He couldn't think of anyone else more suited for the job. Or who lived what they believed better than Mark.
Regardless, the service ended, and he escorted his ladies back to their house, where they grabbed the crockpot and drove to the McBrides'.
Chapter 25
The McBride's house was crazy. Chaos, laughter, children, and more chaos everywhere.
But as Grace watched Marjorie interact with her children, the smiles and laughter of the grandchildren, and the gentle teasing of siblings, she longed for that for herself.
Noah came from a large family. Maybe he wouldn't want a big family like this, although he seemed totally at home, laughing and joking with the men, helping to carry chairs and set up a table for the children beside the adult table. They carried large plates of food, platters of food, and soon with the ladies' help, everything was ready.
For the first time since they'd arrived, the chaos settled down as everyone bowed their heads and Jones said grace. It lasted a little longer than the typical grace that she said, as he thanked the Lord for the food and asked for strength to be more like Jesus. It was a sincere prayer and one that Grace could honestly say amen to after it was over.
She had been seated with Noah on one side of her and Dr. Hannah on the other.
She hadn't spoken too much to Dr. Hannah, but she knew who she was. And after they passed the mashed potatoes, she said, "So you're one of the McBride children?"
Dr. Hannah laughed. "No. Marjorie just loves inviting people over. And somehow Ben and I have become like children to her, I think. Anyway, she's like a mother to me. She's been a blessing. I work with her daughter, whom you probably have not met, since Dr. Terry just had a baby. She's on maternity leave and will be until the middle of January."
"Oh. That explains things. I wondered why you didn't really look like everyone else."
Hannah laughed. "This family has been such a blessing to me. I used to work in the city, and I didn't really think that family was that important. I was more interested in my career and focusing on that. But I had a few things happen, and I lost my job. And thankfully, Terry hired me, and the McBride family took me in, and I fell in love with Ben, and I don't ever want to leave Mistletoe Meadows." She handed the gravy to Grace and then said, "It's crazy how God works. Sometimes I've resisted, but in the end, I see how His way was best all along. I don't know why I'm still so stubborn. I'm supposed to be a fairly smart person. But sometimes I'm kind of dumb."
Grace laughed and said something in response, but in her heart, she was thinking that God really did work things out. He certainly had shifted things around for her. Hannah looked so happy, like she didn't miss her big prestigious job but was indeed glad to have a slower and fuller life here.
They stayed for several hours after the meal was over, just talking and laughing, and while there was no singing, they did play games and sat outside on the porch, enjoying the sunshine in the afternoon. Finally, she suggested that they go, knowing that Aunt Vivian typically took a nap in the afternoon and was probably exhausted. Sure enough, when they got home, Aunt Vivian excused herself almost immediately to go lie down, leaving her and Noah standing on the front porch.
"Would you like to take a walk?" he asked, as though he too were loath to leave her.
"I would love to."
They stepped off the porch, and their hands brushed once, and then she felt his fingers slide around hers.
It surprised her, but it also felt perfect, and she allowed it, clasping his hand and weaving their fingers together.
She glanced up at him, and he was looking down at her, a serious look on his face.
"Is that okay?" he asked, lifting his brows.
"It's perfect," she said.
They walked slowly along, going in the general direction of his music shop, when she remembered something that she'd seen one of the first nights she had seen Noah.
"Do you write music?"
He huffed out a surprised breath.
"Oh. That's right. You saw me that night."
"That was beautiful music. That melody has been stuck in my head ever since, and I'd love to hear it again."
"I'm glad you like it."
"So you wrote it?" she asked, noticing that he hadn't answered her question.
"I did. I compose some. Nothing is published, but... I enjoy it." He shrugged and then sighed. "It's kind of my little secret."
"Would you share it with me?" She felt bold asking for that. After all, he'd just admitted that it wasn't something that he shared with anyone.
