Michaela's Choice (6 page)

Michaela smiled and let her aunt’s paraphrase of Isaiah 49:16 comfort her spirit. “You always know what to say.”

“I know you’re nervous, but I’ll be fine and so will you. Is everything packed now?” Her aunt took a step back and glanced around the room. “Philip should be here shortly to take you to the station. I made him promise not to be a minute late.”

“I just need to change my clothes and make sure I haven’t forgotten anything.”

Michaela studied her aunt, memorizing each feature. She loved her so much, from her wrinkled face that had always shown Michaela so much kindness to the white hair she wore in a neat bun at the base of her neck. She had been Michaela’s mentor, her adviser, and most of all, her friend.

“I’m going to miss you so much, Aunt Clara.” Michaela gave the older woman an affectionate hug as she tried unsuccessfully to stop the tears. “I wish you were coming with me.”

“So do I. I’ll miss you, but I’m too old and set in my ways, even for a trip across the state. You’ll be back before you know it.”

Michaela looked into Aunt Clara’s eyes, praying that she would one day possess the same measure of godliness and wisdom.

“I believe this time away will be very important for you. Philip loves you very much, and nothing will change his feelings for you between now and when you come back. I’ll go downstairs to watch for him while you finish getting ready.”

Michaela sat on the bed and looked around the room that had been hers as a teenager and again when she moved back after the fire. It seemed silly to say good-bye to a room, but for some reason she needed to. It was a simple room filled only with a bed, armoire, dresser, and chair, along with a few things that helped give the room a homier look. If she decided to marry Philip when she came back, this room would once again be empty.

“Philip’s here,” her aunt called from downstairs.

Gently, Michaela closed the lid to the trunk. It was time to go.

❧

“You promised you’d write me,” Philip reminded Michaela as he helped her out of the buggy once they reached the busy train station. The smell of burning coal hung in the air as passengers hurried across the platform or waited on long wooden benches for the next arrival.

“I haven’t forgotten.”

She was glad Philip had insisted on taking her to the station. She found herself holding on to the familiar, afraid it might change while she was away.

“I assured your aunt I would check in on her, so don’t worry about a thing. She’ll probably outlive us all.” Philip smiled, causing her heart to skip a beat.

She laughed. “You’re right.”

“Six months is a long time.” Philip set the trunk on the platform and handed her the tickets.

“The baby is due around Christmas, so if everything goes well, I’ll be back the first of next year.” She flinched at the words. It sounded like a lifetime away.

“That’s forever.” Philip reached out and brushed her cheek gently with his hand. “I love you with all my heart, but I’ll wait for you as long as you need me to.”

Michaela gazed into his eyes and knew that here was a man who loved her unconditionally—a man who wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. She prayed that someday she would be able to say the same of him.

The conductor called out, “All aboard!” and Philip reached down gently and cupped her face in his hands. As their lips met, Michaela found herself responding to his kiss. She lifted her arms around his neck and felt his hands tighten around her waist. She longed for him to hold her forever, never letting go. Finally, she backed slowly away from him, and without another word, she boarded the train.

Six

Michaela woke to the sun peeking into Daniel and Emma’s second-story guest room. Soft rays of light streaked across the pale green walls that matched to perfection the handmade quilt on the bed. Crawling out from under the covers, she went and stood beside the window that overlooked the front yard. Several old trees stood tall, their twisted limbs swaying in the morning breeze. Beyond them lay pastures of grazing cattle, hillside orchards, and, eventually, the Connecticut River.

Her first week in Cranton had passed quickly. More than happy to jump in and take over the cooking and housework, she’d found little time to dwell on her loss of Anna or even the possibility of a future with Philip. Turning away from the window, she swept her hand across the smooth top of the pine dresser. Perhaps the truth was she simply hadn’t allowed herself to imagine what her return to Boston might bring.

Her gaze moved across the room and rested on a rocking chair and empty bassinet. She wasn’t the only one whose arms ached for the soft touch of a child. Daniel and Emma had never even been able to hold their babies. All they had left were two tiny grave markers. Someday, she prayed, this room would echo with the laughter of her brother’s children.

Shaking off her melancholy mood, Michaela mentally went over her plans for the day. The church social was to take place today, and she was looking forward to meeting some of the people who lived in the area. She’d spent the previous day baking and planned to take two chocolate cakes and several loaves of fresh bread to the celebration.

After putting on a lavender dress with dark purple trim, Michaela hurried downstairs. The strong aroma of coffee filled the cozy room where Emma sat at the kitchen table reading her Bible. Her dark hair hung neatly in one long braid down her back with loose curls framing her face. Her dress, a deep chocolate brown, pulled tight across her stomach, showing the first signs of pregnancy.

“Good morning, Emma.” Michaela smiled at her sister-in-law, glad to see that the color was back in her cheeks this morning. “You must be feeling better.”

“I am.” Emma glanced up from her Bible and returned the smile. “I thought the least I could do was get up early and make some coffee.”

“It smells wonderful.” Michaela poured herself a cup of the hot drink and took a long swallow. Despite the fact that Michaela had been unable to spend much time with Emma since she and Daniel had moved to Cranton, Michaela still considered Emma a close friend.

Emma shut the heavy book and walked toward the cupboard. “I know the doctor wants me to rest as much as I can, but I get so tired of staying in bed.”

Michaela squeezed Emma’s hand, knowing how much this child meant to her. “In a few months, when you’re holding your baby in your arms, you’ll forget all about the struggles you’re going through right now.”

“I know.” Tears misted in Emma’s eyes as she ran her hand across her abdomen in a slow, circular motion. “Sometimes I get so scared that I’ll lose this one, too.”

The ache in Michaela’s heart intensified as she struggled with what to say. “I know how bad it hurts to have lost a child. Aunt Clara always reminds me how God has promised to go through the valleys with us and that He will carry us through times of trouble.”

Emma wiped away a stray tear and let out a soft chuckle. “I don’t know why I get so emotional. Daniel’s always teasing me about how I’m laughing one minute, then crying the next.”

“It’s all right.” Michaela handed her a clean rag from the counter.

Emma dabbed at her eyes with the cloth and let out a deep sigh. “I know you understand. That’s one of the reasons I’m glad you’re here.” She waved her hands in front of her. “Enough of this. We have a celebration ahead of us.”

“Do you feel well enough to come?” Michaela set a black iron skillet on top of the stove and pulled some potatoes from a wooden bin to start breakfast.

“I’m sure going to try. The Johnson farm isn’t far away, so if I start to feel bad, Daniel can always bring me home.”

Michaela set to work chopping enough potatoes to fry for the three of them. “I’m glad you’re coming. It will do you good to get out of the house for a while.”

“You’re spoiling me, you know.” Emma set three plates on the round table, then added the silverware.

“That’s why I came.”

“I didn’t realize how much it would help me. Just knowing I don’t have to worry about Daniel fending for himself is a great relief.”

Michaela cracked an egg into a bowl, the corners of her mouth tilting into an affectionate smile. “It certainly doesn’t look as if he’s been starving.”

“I heard that.” The front door banged shut, and Daniel’s deep laughter floated in from the front room. He stomped into the kitchen, leaving traces of mud across the recently mopped floor.

“How do you put up with this man?” Michaela set her hands on her hips as Daniel gave his wife a kiss on the cheek.

A rosy blush crept up Emma’s face. “I thought somebody had to, so it might as well be me.”

Michaela laughed. “You’d better go get washed up for breakfast.”

Twenty minutes later, Daniel slid into his seat, and Michaela placed a steaming hot plate of eggs and potatoes in front of him. “You know, I’ve missed you, little sister.”

“It has been way too long.” She smiled at the familiar teasing that had always been a part of their relationship. “Emma, are you hungry?”

Emma waved her hand toward the stove and frowned. “I was going to try to eat, but I think I’ll just have a dry piece of toast. That’s about all I can handle this morning.”

Daniel reached over and squeezed his wife’s shoulder. “Ladies, we need to hurry if we’re going to make it to the Johnson place before the celebration gets into full swing.”

❧

“What a beautiful home.” Michaela leaned forward in the wagon as Daniel pulled on the reins and stopped in front of the Johnsons’ charming gray-shingled farmhouse, with its large porch and symmetrical front windows.

“The man in the black shirt is Eric Johnson,” Daniel told Michaela as he helped her down from the wagon. “He and his wife had six children before she passed away a few years ago.”

Eric Johnson leaned against the porch rail, his tall, lean figure towering over most of the guests. Several children, whom she assumed to be his, played quietly nearby. Michaela wondered how a single man could raise such a large brood of kids, though each one of them looked properly cared for and well dressed.

She followed Emma to the house, then stopped for a moment, captivated by the man who stood before her. Taking a closer look at the farmer, she studied him. His broad shoulders were supported by his equally muscular frame, and he was tanned from hours of work in the sun. His hair, dark as coal, lay perfectly against his forehead.

“Michaela.” His firm hand met hers as Daniel introduced them. “It’s good to finally meet you. Emma and Daniel have told me so much about you.”

“It’s nice to meet you as well, Eric.” Michaela noticed the dimple in his right cheek when he smiled. “Daniel’s mentioned what a big help you’ve been to them.”

“Just being neighborly.” Eric rested his hand on the shoulder of the child closest to him. “Let me introduce you to my children, Mrs. Macintosh.”

The smallest of the group ran up and grasped Michaela’s hand. “My name’s Ruby. I’m six, and I think your dress is beautiful.”

Michaela bent down to give Ruby her full attention and was drawn to the little girl’s dark brown eyes, long lashes, and radiant smile. “Thank you, Ruby. I’m very glad to meet you, too.”

Eric let out a soft chuckle and proceeded to introduce the rest of the children. “This is Rebecca, my oldest.”

Michaela stood to look at the rest of the children, still holding Ruby’s hand. Rebecca wore her long hair in a simple twist, allowing two soft tendrils to escape, one on either side of her face.

“Hard to believe it,” Eric continued, “but she just turned seventeen. She’s a wonderful cook.”

“It’s good to meet you,” Michaela said warmly to the young woman who had inherited her father’s dark hair and striking good looks.

“I’m glad you could join us, Mrs. Macintosh.”

“And this,” Eric said, pointing to the next in line, “is Samuel. He’s fourteen.”

“Do you like frogs?” He pulled one out of his pocket and held it up to Michaela’s face. She took a step back, then stifled a laugh at the slimy pet.

“Samuel!” Eric gave him a sharp look and pointed his son in the direction of the barnyard. “That belongs outside and not in your pocket. What do you say?”

The young boy hung his head and stared at the ground. “I’m sorry, ma’am. Sarah’s a girl, and she likes frogs just like me. I thought you might like them, too.”

Samuel marched off the porch to let his frog go, avoiding the stern look from his father. Despite the reprimand, Michaela was certain she saw a sparkle in Eric’s eyes.

Eric cleared his throat and turned to the next child. “Matt, my youngest son, is twelve.”

“Do you have something to show me as well?” Michaela asked, noticing his hands hidden behind his back.

“No, ma’am.” Matt brought his hands out from behind his back and held them up.

Eric looked at his youngest boy and ruffled his hair.
“Next,” he continued, “is Adam. He’s my right-hand man, I
guess you could say. When I’m gone, he’s in charge.”

“How do you do, Adam?” It wouldn’t be long until he was as tall as his father.

Adam pulled at the collar of his shirt. “Just fine, thank you, ma’am.”

“Adam is sixteen, and last but not least is Sarah. She’s my only blue-eyed beauty,” finished Eric. “She takes after her mother’s side of the family.”

Sarah, with corn silk–colored hair to match her blue eyes and fair skin, looked as if she were about to burst.

“Isn’t this the most exciting day?” Sarah took a step closer to Michaela and clasped her hands in front of her. “Except for Christmas when you get presents, of course. Personally, I think this is the best day of the year. There’s so much good food and games and. . .”

Michaela was sure Sarah would have continued indefinitely if her father hadn’t glanced in her direction. Sarah quickly closed her mouth.

“I’m looking forward to this day, too, Sarah.” Michaela stifled a laugh. “How old are you?”

“Nine.” Sarah gave her father a crooked grin, then looked away.

“Make yourself at home,” Eric told Michaela. “I know there are quite a few people looking forward to meeting you.”

Michaela followed Emma inside the house, her attention immediately drawn to the piano in the corner of the large room. The dark wood shone like it had just been polished, and Michaela longed for a chance to play, already missing the calming effect the music brought.

She crossed the hardwood floor past a grouping of chairs and colorful rugs. Two large windows with bright red gingham
curtains gave the room a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A
stone fireplace took up most of the far wall and stood as the focal point of the room.

The women were finishing lunch preparations in the
kitchen. Emma quickly made the introductions, and several commented on the cakes Michaela had baked for the festivities.

“I think I’ll forget lunch and just have a thick slice of your cake, Michaela,” said Mary, a young woman with a pleasant smile, as she shifted the infant on her hip.

“I think I’ll join you,” another woman who’d introduced herself as Mae chimed in.

“Tell us about Boston.” Several of the women gathered around and listened for the response to Mary’s request. “It’s been forever since any of us have been to the city.”

Michaela felt instantly welcome and at home with these women as she talked about her hometown and answered a variety of questions ranging from fashion to transportation to church. Before long, lunch was ready, and Michaela helped carry the dishes out to the backyard, where several tables had been set up.

Lunch was wonderful—chicken, beef, ham, and all of the trimmings. Michaela’s cakes received rave reviews, and she promised to make another one for the next gathering. She ate until she could hardly hold another bite, and before she knew it, it was time to clean up again.

In the kitchen, Michaela was happy to be partnered with Rebecca, Eric’s oldest daughter, in drying the dishes.

“Do you enjoy school?” Michaela asked.

“Very much.” Rebecca’s smile confirmed her answer as she handed a dry dish to Sarah. “My favorite subject is math. I’m thinking about becoming a teacher, though I also love to sew.”

“My mother was a teacher.”

“Where does she live?”

Michaela felt the slight aching of her heart as she fingered the towel between her fingers. “She died when I was fourteen.”

“I’m sorry.” Rebecca handed Michaela another dish to dry. “My mother died several years ago. I still miss her.”

“I miss my mother, too.”

They were both silent for a moment, until Michaela decided to ask another question. “How much more schooling do you have left?”

“This is my last year. Then I can work on my teacher’s certificate.” Rebecca reached for another dish from the soapstone sink and began to wash it. “Father’s been very supportive. He even found someone to help out with the house so I could have time to go to school.”

Michaela wondered about this man, Eric Johnson, who’d spent the last few years not only running a farm, but raising six children alone. She’d noted his relaxed manner during lunch as he mingled among his guests, making sure that everyone felt at home. Somehow, despite the tragedy of losing his wife and being forced to be sole provider and parent for his family, he seemed to have found a sense of peace.

Sarah nudged between Michaela and Rebecca and grinned like a conspirator. “Did Rebecca tell you she has a beau? His name’s Jake, and he’s here today.”

“Sarah!” Rebecca gave her sister a firm look, and Sarah quickly closed her mouth. “Never mind about that. What do you do in Boston?”

“I teach piano lessons. I noticed you have a piano in the front room.”