From the Heart (Sandy Cove Series Book 5) Page 12

  “I love you more than words can say, Sheila. And I will be forever grateful you were my daughter.

  “Take care of your mother. And I’ll see you on the other side, princess.”

  Then the screen went blank.

  After a long, nearly sleepless night, Sheila awakened to the sound of her mother stirring around. She arose from bed and joined her in the kitchen for coffee and breakfast.

  The morning flew by. Then it was time to get ready.

  Sheila had bought Joan a new dress and helped her into it, pinning a corsage on as well. “You look beautiful, Mom.”

  “You do too, sweetheart,” she replied as she examined her daughter’s simple, but elegant, plum colored lace dress. “I wish your father could see you now.”

  Sheila nodded, pulling her into a hug as she thought about the DVD. She wanted to tell her mother about watching it last night. But something held her back. Instead she just replied, “I wish he were here, too.”

  The ceremony took place at four o’clock at the little chapel by the lighthouse. With the sound of waves crashing on the shore and heavy storm clouds blanketing the coast line, Sheila and Rick stood holding hands as Ben led them in a simple exchange of wedding vows. Michelle and Madison stood off to the side of Sheila, and Rick had requested that Steve and Caleb stand up for him.

  Tim, who was still in Sandy Cove, escorted Joan to her seat and then walked his mother up the aisle, giving her hand to his soon-to-be stepfather, Rick. Then he took his seat, with Joan on one side, and Kelly and her brood on the other. Tim’s girlfriend Traci, a photographer by hobby, snapped pictures as the bride and groom slipped rings onto each other’s fingers and exchanged their first kiss as husband and wife.

  After about a dozen family photos, the group headed for their dinner celebration at the Cliffhanger Restaurant, dodging raindrops that had begun to fall.

  As they took their seats in the banquet room overlooking the stormy surf, Joan’s heart swelled with joy for her daughter, who looked youthful and radiant. She couldn’t help but notice Rick’s attentiveness, pulling out Sheila’s chair, focusing on her throughout the conversation, and occasionally leaning over and whispering in her ear.

  The meal was delicious, and a small but beautifully decorated wedding cake was the dessert.

  Steve presented a toast, and Tim chimed in with a few comments of his own. As the waiter began to serve the cake, Caleb tugged on Michelle’s arm. “Mommy?” he began.

  “Yes?”

  Then, in a voice loud enough for all to hear, he asked, “Is Dr. Chambers my grandpa now?”

  A look of surprise swept around the table. Michelle glanced over at her former professor, who seemed eager to hear her reply. Nodding to her son, she said, “Yes, honey. He is.”

  Immediately a look of gratitude and love washed over Sheila’s face, and Rick beamed as he made eye contact with Michelle and winked.

  “Okay, good,” Caleb replied, unfazed by the emotions of the adults surrounding him. “So can we fly my new plane at the beach when you and Grandma get back from your vacation, Grandpa?” he asked.

  Rick glanced at Michelle, who nodded. Then turning to Caleb, he replied, “We sure can, son.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Joan spent a delightful week with Madison while Sheila and Rick were in California for their honeymoon. At first she’d balked at the idea of needing someone to stay with her. But, as it turned out, she was thankful Sheila had insisted.

  Maddie loved to cook, and the two of them baked cookies, pies, and banana bread. They watched family videos and old classics on television, played with Josie and laughed at her antics, and took leisurely walks at the beach on days when the weather allowed.

  Something about Maddie reminded Joan of Sheila as a young girl. Maybe it was her light coloring with that strawberry blond hair and blue eyes. While most people remarked how much she looked like her father with his sandy hair and matching eyes, Joan saw Sheila in her great granddaughter’s smile. And this week that they shared together, reminded Joan of being a young mother with her daughter by her side.

  She relished every moment.

  Soon Sheila and Rick would be back, and Madison’s Christmas break would be over. Then Joan would be moving to Shoreline Manor. Although she knew it was for the best, she couldn’t help but feel a little nervous about starting over in a new home, with new neighbors, and living apart from family.

  Of course, Sheila and Michelle both insisted she’d be spending much of her time with them anyway. And since Joan didn’t drive, she knew she’d be relying on her daughter and granddaughter to help her get to the market, medical appointments, and wherever else she needed to go.

  But at the end of every day, when it was time to go to bed, she’d be alone.

  “Oh, Phil. I do miss you something awful,” she found herself confessing one night after Madison had gone to sleep. She picked up a framed photo of her husband that Sheila kept on the buffet. Gazing into his eyes, Joan had the sensation he was watching her from somewhere above.

  She remembered before he died, how he’d referred to the scripture from Hebrews of a great cloud of witnesses cheering believers to their final finish line in life. “I’ll be right there in the front row,” he’d promised.

  Looking his photo squarely in the eye, she said, “I’m counting on you, honey.” Then she placed the picture back in its place and turned in for the night. As she lowered herself to her knees beside the bed, Joan asked God to give her husband a hug for her. And Christopher, too, Lord, she prayed silently in the secret places of her heart. She thanked Him for the sweet week with her great granddaughter and asked for strength for what was ahead. Please fulfill Your plan for the days ahead, she added, thinking not only of her move, but also of each of the members of her family who were so dear to her.

  Then grasping the nightstand with one hand and the bed with the other, she eased herself off the floor, pulled back the quilt, and slipped between the sheets. Hugging her blanket and Phil’s pillow tightly to her body, she drifted off to sleep.

  Sunday came too quickly, and after a pancake breakfast together, Joan and Madison got ready for church. Maddie would be returning home that night since school started again the next day. Sheila and Rick were due home late that afternoon, so Michelle offered to feed everyone dinner.

  “Are you sure you’re up for that, what with going back to school yourself tomorrow?” Joan asked when Michelle came to pick them up to take them to church.

  “I already put ingredients for stew into the crockpot, Grandma. There’s nothing else I need to do except make some biscuits.”

  “Let us do that, Mom,” Madison piped up from the back of the van.

  Joan agreed. “Madison and I have had fun baking all week. We’ve gotten to be good partners in the kitchen.”

  “You’ve got a deal,” Michelle said.

  So after church, Joan changed her clothes and left a note on the counter for Sheila saying she’d be at Steve and Michelle’s house baking biscuits with Madison.

  Soon the two of them were measuring and mixing the dough, flouring the cutting board and rolling pin, rolling it out, and cutting the biscuits with an upside down juice glass.

  “Wow,” Michelle said, as she came into the room to stir the stew. “You two are really making some nice biscuits there. I usually just scoop out spoonfuls and drop them onto the cookie sheet, but yours look very professional.”

  Madison smiled proudly. “Grandma Joan knows how to cook the old-fashioned way. That’s how I want to cook when I’m the mom.”

  Joan beamed at the compliment. What a joy to watch another generation take up the baton and learn the skills her mother and grandmother had patiently taught her.

  “I think that’s wonderful, Madison,” her mother replied. “Maybe you can help me refine my skills, too,” she added with a wink.

  “Sure smells good in here,” Steve said as he strolled into the kitchen. “Those biscuits look great,” he added, draping his arm over hi
s daughter’s shoulder. “You’re learning from the best, you know,” he said, tipping his head toward Joan.

  “I know, Dad. Great Grandma and I have been cooking all week.”

  “Nice. Did you bring any goodies home for your old man?”

  “Show him,” Joan said.

  Madison walked over to the counter and opened two plastic storage containers. One had two dozen chocolate chip cookies. “Made from scratch,” she said as she showed her father. The other had an apple pie with a flawless lattice top crust.

  “There goes my waistline,” Steve replied, patting his stomach with both hands.

  Michelle laughed and hugged him from behind. “Madison’s learning to cook just like her great grandmother. So you’d better start working out or practicing some portion control,” she added with a wink.

  Caleb bounded into the room followed by Thumper, close at his heels. “I think Grandma and Grandpa are here,” he said. “Some car just pulled into the driveway.” Grabbing one of the chocolate chip cookies before anyone could say a word, he bolted upstairs, hollering, “I’m going to get my airplane.”

  Steve looked a little puzzled. “What’s that about?”

  “Remember what Rick said at the dinner reception? About how they could fly it together when he got back?” Michelle replied.

  “That boy doesn’t miss a beat,” Joan said with a chuckle.

  “Poor Dr. Chambers,” Madison said, rolling her eyes.

  “I’m not feeling so poor,” Rick said as he and Sheila walked into the kitchen hand in hand.

  “Welcome home, Mom.” Michelle held out her arms and the two women embraced. “Did you have a good time in California?”

  Sheila smiled and nodded. “Wonderful. It was warm and sunny. We had a beautiful suite overlooking the ocean.” Then she turned to Joan. “Hi, Mom. How are you doing?”

  “Good. Real good. Madison and I had a fun week together doing lots of baking. We’re just finishing up with these biscuits. Help yourself to a cookie if you’d like.” She nudged Madison, who extended the treats to both Sheila and Rick.

  “I found it! I found it!” Caleb cried happily as he ran back into the kitchen, his new red airplane in hand.

  “Well, look at that,” Sheila said to Rick. “Guess your number is up.”

  “I’ve been waiting all week for this, Caleb,” Rick said as he ruffled the boy’s hair. “Let’s leave these ladies in the kitchen and do some serious flying.”

  Caleb beamed. Turning to Steve, he added, “You, too, Dad,” as he grabbed his father’s hand.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  “Have you seen Josie, Sheila?” Joan asked that night after they’d gotten home from Michelle’s house.

  “She followed me into the bedroom,” Rick said, returning from taking his and Sheila’s luggage in there. “I think she’s under the bed.”

  “I’ll get her, Mom,” Sheila offered. Joan noticed her daughter’s hand brush against Rick’s as she headed for their room. A moment later, Sheila returned with the little ball of fur in her arms. “Where would you like her?”

  “She’s in a routine of sleeping in my bathroom now,” Joan replied. “You’ll see her little bed in there near the tub.” Joan reached out and stroked her new pet. “Time to go to bed, little one.” The kitten purred contentedly. “I guess I’ll turn in early, too,” Joan added. “I’m sure you have a lot of unpacking to do and getting settled in.” She smiled warmly at her daughter and new son-in-law.

  “Okay, Mom. See you in the morning,” Sheila replied.

  “Goodnight,” Rick added, standing awkwardly by his bride. After Joan went into her bedroom and closed the door, she could hear him add, “It seems strange to be living here now. I’m so used to saying goodnight to you at the door,” he tipped his head in the direction of the front door, “and heading back to my place.”

  “Is that what you’d like to do?” Sheila asked teasingly.

  “Not after last week,” he replied. Joan could imagine his expression as he gazed at her daughter.

  And then it was quiet.

  These walls are pretty thin. I never noticed that before, she thought. Then she remembered she’d forgotten to bring a glass of water to bed with her. She liked to keep one on the nightstand in case she awoke thirsty during the night. Should I go back out there?

  She sat on the foot of the bed, uncertain what to do. Some murmuring of voices drifted through the wall, but she couldn’t make out what they were saying. Then she heard Sheila’s bedroom door close. Okay, guess this is my chance. She cracked open her door and could see that the living room lights were turned out.

  As she walked quietly past Sheila’s room, she could hear Rick talking about unpacking their bags. “Let’s wait until morning,” her daughter replied.

  Not wanting to eavesdrop, Joan scooted quickly out to the front room, nearly tripping over the ottoman beside the couch. She made her way cautiously through the dark and into the kitchen when a voice startled her.

  “Are you okay, Mom?”

  Joan’s hand flew to her chest as she whipped around to face her daughter. “You scared me,” she replied.

  “Sorry about that. I just came out to get my cosmetic bag. I left it in here when we unloaded the car.” She put her hand on Joan’s shoulder. “Can I get you something? Some tea maybe?”

  “No, dear. I’m fine. I just came out to get a glass of water.” Joan kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Goodnight.”

  The next morning, Joan arose to the high-pitched crying of her little kitty. “I’m coming, Josie,” she called softly as she slipped on her robe. Exiting the bedroom, she nearly bumped into Rick, who was looking down at his tie as he cinched the knot upward.

  “Excuse me,” he blurted, his face blushing slightly. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

  Joan smiled. “It’s fine. Looks like you’re in a hurry.”

  “Unfortunately, I’ve got an early meeting at the college, and we overslept a little.”

  “Is Sheila up?” Joan asked.

  “She’s making coffee, I think.”

  The sound of Josie’s cries intensified. “I’d better attend to her,” Joan remarked, glancing at the bathroom door. “I hope you have a good day at work, Rick.”

  “Thanks,” he replied, giving her a smile and heading for the kitchen.

  When Joan got inside the bathroom, she scooped Josie up and nuzzled her close. “We’ll be moving soon, kitty,” she said, as much to herself as to the little ball of fur.

  As she carried her into the kitchen, she caught Sheila and Rick saying goodbye, interrupting what looked like a lingering kiss. “I’m so sorry,” she said. “I thought you’d left.”

  “On my way,” he replied, winking at Sheila and then giving Joan a warm smile. “See you two tonight.”

  Sheila followed him to the door leading into the garage and watched his car pull out, waving one more time. Then she turned to Joan. “What would you like for breakfast?”

  They settled on English muffins and then sat together at the breakfast nook to discuss their day. “I think we should go over to Shoreline Manor and make sure everything is set for my move next week,” Joan suggested. She imagined her daughter was eager was to get into a routine with her new husband.

  “Okay, Mom. That sounds like a good idea. Your furniture and boxes are scheduled for delivery a week from Saturday, so Steve and Rick will both be able to help.”

  After eating and getting dressed, they took off for Joan’s future home. Please God, help me adjust to this new life, she prayed silently as her daughter drove through town.

  The receptionist at the Shoreline Manor office was cheerful, casting a ray of sunshine on the otherwise gloomy winter day. “Joan Walker, right?” she asked with a smile as she retrieved a file of folders from the corner of her desk.

  “Yes. That’s right,” Joan replied. “I’m to move in a week from this weekend.”

  Flipping through the paperwork in her file, the girl replied, “It looks
like all the cleaning and repairs have been made. Would you like to go take a look?”

  Joan felt a mixture of uneasiness and curiosity. Glancing at Sheila, who nodded in response, she replied, “Yes. I think we’d like to do that.”

  “If you’ll just wait here for a moment, I’ll get someone to take you,” she replied. She disappeared behind a closed door, and a minute later a gentleman appeared and greeted them.

  “My name is Travis. I’ll be happy to take you over to your unit, Mrs. Walker.” A large key ring dangled from his left hand as he stretched out his right one to shake theirs. “This way, please,” he continued, leading them out through a pair of glass double doors and along the paved walkway that wound through the complex. “Looks like we might get some rain this afternoon,” he commented.

  “I think you’re right,” Sheila agreed.

  Joan pulled her sweater closed as the cold breeze caused a sudden chill.

  Soon they were at the front door of her apartment. Travis slipped the key into the lock and swung the door open. Although the temperature inside was not warm, it was better than the drafty walkway. Joan hurried in, followed closely by her daughter.

  The scents of new carpet smell, mingled with bleach and lemon oil, greeted Joan as her eyes swept the front room. It looked even smaller than she remembered. Turning to Sheila, she asked, “Do you think I’ll be able to fit my sofa and coffee table in here?”

  Her daughter smiled reassuringly. “We measured it out, remember? Everything you wanted the movers to bring will fit just fine.”

  Joan nodded skeptically.

  “Let’s walk through all the rooms,” her daughter suggested.

  “Be my guest,” Travis replied, gesturing to the rest of the apartment. “I’ll just wait here. Take as long as you need, and if you find anything that concerns you, please let me know. We’ll be happy to take care of it.”