by Lori Wick
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The Christmas season passed with a full slate of activities and fun. Sadie’s box of gifts was a little late, but it arrived filled with clothes for the baby. Charlie was delighted with each tiny handmade article.
With a prayer in his heart that Sean and family would join him soon, Patrick said goodbye to his family two days after the new year.
When February arrived and her due date was still two weeks away, Charlie became discouraged. She was so big and uncomfortable that it felt as if she would be pregnant forever. She was poised to tell Sean just that when the first contraction hit. Charlie’s startled gaze flew to Sean, who was already dressed for church and reading his Bible. He did not immediately notice her distress. She gasped softly as the pain eased, causing Sean to look her way.
“The baby?” Sean’s voice was instantly urgent when he saw his wife’s horrified face.
“I think so,” Charlie said breathlessly.
Sean was out the door and down the stairs to alert his sister before Charlie could make a move. Upon entering the bedroom moments later, Kate hardly had to question Charlie before telling her to put her nightgown on and get back into bed.
Rigg took the girls and went for his mother. On the way home he stopped to let Dr. Grade know that Charlie’s labor had begun. She was in the midst of another contraction when May Taylor walked in. May’s countenance was calm, and Charlie found her voice very soothing in the midst of her agony.
Hours passed. Thinking he would burst if he had to watch his wife’s suffering for one more moment, Sean was in and out of the room often. He almost wished she would cry out or rail at him, but she bore her pain silently.
The sun was setting when Dr. Grade came for the last time. He told Charlie her delivery would happen any minute, and in less than five, a tiny baby boy slid into his waiting hands.
The room buzzed with activity, and Charlie heard someone calling down the stairs that it was a boy, but beyond that she heard and saw nothing. Her eyes were locked on the tiny, howling infant that was being wrapped in a dry sheet and placed in the crook of her arm.
She ached from head to foot, but at the moment nothing mattered save her baby. She began to croon softly to him and watched in fascination as he stopped crying and turned his face toward hers. The room emptied of everyone but Sean before Charlie looked away from the little boy who had captured her heart with just one glance.
“Isn’t he beautiful?” Charlie breathed softly as she held Sean’s eyes with her own.
Sean’s smile was infinitely tender, but he was actually thinking that their little son was as funny-looking at birth as Gretchen and Molly had been. He sensed immediately that he should keep this particular comment to himself.
“What are we going to call him?” Sean chose a safe subject.
“Ricky,” Charlie answered softly.
“Ricky?”
“That’s right. It’s short for Patrick Sean Donovan IV.”
“I like it,” Sean said with a smile, thinking he would never have thought of it. In fact, they hadn’t even discussed names, and that struck him as being a little unusual.
Sean leaned and kissed his wife to thank her for their son before pressing a kiss to the tiny dark head of his namesake.
“I have a son.” Sean said the words aloud as though he was finally believing it. Charlie passed Ricky into his father’s arms and watched as tears flooded his eyes. Neither of them spoke for some time after that. It was enough just to sit and watch the tiny movements of the little miracle God had placed within their arms.
In the next several weeks Ricky Donovan grew quickly and seemed to take an unusual interest in his surroundings. He had occasional bouts of colic, but nothing severe. Charlie seemed to have unfailing patience even when he cried for no apparent reason.
Most nights he slept well, and having a good night’s sleep was always enough to send Charlie forward for a full day of activity. Sean’s family had thought she was wonderful from the day they met, but nothing could have prepared them for a post-pregnant Charlie.
She never sat still. If she wasn’t taking care of Ricky, she was mending clothes or baking bread. One day she even went to the livery where Sean had found extra work to lend a helping hand.
After watching Sean and Charlie move nonstop from day to day at what appeared to be their normal activity level, it came as no surprise to the family when Sean announced their plans to leave. Ricky was only four weeks old.
It was the first of March, and Sean said that he would write a letter to Aunt Maureen relaying their plans to be in San Francisco for one week at the end of the month. Everyone understood then that the Sean Donovan family had only three more weeks in Santa Rosa.
As well-prepared as Kaitlin thought she was, she felt bereft at their announcement. It had been so much fun to have them, and she knew it would be at least two years before they would be together again. It therefore came as a surprise to her that she wasn’t more upset when the time to say goodbye finally arrived. She strongly suspected that it had plenty to do with the peace and joy she saw glowing from the faces of her brother- and sister-in-law as they boarded the stage. Confidence that they were going exactly where God wanted them to go showed in their every move.
Not only were Sean and Charlie confident, they were thrilled with the idea of going to Hawaii. Sean had been coaching Charlie in the Hawaiian language, and she knew enough to give her a great start once they arrived. A letter had been sent to Father to inform him of their approximate sailing date. The young couple knew there was nothing else they could do except head to San Francisco where they would board a ship that would take them to an exciting new life—a life that Sean knew well, but one that Charlie had only dreamed about. A life of service to their God and prayers that their service would bring honor and glory to His name.
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Aunt Maureen, who was not a grandmother herself, fell instantly in love with Ricky. Charlie was rarely able to hold him for the nine days they visited.
Two days before their scheduled departure Sean and Charlie had a “Hawaiian” day. Neither one spoke English, and Sean even attempted to teach Charlie how to cook his favorite Hawaiian dish. They were having a great time, but in one quiet moment Charlie spoke quite seriously, and in English.
“It’s all a little like playing house, isn’t it? But it won’t be all fun and games, will it, Sean? Being missionaries is a lot of hard work.”
“That’s true, but I think the fact that we’re both so burdened to be there means that God will bless and provide for us.
“And Charlie,” Sean’s voice grew urgent. “This doesn’t have to be forever. If we get there and you or Ricky are miserable, then we don’t have to stay. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be the one who can’t take it. It might not be anything like I’m remembering, and if that’s the case God will show us where He wants us to be.
“We haven’t discussed the way my father left us, at least not in detail. Even though I’ve forgiven him, I would never follow in his footsteps. We’re going to stay together; the three of us are a team. I don’t want you to ever forget that.”
Charlie was thankful for her husband’s words. With a kiss and a whispered word, she let him know of her love for him.
Maureen came to the docks to see them off, but the wind was cold and she stayed in her coach as they boarded. Sean had grown very quiet, and Charlie knew that he was remembering how ill he had been on his one previous trip. They talked about a plan of action if Sean was completely out of commission on the ship as he’d been before. Even though Charlie prayed it would be otherwise, she believed she could do what she had to do.
They stayed at the balustrade as the ship pulled away from the dock. Sean held his tiny son, swathed in blankets, close and spoke into his sleeping face.
“We’re leaving now, buddy. We’re headed to our new home, to Hawaii, where we will serve others and share Christ’s love.”
Charlie, having heard every word, found her heart swelling w
ith love for this man God had given her. Never did she believe in all her life that she would have the things she had now. Even if God should choose to remove someone or something from her world, she would never again doubt that He was there and that He loved her unconditionally.
Sean looked over to see Charlie’s face turned skyward, a look of profound serenity filling her eyes.
“What are you thinking?” he asked softly.
“Only that it’s all so wonderful. I never dreamed I would have all that God has given me.”
Sean’s smile was huge. “And to think that a little over a year ago, we were married strangers.”
“Oh, Sean!” Charlie’s eyes grew wide as she realized his words were true. Then she grinned and proceeded to tease Sean about one of his favorite sayings. “I guess miracles don’t take as long as we once believed.”
Epilogue
Hawaii 1879
The half-moon cast a faint glow on Charlie as she waded into the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sean was already splashing in the light surf, but he stopped to watch her. She had on a light shift that she was again able to use for their private nighttime swims.
It had taken longer after her second pregnancy to fit into that shift, but now that little Callie was three months old, Charlie was slim as a girl once again.
They swam, as was their Sunday night ritual, for the better part of an hour before stopping to talk and play in the waves. Grandpa Patrick was home with the baby and a now two-year-old Ricky, both of whom were asleep, or so their parents hoped.
“What did you think of your father’s announcement this morning?”
“I think he did a good job, and I’m certainly glad he warned the two of us about his plans a few days ago.”
“But you weren’t surprised, were you—not even when he shared with us in private?”
“No, I guess I wasn’t.”
“I can’t imagine being here without your father, but I’m certainly excited about where he’s going and the possible impact he could have on Sadie.”
“I can’t imagine him gone either, but it’s time—I can see that. He has been praying about it for the better part of a year. Taking the pulpit for Pastor Miller in Visalia is perfect for his needs right now. It’s not a large body of believers, and there are several good leaders.”
“To hear you, Sean, you’d think he was an old man.”
“No, I know he’s not an old man, and he assures me that his health is good, but the work here is so widespread now and he just can’t stop himself from putting too much on his plate. Did he show you Marcail’s letter?”
“Yes, I read it and I really admire her decision, Sean. She’s at the end of her schooling, and her home has been with Rigg and Katie for years. As hard as this will be for her, I have to agree that her place is with your father.”
“I think so too. I would guess that she’s doing this out of love and respect for Father, since she doesn’t know him very well after all these years, but I believe that God will bless her for her actions. Plus, it’s always been Marcail’s dream to teach school. Father will help her to that end.”
“Do you really think he will want her to go to work?”
“I think when he sees how badly she wants to teach, he will. He might be protective of her, but he’ll do the right thing.”
They continued to discuss Sean’s family, Sadie’s last letter and need for salvation, the mission work, and a myriad of other subjects during their swim. When it was time to head home, they found their towels on the beach and stood wrapped in the cloths and each other’s arms, staring up at the crescent moon.
“I love knowing that no matter what happens, God is in His heaven and loves unfailingly.”
“You sound a little worried about the days ahead,” Sean whispered.
“Not worried really, just aware that there will be changes in the future.”
“The changes will be necessary, including some that will cause pain and take adjustment. But as you said, God is in His heaven, and His sovereign will is always at work. By the way, have I told you lately that you’re beautiful?”
Charlie turned her head to stare at Sean, who was still looking at the sky. “Where in the world did that come from?”
He looked down at her then. “I was thinking about it when you stepped into the water and realized I don’t tell you often enough.”
“Oh, Sean,” was all Charlie was able to say before his lips covered her own.
As they walked hand in hand toward their house, Charlie wondered if there was anything more beautiful than being married to the man God has chosen for your life.
Charlie let her mind dwell on the hand that held hers. A hand that swung a hammer with strength and surety, a hand that grasped the Bible with confidence during a sermon, a hand that held their children with tenderness, and a hand that would claim her own with loving care every day of their lives.
Charlie didn’t have to speculate for very long as to whether or not there was anything more beautiful. With her hand engulfed within Sean Donovan’s, she knew she had her answer.
About the Author
Lori Wick is one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers in the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to contemporary writing. Lori’s books (over 3.9 million copies in print) are perennial favorites with readers.
Born and raised in Santa Rosa, California, Lori met her husband, Bob, while in Bible college. They and their three children, Timothy, Matthew, and Abigail, make their home in Wisconsin.
Books by Lori Wick
A Place Called Home Series
A Place Called Home
A Song for Silas
The Long Road Home
A Gathering of Memories
The Californians
Whatever Tomorrow Brings
As Time Goes By
Sean Donovan
Donovan’s Daughter
Kensington Chronicles
The Hawk and the Jewel
Wings of the Morning
Who Brings Forth the Wind
The Knight and the Dove
Rocky Mountain Memories
Where the Wild Rose Blooms
Whispers of Moonlight
To Know Her by Name
Promise Me Tomorrow
The Yellow Rose Trilogy
Every Little Thing About You
A Texas Sky
City Girl
English Garden Series
The Proposal
The Rescue
The Visitor
The Pursuit
The Tucker Mills Trilogy
Moonlight on the Millpond
Just Above a Whisper
Leave a Candle Burning
Big Sky Dreams
Cassidy
Sabrina
Jessie
Contemporary Fiction
Sophie’s Heart
Pretense
The Princess
Bamboo & Lace
Every Storm
White Chocolate Moments