The Norton family, led by Reverend Norton holding his prayer book, promenaded up the aisle. Mary Norton, Joshua, Delia, and Micah headed into the right front pew next to the Bellaires. The baby had stayed home with Millianna.
The elder minister continued to the front and turned to face the congregation. With his austere features and long white beard, Reverend Norton had the appearance of an Old Testament prophet or a pulpit pounder, but he really was a kind and caring man whose conversations she’d enjoyed this week. He, Joshua, and Micah all had the same crystal blue eyes.
Idly, Ivy wondered if the boy would follow his father and grandfather into the ministry. The boy seemed to be too ebullient to become a preacher, although she was coming to learn the Nortons didn’t hold to the rigid ways of the clergy she’d known.
Reverend Norton looked down on them, taking a moment to let his gaze move through the room, seeming to let each person know he saw them. “Brethren and Sisters, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I greet you.”
When he announced the first hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Ivy couldn’t help but remember it was the first hymn she’d taught Jewel and remained the girl’s favorite. Pain stabbed her chest.
Before they could start singing, Reverend Norton looked toward the back of the church and smiled. “Welcome, friends.”
At first, amused by a minister actually stopping the service to welcome latecomers, Ivy didn’t turn to look. But then as the moment dragged on and more people turned, she grew curious enough to glance back.
To her utter shock and bemusement, Torin stood there, holding Jewel’s hand, a look of discomfort on his face.
With a gasp, Cora seized Ivy’s arm and squeezed.
Elsie let out a little squeal, and then clapped a hand over her mouth.
Sudden dizziness made Ivy lightheaded. She blinked, trying to clear her vision.Can it be?Are they here, or am I just imagining them because I’ve wanted it so?
Reverend Norton gestured toward them. “Torin and Jewel Rees, we’ve saved a place for you.”
His calling out their names made their presence real.He’s here. They’re here.Tears blurred her vision, and a sob threatened to burst forth.
Jewel saw her and pulled away from Torin. “Iv-ee.” She started an ungainly run forward.
After standing, Ivy moved into the aisle. Crouching, she held out her arms.
Jewel fell into the embrace. “We come ch-ush.”
“Yes, you have, you brave girl.” Ivy wrapped her arms around the child and inhaled the smell of her hair. “Come sit with me.”
Cora and the others moved to make more space.
Ivy backed into the pew and into the seat, taking Jewel with her. Glancing up, she smiled at Torin, letting him see from her expression how very proud she was of him for coming today.
His gaze swept over her, blue eyes filled with warmth and uncertainty, and then he flashed a smile, so tender and real he seemed to have become someone else entirely from the cold man she’d left in Three Bend Lake. Even when she’d imagined him finding his way into town, she’d assumed he’d still be angry with her.
Reverend Norton gestured for Elizabeth Sanders to begin playing the hymn.
Ivy started singing with the congregation, and when belatedly Torin joined in, she listened to his fine baritone She leaned toward Jewel, who hadn’t quite caught on, too busy gazing at her father, so she sang the hymn near her ear, emphasizing each word.
“Lam!” The word came out, loud and out of key. The girl glanced up at Ivy with her crinkle-eyed smile.
Yes, Jewel! Keep going.Ivy nodded encouragement.
“Ev-r glad hart I amb.”
Even as Ivy sang, continuing to stress the words for the child, her heart filled.Thisis what she’d wanted for Jewel—participation in the community. She glanced up at Torin in wonder.
He’d lowered his voice and barely took his gaze from his daughter, pride in his expression.
This service is their beginning in Sweetwater Springs.For a moment, Ivy felt so humbly grateful to have helped lead them to this moment, this experience. She waited for Torin to look at her and share the connection. But his focus stayed on his daughter.
Then an insidious thought dimmed her pleasure.Did Torin come to town for me? Or only for Jewel?
At the conclusionof the service, Reverend Norton led the recessional, pausing for a moment for his wife to join him before they walked on together. The rest of the Nortons and Aunt Rose and Uncle Andre stood and left the pew. The congregation waited respectfully for them to pass.
