by Linda Hanna
The doorbell resonated and everyone held their breath as they glanced around the room.
“Cora, Nora, Eudora, I bet that’s your sister, Flora!” Jeff shouted.
“Oh, say it isn’t so!” Ed took a deep breath and opened the door.
Vi Ashton stood with camera in hand. “I got an urgent call from the Lone Ranger.” She pointed to Wendell. “He said a shot of the triplets would make a great sequel to my first article.”
Wendell herded the trio in front of the living room fireplace, and stood behind them. “C’mon ladies, say cheese.”
“Wendell Floyd,” Dahlia called. “Get your hide outta the pitcher.”
“It’s alright, he can stay,” Vi said. “After all, a promise is a promise.” She shot a few frames. “Perfect. Now let’s have the sisters sit over there and look at those photo albums.”
“I want one of me with Em an’ Cora,” Wendell announced. “After all, we was the ones to crack this here case. Ya know, you gals are purty good at crime solvin’.”
Emily nodded. “Thank you. It was stressful, but now that I think about it, it was kind of fun. Let me know when you have another case begging for your attention.” She joined her sisters and smiled for the camera.
Once the short photography session was over, Vi thanked them for their time. Then with a wrapped piece of Dahlia’s pie, she waltzed out the door.
Cora placed their family photographs on the coffee table next to the Morgans’ collection. She dabbed her eyes. With a sweep of her hand she said, “Look at all the years we’ve missed. Let’s make a pact to be together as much as possible, now that we’ve found each other.”
“I agree to that wholeheartedly.” Nonie winked at her husband.
Vince Bedford spoke. “As a matter of fact, we’ve given this a great deal of thought and prayer since we found out about her siblings. It’s high time this old boy retired and took up golf with the great Steady Eddie Timms.”
The sisters squealed in delight as Dahlia let loose with a war-whoop.
Excitement bubbled throughout the room.
“Nonie wants to be close to her family. We’d like to move into this complex. I see a couple condos for sale across the street. Are they just like this one?”
Wendell piped up. “Yep, they’re the same. Now, this here part of the complex is a tad bit older, but just behind ‘em are some brand spankin’ new units with more square foot. Might give ya a bit more wiggle room.”
Cora leaned closer to her newest sister. “How soon can you move in?”
“It’ll take a few months.”
“My son, Daniel, has agreed to take over my medical practice in Meadow Falls.” Doc explained. “He’s wanted to sell his Chicago practice and relocate his family to Indiana for some time now. They’re excited about the move back to his home town.”
Nonie’s voice was timid as she spoke up. “I hate to ask a favor so soon, but would my two favorite sisters come and help me get ready for the big move when it’s time?”
They nodded their heads vigorously as Emily responded, “Just try and stop us!”
Dahlia cackled. “I’m guessin’ wild horses couldn’t keep ‘em away.”
“I can’t believe my ears,” Cora said. “To think only a couple months ago we didn’t know each other existed. Now the three of us can get together all the time.”
Emily agreed. “This is wonderful news. I’m not that far away.” She shifted in her seat. “Junie, you’ll see a lot more of your old mother-in-law.”
“Perhaps more than you think.” Jeff grinned and scooted to the edge of his seat. “Before we go any further about the condo, there’s something I need to tell you.” He looked at the Bedfords. “Sorry, Uncle Doc, but one of the units across the street is already taken. June and I put a deposit down a couple weeks ago.”
Emily stared at her son in disbelief. “You did what?”
“Well,” Jeff cleared his throat. “Mom, I know you’re reluctant to move from the home you and Dad shared for so long, and you’ve always told me not to put you in Shady Hills next to the cemetery. Well, this isn’t a nursing home. It’s a beautiful retirement complex where you can still come and go as you please. Since both your sisters will be here, wouldn’t you like to live next to them? We’d sure be proud to make it happen for you.” He grinned. “We don’t want to pressure you or anything, but the deposit’s non-refundable.”
“Oh, Em!” Cora squealed. “How generous. You’re going to take them up on it, aren’t you? Please, pretty-please?”
Emily hesitated for a minute. Everyone held their breath. “I’m dumbfounded,” she finally said. “This is all so sudden. I don’t know what to say.”
“Just say yes.” Jeff put an arm around his mother. “You know we’ve wanted you to move closer to us for ages. Now seems like the perfect time and place. So what do you say, Mom?”
Nonie took Emily’s hand. “Can you imagine all three of us reunited like this? Think of all the memories we’re going to make.”
“How can I turn down such an offer? Let’s do it!” Emily exclaimed.
The triplets stepped into a three-way embrace. A shoebox filled with snippets of the Timms’ lives fell to the floor.
As Cora and her sisters retrieved the fallen photos, she noticed the note card beneath her shoe. The picture on the front was of the college that Van had attended. It was addressed to Ed’s mother in Vanessa’s distinctive script.
Ed saw his wife’s shocked response and took the card from her hands. He read the note aloud. “Dear Grandma Bertie, this quote by Peter Marshall was given to me by one of my professors when Grandpa died. It’s really helped me and I thought it might help you, too. ‘Those we love are with the Lord, and the Lord has promised to be with us. If they are with Him and He is with us, they cannot be far away.’ Your loving granddaughter, Vannie.”
Cora fell into Ed’s arms. If the card had surfaced a few days ago, she would’ve completely shut down. However, once she surrendered her overwhelming grief and bitterness, the Lord replaced the anguish with His peace. He had even blessed her with two identical sisters who would be neighbors. It was more than she ever dreamed possible. And then, there was Josie, a special relationship she was determined to cultivate.
God’s love and acceptance surged through Cora and she finally knew all was well. The Lord was more than merciful and His presence, sweet.
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May God’s glory shine through
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AMDG