“I’m just so happy he’s doing better. Maybe things will be back to normal before long.”
Back to normal. Kellie gave him a weak smile. “Right now I’m just happy to be with all of the people I love.”
“Me too.” He pressed another soft kiss on her brow. “You, especially.”
She blushed a little, but allowed him to give her a warm kiss in front of the whole room. Who cared if others knew they loved one another? She wasn’t ashamed to show her affection for her husband. Not here, among friends and family.
After a brief moment alone, Kellie and Nathan made the rounds to say their goodnights. Then, as the crowd thinned and her father retreated to the quiet of his bedroom, they made the drive home.
Once there, they enjoyed a beautiful, intimate night—one that reawakened a passion they had almost allowed to slip away. Here, in this quiet country place with no distractions, Kellie could think more clearly, give more freely and even love more deeply.
With the taste of her husband’s kisses still sweet on her lips, she eventually drifted off to sleep, completely content.
fifteen
Over the next two weeks, Kellie settled into a happy routine. She awoke each morning, had her quiet time with the Lord, spent a few hours on the Internet and the telephone then went to her parent’s home. Along the way, the enjoyed the flowers that bloomed in every yard and noticed the variety of trees. She waved to now-familiar neighbors and rolled down the windows in the car so she could enjoy the fresh air.
Once she arrived at her parent’s place, she helped her mother with everything from cleaning the kitchen to driving her father to physical therapy. Their hours were spent telling stories of days gone by, listening to music together and discussing the prayers needs of friends at church. Occasionally, they would go out to lunch at the cafeteria in Brenham, and stop off at the outlet mall on the way home.
By the time she got back to the house, Kellie had just enough time to decide what to cook for dinner and tidy up a bit. Then, when Nathan arrived home, they talked about their day, ate together and spent some quiet time watching television or cuddling.
Occasionally, they’d have dinner at Frankie and Julia’s place. Kellie marveled over her friend’s ability to balance everything—her workload at the school, her activities at the Civic Center, her daughter and her marriage.
Or was it the other way around? As she watched, it became clear that Julia put her family well above her work. In fact, she spent more time talking about the people in her life than the things in her life.
Kellie took careful notes.
And she observed something else, as well. Just in the past week, her friend’s waistline had begun to expand a bit. Kellie watched it all in amazement. How wonderful, and how frightening all at the same time. Julia’s cheeks carried a rosy glow and she beamed like a ray of sunshine when the ultrasound revealed the baby’s sex. A boy. Their little family would be complete, at least for now.
Kellie couldn’t even imagine what it must feel like—or what she would look like, when her time came.
If her time came. She tried not to spend much time dwelling on the pangs that gripped her heart each time she held a baby in her arms. Instead, she fought to ignore them. But a seed of hope had secretly begun to grow, one she’d have to share with Nathan soon, or push to the back once and for all.
On Thursday afternoon, as she arrived back at the little wood framed house, Kellie looked the place over with an inquisitive eye. In her somewhat overactive imagination, she could see it developing into a beautiful home. Knock down a wall here, put up a wall there. Install new windows, replace the tub and tile. She could envision it all. And with the size of the property, they could certainly expand when the time came.
She spent a moment reflecting. Something about this tiny place continued to captivate her. What was it? Perhaps it was the idea that a family had once lived here. Children had played in that yard—chasing one another and throwing balls. A wife and mother had cooked in the tiny dilapidated kitchen. A loving father had cradled his child in that living room.
Kellie thought about Mr. Henderson specifically now. She prayed for his health and his treatments. In short order, she would see him again. But in the meantime, she couldn’t help but wonder what his life had been like in earlier days as he resided in this very spot. Had he watched his children swing from the tire hanging in the front yard? Had he watched his daughters grow into young women, entering the front door with beaus on their arms? Had he cared for his ailing wife in the bedroom they had once shared? Had he eventually watched the rooms grow empty as, one by one, his life became solitary?
A little shiver ran through Kellie and she prayed for him once again. How sad, to live to such an old age and be alone. She thought about her own parents—how rich and full their lives were. What made the difference?
Relationships. Family. Friends. These things they all took for granted. And these were the very things she would sacrifice when she left Greenvine and moved back to Houston.
“Don’t think like this,” she scolded herself. “It’s not going to make things easier. Pretty soon you’ll be going back home.”
Home.
She could scarcely remember what the condominium looked like. How could she ever feel at home there?
And yet she must prepare herself to return. Tonight, when Nathan arrived home, she would open the door to that conversation. She had put it off long enough. Now that her father’s physical therapy sessions were dropping to twice a week, Kellie’s list of excuses for staying in Greenvine had dwindled rapidly. She must come to terms with it.
But would the brokerage firm take her back full-time? She’d been assured it wouldn’t be a problem, but situations weren’t always what they presented themselves to be. Regardless, she must do her best to begin to shift her thoughts in that direction. Already, Kellie had given the matter over to prayer. Now she must begin to remove her hands from it altogether. Surely God was big enough to handle the pain this decision caused. Surely He could deal with her broken heart.
***
Nathan pulled his car out onto Highway 290 West in the direction of Greenvine. He’d fought traffic for the past thirty minutes, but things seemed to be thinning out now. For the first time all day he could relax, spend a little time thinking and planning. And with so much on his mind, preparing for the future came naturally.
Joy filled Nathan, coupled with a sense of anticipation. The Lord was surely at work in his life. All of the pieces to his puzzle seemed to be coming together. Things at work were finally slowing down; he and Kellie would soon be headed back home to Houston. And the best surprise of all—he had spoken with a travel agent about possibly booking a trip to Europe for late summer. He could hardly wait to tell her. She would be thrilled.
Nathan let his mind dwell on the details for a moment. They would fly into Frankfurt and take that much-anticipated boat ride up the Rhine. They would tour ancient castles and stay in several quaint bed and breakfast places along the way.
Just like Kellie had suggested months ago.
To cap things off, they would drive into Austria and Switzerland to look at the mountains. Nathan practically beamed with excitement. Kellie would be so proud of him for taking matters into his own hands and planning this trip. Sure, this might put a bit of a damper on his savings plans for this summer, but who cared? Nathan felt like a man released from prison.
“Thank You, Lord—for freeing me from the idea that I have to store up treasures for myself. Kellie is my treasure. . . You are my treasure.”
These lessons had come from the past six weeks in Greenvine, to be sure. They Lord had been teaching and Nathan had certainly been on a learning curve. All of his well-laid plans for the future now paled in comparison to what he had in front of him at this very moment.
Kellie. Nathan couldn’t help but smile. The past few nights, in particular, she’d shown her love more passionately than in years past. “Must be something in the water,” he reason
ed. Whatever it was, he hoped it lasted.
No. No complaints in that area. And he could find little to complain about in other areas either, now that he thought about it. Their life together seemed more simplistic, quieter and certainly more intimate. Even their conversations were better directed, more heartfelt.
And his sweet Kellie—always the last one to arrive at every function—seemed to be showing up every place on time these days. The frenzied look had left her eye. She was a well-rested version of her earlier self and he liked what he saw.
Now, if only all of that bliss would follow them back to Houston, he would truly be a happy man.
Houston. Nathan thought about the city with a smile. Kellie would soon be back in the condominium, fussing over her latest purchase or complaining about the parking situation. She would buzz around the place, preparing for the workday ahead. She would settle back into the routine quickly. I know her. She loves to work. She loves what she does.
Moving back to Houston seemed logical. Still, something bugged him, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. He tapped his fingertip on the steering wheel. What is it, Lord? Why do I have this nagging thought something remains undone?
Ah ha. There was still that one unanswered question about the financial trouble in Greenvine. But it wasn’t his problem to solve. He didn’t live in Greenvine. Not really. Of course, it probably wouldn’t hurt him to make a few calls, check on a couple of things. And maybe, now that Kenton was home from the hospital, he might feel well enough to share his take on things, offer some clarity.
These things often turned out to be a simple misunderstanding. Perhaps he could take a little time to help the fine people of Greenvine sort things out. After all, they had been mighty good to him.
Nathan reflected on his new friendships for the rest of the trip. He smiled as he thought about Hal pulling that catfish from the river. The loving older man had measured the monstrous fish, bragged a bit about its size, then tossed it back into the water with a cockeyed grin. And that comment about the punch had thrown him for a loop. Who would’ve thought the fellow didn’t care for his wife’s prized punch recipe?
And Frankie—Nathan couldn’t help but marvel at his new friend. Though worlds apart in so many ways, they shared a kindred spirit, of sorts. Nathan certainly admired Frankie’s work ethic—how he’d taken that little garage and turned it into a profitable shop. Still, in spite of his business, Frankie’s world seemed fairly simplistic. In fact, he and Julia seemed to live the most carefree life Nathan had ever witnessed. A simple home, beautiful little girl and another child on the way.
Child on the way. Now there was something else he’d left undone. Nathan knew that Kellie longed to talk about the possibility of children. Now that they were headed back home, he finally felt released to start thinking that direction. Perhaps in Europe. . . he pondered the thought. What better idea than to conceive a child in some wonderful, foreign place? Yes, that trip would certainly be the start of something new—in many ways.
As he pulled the car into the driveway, Nathan looked at the house. He had to smile, remembering what it had looked like that first day. Kellie had since painted the shutters and replaced the front door. Even the yard looked better, now that Jerry Chandler had invested some time and elbow grease. She had even talked the young man into putting in some new springtime flowers just last Saturday.
Nathan rubbed at his chin, deep in thought. Yes, the home had surely made progress.
Then again, so had he.
sixteen
Kellie sighed as she looked around the cluttered kitchen. She stretched to grab something from the top cupboard, but couldn’t quite reach. “Nathan, can you come and help me with this?”
He entered the room and she couldn’t help but laugh at his appearance. His ragged t-shirt and faded jeans certainly looked a little out of place on him. And the tennis shoes, once white, were now covered in splotches of paint. In fact, Nathan even had paint in his hair.
“Wow. That’s quite a fashion statement.” She couldn’t help but giggle.
He shrugged. “No point in getting all dressed up just to work on the house. I want to get that back bedroom finished before Mr. Henderson gets here.”
Kellie drew in a sigh. Yes, Chuck Henderson was due to arrive in a couple of hours. She wondered how he would take the news that they were moving out of the house earlier than planned. Perhaps he missed the place and was ready to return home. That would certainly make things easier.
Then again. . . she looked around with a smile. This was hardly the same home he’d left behind two months ago. The home had been transformed. Literally. Would he feel a stranger in his own house?
Nathan interrupted her thoughts. “Did you need me for something?”
“Oh.” She startled to attention. “Yes. I’m trying to get those plastic storage containers.” She pointed to the top cupboard. “But I can’t reach.”
“Not a problem.” He began to pull the containers down, one by one. “What do you want me to do with them?”
She sighed again. “I guess just leave them on the counter for now. I’m almost out of boxes.” She looked around the kitchen at the five large boxes she’d already taped up. “Which reminds me—would you mind carrying these out to the garage?”
“Sure.” Nathan reached to pick up one. “But remember, you don’t have to get all of this done today. We don’t have to be back home for another week or so. And we could always come back and get the rest later.”
“I know. But my weekdays are already taken up with work and several last-minute things for my parents.” She brushed aside the mist of tears that mounted her lashes. “And I want to spend every minute I can with them while we’re still here.”
“I understand.” Nathan gave her a gentle peck on the cheek. “But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you sure don’t have to get everything packed up right away.”
He looked around the kitchen, lips pursed. “What are we going to do with all this stuff back in Houston, anyway?”
“I’ll leave a lot of it here,” she explained. “I’m sure Mr. Henderson would like to have it. It’s certainly newer—nicer—than what he had.”
“True.” Nathan headed out to the garage and Kellie threw herself back into her work. After just a few minutes, however, she had to take a break. For some reason, the day’s activities had completely worn her out.
Nathan finished with the rest of the boxes then plopped down onto the sofa next to her. “Ready for some lunch? I’m starving.”
“Mmm.” Her stomach growled, but the idea of food didn’t sound terribly appealing. Not yet, anyway. “I guess. What did you have in mind?”
“Let’s see what we have in here.” He opened the refrigerator and pulled all sorts things out. “Turkey. Ham. Lettuce. Mayo. Cheese. Two kinds of cheese, actually—Monterey Jack and Swiss. And we’ve still got plenty of that homemade oat bread Julia sent over.”
“Mmm.”
“Want me to make a couple of sandwiches? You look beat.”
“I am.” She leaned back against the sofa. “I guess you were right. I’ve been trying to do too much too fast.”
“Told you.” He began to slap sandwiches together. “But just rest for now. I’m on it.”
A few minutes later he entered the living room with two plates in hand. “Sandwiches, chips and a soda for my lady.” He extended a plate in her direction and she took it willingly.
“Thanks. I think I am hungry, after all. Starving, actually.” She took the plate and set it on the coffee table, smiling as she noticed he’d garnished the sandwich with a pickle.
“It’s my cooking,” he bragged. “You can’t turn it down.”
Kellie wasn’t sure when she’d ever seen him look so proud. Or so adorable.
“Right, right.” She smiled and bit into the sandwich. “Mmm. Not bad.”
“Not bad?” His lips curled down. “Come on and admit it. That’s the best sandwich you’ve ever eaten.”
&nbs
p; She put on her most serious face. “It’s okay.”
“Okay?”
Kellie chuckled. “It’s mah-velous, Dahling. Simply mah-velous!”
A look of relief swept across Nathan’s face. “That’s more like it.”
They chatted as they ate. Kellie tried to force a smile as he talked about their plans for the future, especially the part about going to Europe.
Funny, though. Right now, even Europe didn’t sound that appealing. Lord, help me get beyond what I’m thinking and feeling. I need to be with my husband—not just physically, but psychologically and emotionally.
They talked of Europe and other things as they finished their lunch. Afterwards, Kellie returned to her work in the kitchen. She smiled as she looked at the new appliances. Mr. Henderson would be tickled pink at the changes. She only hoped he didn’t mind the house sitting empty until he could return. She and Nathan would continue to pay rent until the agreed time, at any rate.
At 2:30 a knock on the door interrupted her work. She pulled the door open to find a much thinner Chuck Henderson standing on the other side. He still maintained the same mischievous eyes. A young woman stood next to him, her arm linked through his.
“Mr. Henderson.” Kellie extended her hand. “Welcome home.”
“Thank you.”
“He gave her hand a light shake and she couldn’t help but notice that he was clearly a bit weaker than the last time she’d seen him.
“How have you been?” She asked the question tentatively.
He flashed a cockeyed grin and a glimpse of his former personality emerged. “Fitter’n a fiddle.” He turned his attentions to the nice-looking young woman who stood at his side. “This is my daughter, Linda.”
Kellie extended her hand toward the young woman, who looked to be not much older than herself. “It’s so nice to meet you. Thanks for coming out on such short notice. Please have a seat.” She gestured toward the sofa.