“Thank you. And Paul, thank you for coming and bringing Natalie.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. If you ever want a job at our historical society, the door is open. Although the pay is much higher at the university.”
“But the volunteers at the historical society do an admirable job.” Natalie patted his arm.
“I’ll second that.” Cara motioned toward the food table. “Can you stay for a few minutes to enjoy the reception?”
“I wish we could, but Becky and I have the grandkids this weekend and I promised her I wouldn’t linger.” Paul pulled out his keys. “Natalie, I’ll get the car and pick you up in front. Cara, wonderful job.”
As he walked away, Natalie turned back to her. “I did want to share two pieces of news with you today. Margie and her husband have agreed to move into the cottage as soon as the remodeling wraps up in a couple of weeks.”
“That’s wonderful, Natalie. I’ve had my fingers crossed ever since you told me you’d broached that idea to them.”
“Trust me, I have too. I’m grateful they’re willing to take me up on my offer. It’s truly an ideal arrangement all around. I get a housekeeper and handyman on site, they get a private place to live with far more reasonable rent than what they’ve been paying. It’s a win-win, as you young folks like to say. I couldn’t be happier.”
“I’m glad you’ll have other people living on the property.”
“I am too. I so enjoyed having you close by in the fall, and I’ve missed our daily interactions.” She patted her hand. “But Paul and Becky come by often, as does Father Johnson. And I’ve started spending half a day each week at the pregnancy resource center. Crocheting baby afghans is a fine contribution, but I’ve discovered that many of the women welcome a sympathetic ear too.”
What a dynamo this woman was.
And Brad had been right about her fortitude. She was strong and resilient. Despite the shock over Steven’s death and the revelations about his character, she’d carried on with grace and grit.
“Good for you, Natalie.”
“My other piece of news is about Lydia. I received a letter from her last week. She sent back the stamp she took.”
Cara hiked up her eyebrows. “I never expected that.”
“Me neither. But I’ve been praying for her. She seemed like such a troubled soul. She said that because I was always kind to her, her conscience wouldn’t let her sell the stamp. She also apologized for her mistake. It sounds like she’s had a change of heart and is building a new life in Kansas.”
“What a wonderful example of someone turning their life around.”
“Yes, it is. I wish Steven had done the same.” Her countenance clouded for a fleeting instant, then brightened again. “You’ll come visit soon, I hope?”
“It will be my pleasure. You aren’t going to get rid of me just because our project is finished.”
“As if I would ever want to do that.” Natalie motioned to the large window in the front of the foyer. “I see Paul has arrived, and I don’t want to keep him waiting after he was kind enough to be my chauffeur today.” She took her hand again and gave it a squeeze. “You’ve been a great blessing to me, my dear. May all the happiness you’ve brought me return tenfold.”
Pressure built in Cara’s throat as she watched the woman walk away.
The blessing had worked both ways. Despite all the distressing incidents that had tainted her tenure at Natalie’s, she’d always be grateful for the weeks she’d spent there and the opportunity to get to know such an inspiring woman.
As Natalie disappeared through the door, Cara searched the crowd.
Where was Brad? He’d been sitting next to her former hostess in the audience, but after the presentation ended, she’d lost—
“Looking for me?”
At a touch on her shoulder, she swiveled around to find him standing behind her, admiration, appreciation ... and something more ... deepening the green of his eyes.
Oh, how she loved this man who’d brought such joy and light and warmth into her life. Who’d filled her heart with hope and her days with the tantalizing promise of even sweeter tomorrows.
“Yes, I was.”
“I have only one word. Your paper was extraordinary, but your presentation? Phenomenal.”
At his praise, happiness bubbled up inside her. “Thank you.”
