Reclaiming Charity (The Potter's House Books Book 21)

by Marion Ueckermann

  She dropped the book inside the gift bag then set it down on the console table behind her. As Charity turned back, she froze, staring at the guests who’d just stepped through the front door. She fist pumped the air. “Michael! Yes!”

  Madison’s heart warmed at the joy on her daughter’s face. Charity loved her cousin, one year her junior. When the two were together, they weren’t only joined at the hip, they were stuck together like conjoined twins.

  Hugging, the two cousins bounced up and down as they talked over each other.

  Next, Charity wrapped her arms around her Uncle Charles as he tried to squeeze past her and Michael. Madison had to admit that there was a time she hadn’t liked Charles much—he’d seemed so detached from everyone. But Faith’s accident nearly two years ago had definitely changed him.

  Although Faith always said that God had done the transforming work.

  “Wh–what are you all doing here? I didn’t know you were coming to the party.” Charity’s face beamed. “It’s a pretty long drive from Colorado to Kansas.”

  “We didn’t drive,” Charles said. “We would’ve had to leave at five this morning to make it here on time. Due to my work commitments on Monday morning, and Michael leaving the same day on a missions trip with our church to Africa, we opted to fly because Michael and Faith wouldn’t hear anything about missing this birthday. I’m glad to be here too.”

  “Africa?” Charity squealed. She grabbed Michael’s hands and the two jumped up and down. “You’re going to Africa? That’s so awesome. I wish I could go too.”

  Over my dead body.

  Madison brushed a hand over Charity’s head and smiled. “Maybe next time, honey.”

  Outside, a car pulled to a stop, drawing everyone’s attention to the open portal. Three doors slammed shut, and then a baby cried.

  Charity’s jaw dropped. “No. Way.”

  “Yes way.” A warm smile spread across Brody’s handsome face.

  Madison’s anger melted. She never could stay angry with him for long.

  Brody stepped across to Faith as Charity and Michael dashed outside, shouting, “Uncle Tyler! Aunt Hope! Leia!” Tyler, Hope, and their nine-month-old had also flown in for this special occasion from Florida.

  Brody drew Faith into his arms. “Hey sis. It’s good to see you. Thanks for coming.” He glanced down at her leg. “How are you doing?”

  Faith flashed one of her familiar bright smiles, the ones where her inner peace shone through. Faith’s glass was always half full. Madison envied that in her.

  “I’m well,” Faith said. “We’re all well. Life in Loveland is good.”

  “And your leg?” Madison touched Faith’s arm lightly.

  Faith shrugged. “Still a slight limp. Maybe it’s something I’ll have to resign myself to living with. And why not? The apostle Paul was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him from being conceited; maybe this is mine. I can definitely attest to the fact that God’s grace has been more than sufficient for me. It’s amazing—sometimes you don’t realize just how strong God is, until you are weak.”

  Brody motioned toward the door. “Should we go meet our new niece? Not that she’s exactly brand new.”

  So typical. Brody always got the jitters when Faith began talking about spiritual things. Then again, Madison hadn’t always encouraged Faith to share her beliefs either. Perhaps she should change that. Maybe God would be able to help her figure out Brody’s underlying problem, why he sometimes acted the way he did.

  Standing near the draped portrait, the white noise of chatter drowning out the soft music from the stereo, Madison sipped her drink and surveyed the guests. Some sat on the couches, some on the dining room chairs that had been moved against the wall, while others stood around the dining room table, snacking on the treats she had spent days preparing.

  Shortly after Charity had opened her gifts, the five typical teens spilled outside onto the porch, eager to be away from the adults. Thankfully, the wind had died down somewhat, because Madison didn’t relish the idea of Charity’s dress doing a Marilyn Monroe on steroids.

  Everyone appeared to be having a good time, especially Chad, the unexpected plus one on the arm of Jeanette, her very sassy, very single friend who, at the time of the invitation, had vowed she was done with men and would be attending on her own. But then, Madison could understand why Chad had swept Jeanette off her feet. Dashing good looks and a body to match—not to mention his flirtatious charm—could do that to a girl. Especially a girl like Jeanette. Though she’d tried, the woman really couldn’t live without a man.

  Madison’s mother came to stand beside her, cup and saucer in hand. Madison had pulled out her finest tableware for her mother’s visit. She gently touched her lips to the rim of the fine bone china teacup. Pinky in the air, she took a sip.

  Setting the cup down carefully on the saucer, her mother said, “Once again, Madison darling, I’m so sorry we were late.”

  Madison waved her hand, dismissing her mother’s repeated apology. “Only thirty minutes, Mother. There’s no need to keep apologizing. Frankly, I think your timing was perfect. Everyone had arrived and settled, and you didn’t need to contend with the craziness that goes along with guests arriving one after the other.”

  Hopefully that consolation would finally settle her mother’s mind. If there was one thing James and Virginia Harding-Forbes disliked, it was not being on time.

  “Besides, there was nothing you could do about the delay in taking off from LaGuardia, or the added setback collecting your rental at Emporia Municipal Airport.” Madison would have loved to add that perhaps the universe was telling them not to come, but that wouldn’t be prudent.

  She pasted a smile on her face. “At least the asphalt runway was long enough for Daddy’s company jet to land. A far better way to travel to Kansas than the six-hour commercial flight to Wichita, plus an eighty-minute road trip to Cottonwood Falls.”

  “Tell me about it. Oh, I well remember those journeys before your father made CEO, able to enjoy the perks that go with such a responsible position. But why you and Brody must live so off the grid, Madison, is beyond me. You should move your business to New York. We have a lot of connections. You’d be set up in no time.”

  “Mother! Cottonwood Falls is hardly off the grid. Besides, we love raising Charity out here in the country. There’s an innocence we can offer her here that we can’t in a big city. And I’ll have you know that our business is doing just fine.”

  Then why are you entering Art USA, wanting to put Peterson Galleries on the map?

  Madison dismissed the thought.

  Her mother’s mouth thinned into a tight line. She lifted the cup again and sipped daintily.

  “At least having the jet at Daddy’s disposal makes life so much easier for you. Especially seeing as you need to return tonight for his important breakfast tomorrow morning.”

  “Yes. We will be heading back long before the sun sets. I do wish we could’ve stayed longer, but it just wasn’t possible. We barely managed to squeeze this day trip in.”

  Thank the good Lord they couldn’t linger. Although she loved her mother and father, an afternoon in their presence—especially her mother’s—was usually more than enough. Besides, the house was full with Brody’s siblings—her parents would’ve had to overnight in Emporia if they’d wanted to stay longer.

  “Well, I’m going to find your father. He has to try those sausage swirls before there are no more left. Did you get them from a bakery in Emporia? I’ll have to try and pick some up on the way back to the airport.”

  “I baked them.”

  Mother’s brows quirked. “Really? I am impressed, Madison. Well then, perhaps when you come to visit us in New York, you could bake a batch or two.”

  “That wouldn’t be wise, Mother. Think of all those calories. Rather keep temptation far away than risk your beautiful figure.”

  With a slight shrug and a pout, Mother turned to go. “You’re probably right.”

&n
bsp; Madison twisted around and stared out of the window to the porch outside. Huddled around a table, the teens laughed and joked and chatted, each vying to be the loudest. Yes, she could hear them from where she stood inside. It was good to see that Michael had soon renewed his acquaintance with Melinda and made friends with Ethan and Shana. All three teens were in Charity’s class, although Ethan was a year older than the girls because he’d flunked the ninth grade. It wasn’t that he was dumb; the boy was just far more interested in figures than he was in numbers. She’d need to keep a close eye on him around her daughter.

  Further away on the lawn, two younger children chased each other around, their non-stop energy exhausting to watch. Charity had never really been one of those hyper kids, preferring to be rooted in one spot when outdoors, painting with her parents. But in recent years, Charity’s interest in the activity had waned, and Madison often wondered whether their daughter would ever follow in her and Brody’s footsteps. Instead of a brush and palette, Charity preferred to spend her time behind the pages of a book, or with her Bible, journal, and pen. That’s if she wasn’t hanging out with Melinda and Shana.

  Madison turned away from the window to see Brody heading toward her. Coming to a stop beside Madison, he slid his arm around her waist and gave her a light squeeze. “Are you ready?”

  She drew in a breath and nodded. The painting was the last gift for Charity to receive. Well, almost the last. The final one was parked at Clifford’s place on the other side of town.

  Rapping his knuckles against the window, Brody drew the teens’ attention. He beckoned for them to come inside. Once they’d filed through the entrance to the living room, Brody tapped Madison’s glass with a teaspoon, one he must’ve snagged earlier from the dining room table.

  The buzz in the house quieted and heads turned their way.

  Brody flashed a charming smile. “Friends and family, thank you for sharing this special day with Madison and me. Some of you have come from far—my sister, Faith, and her family from my home state, Colorado; my brother, Tyler, and his lovely wife and baby from sunny Florida; and James and Virginia—Madison’s parents—all the way from the Big Apple. As for the rest of you…” his soft chuckle floated on the air, “well most of you know each other.” Was he kidding? Everyone knew everyone in Cottonwood Falls. Brody must’ve been referring to Chad. He hailed from Emporia according to her friend.

  Pointing to the easel, Brody said, “I know you’ve all been wondering what’s hiding beneath this cloth—as has the birthday girl—and you’ve all been good not to peek.”

  Brody offered Madison a proud smile. “My beautiful wife has one more special gift for Charity, one our daughter has known about but never seen.” Brody motioned with his hand for Charity to join them. “Come closer, honey.”

  Charity made her way across the oak laminate flooring, her heels clicking with each step, a blush coloring her cheeks.

  “Now you all know just how talented my wife is,” Brody continued, unashamedly blowing Madison’s trumpet, “but this piece of work will bowl you all over. Guaranteed.”

  He leaned in closer to Madison and whispered, “Will you do the honors.”

  Eager for Charity to see her portrait, Madison reached up and carefully removed the drape.

  Gasps sounded from around the room, the loudest from Charity. And not because she was standing the closest to Madison.

  Both hands covered her mouth before she flung her arms around Madison’s neck. “Oh, Mom, I love it! I can barely wait until I’m old enough to hang that in my own place. My first Peterson masterpiece.”

  “Well, I think until such time, your grandmother and I should look after that for you.” Madison’s father’s voice boomed from where he and her mother sat in a nearby couch. “It’s a fine piece of art and we’d be honored to have it hanging with our collection of rare works.”

  Laughing, Charity wagged a finger at her grandfather. “Oh no, Grandpa, no you don’t. You’re not getting your hands on this piece. I’ll never get it back if you do.”

  Madison’s arm slid around Charity’s shoulder and she gave her daughter a light hug. “Don’t worry, honey, we’ll hang it safely in our home until you have a place of your own one day.” She brushed a light kiss to Charity’s silky tresses. “Just don’t grow up too fast, sweetheart.”

  Wiggling out of her mother’s embrace, Charity raised her shoulders in a cheeky shrug aimed at her grandparents. “You’ll just have to get Mom to paint another one for you.”

  Madison shook her head. “No, no, no… This painting is one of a kind.” And she intended to keep it that way. Her parents couldn’t always have everything their hearts desired.

  One by one, the guests came up to admire Madison’s artwork and ask her questions. Sandy was the last. At least Madison hoped so. Arms folded, legs slightly spread, the two friends stood in front of the canvas staring at the life-like rendition of Charity.

  “You’ve outdone yourself, Madison. Really outdone yourself.”

  “Thanks.” Madison flashed Sandy a smile then returned her attention to the painting. Should she have made the sky bluer, the wheat a lighter gold?

  “Do you want to know what I think?” Sandy’s voice came once again from beside her.

  Still focused on the flaws she thought she saw, her own worst critic, Madison replied, “What do you think, Sands?”

  “That this is the one.” Sandy touched Madison’s arm.

  Madison turned to look into her friend’s brown eyes, alive with excitement. “W–what are you saying?” As if she didn’t know.

  “My friend, this is your best work ever.” Lowering her voice, Sandy whispered, “You have to enter this painting into the Art USA contest you told me about. This is a winner. This is Kansas on a canvas.”

  A smile tugged at the corner of Madison’s mouth. “Funny, that’s exactly what Brody said.”

  “Well, your husband has a keen eye for art. Have you told him about the contest yet?”

  Madison shook her head. “I’m worried it’ll set him off on some tirade.” She sighed. “Maybe I should just enter and if I make it to the second round, worry about telling him then.”

  “Girl, do whatever you have to. Just don’t let this opportunity go by. I have a feeling you’ll always regret it if you do.”

  Sandy was right. Madison would always wonder if she could have won with this painting. And surely Charity wouldn’t object to her entering it?

  Linking her arm in Sandy’s, she leaned her head closer and whispered, “You’re right. As always.”

  A smug smile curved Sandy’s mouth. “I know.”

  Madison pursed her lips then huffed, her mind made up. “Okay, I’ll do it. I’ll submit my entry this week. But I’m not telling Brody, or Charity, until I absolutely have to.” And if her husband didn’t like the idea, he could lump it.

  Chapter Four

  PRIDE SWELLED Brody’s chest as he watched from the other side of the living room. One by one, friends and family oohed and aahed over Madison’s painting. His wife was so talented, and there was no doubt in his mind that if he exhibited the painting of Charity in their gallery, it would sell instantly. Plus, it would likely fetch one of the highest prices ever for a Peterson canvas. Already his father-in-law had offered him a ridiculous sum, suggesting Madison paint another for Charity, seeing as his granddaughter wouldn’t have her own place for a few years. Brody had restrained himself from telling Madison’s father exactly where to go. Through gritted teeth, he’d declined as gracefully as was possible so as not to cause a scene.

  Without warning, apprehension dug its sharp talons into Brody’s heart, pride quickly making way for his insecurities. As so often happened.

  What if Madison became like—

  No! He didn’t want to return to the phobias and fears that had plagued him since he was ten. He couldn’t allow his issues to sour Charity’s birthday. And they easily could if he allowed himself to slip into a dark mood.

  Needing somethin
g to take off the edge, Brody made his way through the house to the study. He shut the door then hurried over to the liquor cabinet where he poured himself a strong drink. In one fluid movement, he swigged back the amber liquid. His throat warmed, then his stomach, and his eyes slowly closed. Palms to the console table, he lowered his head and took several deep breaths.

  In. Out.

  In. Out.

  He poured a second drink and sipped this one slowly.

  Once calm had washed over him, Brody returned to the party. Hopefully no one would notice the alcohol on his breath. Still, he should do something to mask the fact that he’d had a drink. Well, two drinks. He’d seen some breath mints on the dining room table. Or were they on the coffee table in the living room?

  Brody’s gaze darted around the room as he searched for those mints. And his wife. Best he avoided her until he found something to mask the Scotch.

  Unsuccessful at finding the breath fresheners amongst the array of half-eaten platters, Brody headed outside. Perhaps the best place for him to hide for a while.

  A strong wind hit his face as he stepped onto the empty porch. Well, that would certainly explain all of their guests being inside—even the teens. In the distance, the sky had darkened. Gray mammatus clouds puffed overhead like gigantic cottonwood balls, harbingers of an impending storm. Hopefully it wouldn’t develop into something worse, like a tornado.

  Madison burst through the door, a large knife in her hand. “I’ve been looking all over for you. Charity needs to cut her birthday cake as my parents need to leave soon—they’re concerned about those clouds.” She tipped her chin to the heavens. “As is their pilot.”

  “I think they’re right to be concerned. I hope it stays out there though and misses us.” Maybe he should have a word with his brother and sister, ask them to pray.

  “I thought it better to fast track our planned events for today, so Clifford and Amanda have just left to get the car from their house. They’ll be back fairly soon. Hopefully there’ll be enough time for Charity to cut that cake before they return.” Madison slid her arm in Brody’s and leaned into his shoulder. “So, where were you?”