His Promise

by Shelley Shepard Gray

  “I’ll be right back,” Grace said as she walked to John Michael’s side and left the room. After they walked a little farther down the way, she smiled at him. “Hiya. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  “I’m not supposed to be. I’m in the middle of my shift. I asked if someone could come in and finish my hours, though. I wasn’t about to leave Miss Dorma alone.”

  “I’m so glad you were able to do that.”

  “Me, too. The captain was real understanding.” Pointing to another door, he said, “I was just on the phone with the other guys at the firehouse. Everyone is real worried about her. She looked pretty frightened when the EMTs loaded her into the ambulance.”

  “That’s so kind of them all.”

  He smiled. “We tend to feel pretty protective about people we rescue.” Stepping closer, he reached out and ran his hand down her arm. “I’m glad you got here so fast! A little amazed, too. I didn’t think I’d see you for another hour.”

  “I was able to get a ride right away.” When she gazed up at him, she realized that he didn’t smell faintly of smoke like Dorma did. “Are you all right? I didn’t even ask.”

  “I’m fine. I took a shower at the station before I came over here. I’m as good as new.”

  “Was the fire terrible? I mean, all fires are terrible, but was it small or large?”

  “It was a good one, but we contained it quickly enough. Her house is gone, of course. However, no other houses were damaged, which is something to be thankful for.”

  Just imagining the scene, Grace shivered. “So, you said that the fire started in the kitchen? Are you sure?”

  “It’s going to take a while for the investigators to make a report. But it seems a good guess that she left something on the stove or there was a grease fire or something.”

  “Miss Dorma said she hadn’t been cooking.”

  “No offense to her, but we both know Miss Dorma is pretty confused. She probably doesn’t remember.”

  “Usually I would agree, but she seemed certain that the fire wasn’t her fault.”

  John Michael gazed at her thoughtfully. “I guess we’ll have to wait to see what the report says.”

  “Jah.”

  The nurse popped her head out into the hall. “The doctor has cleared Miss Schultz. She can leave soon. Will she be leaving with both of y’all?”

  “Nee,” John Michael answered. “Actually—”

  “She’ll be coming home with me,” Grace interjected firmly.

  “Grace—”

  “I’ve made up my mind, John.” Though it was difficult, she ignored John Michael’s grunt of dismay.

  This was the right thing to do. There was no way she was going to let some stranger look after Miss Dorma, or whatever John Michael had planned. For now, at least, Miss Dorma was her responsibility—for better or worse.

  Chapter 25

  Though Grace had done a good job of acting like she was completely in control, John Michael knew she was shaken up. Her expression was strained, and she hardly said a word, almost like if she relaxed too much, she was going to dissolve into tears.

  Or maybe he was the one who was about to lose it.

  Grace had taken him completely by surprise when she told the nurse she was going to take Dorma home with her. He wasn’t sure if that was the best option, but since he’d been planning to ask his parents to take Dorma in until they could find someone else, he didn’t argue with her.

  But that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to try to help Grace as much as he could! He was worried about her heaping so much on her shoulders and never asking for help. He guessed she was afraid of looking weak, but he already thought she was pretty incredible. She didn’t have to do anything more to raise her esteem in his eyes.

  He stayed by her side for three hours, helping her sign the discharge forms, arranging transportation for all three of them, and finally assisting with getting Miss Dorma into the Lees’ house.

  He’d already talked to some of the hospital staff about Dorma’s need for clothing and basic necessities. The nurse who’d been monitoring Dorma told them that she had Amish relatives and contacts and would take care of getting some things sent to Dorma. She somehow also managed to find a plain gray dress for Dorma to wear out of the hospital, since her clothing smelled like smoke.

  Once they arrived at the Lees’ house, John Michael helped Grace deflect all of Miss Dorma’s questions about why she was going to be staying in an Englisher’s home instead of with another Amish family in the county. He followed Grace’s lead, helping the older woman get settled in one of the bedrooms and bringing her hot tea and a scone.

  He’d even done a good job of holding back his amusement when Snooze hopped into bed next to Dorma, much to Grace’s dismay.

  Now he was sitting on one of the barstools in the fancy kitchen, watching Grace make chicken noodle soup. She seemed flustered and worried.

  John Michael figured there were at least five reasons she could be feeling that way. But he had learned something over the last couple of days in her company. Pressuring and bullying her didn’t help. Grace was a hard worker and independent. She also had a softness, a vulnerability about her that could easily bruise. He didn’t want to hurt her in any way.

  But he would be lying if he said he didn’t think the events of the week weren’t going to get the best of her soon. She’d taken on a lot—maybe more than she realized.

  After she added the chopped carrots, celery, and onions to the broth, Grace set down her wooden spoon. “I’m guessing you have a lot to say to me about taking on such a responsibility like Dorma.”

  Before this week, he probably would have blurted exactly what was on his mind. But he was finally starting to learn that caring for someone didn’t just mean taking care of them. It was also listening to and supporting them, even when he didn’t always agree with their actions. “I’d rather you tell me.”

  Before his eyes, she seemed to stand a little straighter. “I just think she needs someone, John Michael. She needs someone who really cares to help her right now.”

  “I agree.”

  “I know you could have asked your parents to take her in, or to talk to the preachers and the bishop. But other than a couple of people dropping off groceries, it doesn’t seem enough.” She shook her head sadly. “Every time I think of how messy her kitchen and bedroom were the first time I visited, I want to cry.”

  “Her house was in a bad state, that is true.”

  She continued as if he hadn’t said a word. “I mean, no one has really been there for her. Why should I expect anyone else to step in now?” She frowned. “And what if Miss Dorma doesn’t trust them? That would make things worse, don’tcha think?”

  When she paused to catch her breath, he said, “Are you asking for my opinion or just wondering aloud?”

  She blinked before smiling sheepishly. “I don’t know.”

  “How about this, then? I think all of your reasons for bringing her here are gut. I also don’t think you are wrong. Dorma has needed help for some time now. She can’t live alone any longer.”

  Grace looked at him intently. All that emotion and wonder he’d always loved in those gray-green eyes came out in full force. “You think so?”

  He had to take a sip of water so his voice wouldn’t be filled with emotion. “Oh, jah. As far as I can see, there’s only one problem.”

  “And what is that?”

  He decided to tackle the obvious. “This isn’t your house, and you’re going to be moving back home soon. Then what are you going to do with Dorma?”

  And just like that, all of the excitement that had been shining in her eyes faded slightly. “I’ve been thinking about that, too. And I think I’ve come up with a plan.”

  “What is that?”

  She held up a hand. “Don’t laugh.”

  “I won’t.” Now he was really charmed. She was so cute and earnest! He was also plenty curious.

  And, if he was honest, a little appreh
ensive, too. But, remembering his new intention of listening to her, he nodded encouragingly.

  “I’m going to get my own place and move in with Dorma.”

  He hesitated. She was so young. Dorma had an affliction that was obviously going to get worse. Neither of them had any idea about her financial situation.

  And, then . . . there were all the things he’d been feeling. He wanted to court her. He was now certain that she was the one for him. But how could a future for the two of them happen in such a situation?

  And what kind of a man was he if he was putting all of his selfish reasons ahead of Miss Dorma’s needs?

  But because he was still trying really hard to be a listener instead of an advisor, he only murmured, “You want to become Miss Dorma’s caregiver.”

  Looking hesitant, she nodded. “I’ve been a pet sitter for a long time and have saved a lot of money. I can afford to rent my own place. John Michael, I know I sound naïve, but I feel strongly about this. Even though I never planned on being a caregiver, I think it is the best thing for me to do. I love her, John Michael.”

  “Ah.” Really, he should get an award for keeping so closed-mouthed.

  Then, at last it came. “What do you think?”

  Here was his chance! But suddenly, all of his objections and logical concerns seemed wrong. Who was he to say what she should do? “I think I’m real proud of you, Grace. I think if you want to do all of these things, I want to help you.”

  She looked skeptical. “Really? That’s all you’re going to say?”

  “What? You wanted me to tell you something different?”

  “Nee . . . but I guess I thought you’d tell me that I am too young or I don’t know what I am getting into.”

  “Maybe you are too young. Maybe you don’t know what you are getting into.” He got off the stool and walked toward her. “But I don’t know if that’s a bad thing.”

  “How?”

  “Isn’t that what faith is? We believe in the unknown? We go forward, knowing that the Lord has our back and that He’s leading us on this path in the first place?”

  “I hope so. I hope He’s leading me on this path. I can’t do it alone, John.”

  “Of course not.” Unable to help himself, he reached out and took hold of both of her hands, which were hanging loosely down by her sides. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that you met Dorma at Christmas. I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that we reunited while you were here at the Lees’ house. I think He’s been working through us this whole time. And what’s more, I’m thankful for His help.”

  “I’m thankful for His help, too. And for yours, John Michael. If I didn’t have you, I would’ve never pushed myself to do this.”

  He lowered his voice. “Don’t you see, Grace? I want to help you, too. I’m not going to let you try to handle everything alone.”

  “Because Dorma means so much to you, too?”

  “Nee, Silly. Because you do.”

  And then, while she stared up at him in wonder, he finally did what he’d been wanting to do for the last several days. He pulled her closer, curved his arms around her, and kissed Grace King.

  Chapter 26

  To Grace’s shame, she’d waited a whole ten seconds before pulling away. And when she did? . . . well, she felt that loss so deeply, she wished she could turn back time and kiss John Michael again.

  She settled for holding on to his arms and gazing up at him.

  John Michael looked just as taken aback as she did. His expression a little stunned and, yes, a little heated.

  At least he wasn’t unaffected! Slowly, she smiled.

  Which made him blink. “Ah, Grace . . . have I just ruined everything between us? Do I need to apologize?”

  She swallowed. “Do you want to apologize?”

  “Definitely not.” He ran two fingertips along her cheek, his eyes watching the move. “You may never have wanted to hear me say this, but I’ve been wanting to kiss you for quite a while. Actually, for a very long time.”

  He’d just said the words that she’d been thinking. Back when she was just a child, she’d imagined him being her first kiss. Though she wasn’t now exactly experienced, she had kissed two other men, both of those experiences might as well have been brief handshakes. That’s how much emotion she was feeling in comparison. Her mouth went dry as she realized that she probably needed to say something to relieve his worries. Maybe it would be best for her to mumble something demure. If she did that, Grace knew John Michael wouldn’t press her. He would likely drop his hand, step back, and start talking about the weather or something.

  Or . . . she could continue to show him that she was no longer a little girl. And since God had decided that today was the day she started making adult decisions, Grace knew there was only one thing to do. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for some time, as well,” she murmured.

  His expression warmed as his fingertips curved around her neck, then traipsed down to stop in between her shoulder blades. “And?”

  She laughed. “And that’s all I’m going to say about that.” She might be all grown up now, but she wasn’t brash!

  To her pleasure, John Michael seemed more amused. “I do believe you are going to keep me on my toes, Grace.”

  “I hope so.”

  Just as she was sure he was going to kiss her again, his phone buzzed.

  Looking regretful, he pulled it out of his pocket. “Sorry, Grace. It’s Captain Butler.”

  She watched as he pressed some buttons and held the phone to his ear. “John Michael here.”

  Feeling at a loss, she walked back to the stove. After tasting her soup, she added a pinch more salt and continued to eye him as he talked. As the minutes passed, John Michael kept edging farther away and speaking in lower tones. Soon she couldn’t hear a single word he was saying.

  When he at last clicked off, he walked back to her side. “I’m sorry, Grace. I need to go.”

  “I hope there’s not an emergency?”

  “No, nothing like that. Just a meeting the captain would like me to attend. And since I was supposed to be on duty anyway, I need to get on my way.”

  “How will you get there?” Arriving at the house, they’d paid and let the driver from the hospital go.

  “Anderson, one of the guys I work with, is almost here. I need to grab my coat and meet him outside. But I’ll call you later, okay?”

  “Okay. Sure,” she said, attempting to give him a reassuring smile. She didn’t think he saw it, though.

  As she heard him open and then shut the front door, Grace turned the soup on low and wandered into the living room. Snooze popped into view walking from Dorma’s room toward his cozy spot on the couch. When he sauntered to her side, she bent down to pick him up; and when he gave her a lick, she felt tears form in her eyes. Maybe he realized just how much she needed that.

  “Ach, Snooze. What am I doing? I’m adopting a woman I hardly know and kissing men in other people’s kitchens! These things aren’t like me at all. Honestly, I feel like my life is swirling and drifting about like snowflakes in an early winter storm.”

  Staring at her intently, Snooze tilted his head to one side. Fancifully, she answered his unspoken question.

  “Well, yes, I think I do know what I want. I want John Michael and Dorma in my life. And . . . and I want John Michael to one day love me, just like I know I’m starting to love him.”

  Snooze whined.

  Nodding her head, she said, “I agree. Beth is going to hate me if I fall in love with John Michael. And I might fail at taking care of Dorma. I know nothing about caring for the elderly or dementia.”

  When Snooze stared at her intently, Grace swallowed. “I agree. I would love to only think about what I want. But doing that isn’t always the best thing to do. You see, sometimes a person can want too much.”

  Snooze closed his eyes.

  It seemed the dog had given up on her. Maybe he was right and she was hopeless!

  Looking at the
Lees’ Christmas tree, she tried to relax. Eventually, Snooze started to squirm. Knowing that he needed to get some exercise, she set him on the ground, turned off the burner, put on her coat, fastened his leash, and took him outside.

  The weather had warmed over the last twenty-four hours, creating rivulets of water in the lawn. Snooze’s paws sank through the melting snow and made his belly get wet, too.

  He looked thoroughly disgruntled and she didn’t blame him. “I’m sorry, Snooze. It’s a dog’s burden to do his business outside. In every other instance, you have an easy time of it.”

  He growled, then stuck his nose to the ground and sniffed. Dutifully, she tromped through the snow as well, her mind on John Michael, the meeting he was headed to, and Miss Dorma sleeping upstairs.

  As Snooze continued to sniff and trudge through the snow, she let her mind drift, thinking about all the events that had led to this point. Snooze taking off. John Michael helping her. Seeing Miss Dorma in the diner. The accidents, the fires, the need to do something to help herself and others.

  She knew God didn’t make mistakes, but she sure wished He sometimes offered explanations, too. It seemed like an awful lot was going on when everyone should be concentrating on the miracle of Jesus’s birth.

  When Snooze barked, signaling that he was more than ready to return to the house, she scooped him up in her arms and hurried back inside. Then she made a cup of peppermint tea, turned on the gas fireplace, and settled on the couch to take a nap—

  Just as the phone rang.

  “Hello?” she said eagerly, hoping that it was John Michael but knowing that was unlikely.

  “Grace! It’s so gut to hear your voice.”

  “Jennifer?” Oh, but this was the best surprise! Tears pricked her eyes at the sound of her friend’s voice. “It is so good to hear from you. How is your trip?”

  “Good. I’ve been spending time with my cousin Anna, whose next-door neighbor is both friendly and cute. His name is Kevin.”

  Leave it to Jennifer to lay things out so neatly! “I’m jealous. It sounds as if you are having a Christmas romance.”