An Offering of Hope

by Greenwood Muir, Diane

  "You’re busy," Polly said. "Class sizes just keep getting bigger and bigger."

  "Ah, but I have a wonderful student teacher this fall, and Dawn is awfully good help. I'm very fortunate."

  "You do amazing things with those kids." Polly let Cassidy's hand go and the little girl took off. She gave Maude Wallers a quick hug. "I know, I know. The bathroom is a weird place to get emotional, but I will never be able to thank you enough for the way you work with our kids. You teach them so much more than classwork. What you did for my boys — I have no words. Thank you."

  "Your boys have a good foundation of support. You made my job easier."

  "I'll let you go," Polly said with a chuckle. "Nothing like stopping two girls on the way to the bathroom."

  She left them and shook her head at herself. She really was a weirdo some days.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Flying past Chloe and Polly, Rebecca raced to her car with Kayla and Cilla in tow. The girls were headed for the hospital to attempt a visit with Libby Francis.

  "She doesn't stop moving, does she?" Chloe said.

  "Not when she has something in her head," Polly opened the door to Henry's truck and waited for Chloe to climb in. He had the Suburban this morning and Cat was driving her own car. Right now, Polly had to drive around back and help load the bed of the truck with shower gifts.

  "Is your life always this busy?" Chloe asked.

  Polly chuckled. "I'm in the middle of a particularly crazy couple of weeks, but things are never boring."

  "I don't think I could do what you do. Your big family, these businesses, and so many friends. You know what's going on in their lives, and when people from out of town show up, you take us in as if you always expected we'd be here. And to top it off, you rescued a poor girl on your doorstep and found a dead body."

  "Those things don't happen every week," Polly said.

  "I kept hearing Jon's family talk about you, but I thought they were condensing months of activities into one conversation. Come to find out, I think they missed about half of what you do every day."

  "Do you want to come clean my house?"

  "I think that's the only thing I'd be qualified to do for you."

  Polly backed into the garage. "You don't have to help with this. Most everything will be downstairs by now. We should have put that elevator in when I lived here."

  "I'm a strong young woman," Chloe said.

  When Polly pulled the tailgate down on the truck, she heaved a sigh of relief. Henry generally carried so much back here, she wasn't sure how much space there would be to carry the shower gifts. More than likely, he'd emptied it this morning before he left. She opened the door into Sycamore House and grinned. Gift bags and large garbage bags filled with small boxes greeted her. This wouldn't take long. Everyone upstairs had pitched in to help pack gifts for travel. Lydia made Polly promise to leave the cleanup to them since she had guests today. Someday, Polly was going to treat Lydia to a spa treatment at a fancy salon.

  As she and Chloe hauled a second load of gifts to the truck, the elevator came back down. Cat and her mother stepped off with two more gift bags.

  "How are we doing?" Polly asked.

  "This is it," Cat said. "Thank you for taking this to the house. I promised Mama that we'd spend a few minutes together before she rushed back to West Liberty. Hayden said they're on the way home, so the boys will carry everything upstairs. You aren't to worry about any of it."

  Polly hadn't checked her phone, so she didn't know if Henry had sent her a message. "I hope you had a good morning."

  Cat beamed. "It was wonderful. So nice and relaxing. I felt like a princess. Everyone rushing to take care of me and there were such sweet gifts. Thank you."

  "You're welcome. Lydia and Sylvie did most of the work once my week spun out of control, but I'm glad it went well."

  "We're going up to the coffee shop. Do you need anything?"

  "Not that I can think of." Polly gave Cat a quick hug. She slammed the gate closed on the truck. "I'll see you at home. It was nice to see you again, Helena."

  "Thank you for everything, Polly. I'm thankful that you take such good care of my Catalina."

  Polly smiled and glanced upward. Agnes was taking Cassidy home with her for the afternoon. Though it was a brisk Saturday, she thought that a walk would be good for the two of them. It was only a couple of blocks. Polly had offered to take them back to the house since Agnes was comfortable spending time with Cassidy there, but the older woman smiled knowingly and patted Polly's shoulder. Polly wasn't quite sure what to do with that, but she never was when it came to Agnes Hill.

  When Polly pulled out onto the highway, she turned to Chloe. "Do you need a cup of coffee? We could stop at Sweet Beans if you'd like."

  "That's okay. It sounds like the boys are on their way home." Chloe twisted her engagement ring.

  "It feels weird for a while," Polly said.

  Chloe laughed. "I'm not used to wearing rings. It does feel weird. I'm terrified that I'll lose it or that it will catch on something. Do I wear it to bed? What about when I'm doing dishes or cleaning the house?"

  "Everyone has an opinion on that. And they’ll all be glad to share that opinion with you. You have to do what feels comfortable. Did Jon get the right size?"

  "We talked months ago about my ring size. I thought he was going to ask me then and nothing ever happened. I forgot completely about it." Chloe sputtered out a laugh. "That's not true at all. I never forgot about it. I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for him to ask me. That's why the surprise last night was so perfect. He knew that I knew it was coming, but I never expected him to ask me in front of all of you. Not that it wasn't the right thing, but it was a surprise."

  "I'm glad you were okay with it. He and Ray were so proud. Did you see their faces?"

  "No," she said, shaking her head. "I was too teary-eyed on top of being surprised that it had finally happened and I didn't have to wonder any longer."

  "Well, they were quite proud of themselves for pulling that together without any help from me or their sister."

  "You've known Drea a long time."

  "Years."

  "She doesn't have a lot of friends. Not close friends, anyway. That's what Jon said."

  "Probably not. She's pretty focused and driven."

  "He said she never had that many in high school either."

  "Are you worried that she won't like you? Because I can assure you that she loves you."

  Chloe gave Polly a look of relief. "I sound like I'm in junior high, wondering if the popular girls like me. Drea never says anything either good or bad and she's kind of intimidating."

  "She had to be with those big ole goofballs as brothers. It's the only way she keeps them in line. She thinks the world of you. Drea is impressed with your career and thinks that you'll be a wonderful part of their family. She loves the way you treat Jon and she’s trying to stay quiet about the two of you starting a family."

  "Really," Chloe said. "I shouldn't have pressed you. Thank you for telling me, though. Do you think she'd consider being a member of the wedding party?"

  "She'd be honored. But she also wouldn’t be offended if you didn't ask. I'm going to tell her that we talked, you know."

  "Oh, don't say anything, please?"

  "Then, I'll tell her the same thing I'm about to tell you."

  Chloe sighed. "What's that?"

  "The two of you should spend a day together. Drea loves used bookstores and thrift shops. There is nothing more fun for her than to discover a hidden treasure. And trust me, she always finds a hidden treasure when she shops. She loves off-beat, kitschy shops and tiny little dives tucked back away from the hustle and bustle of the city."

  "Oh, I know this great little ice cream shop."

  "She adores ice cream. Some Saturday, surprise her with what you've uncovered. Jon and Ray know all the places she usually haunts. Avoid those and find something new and surprising."

  "I can't believ
e you're helping me with this."

  Polly laughed as she pulled into the driveway. "Drea Renaldi is that family’s anchor. She loves them deeply and now that you're part of that family, you are part of her life. When their father was alive, long before I knew them, he called her his diamond. He’d have moved heaven and earth for her, but instead, he taught her to be strong and independent so she could move mountains on her own. I think sometimes she wishes she had a companion to relieve some of the pressure, but she sticks her chin up and does what needs to be done."

  "Jon and Ray would do anything for her."

  "But they don't always ask what she needs. They assume she is strong enough to handle things herself. She is, but it's not always easy being a strong woman alone in this world."

  "I need to pay better attention."

  "Be sure not to let her know that you are paying attention. She'll cut you off if she thinks you're pandering to her or patting her on the head."

  Chloe shuddered. "That would be like petting a viper."

  "Smart girl. Now, we never had this conversation, right?"

  "Right. We should unload the truck."

  Polly shook her head. "Nope. I have eight or nine males showing up here any minute. This is my way of letting them know just how much I need them."

  "You're hilarious."

  "I've also left Lexi alone long enough and I want to see her before I get caught up in tales from the morning. If you don't mind, I'm going to abandon you."

  "I don't mind at all," Chloe said.

  "Feel free to wander around the house and open cupboards and closets. I don't care. I keep thinking that I should be ashamed of the messes, but if I was, I'd have done something about it."

  "It's lived in."

  Polly laughed out loud. "Thank you for not being dishonest and telling me it’s clean enough. Eleven people live in this house and rather than having eleven people who go an extra mile to help clean, I have cumulative damage being done every day." She waited as Chloe got out of the truck and joined her, then they walked to the side door. Polly was surprised to not see the dogs wagging their tails at her arrival. "Wonder where the dogs are hiding? Obiwan? Han?"

  Scrabbling on the back steps announced the arrival of one dog as Han came sliding across the floor at her.

  "Where's Obiwan?" Polly asked.

  The dog simply wagged his tail, happy to see her.

  "You're okay by yourself?" Polly asked Chloe.

  "They'll be home any minute. I'll tell them to bring the gifts in."

  "Thank you. Make yourself comfortable." Polly headed to the back steps and went up, still curious as to where Obiwan might have gotten himself. The animals sometimes managed to close themselves into rooms, but she usually heard a bark or whine to let her know where they were.

  Lexi's door was open, enough to let a dog in or out, and she gently rapped on it. "Lexi?"

  "Yes, Polly. I'm here." The poor girl sounded so sad.

  When Polly opened the door, she discovered where Obiwan had gotten to. He'd wrapped himself around Lexi. She looked up, tears streaking her face.

  "Honey, what's wrong?"

  "What happened to my baby? I don't even know if it's a girl or a boy. What have I done, Polly?"

  "Oh, honey. I'm sure your baby is fine."

  "But it was taken from me. Did Austin get it the right care fast enough? He was in such a hurry. The poor thing. Why didn't I fight him? Why didn't I try to run away? I could have taken care of my baby. We'd have figured it out. Polly, how could I have been so stupid? What have I done?"

  "You stayed alive and are getting healthy. The sheriff is searching for everyone involved. This isn't over by a long shot, Lexi. If what you want to do is raise your own baby, then we will search high and low to find it and bring it back to you."

  "You can't promise that."

  "I can promise that we'll search."

  "I just wish I knew if it was a boy or a girl." She pulled Obiwan closer to her. He didn't resist. He never resisted anyone who needed his warmth and affection.

  "I know. I'm sorry we left you alone for so long this morning."

  Lexi shrugged. "I've been reading and sleeping. It's what I did all summer."

  "You know you’re free to go anywhere in this house, right? You aren't confined. If you want me to take you anywhere else, I will."

  "I don't know where I'd go. Where's Rebecca?"

  "A friend of hers was hurt in a car accident last night, so Rebecca is on her way down to the hospital."

  "Is the friend going to be okay?"

  Every time Lexi asked about someone else or focused on something other than her own grief, Polly knew she was seeing her true character. This young woman needed an opportunity to show the world how much she cared and what she could do for others.

  "I think so. When Rebecca gets home, we'll know more."

  "There was a lot of noise in the hall this morning," Lexi said, glancing up at Polly.

  Polly smiled. "There are a lot of noisy kids in this house. They can't wait to meet you, but everyone knows to go slow. You don't have to see anyone until you're ready."

  "I look like a mess."

  "You look fine. If you'll let me, I’ll brush your hair for you."

  Lexi nodded shyly. Polly had dug into her 'extras' drawers and found a hairbrush still in its package. With new people coming into her life regularly, she'd made a habit of purchasing extra hairbrushes and toiletries, just to ensure that everyone could have something of their own. The hairbrush sat on top of Lexi's dresser.

  "Did Rebecca get everything put away for you?" Polly asked, tapping the top of the dresser. She'd also learned that opening drawers or looking inside closets was something that stripped away the individuality of her guests, whether they were there for a long time or just a few moments. With Shelly, privacy had been so important, since she'd been years without it.

  "Yes. Thank you. I can't believe that I've lost everything."

  Polly gave Obiwan a push. He lapped at her face and jumped down from the bed. With one last look at the two of them, he wagged his tail and left.

  "We aren't ready to call your things a loss yet. One way or other we'll track down your friend. Once we do, we'll figure out the next steps." She sat down beside Lexi and hesitantly reached up to touch the girl's hair. When Lexi didn't flinch, Polly started brushing, thankful that they'd washed it only a couple of days ago. As she did, slowly clearing the tangles, Lexi's shoulders relaxed. Other than the girls at the salon, no one had done this for Polly since she was just a girl.

  "I don't know what to do next," Lexi said. "I can't stay here."

  "Yes, you can. It's up to you, but you’re welcome to stay as long as you need."

  Lexi pulled away to turn toward Polly. Because the brush had been caught in a tangle, Polly released it so she didn't pull it out. The brush swung back and nearly caught Polly's face.

  "I'm sorry," Lexi said.

  "It's fine."

  "I still don’t understand why you’d let me stay here."

  "Because you need a safe place to live."

  "Your friend, Sal, tried to explain it. Even Rebecca tried to tell me, but it still doesn't make sense. I’m an adult. I can rent my own apartment and buy my own furniture." She crumpled. "At least I could until they kidnapped me. I am not a weak girl who relies on others. I make my own decisions. I have since I was in high school. I graduated from college and was accepted into a master’s program. Even when I got pregnant, I tried to make the best decision I could. I'm not a stupid person."

  "None of that has changed." Polly had the brush back in her hand and used her fingers to separate strands of hair before she started brushing again.

  "But I've changed. I can never go back to the way I was before this happened."

  "You're right," Polly said. She smiled. "I love Star Trek. Do you?"

  Lexi frowned at her. "Star Trek? What does that have to do with anything?"

  "Just the other night I watched an episode of Star Trek
: Voyager. Have you ever seen it?"

  "No."

  "The Vulcan on the show; his name is Tuvok. He was speaking to a young woman who had just gone through a terrible trauma and felt much the way you do. He agreed. She was no longer the same. She’d never be the same, but she had to learn to adapt. From that point on, everything would change because of what had happened. But where her life led was up to her. She still had power over her decisions and her life. So do you."

  "It doesn't feel like it."

  "Do you feel more in control than you did on Tuesday when you woke up calling for me?"

  "I suppose."

  "Do you feel like you'll be in better shape tomorrow?"

  "I hope so."

  "Each day you will find a way to take a step toward your new life and I will help you in whatever way you'll let me."

  "I still don't understand why."

  Polly patted Lexi's head, having finished brushing her hair. It lay in soft waves around her shoulders. "Here's what I know about myself. I've been given a great deal. To begin to enumerate the blessings that fill my life would take more time than you and I have. If I hold tight to those blessings, that's all they are. They only benefit me and everything stays the same. If I share what I have, those blessings explode." Her mouth blossomed into a huge smile. "I have more today than I did when I first drove into Bellingwood. I never expected to find a husband like Henry, or to have Rebecca show up in my life. I opened my heart to them and my heart exploded. From there, I opened my heart to Heath. He brought Hayden into my life and then came Hayden's wife, Cat.

  "Henry introduced me to this wonderful friend of his from Chicago. Roy Dunston brings city kids who will never know anything but city life to Bellingwood so they can experience something extraordinary. He introduced me to Noah and Elijah. Everything changed the day those boys came into my life. I've never known such amazing love. Then, Henry and I decided to foster two boys who desperately needed a place to stay. Caleb and JaRon showed up and a year later, their little sister, Cassidy, arrived. If I hadn't said yes to helping others, I would never have known these amazing people. So, I say yes whenever I can. My blessings aren't meant to be held tight in my heart. Blessings are meant to be shared and they expand from there."