The Crux of Honor

by Paula Mowery

  A flood of relief rushed through her body. She didn’t understand everything, but this Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome had a definite treatment. She looked back at Kevin and held up the pages. “So, this is what you think she has?”

  “After the hearing loss diagnosis and no sign of skin discoloration, which accompanies the other one, yes.”

  “Am I reading this right? Some type of medication could be all Laura might need to survive?”

  Kevin nodded vigorously. “Yep. A simple beta-blocker.”

  Chelsea threw down the page and launched herself into his arms. He welcomed her into his embrace and their lips met. She should pull away but instead she melted into him. The kiss intensified. His hand trailed up to caress her hair and gently drew her closer. His kiss sang through her veins. He pulled back slightly, his breath still brushing her lips.

  “Chelsea,” he whispered.

  She swallowed, her emotions swirling.

  “I still love you. I never stopped.” His hand caressed her cheek, and her body shivered.

  “Kevin, I...” She wasn’t good enough for this man.

  He cupped her face between his palms and looked directly into her eyes. “Can you tell me you don’t love me?”

  Her heart pounded in response to his touch and his nearness, not allowing her to summon a lie. She shook her head. “I do.” A tear slipped down her cheek. She buried her face in his neck.

  He stroked her back. “What is it? I can feel you holding back.”

  “I don’t deserve you. You deserve better.” Her words were muffled against his collarbone.

  He immediately grasped her shoulders and pushed her to arm’s length, staring into her eyes. “Don’t ever let me hear you say that again. I don’t care what your mother told you or anyone else.” His expression softened. “You’re all I’ve ever wanted.” He shrugged. “Besides, you can’t tell me that us being thrust back together was a coincidence.”

  Laura’s cry burst through the baby monitor. Kevin planted a warm kiss on her forehead and then released her shoulders. “I’d like us to be a family—the three of us. Think about it.” He stood and stacked the scattered pages together.

  She hurried toward the bedroom, pausing just inside the doorway to breathe. What an offer—a family. She wouldn’t be able to think of anything else.

  * * *

  Kevin stared at the faxed report from Chelsea’s bloodwork, drawn before the audiologist appointment. Eric had been able to pull some strings at the gene testing center so he might discover if the KCNQ1 gene was truly mutated.

  He hurried to his office and plunked into his chair, shuffling through the pages. Scanning the report, his eyes stopped. He took in each word.

  The conclusive findings show a definite mutation in the subject’s KCNQ1 gene.

  Kevin pumped his fist in the air. “Yes!” This sealed the diagnosis of Jervell and Lange-Nielson syndrome and, more importantly, a definite and easy treatment. The hearing loss, however, was permanent and something they’d all need to adapt to.

  “Dr. Alley?” Dr. Tarwater leaned against his office threshold.

  “Sorry for the outburst, but it’s called for.” Kevin jumped up and rushed around his desk, thrusting the report into the old doctor’s hand. “Look at this.” He jabbed his finger at the words he’d just read.

  Dr. Tarwater met Kevin’s gaze. “This is great news.” He slapped Kevin’s back. “Good work, son. These are the times we’re glad to be doctors.”

  Kevin jogged back around to his desk chair and picked up his phone. “I’ve got to call Chelsea. Then I’ll get Laura started on the beta-blocker.”

  Thank You, God, for leading me in this.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Chelsea lugged Laura’s carrier into the Amish restaurant. She glanced down at her daughter and heaved a sigh. “Whew, I’m not going to be able to tote you around like this much longer.” She smiled and Laura’s face lit up with a grin.

  A hand waved from a booth halfway to the back. Chelsea headed that way and her father intercepted her, snagging the handle of the carrier. He settled the baby seat onto a high chair base he’d already set up at the end of the table.

  Father and daughter exchanged side hugs and then slid into the booth on opposite sides.

  “Thanks for the lunch invite, Dad.”

  “No problem. I wanted to see my two girls.” He tweaked Laura’s cheek. She rewarded him with a smile.

  “So, where’s Mom?”

  “The day after Christmas, she contacted a Christian counselor. She’s meeting with her for the first time today.”

  Chelsea blinked back the tears burning her eyes but the quiver in her chin gave her away. “I never wanted to bring dishonor on you or Mother.”

  “Oh, honey, don’t you understand God’s grace covers us all? We’ve all brought dishonor on His name.” He laid his hand atop hers. “I’m sorry for not standing up before now. I thought I had no right since I wasn’t your true father. But, I’ve asked God’s forgiveness and yours. Now, it’s time to move ahead. Not miss out on what’s here and now.” He glanced at Laura. “And, on that note, what are you doing New Year’s Eve?”

  “Uh, well, I don’t know.” She shrugged.

  “I say we celebrate together. You, Laura, and Kevin come over to the house.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Very.”

  “I’ll ask Kevin, but Laura and I are free.”

  “Great.” He slid the menu over and studied it. “This calls for good ol’ chicken and dumplings.”

  Chelsea had missed this man. She was glad things were working out so Laura could get to know him.

  After lunch, her father helped her to the car, gently sliding Laura’s seat into place in the back. He whirled around and wrapped Chelsea in a bear hug. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Dad. See you New Year’s Eve.”

  He nodded.

  She drove the short distance home and eased a sleeping Laura out of the car and inside. She wouldn’t risk waking her to put her in the crib. Chelsea settled on the couch, staring into her baby’s face. Her father was right. It was past time to cease wallowing. She had long passed offering her plea for forgiveness from God for her sins. Now she had to accept that forgiveness and move on.

  * * *

  Kevin sat at his desk finishing files from the day. All day he’d been niggled by the fact that Laura’s biological father should be told about the hereditary condition. If only he could just place a telephone call, but the man’s strict Amish order didn’t allow such things. The only way to inform him was in person. Kevin’s stomach constricted.

  Would Chelsea need to go? And, if she did go, would feelings between the two be evoked or awakened again? Dr. Kevin Alley had a responsibility, but he didn’t have to like it.

  * * *

  Kevin sat back in his recliner, relishing the timbre of Chelsea’s voice as she related her lunch with her father. “Oh, and he invited us for New Year’s Eve. The three of us. If you have no plans, that is.”

  “Nope. No plans. But, I don’t need to tag along if you need time with them.”

  “Nonsense. Dad specifically invited us all.”

  “All right, then, I guess we’ll ring in a new year at the Wilson house.” Kevin licked his lips. His shoulders tensed. “Um, Chelsea, I wanted...I mean, I’ve needed...”

  “What is it, Kevin?”

  “Ever since we discovered Laura’s diagnosis, I’ve felt obligated to contact Laura’s father. He has the right to know about the possibilities of this occurring should he marry and his wife have this same gene mutation.”

  Chelsea nodded. “I suppose it would be the ethical thing to do.”

  “Do you know how to get in contact with him?”

  “It would mean a trip to his home.” She wrapped her arms around her waist and stared at nothing specific.

  What was going through her head? He gritted his teeth against the envy building in his gut.

  “But, if S
amuel still keeps to his schedule, he would be at the market tomorrow. We might catch him there.”

  Kevin had been to the Amish market before. The old warehouse stalls were filled with produce and baked goods. Maybe a public meeting might play in Kevin’s favor. “Let’s plan to go tomorrow. Is that okay?”

  “Yes.” Her voice was low and pensive.

  * * *

  Kevin trailed behind Chelsea as she pushed Laura’s stroller past various displays of produce and baked goods. Normally the Amish wares would have been appealing, but not today. Their mission to talk with Samuel Heishberger gave his stomach a sinking feeling.

  Chelsea stopped and turned her head. “He will probably be in one of the livestock stalls down this way.”

  The first stall contained a large litter of hyper puppies. Chelsea paused and pointed them out to Laura. She resumed their trek but slowed as she approached the next stall. Several cages perched atop large hay bales. A plethora of rabbits filled each cage. Chelsea angled the stroller toward the bales. “This is his spot.”

  Suddenly, a broad-shouldered, stout man emerged from behind an Amish wagon, toting another cage of bunnies. He sported the traditional dress—dark pants and hat with a white shirt and suspenders. The man’s gaze tracked to Chelsea and he stopped, staring. Finally, he set the animal cage down and stepped up to the metal gate in front of Chelsea. His eyes hadn’t left her since he’d spotted her. “Chelsea, how are you getting along?” His voice held the distinctive accent of the nearby Amish order.

  “I’m fine, Samuel. And you?”

  Samuel pursed lips and his chin jutted forward. He nodded. “Fine.”

  “Samuel, this is Kevin. Dr. Kevin Alley.” Chelsea waved her hand in Kevin’s direction.

  Samuel tipped his hat emphatically.

  “We have something very important to tell you, Samuel. First, I must let you know that you have a daughter.” She bent over and stroked Laura’s head.

  Samuel’s eyes widened and his nostrils flared. “What?” He lowered his voice and his eyes darted. “You must be mistaken.” He stood straighter.

  Kevin slid next to Chelsea. “No, she isn’t mistaken. The reason we’ve come is to warn you of Laura’s condition.”

  Samuel snatched his hat off his head and swiped his brow with his forearm. He leaned closer, whispering. “Chelsea, I have married. I can’t take responsibility.”

  “Samuel, I don’t expect anything from you.” Her voice held a tremor and Kevin’s heart constricted. He was relieved to hear of Samuel’s marriage, yet annoyed at the man’s clear rejection of his child. Nevertheless, he had his duty.

  “Look, we have a moral responsibility to inform you that you obviously carry a mutated gene which, when mixed with someone else who carries this gene, could mean your future children might have this same condition.” Kevin’s tone was firmer than he’d planned.

  “What kind of condition? The girl looks normal.” Samuel folded his arms.

  “Laura is her name.” Chelsea’s voice had become steady. “She had some terrible seizures and is deaf. Thankfully, Kevin was able to diagnose it and find a treatment.” She whipped a stack of papers from the back of the stroller. “Since you’ve been clear on not taking any responsibility, could you please sign these forms?”

  Samuel grabbed the papers. “What are these?”

  “This means you sign over your rights to my baby.” Chelsea shoved a pen at him.

  Kevin’s heart raced. He hadn’t expected this, and it would open a door he hadn’t been sure he’d ever have an opportunity to even approach.

  Samuel scribbled out his name. “I’m sorry.” He reached the pages across the metal railing. “It’s just, I have a wife and am a part of the church...”

  “I know what that means. It’s all right. We just wanted you to know.” She shook the papers. “Thanks. We can both move on.” She pushed the forms back into the diaper bag pocket and flipped the stroller around in the direction they had come from.

  Kevin caught up to her fast pace. “Are you okay?”

  She skidded to a stop and spun to look at him. “Yes. I’m actually relieved.” She smiled. “Why don’t we get some of those green beans and one of those delicious apple pies for Sunday lunch?”

  “Sounds good.” Kevin’s heart sang. One step closer to making them a family.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Kevin only had one more day to finish his preparations. He jogged up the steps to the Wilson’s house and rang the doorbell. Despite the chilly late December weather, his palms sweated.

  Mr. Wilson yanked the door open and grinned. “Come on in, Kevin. I’ve got a fire going in the family room.”

  Kevin followed him and eased down onto the couch when Mr. Wilson gestured toward it.

  Chelsea’s father sat back in his chair. “Now, what can I do for you?”

  Kevin cleared his throat. “Sir, I’d like to request permission from you to ask your daughter to marry me.”

  A wide grin broke out on Mr. Wilson’s face. He puffed out his chest. “Son, nothing would make me happier.” He jumped to his feet and extended his hand.

  Kevin rose and shook his hand.

  “Now, when will this momentous question be popped?” Mr. Wilson crossed his arms over his chest and arched his brows.

  “I was hoping you’d help me with my plan.”

  Chelsea’s father rubbed his hands together. “I’d love to.”

  * * *

  Chelsea packed a few more diapers into the bag and shoved bottles of formula into the side pocket. A cheerful hummed tune reverberated from Kevin’s bedroom. He bebopped into the front room.

  “You’re mighty chipper today.”

  “Yep.” He nodded emphatically. “I guess I am.” Kevin glanced at the baby paraphernalia scattered on the couch. “Got everything together?”

  She shook her head and sighed. “With all of Laura’s stuff, you’d think we were moving out instead of going to my parent’s for ringing in the New Year.”

  Kevin chuckled and ruffled Laura’s hair. “But, Mommy, I need my stuff.” He feigned pouty lips.

  Chelsea rolled her eyes and cuffed his shoulder. “Let’s get this packed in and get on the road.”

  Kevin pulled into her parents’ driveway but Chelsea’s stomach remained calm. Now, that was progress. They unloaded all of Laura’s things.

  “Sorry, with all of Laura’s things, it looks like we’re invading.”

  Mother smiled. “But, we want her to be comfortable.”

  Chelsea couldn’t remember when her mother had last smiled in her presence. Her eyes misted over.

  “Come on back to the family room.” Her father waved an arm. “Your mother has snacks and games set up.”

  Chelsea’s chest warmed. This was more like the family she’d always dreamed of having. The four adults gathered around a small square card table for a game of Scrabble. Laughter rang through the room. Laura’s eyes tracked from one person to the other and she kicked in her bouncy seat, grinning all the while.

  Kevin added up the latest round’s score.

  “How are Laura’s seizures?” Her mother’s brow crinkled in concern.

  “Things are going well with the medication. And, Chelsea has brushed up on her signing skills.” Kevin glanced at her and winked.

  “That class I took last summer has come in handy. I didn’t realize then how important those signing skills would be. She’s really responding to the sign language. And, can you believe it? There’s a mom’s and baby sign language class we’ve just started attending. It’s great. Meeting the other moms has taught me a lot, too.”

  “I’m so glad she’s going to be okay.” Her mother looked at the baby.

  After a few hours of games and snacks, midnight neared. Her father punched the TV remote, bringing up one of the count-down shows.

  Kevin bumped her arm. She turned, and he handed her a glass of sparkling cider. “Chelsea, to ring in this New Year, I want you to know that I love you. I’ve always l
oved you, from the time we were just kids.”

  Chelsea’s whole body warmed and she cast a nervous glance at her parents. He declared that in front of them, but they didn’t appear surprised.

  “I believe God intends for us to be together.” Kevin dropped to one knee and pulled a blue velvet box from his pocket.

  Tears brimmed her eyes.

  He popped the top on the small box and a diamond ring glinted in the light. She sucked in a breath.

  “Chelsea Wilson, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife? My family?” He spoke and signed the words. He glanced at Laura and back.

  “Where did you learn to sign that?”

  “I’m taking a class, too. I have to be able to talk to my daughter, don’t I?”

  Chelsea covered her mouth with her hand and tears spilled onto her cheeks.

  “You’re not gonna leave me hanging, are you?” Kevin feigned gnawing his fingernails.

  “Are you sure?”

  Kevin locked his gaze directly into her eyes. “I’m on my knees with a diamond. Do I look unsure?” He grinned.

  Chelsea glanced at her parents. Both nodded her on. She turned back to Kevin. “I would be more than honored to be your wife.”

  Kevin swiped the back of his hand across his forehead. “Whew.” He pushed the ring onto her finger and stood.

  The TV announcer yelled, “Three, two, one. Happy New Year!”

  Kevin retrieved their glasses and clinked his to Chelsea’s. “Here’s to a new beginning.” He winked and her knees turned wobbly.

  They sipped the liquid then Kevin pulled her into an embrace, kissed her soundly, and breathed I love you on her cheek.

  EPILOGUE

  Chelsea swaddled her sweet baby boy after nursing him. The doorbell rang and she ambled to the door, opening it. Three and a half-year-old Laura bounded in, hands flying. Chelsea waved her parents in while trying to catch the tale her daughter signed. Her mother reached for the bundle in her arms and she rested him in her offered hands.