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. You’ll get through this. Don’t give up on Chace. He’s a good man. I could tell the minute I met him.” She frowned. “And I will talk to your mother when I see her at church.” She tapped her pocket where she’d stowed her cell phone. “I’ll show her the photos I took of her adorable granddaughter and she’ll see how wrong she’s been about you and Chace.”
Mia held her breath as an unexpected pang of hope filled her. Could Renee be the one to convince her parents to become the loving grandparents Kaitlyn needed and deserved?
Mia tucked that hope deep inside her heart. Then she thanked Renee again before climbing into the truck and heading home to Bird-in-Hand.
Mia glanced at the clock on the dashboard as she parked the truck in front of the cabin. It was twelve fifteen in the morning—the day of their first wedding anniversary. Her stomach fluttered as she looked up at the cabin. A light glowed in the front windows. Had Chace waited up for her? Would he ever forgive her and understand why she’d driven off without an explanation?
She got out of the truck and went around to the passenger side, then gathered up the bag from the pharmacy on the seat and began working on unhooking Kaitlyn’s safety belts.
“Mia?”
She jumped, dropping the bag onto the floorboard of the truck. She spun around and faced her husband. “Chace!” She wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so sorry for not telling you where I went.”
“We can talk about it after we get Katie inside.” He patted her back. “It’s cold out here. Let me pick her up.”
“Okay.” Mia gathered the bag, jogged up the steps, and held the door open for Chace as he carried Kaitlyn into the cabin. Her eyes widened as she stepped inside. It was warm, toasty warm. She dropped the bag on a kitchen chair and scanned the room. Two quilts were draped over the sofa and lighted candles flickered throughout the family room, giving it a romantic glow.
She crossed to the bedroom doorway as Chace pulled off Kaitlyn’s snowsuit. Mia’s heart swelled with love and admiration as he kissed Kaitlyn’s head before gently tucking her under the blanket in her crib. He was the daddy Kaitlyn needed.
Chace motioned for Mia to walk out to the family room. He closed the door behind him and then raked his fingers through his hair, causing it to stand up in all directions. He was so handsome her breath caught in her throat for a moment.
Mia crossed her arms over her middle as her heart pounded. “Are you ready to talk?”
“Yeah.” He pointed toward the sofa. “Let’s sit.”
She sank onto the sofa and he sat down beside her, draping a large quilt over their laps. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have run off, but I was afraid Kaitlyn had pneumonia and I panicked. I found out she has bronchitis, and I got her medicine. I have a follow-up appointment next week, and she’s going to be just—”
“Mee, wait.” He held up his hand. “Start from the beginning.” He paused, frowning. “What did your parents say? Are you leaving me to move in with them?”
“My parents?” Mia shook her head. “I didn’t see them.”
“You didn’t?” His frown softened. “But if you didn’t see them, how did you see a doctor and pay for the medication?”
Mia explained what happened.
“So you didn’t see your parents?”
Mia shook her head, moving closer to him. “No.”
“Why not?”
She reached up and touched his face, enjoying the feel of his whiskers. “Because this is my home. This is where my heart is, and this is where Kaitlyn and I belong.”
He pulled her into his arms. “I’m so grateful to hear you say that.”
“I could never stay away from you,” she whispered into his shoulder as she circled her arms around his neck. “Kaitlyn and I need you. I’m so sorry. I had no right to be so cruel to you earlier.”
> “I’m sorry too.” He rested his cheek on the top of her head. “I was so worried when you left. Isaac found me in the driveway and told me to have faith in you. He helped me get the stove working properly. I wanted the place to be inviting when you got home, so I found the candles. This is the best I can do for an anniversary gift this year.”
“It’s perfect.” She smiled up at him. “Everything is perfect if I’m with you.”
“I feel the same way.” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “What do you think about finding a church to attend as a family?”
“I love that idea.” She smiled. “And I love you.”
His eyes sparkled in the flicker of the candlelight. “I love you, Mee.”
She tilted her head. “How did you know I’d be back?”
“I told you. Isaac told me to have faith in you, and I do have faith in you. Because I know you. Happy anniversary, babe.”
Chace leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. Closing her eyes, Mia lost herself in his kiss and enjoyed the feel of their home sweet home.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Mia went against her parents’ wishes when she chose to marry Chace. Have you ever felt compelled to go against your family to do something you believed in?
2. The Allgyer family members were like guardian angels to the O’Conner family. Not only did they offer Chace, Mia, and Kaitlyn a safe home, but they also showered them with friendship, food, and baby supplies. Why do you think Isaac and Vera decided to help Chace and his family?
3. Chace suffered with a verbally abusive foster father. Were you ever betrayed by a close friend or loved one? How did you come to grips with that betrayal? Were you able to forgive that person and move on? If so, where did you find the strength to forgive?
4. Mia realized by the end of the story that her home is wherever she, Chace, and Kaitlyn are. What do you think was the catalyst for Mia’s change of heart?