Sheila’s parents had just turned in for the night when her cell phone rang. It was Rick.
“Hey, there,” he said. “Am I calling too late?”
“No. This is perfect,” she replied. “Mom and Dad are in bed, and I was just having a cup of tea. So tell me, how was your lunch with Dad?”
“He didn’t say anything?”
“I want to hear what you think. Mom drilled him, of course. I hope he didn’t pour on the protective father routine too much.”
Rick laughed. “Actually, I really had a good time getting to know him. He’s a great guy, Sheila. And I can tell he’s a very loving father. You are blessed. Truly blessed.”
Sheila nodded to herself. “Yes. I am.”
“I can’t help but wonder how my life would have been with a father like that,” Rick added.
“Must have been hard on you both. Especially your mom.”
“Yeah. Well, those days are behind us. I’m not looking for pity, if that’s how it sounded. I just feel great respect for your family, and your father has definitely set the tone. It makes me wish I were younger. Young enough to have a family of my own.”
Sheila winced. Maybe this wasn’t going to work out after all. “You know, Rick, lots of guys your age have children. It’s still not impossible.”
“I suppose you’re right. But I’m not one to go after someone half my age just so I can be a father. Besides, I think I’ve found someone I’m pretty interested in.”
A smile spread across Sheila’s face and heart. “Oh really?” she asked teasingly.
“Yep. A beautiful gal I’ve been seeing lately. She’s new to Sandy Cove, actually.”
They both laughed.
“And when would you be ‘seeing’ her again?” Sheila asked.
“I could be there in five minutes if I hurry.”
“You’re crazy. You know that, right?”
“Yeah. I guess I am a little crazy. Crazy about you, Sheila.”
“Good thing you aren’t here,” she said.
“Why’s that?”
“Because I just turned three shades of red.”
“You look good in red,” he replied. “Should I come over?”
She laughed.
“Seriously. I could be there in a few minutes. It’s only 10:00. I promise I’ll leave before midnight.”
Sheila thought for a moment. What would her parents think if one of them got up for a drink of water and found him here? On the other hand, she wanted to see him, and she was pretty sure her father hadn’t told him about the cancer. It would be good to have someone to talk to about that. “Okay. Sure. Come on over.”
“Really?” His voice sounded surprised and happy.
“Yeah. I’ll put the porch light on. But don’t ring the bell. I’ll try to keep an eye out for you. Just knock lightly if I don’t see you first.”
“Okay. On my way.”
Within ten minutes, he pulled into her driveway. She’d been watching through the front window, and opened the door to meet him before he could even get to the porch.
For the first time, he greeted her with a kiss. Usually that was reserved for their goodbyes. Sheila savored their growing closeness. “Let’s go out back,” she said, taking him by the hand and leading him through the house and out into the backyard.
They sat together on a glider and looked out at the stars. Sheila shivered from the evening chill, and Rick released her hand and draped his arm over her shoulder, pulling her close. The smell of his aftershave and the warmth of his body invited her to relax into his arms.
“There’s something I want to talk to you about,” she said.
“I have something to talk to you about, too,” he replied.
“You go first,” she said, noticing the sparkle in his eyes.
The words spilled out of him as he retold his conversation with her father. Rick seemed so happy and even looked a little younger when he smiled. In her mind’s eye, Sheila could picture her father leading him in prayer.
Thank you, God, she prayed silently. This is truly a miracle.
Then turning to Rick, she did something that surprised even her. Leaning toward him, she gave him a kiss.
He grinned. “Now that’s the kind of response I’d hoped for,” he said with a wink. “Okay, it’s your turn. What did you want to tell me?”
Her smile faded, and she felt his hand wrap around hers. “What is it, Sheila? Is something wrong?”
“It’s about my dad.”
He looked at her, listening intently.
“He’s sick,” she began. “I mean really sick.”
Everything was silent for a moment, and Sheila felt the words sticking in her throat. She closed her eyes and breathed another prayer before continuing. “He’s got cancer, Rick. Pancreatic cancer.”
Rick drew back a little, gazing into her eyes. “I didn’t know. He seemed fine at lunch. But, come to think of it, I did see him wince like he was in some kind of pain once.” He paused and then added, “I’m so sorry, Sheila.”
His compassion melted her resolve, and she broke into tears. The strong front she’d been wearing for her parents and Michelle dissolved, and she was overwhelmed with fear and sorrow.
Immediately, Rick responded by pulling her toward him and holding her close, one arm wrapped around her and the other cradling her to his chest. With his chin resting on her head, he rocked her, letting her tears flow freely.
Sheila allowed herself to sink into him. When her sobs finally subsided, she could hear the beating of his heart. With eyes closed, she stayed perfectly still, allowing the gentle rhythm of its cadence to calm her. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Slowly she felt herself regaining her composure.
Leaning back, she looked into his eyes. They were filled with understanding and concern. It was then that she thought of how Rick’s mother had died of cancer. No wonder. He knew.
Without saying a word, he leaned toward her. Their lips met in a tender kiss that became heartfelt and then passionate. Something within Sheila’s spirit stirred, and she suddenly sensed that Rick’s appearance in her life was a divine provision for the difficult months ahead. Although she might very well lose the most important man in her world, God had a plan to carry her through.
CHAPTER THIRTY
The next morning, Sheila found her mother sitting alone in the kitchen. “Where’s Dad?” she asked as she poured a cup a coffee.
“He’s moving a little slow today,” Joan replied, and then added, “I think we may need to get home, honey.”
“But I thought you were planning to stay at least until the end of the week.”
Her mom reached out and took her hand. “He needs to get back in to see the doctor and make some decisions about his treatment.”
Sheila nodded. “Okay. Do you want me to try to switch your flight?”
“Would you, please? I’m really concerned. He seems to be in more pain today than usual.”
Sheila got the phone and began calling. Thankfully, she was able to exchange their tickets for a flight that afternoon.
“Will we have time to stop and say goodbye to Michelle and the kids?” her mother asked.
“I think so. I’ll call her and let her know about the change of plans. Maybe you should go tell Dad and get your stuff packed.”
As soon as her mother was out of the room, Sheila called Michelle. She promised to have everyone home when they stopped by. “I’m worried about Grandpa, Mom. Do you think you should go home with them?”
“I’ll talk to them about it, but I’m sure I’d need to take another flight. It’s probably best for them to just get back and see the doctor. After that, we can decide about me coming down.”
When she got off the phone, Sheila began fixing some breakfast for the three of them. They’d need to leave in an hour if they wanted to have a little time at Michelle’s before heading for Portland. When her parents came into the kitchen a few minutes later, her mother was wearing a cheerful attitude that Sheila knew was
forced.
“Breakfast smells delicious, Sheila,” she said. “Doesn’t it, Phil?”
He smiled and nodded. “Sure does.”
They sat together and held hands as her father asked a blessing on the food. He tried to carry on a casual conversation about how much they’d enjoyed seeing her new place all furnished and settled. But none of them had an appetite, and much of the breakfast remained untouched.
“I’m sorry we need to leave sooner than we’d planned,” he said. “But I think your mother’s right. I need to get home and face this situation head on.”
“I understand, Dad. And if you two need me to come down, just say the word. I’ll hop on a plane.”
Relief showed in her mother’s smile. “Thanks, dear. We’ll keep in touch and let you know.”
After rinsing the dishes, they loaded the car and headed for Michelle’s.
Caleb greeted them as they pulled into the driveway. He’d been bouncing a ball against the garage door while he waited. “I’ll go tell Mom you’re here,” he called as he raced inside.
A moment later, Michelle came out, embraced each of them and invited them in. “I just brewed some fresh coffee,” she said.
“Sounds good,” Sheila replied, noticing the pain in her father’s eyes as he stretched his back a little.
“Wanna see my Lego castle?” Caleb asked Grandpa Phil, taking him by the hand and pulling him toward the house.
“Take it easy,” Michelle warned. “Grandpa’s not feeling well.”
“It’s okay,” Phil told her. Then turning to Caleb, who had stopped pulling, “Lead me to the castle, young man.”
As they disappeared into the house, Michelle gave Sheila a distressed look. Without saying a word, her eyes communicated her deep concern. Sheila put a hand on her daughter’s shoulder and said, “Let’s go get some of that coffee.”
The three of them walked inside and retreated to the kitchen, settling at the breakfast table. Michelle had some homemade banana bread sliced and ready to serve from a decorative plate on the center of the table. She poured each of them a cup of coffee, got some small plates and butter and set them on the table.
“Do you want me to ride along with you to the airport?” she asked. “I can see if the kids could go over to Ben and Kelly’s. That way you’d have company for the drive home.”
“No thanks, honey,” Sheila replied. “I’ll be fine.”
As they sipped their coffee, they could hear Caleb and Madison visiting with Grandpa Phil in the other room.
“I can go get Grandpa and bring him in here if you think he needs to sit and rest,” Michelle offered.
Joan shook her head. “Leave him be, sweetheart.”
Sheila’s heart ached as she considered the very real possibility that her father might not see these kids again. I can’t be thinking like this, she chided herself. But she couldn’t shake the realization that it just might be his last trip to Sandy Cove. As she glanced over at her mother, she knew she wasn’t the only one considering that possibility.
A few minutes later, the kids came barreling into the kitchen with Grandpa Phil in tow. He joined them at the table, and Caleb and Madison both grabbed pieces of the banana bread, taking them to the counter to eat. Michelle got up and poured the kids some milk, intercepting a squabble over the extra piece Caleb had snagged.
“Mom, he took two,” Madison complained.
“I see that,” she replied. “Would you like another piece?”
Her daughter nodded, looking smug.
Michelle picked up the plate with the bread and held it out to her. As Maddie took one, she gave Caleb a triumphant smile.
He rolled his eyes and looked away.
Sheila shook her head and grinned at Michelle, silently saying ‘Kids will be kids’ with her eyes. Glancing at the clock, she realized they needed to get going soon. “Did you want a piece of the bread, Dad?” she asked.
“No, thanks. It looks good, but I’m not hungry.” He took a swallow of coffee and added, “We’d better head for the airport.”
“Yeah,” Sheila replied. “Mom, are you finished?”
Joan nodded, blotting her mouth with a napkin. “Thanks for the coffee and bread, sweetheart,” she said to Michelle.
“Sure, Grandma. Would you like me to bag up the rest for your flight?”
“You don’t need to do that. But thanks for offering. I’ll bet those two will have this bread finished in no time,” she added, nodding toward the kids at the counter.
“Yeah. You’re probably right,” Michelle admitted. As they stood up, she said, “Maddie and Caleb, come on outside with us to say goodbye.” They hopped off their barstools and followed the grownups out to the car.
As hugs were exchanged, Sheila noticed Michelle holding her grandfather tightly for an extra few seconds. “I’m praying for you, Gramps,” she said when she finally released him. Sheila could hear her voice crack and noticed her brush a tear away as Phil and Joan got into the car.
Before joining them, she took her daughter in her arms. “Thanks for praying, Mimi,” she whispered in her ear.
As they drove away, Caleb, Madison, and Michelle stood together waving goodbye.
The drive to the airport passed in a blur, so many thoughts parading through Sheila’s mind as she drove. Would she soon be headed to her childhood home in Mariposa, too? What would her father decide to do about the treatments? And how would her mother manage as his caregiver in the months ahead?
“Sheila?” her father’s voice broke through.
Pulling her attention back to the moment, she asked, “Yes, Dad?”
“I want to talk to you about your fellow.”
“Rick?”
“Yes.”
“What about him, Dad?”
“He seems like a nice chap.”
“He is,” she replied with a smile.
“Just take your time, alright? Give him a chance to make a firm commitment to God before you jump into something permanent. He’s learning, and I give him a lot of credit for admitting he was wrong, especially at his age. He’s come a long way since Michelle had him as a teacher, but just be sure he’s really solid with God.”
“Okay, Dad. I will.”
“You’ll know, honey,” her mother interjected from the backseat. “God will show you.” She reached up and patted her on the shoulder.
“Thanks, Mom.”
Just thinking of Rick brought a little joy back into Sheila’s heavy heart as they neared the airport.
With their new boarding passes in hand, Phil and Joan turned to say goodbye to their daughter.
“Thanks for everything, sweetheart,” Phil said as he pulled Sheila into a tight embrace. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, Dad. You take care of yourself,” she replied, trying to control her voice.
He held her at arms distance for a moment, his hands resting on her shoulders. “Hey.”
She hesitated to make eye contact, not wanting to give away her anxiety.
He cleared his throat and she looked up. “Now don’t you worry about me, okay?”
She nodded.
“I’m not afraid of whatever lies ahead,” he said firmly, “and I don’t want you to be either.”
Sheila took a deep breath and exhaled.
“None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, honey. Not a one. It’s up to God how long He keeps us here and when He decides to bring us home.” He paused and studied her face as if to see if his words were getting through. “The thing we’ve got to hold onto is that no matter how long or short our time together here on earth is, we know we’ve got eternity together on the other side. Right?”
She nodded. “Right.”
“Okay then, let me see that beautiful smile of yours before we board this plane. I need to take it home with me.”
After another deep breath, Sheila gave her father the best smile her heart could muster. He pulled her into his arms one more time. “That’s better, honey. Now don’t let anything tak
e that smile from you. Promise.”
“I promise, Dad,” she murmured into his chest.
“My turn,” Joan said a moment later.
Sheila’s father released her, and her mother pulled her close. “I’ll take good care of him,” she said to her daughter.
“Call me when you get home,” Sheila said.
“We will, honey,” her mother promised. Then she took her husband’s hand, and they walked into the security line, leaving Sheila waving as they went.
After she got back into her car to drive home, Sheila let herself go. She cried for several minutes, talking aloud to God about her concerns for her father. Then she heard a tap on the window. Looking over, she saw a security guard looking in. She rolled down the window, dabbing her eyes with a tissue and trying to regain her composure.
“Are you okay, Ma’am?” he asked.
She sniffled and nodded her head. “Yeah. I’ll be okay.” Thanking him for his concern, she started the motor and headed home.
Michelle sat alone on her bed praying. She’d seen the look in her grandfather’s eyes, and it broke her heart. His faith in God had always been such an inspiration to her, even when she’d gone her own way spiritually and sought answers in New Age beliefs.
Picking up her Bible from the nightstand, she flipped it open to a passage of scripture that had captured her attention recently. It was the scene of the last supper. She reread it until she came to the part that had jumped off the page at her earlier.
There was at the table reclining in Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
She closed her eyes and imagined what it must have been like to be that close to Jesus—to actually be leaning against His chest. She wondered if he’d been able to hear Jesus’ heartbeat and if so, what that must have sounded like.
Thinking back to her earliest memories, she could picture herself sitting on Grandpa Phil’s lap as he cradled her close on the porch swing. She’d probably been only three or four years old at the time, but she remembered feeling so special when he called her ‘princess.’
Around the Bend (Sandy Cove Series Book 4) Page 21