by Jill Maguire
“Yes, I am hungry, thank you,” she replied without looking at him.
Emmett filled a bowl with the stew and placed a piece of bread on a plate for her. He watched as Grace ate slowly.
“What brought you to Whistle Stop in the first place?” Emmett finally asked. He had wondered this every hour since he had brought Grace to his home. He was hesitant to ask but his curiosity finally got the better of him. Grace didn’t answer him and Emmett realized that he would have to work harder to earn this woman’s trust.
“You’re the one who found me out there?” Grace changed the subject, still struggling to understand what took place on the train.
“Yes, I heard Noah crying and then I found you nearby.”
“I only have a vague memory of your rescue,” Grace said with disappointment in her voice, her gaze lingering out the window.
Something about this woman intrigued Emmett. She had a depth to her soul and a story that he knew she wouldn’t soon give up. He could only hope that over the next few days, while he worked to nurse her back to health, that he could learn more about her.
Over the next few days Grace slept a lot. When she was awake she nursed Noah and spoke softly to him, cooing to the infant and whispering how thankful she was that he hadn’t been hurt in the accident. Emmett did everything he could to make her more comfortable and to ensure that she would heal. Doc Sullivan had assured him that Grace was going to make a full recovery, so he continued to make meals for her and change the dressings on her wounds twice a day. Grace said very little to him during those first few days and she almost seemed to resent the fact that she was at his mercy and dependent on his kindness. This made Emmett want to prove himself trustworthy all the more.
One day, after completing his duties in town, Emmett rode home and snatched some wildflowers from outside his house. When he presented the flowers to Grace, her eyes glistened with tears of sadness and she only whispered, “thank you.” Emmett didn’t know what to make of her reaction but decided to let it go. The woman had been through a lot.
By the fifth day, Grace was able to get up and limp around a little. She offered to help with the cooking or the housekeeping, but Emmett adamantly refused her.
“You need to rest. You still can’t put much weight on that foot,” Emmett argued. Grace bit her lip in a way Emmett had come to realize was a characteristic of hers. “What is it?” He asked with concern.
“It’s nothing,” Grace said, unconvincingly. “I just don’t know how to thank you for your kindness.” Emmett’s heart swelled with affection as he studied her sorrow-filled face.
Grace didn’t know what to think of this man who had taken her into his home, waited patiently on her every need, and then refused her help when she finally felt strong enough to offer it. The truth was, Grace knew she wasn’t yet well enough to help out around the house but offered out of a sense of duty. Rex would have lost patience with her days ago. He would have demanded that she continue with the housework and cooking, even if she was barely able to stand.
It was very clear to Grace that Emmett McCabe was nothing like Rex. Emmett tended to her with such gentleness and genuine care, even holding Noah and playing with him in the evenings. Emmett seemed to take real delight in her baby, and in her. But Grace was careful to stay guarded and not share too much of her story or herself with Emmett. Aside from staying in his house and being tended by him, Emmett was still a stranger to Grace.
As the days went by Grace’s heart yearned to soften toward the man who had taken such great care of her and Noah, but she forced her guard up again and again, becoming practiced at shutting out conversation and shutting down any thought of allowing Emmett closer to her heart.
One beautiful morning, Grace woke up and fed Noah. She was feeling better than she had in a long time, though her side still ached, and walking was a daunting chore. Still, she thought she could venture out to the porch and sit in the sunshine. Grace slowly made her way outside, holding Noah on her left hip. She settled onto a comfortable bench on the porch and closed her eyes to soak in the rays of the sun.
“Grace? Is that you?” A woman’s voice startled her out of a peaceful reverie. Grace looked down the walk to the street where a woman stood, a basket hanging from one arm. The woman made her way quickly toward Grace until Grace could see the resemblance of a long lost friend. Grace gasped in delighted surprise and stood carefully.
“Faith, oh my dear!” Grace exclaimed as Faith gathered she and Noah in a warm embrace. Grace winced when the pain tugged at her injuries, but she put on a smile for her friend.
“Grace, I have been longing to see you all week! Emmett told us everything that happened, but he didn’t want anyone to disturb you just yet. Then I saw him today and he encouraged me to come and visit you, and I’m so glad he did!” Faith chattered happily and Grace was struck by the beautiful change that had come over her friend. Faith looked lighter and happier than Grace had ever seen her.
“And this must be your precious baby,” Faith’s voice caught and she touched Noah’s head lightly.
“Yes, this is Noah,” Grace looked adoringly at her son.
“He’s perfect,” Faith said softly. Grace and Faith’s eyes met and for a moment, Grace could see the old hurt in her friend’s gaze. It was the same expression of remorse that Grace remembered after her first baby’s death.
“He is perfect, Faith,” Grace smiled reassuringly. “It’s so good to see you finally!”
Chapter 6
“You seem to be recovering well,” Emmett remarked as he studied Grace playing with Noah. Grace smiled up at him and Emmett felt a smile spread over his own face.
“I’m feeling much better, still a little sore, but good,” Grace winced as she slowly stood.
“Well I’m not surprised, it was probably that worst train crash I’ve seen in these parts,” Emmett looked at her and shook his head.
Grace made her way slowly to the kitchen, but Emmett stopped her. “No please, I’ll do the dishes later. You need to relax,” he protested before Grace could reach the sink. Their dinner had been a simple one, but it was the best that Emmett had the ability to create. Grace never complained about his meals, but he continually wished he could offer her more.
“I’m tired of relaxing,” Grace said defiantly as she slowly lowered herself onto a chair. “All I do is sit here and relax, and heal.” Grace heaved a huge sigh and Emmett couldn’t help but smile. “What is it?” Grace asked staring at him.
“I’m sorry, it’s nothing,” Emmett replied with a chuckle. Grace’s eyebrow shot up causing Emmett to laugh outright. The sound of Emmett’s bellow caught the attention of little Noah who had been contentedly observing the ceiling from the comfort of his basket.
“I am sorry, really. I can’t imagine how miserable it must be to be cooped up here for so long, unable to do the things you would normally do. Not to mention the pain you must be in.”
“I guess I don’t even know what normal is anymore,” Grace looked at her son as she spoke. “Faith’s visits have helped. I’m grateful for her.” Grace stopped and looked up at Emmett, meeting his gaze. “I’m grateful to you too Emmett. You’ve opened your home and your life to a strange woman and her crying baby. If I haven’t said it already, thank you.”
Emmett was caught off guard by Grace’s sincere words. She rarely looked him in the face since she had come into his home, let alone spoken to him so directly and sincerely. Emmett looked away and cleared his throat.
“Well, my home is open to you as long as you need it. It’s no bother to me. Besides, Noah doesn’t cry that much.” He glanced at Grace out of the corner of his eye, a sly grin playing on his lips. But Grace’s attention was on her wriggling son and Emmett couldn’t help but watch her interact with him.
Emmett sighed and dropped his eyes to the floor. He could barely recognize the emotions that toyed with his heart. Was it sympathy? Pity? Or was it something more that he was beginning to feel for this woman and her child? Em
mett knew his heart couldn’t handle getting close to another woman nor another child and he determined in that moment to keep his distance from Grace, even as he continued to care for her as she healed.
“I think it would be nice to go to church tomorrow,” Grace announced, nodding slowly to convince herself. “It would feel good to get out for a bit. I’m glad Faith brought me a few more dresses to wear, or I wouldn’t have a suitable Sunday dress. The idea is a little daunting, I don’t know many of the townsfolk, but I think it would be worthwhile,” Grace looked thoughtfully at Noah. Emmett realized she did this often when she was speaking to him, as if it was easier for her to look at her son than to direct her attention to Emmett.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Emmett agreed, turning back to the dishes, just as Grace let out a gasp.
“Oh my,” her small hand flew to her mouth.
“What is it? Are you alright?” Emmett was at her side in a moment. Grace giggled nervously and again bit her lip.
“Yes, I’m fine. It’s nothing, really.”
“It must be something,” Emmett said, his eyebrow now raising. Grace pressed her lips together and looked from Noah back to Emmett again.
“It’s just that I realized Noah has never been to church before,” Grace said in a whisper as if afraid God or someone else might hear. Emmett repressed his laughter.
“Well, now is as good a time as any to start,” he remarked and Grace nodded in agreement. Emmett stood and turned toward the kitchen again, letting his wide smile break over his face only when he was sure Grace couldn’t see.
The next morning Emmett let Grace use his bedroom to dress and attend to her toiletries. She left Noah in the sitting room, lying safely in his basket, and when Emmett peered into the basket he was rewarded by a wide, toothless grin from the small tot. Emmett couldn’t help but smile in return.
“I’m ready,” Grace said as she entered the room. Emmett stood when he caught a glimpse of Grace in her borrowed dress. She was stunning. She had done her hair up in a loose twist and her face looked fresh and glowing. The dress, which had a few more frills than the simple ones Grace had been wearing, was the perfect color to offset her unique blue-green eyes.
“Well?” Grace broke into his thoughts. “Shall we go?” Emmett cleared his throat.
“Yes, it’s time to go. Would you like me to carry Noah?”
“That would be very nice, yes. How far is the church?”
“A few blocks into town, but we can take the buggy if you’d like.”
“No, I’d rather walk. It’s a beautiful day to be outside enjoying the splendors of God’s earth.” Grace bit her lip. “Well, then,” she continued, grabbing a shawl that was hanging over a nearby chair and draping it around her shoulders. Emmett picked up Noah’s basket and offered his other arm to Grace. Together they walked to church, moving slowly for Grace’s sake.
Chapter 7
When they reached the church, Grace let out a sigh of relief. Perhaps she had been a bit too ambitious about walking all the way into town. She was sore and tired and longed to sit down.
As they stepped into the foyer it took some time for Grace’s eyes to adjust from the bright sunlight outside to the dimply lit chapel. Men and women loitered about the church, chatting joyfully and laughing in hushed tones, until a sudden silence swept through the church-goers and all eyes turned to her.
“Good morning!” Grace looked up as Emmett greeted the minister. She suddenly wanted to run away and not look back.
“Ah, good morning, Emmett. And this must be your charge,” the minister bowed slightly in Grace’s direction.
“Yes, this is Grace, and this is her son, Noah,” Emmett raised the basket slightly.
“Welcome, my dear. I have heard so much about you. It is good to see you here today,” the minister addressed Grace kindly and she felt relief flood through her. The church-goers began to chat amongst themselves again, but Grace noticed a few women whispering to each other behind their fans. Just then the front door opened again and Faith came in with her husband, Hayes.
“Grace! You’re here. It’s so good to see you, my friend. And now you can finally meet my husband, this is Hayes. Hayes, this is my friend Grace whom I’ve told you about.” Faith beamed up at her husband then turned to give Grace a quick hug. Hayes tilted his hat to her.
“Nice to finally meet you, ma’am.”
“And you,” Grace nodded.
“Now, now, come over here, I want you to meet someone else,” Faith took Grace’s arm and steered her to a corner where another young woman was standing, holding the hand of a young boy.
“Good morning Faith,” the woman greeted her with a warm smile.
“Good morning.” Faith smiled back and then knelt down to say hello to the young boy.
“You must be Grace,” the woman held out her hand. “My name is Patience. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Oh, yes. Faith has told me about you as well. It’s nice to meet you,” Grace felt herself being drawn in by Patience’s sincerity and kindness.
“And this is Clay,” Patience introduced her son who smiled shyly up and Grace.
“Nice to meet you Clay,” Grace said sweetly. “My son’s name is Noah. He’s with Emmett over there,” Grace pointed across the foyer.
As the women got acquainted, a bell sounded just outside calling everyone into the sanctuary for the service to begin. Faith excused herself and left to find Hayes.
“There you are,” a voice echoed from behind Grace. She turned to find Emmett smiling at her. “I turned my back for one moment and you were gone. I see you’ve met Patience and her boys.”
Grace nodded.
“Well, shall we find a seat?” Emmett offered his arm and led Grace into the sanctuary. He took her to the third pew from the front and slid Noah’s basket onto the floor next to her feet. Before Grace could sit down she felt a tap on her shoulder.
“I thought you might need this. I took it from the church office,” Faith stood in the row behind Grace, holding a cushion out to her.
“Thank you so much,” Grace grinned and Faith returned her smile kindly.
Grace sat on her cushion, took a deep breath, and focused her attention on the minister. At first, Grace couldn’t hold her focus for very long. She found herself thinking of the warmth and welcome she had been offered from Faith and Patience, and found it all so unexpected and unfamiliar. She was almost afraid to trust the sincerity of these people, and it was all thanks to Rex who had broken her trust and made her lose faith in people. Yet she longed to trust her new friends and to be a part these women’s lives. Grace glanced back at Faith who sat behind her. Faith’s gaze was riveted to the minister, as if she was soaking up every word, but still she offered Grace a quick smile.
Grace wondered what held Faith’s attention so avidly and she turned back to the front. The minister’s roaming eyes rested on hers for a brief moment and Grace thought she detected a twinkle in his kind gaze.
“This passage from the book of John emphasizes how we are to live as a community with one another, caring for one another. Now listen to this prayer of Jesus for us, ‘That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.’ You see, when we live in a right community, we are able to see the Spirit of God in one another and therefore believe upon the name, or character, of Jesus. The true character of Jesus is love and gentleness and kindness, all things necessary to be one with each other, and one with God.”
These words confused Grace tremendously, but she kept her attention on the minister. She didn’t understand what was meant by being one with each other, and she certainly didn’t understand the concept of being one with God. Wasn’t God just the Creator who watched people from high above? Glancing around, she wondered. The joy on the faces of Faith, Patience, even on Emmett’s face, suggested something deeper. As the minister ended his message and everyone rose to sing a hymn, Noah
began to stir and cry softly. Emmett looked over at Grace.
“I need to tend to him,” Grace whispered with concern. She didn’t think it would be appropriate to leave now, in the middle of the service, but she knew Noah would continue to cry if she didn’t feed him soon.
“It’s okay to go,” Emmett assured her. Grace’s face flooded with relief and she picked Noah up and crept out of the sanctuary.
Chapter 8
Emmett waited for Grace outside the church office as everyone slowly began to filter out of the church.
“Emmett, there you are,” Hayes’s deep voice boomed throughout the small foyer. “We were looking for you and Grace. Where is Grace?” Faith stepped up beside her husband who towered over her small frame. She smiled at Emmett and winked.
“She must be with Noah, is she?” Faith guessed and Emmett nodded.
“Well, we wanted to invite you two over for dinner. Warren and Patience are coming over as well. Do you think Grace might be up for it?” Hayes asked.
“I’m not sure, but I’ll certainly ask her. Thank you for the invitation,” Emmett said sincerely. Before Grace had arrived, Emmett had enjoyed many meals with Hayes and Faith, as well as Warren and Patience. He missed those times of fellowship with friends and he felt Grace could also benefit from the time spent with good people.
“Okay, just come on over whenever you’re ready. If you don’t show up we’ll assume you went on home,” Hayes donned his hat and held his arm out to Faith. “My lady.” Faith giggled and slipped her hand through his arm.
As Hayes and Faith stepped outside, Emmett heard the door behind him open and turned to see Grace cradling Noah who lay sleeping in her arms.