Gentle Like the Rain: A Heart's Design Novel

by JoAnn Durgin

  With a burst of energy, Sidney ran as fast as he’d ever moved in his life. As he ran, he yelled at the top of his lungs, waving his arms to try and alert the driver as to the imminent danger.

  Oh, dear God, please keep her safe.

  The yellow ball dropped over the curb and into the street. Oblivious to the danger, Bella was inches from the curb. Her eyes widened, and she teetered on the edge.

  Chapter 26

  Arms outstretched, lunging into the street, Sidney grabbed Bella and tucked her into his chest. Then he took a flying leap toward the grassy area beside the curb, covering her head with his upper body and arms and twisting his body like he hadn’t done since his diving days.

  As he intended, he slammed to the ground on his right side. Breathing hard, Sidney rolled over on his back as the car screeched to a stop. The driver cried out and slumped over the steering wheel.

  He’d only had seconds to spare. The impact of all the what ifs bombarded him. He was banged up, bruised and scraped, but Bella was safe. That’s all that mattered. He still held her tight, pressed next to him, unwilling to surrender his hold on her just yet.

  Thank you, Jesus.

  Sidney fought for oxygen, his breaths coming out in short gasps. The world was spinning.

  Bella started to whimper for her mommy and then let out a wail.

  “Ah, sweetie, it’s okay.” Sidney held the trembling child against him. His breath still came out in ragged spurts. She buried into him as he stroked her blonde hair and whispered, “I feel the same way. Your mommy is coming.” He kissed the top of her warm head and blinked away the tears forming at the backs of his eyes.

  A small crowd of townspeople gathered to form a human shield in the street to prevent other cars from passing until they could get the woman’s car moved.

  “You okay there, Sidney?” He couldn’t identify the man who’d asked the question.

  “Unfortunately for some of you, I’ll live.” A few people laughed quietly.

  “I think he’s gonna be just fine. He’s ornery as ever.” That had to be Millicent. The voice sounded like her, the sentiment even more so.

  Turning his head toward their voices, Sidney tried to focus. “Someone please check on the driver.” His own voice sounded muffled, distant.

  Marty came into view and saluted. “Will do, Mr. Prescott.”

  Bella’s cries dwindled to sniffles, and he leaned his head against hers.

  “Bella!” Liesel ran toward them with Caroline trailing behind her.

  “You break any bones?” He didn’t recognize the man’s voice.

  “How does he know that without the doctor taking a look at him?” That was a female voice Sidney couldn’t identify.

  Liesel reached Sidney and fell to her knees beside him, her face pale. “Is she hurt? Bella, sweetie, Mommy’s here.”

  “I think she’s fine,” he rasped. Man, his throat was dry, his head pounded.

  Bella struggled in his arms, and he released his hold on her. Pushing off his chest, she fell into her mother’s arms. “Mommy!”

  Tears streamed down Liesel’s face as she gathered her daughter in her arms. “Oh, baby, you’re going to be fine.” Her eyes wide, she stared at Sidney as though she was in shock. Maybe he was the one in shock. He didn’t know anything at the moment other than his back and shoulders were going to hurt a whole lot tomorrow. Probably more on the following day.

  “Sidney, you saved Bella’s life,” Liesel murmured. “I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”

  He waved his hand. “Stop fussing over me. I did what anyone would do.”

  Liesel rose to her feet, Bella clinging to her. As if it was the changing of the guard, Caroline dropped to her knees beside him. “You okay there, sport? You did a real good thing just now.”

  He laughed a little. “You might hear me groaning all the way to Boston later today. And I might hobble around like an old man for a day or two. Otherwise, I’m good.”

  “You probably didn’t ever think you’d put those diving skills to such good use,” she whispered. “I’m proud of you.” Caroline ran her hand over his hair and kissed his forehead.

  “He ran like Superman!”

  “That’s faster than a speeding bullet, you old codger. Superman flies.”

  “I know that, but he still has to run to get up his speed before he can fly!”

  “Stop it, you two,” a woman chimed in. “Did you see the way he took that flying leap? Sidney is a regular hero.”

  By this time, Sidney had given up trying to figure out who said what. He closed his eyes, thankful his breathing had finally slowed. After a few more seconds, with Caroline’s assistance, he slowly sat up as he tried to regain his equilibrium. He rested his elbows on his propped knees and raked both hands through his hair. Dizzy, he dropped his head between his knees.

  All around him, Sidney heard others taking charge of the driver, and trying to calm the growing crowd. Still woozy, he waved off their offers of help. “Give me a minute to catch my breath.”

  “Remember what you used to do if you got dizzy after a swim meet?”

  Sidney looked up at Caroline. “You remember that?”

  Her smile comforted him. “Count to five as you inhale, count back from five as you exhale.”

  She did remember. Sidney did as she asked, trying to fill his stomach with air, concentrating on breathing deeply, and sending oxygen to his brain so it would relax his nervous system.

  “Sidney? Want to go up to the front porch at Landon’s?”

  Isabella.

  Lifting his head, Sidney stared into Isabella’s eyes. So beautiful, those eyes.

  “You okay, Top Dog?” Crouching down beside him, she pushed a stray lock of hair away from his forehead.

  “Yeah. I think so. We can try this.”

  Putting a gentle hand under his arm, Isabella assisted him to a standing position. When he swayed a bit, she increased her hold.

  “I’m a…little shaky, but I’ll be…okay.” He rubbed a hand over his brow. “Just had the wind knocked out of me, that’s all.” Then he attempted a smile. “What took you so long?”

  “I couldn’t leave Humphrey in charge of the store. I had to wait for Tommy to get back from an errand.”

  Several of the townspeople cheered, clapped, and chanted his name to see him on his feet, like the wounded athlete being led off the football field. The noise hurt his ears.

  Bella! He glanced around the immediate area. “Where’s Bella? Is she okay?” He’d feared he might have crushed her when he took the dive away from the street. At least he’d landed on the grass instead of the pavement. Bella had landed on top of his chest, not crushed beneath his weight.

  Blessings all the way around. God was here. Sidney knew He was.

  “Bella’s not even bruised, thanks to you. She’s just a little scared. I think you’re a little disoriented, Sidney. It’s time to take care of you.” Isabella’s voice was calm and soothing. “I’ve got him, Caroline. We’ll meet you at the house in a few minutes.”

  Sidney nodded to his sister. “I’ll be there shortly.”

  “Do you want me to call the doctor?” Caroline’s concern was gratifying. “To check you over and make sure you don’t have a concussion?”

  “If I pass out or start acting crazy, then call the doctor. Until then, no. I’ve taken harder falls in racquetball.” Hit his head on a diving board a few times, too. “I need to catch my breath, that’s all. I’m surprised to see you here today. It’s Tuesday, right?”

  “Yes. Liesel made extra for lunch, so she invited me to come.”

  He chuckled and then groaned. “Admit it. You two wanted to spy on Isabella and me.” From the corner of his eye, Sidney noted the abandoned car still sat in the street. “Is the driver okay?”

  “She’s shaken up, but fine otherwise. She lives over in Bethel,” Isabella told him as Caroline headed toward the house. “Hattie’s taking her for a cup of tea to make sure she’s all right before she t
ries to drive home.”

  “Good,” Sidney murmured.

  “And then we’re going to keep you here until we make sure you’re okay to drive home.”

  His eyes unexpectedly filled with moisture. “Bella needs to learn she can’t run after a rolling ball.” His voice caught. “Things can happen so fast.”

  Isabella touched a hand to the side of his face as she studied him. “God knew.”

  He nodded, and trained his gaze on hers. “Yes, He did.”

  “Do you think you can make it to the porch at Landon’s?”

  “Yeah, but I won’t win any races. Afraid I’m not up to speed.”

  “Come on. Let’s get you moving.” Behind them, the townspeople started to disperse as Isabella slowly walked beside him across the front lawn of Landon’s. She had her arm around his waist, and he draped his arm over her shoulder. His right knee was scraped and raw. Both elbows and shoulders ached. Minor annoyances.

  God knew. Stopping near the porch, Sidney swayed.

  “You’re fine.” Isabella strengthened her hold on his arm. “Only a few more feet to go.”

  Pulling away, Sidney made his way to the front porch and collapsed onto a chair.

  “I was so afraid for her,” he whispered. “So afraid.” The tears began to flow, and he was powerless to stop them. His shoulders shook. For a man who rarely shed tears or showed emotion, he’d never experienced such an overwhelming need to cry. His lips trembled, his nose ran, and then his entire body began to shake.

  Was he having a seizure? What’s happening here, God?

  A light touch on his skinned right knee made him open his eyes. Bella knelt on one side of him, Isabella on the other. As he watched, Bella leaned forward and kissed his knee. “You have a boo-boo,” she said.

  “Yes,” he said, more tears falling down his cheeks. “I do. But I think I’m going to be fine.” Mopping his face with the back of his hand, he motioned to her. When she stood up, he tugged her onto his lap. The effort hurt, but he didn’t care. “How about you?” He sniffled hard and pushed blonde hair away from her sweet face. “Are you okay?”

  “Uh huh.” She smiled straight into his heart. “You met Jesus.”

  Sidney’s face crumpled, and he bit down on his lower lip. “Not yet, Bella. But I’m ready. Will you help me?” He lifted his shoulders as another tear streaked down his cheek. “I don’t know what to do.”

  “I’ll show you,” Bella said.

  With Isabella sitting at his feet on the porch floor, holding his hand, and Bella sitting on his lap, Sidney Jefferson Prescott confessed that he was a sinner. He acknowledged that Jesus died on a cross in his place, for his sins, so that Sidney might have a place in an eternity in heaven.

  Jesus cleansed Sidney’s soul, mended his heart, and filled the void.

  When he finished his prayer, Bella kissed his forehead. “All done. I love you, Uncle Sidney.” Sliding down from his lap, she darted inside the house.

  “And life goes on. Lead a grown man to Christ and then go get lunch.” Sidney wiped his eyes. “My life will be forever changed because of the faith inside that precious child.”

  “Praise God.” Isabella wiped away her tears. “Welcome home, Sidney.” Rising to her feet, she softly pressed her lips to his temple.

  Reaching for her, Sidney rested his hand on the side of her face. His eyes met hers—searching, asking, waiting. Wanting.

  Isabella slowly lowered her lips to his. A sweet first kiss, gentle as the rain. Full of promise, full of love, full of faith that the Lord would work out the details.

  “I’ll go get something to clean your knee and bring you a glass of ice water,” she whispered. “Then we can talk and share lunch if you’re hungry.”

  “Thanks, Isabella.” Sitting on that white wicker chair on Landon’s front porch, Sidney stared out at the expanse of the front lawn. He glanced down at his knee. No miraculous healing there. He winced when he tried to rotate his right shoulder. Yeah, that would still ache for the next few days. He might end up with a whopper of a bruise.

  You belong to me. You are mine.

  “I’m here, God. Use me. I am yours.” Lifting his arms, spreading them wide, as if an eagle poised for flight, he smiled. For some reason, his shoulders didn’t hurt in the moment.

  An older woman walked past Landon’s, someone he’d never seen before. Wearing a dress similar to what women wore decades ago, her graying hair pulled into a bun, she slowed her steps. Turning her head, she gave him a radiant smile.

  As if in a daze, he nodded and returned her smile. Then watched as she resumed walking. Did she know who he was? Know of the amazing thing that had just happened in his life? He shook his head and scrubbed his hands over his face. He wasn’t even sure what it all meant yet. It’d taken him years to get to this point, and it’d been a winding road full of many bumps. So, it stood to reason it’d take a while to understand how becoming a believer in Christ would impact his life.

  All Sidney knew was, he was finally home.

  Chapter 27

  A knock sounded on Sidney’s office door and Mikaela poked her brunette head in the open doorway. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but there’s a messenger here with a delivery.”

  She hadn’t interrupted anything. He hadn’t been able to concentrate on work in over an hour, dwelling on thoughts of Isabella. He tossed his pen on the desk. No sense in pretending he’d been doing anything with it other than tapping it against the blotter.

  “Why didn’t you buzz me?”

  “I did, but you didn’t answer.”

  “Fine. Please have the messenger bring it in.”

  “Certainly.” Within seconds, Mikaela stepped aside. A young man ducked inside his office wearing khaki pants and a delivery service uniform emblazoned with the company logo. Between his hands, he carried a wide, flat package wrapped in plain brown paper.

  “Afternoon, Mr. Prescott, sir.”

  “Afternoon. What do you have there?”

  “Delivery from… Hang on just a second and I’ll tell you.” He pulled out a small, handheld device. “Mahoney’s General Store in Evergreen, Maine.”

  Sidney’s heart jumped. Isabella had sent him a gift? Didn’t look soft or big enough to be a quilt. He doubted it was a huge slab of fudge. That made him smile.

  “Your assistant already signed for it.”

  Sidney stared at the package and then realized the guy was waiting for a tip. “Hang on a second.” Walking behind the desk, he retrieved his wallet from the inside pocket of his jacket. He retrieved a crisp twenty dollar bill and handed it over.

  The young man’s face lit with surprise. “You’re very generous. Thank you, sir. Have a great day.”

  “Same to you.”

  Lifting the package, Sidney walked across the room and carefully lowered it onto his desk. Handle With Care was stamped all over the package in bold red letters. Based on the size, Isabella must have sent him a painting. One of hers? He could only hope.

  With extreme care, he worked on one corner. Took some doing, but he finally removed the strong tape and tore off a small section of the heavy paper. And then more. A layer of bubble wrap sat beneath the outer wrapping. Ripping the brown paper across the front, he tossed it on the floor and began to work on the bubble wrap.

  A minute later, Sidney stared at the painting. He sucked in a breath, his heart swollen with a love he didn’t deserve. In beautiful watercolors, Isabella had painted Landon’s in the summertime. The bed and breakfast was just as he’d always remember it—the trees surrounding the house in full bloom, the bushes lush and full, a row of bright flowers planted in the flowerbeds along the front.

  A metal plate at the bottom read Coming Home. He knew instinctively what this work of art—this work of love—symbolized.

  Nearly two months ago, he’d first met Jesus at Landon’s. Coming home in the most deeply felt, spiritual sense of the word, in the most important decision he’d ever made. The most important decision he would ever make in hi
s life.

  He missed Isabella with everything in him.

  What’s the answer, Lord?

  He needed to make a way for a future with Isabella. Sidney’s gaze fell on the Bible she’d given him. After he’d asked, Isabella had highlighted some of her favorite passages for him to study.

  You love her. Find a way.

  He’d spent a lot of time and miles on the road traveling the three-hour, one-way drive to Maine on weekends, even during the week, as often as possible. He’d flown Isabella to Boston, introduced her to Bryce and Tiffany, who’d opened their arms, their hearts, and their home to her. He wasn’t about to show her the Ugly Penthouse. He’d taken her to the Beacon Hill mansion. Walked the halls of Prescott Tate Burnesse with her by his side. They’d cheered on the Red Sox at Fenway, taken long walks on the campus of Harvard, taken a duck boat ride, done all the touristy things he’d never taken the time to do. He’d introduced her to his father and taken her to see his mother’s grave.

  In Evergreen, he’d read her sections he liked from classic literature. She’d cooked for him. He’d fished with Toby, Seth, and Paul. He’d played checkers and crooned country songs with Hank. He’d sparred with Millie. He’d gone with Hank to pick out an engagement ring for his favorite librarian. He’d ordered a specially designed engagement ring from Caroline. Bought his sister a quilt. He’d fed Isabella dill pickles straight from the jar. She’d fed him several varieties of homemade fudge. They’d taken Aunt Clara for a helicopter ride. Gone to antique fairs, art shows, and fun, small-town festivals.

  They’d sat on Isabella’s front porch swing and talked about the future. They’d already shared their dreams of how many children they’d like, what they’d name them, where they’d take them, what they’d teach them. Together they’d taken care of Ellie, Bella, and Paul so they could gain hands-on childcare experience and give their friends much-needed time together.

  He’d given her flowers. She’d given him a tool belt.

  They’d shared passionate kisses and sweet kisses.

  All the while still trusting the Lord to work out the details in the way only He could.