“Of course you are.”A certain amount of curiosity entered her eyes.Brad had been unemployed for several weeks, caught in the economic slump of the construction trade.New housing starts were at a record low; because he was a carpenter, things didn’t look promising.But from the smile on his face, whatever news he had must be good.
“I tried to phone you last night, but you weren’t home.Don’t tell me you were on some hot date.”
“You’re right, I’m not telling,” she teased lightly, and threw a dusting cloth at his mocking grin.Five years separated them, but throughout their youth and into adulthood they had remained close.
Without so much as a flinch Brad neatly caught the rag.“Be careful, little sister.I could pull your pigtails.”
“In case you haven’t noticed I don’t have pigtails any longer.”A smile lit up her face.“If you weren’t so infuriating, I’d admit it was good to see you.What have you been up to?”
“Not much.”He sat on her desk, one leg dangling over the edge.“I talked to Mom last night.Moving in with Aunt Vi has been great for her.Janey is counting the shopping days left until her ninth birthday and, oh, Peggy’s pregnant.”
“Pregnant?”Skye breathed in disbelief, her blue eyes widening.“You’re not teasing, are you?”
Brad and Peggy had given up hope of having another child even though the doctors assured them there was no medical reason for their difficulties.Certainly Janey, born a year after their wedding, proved they were capable of having children.
Brad didn’t need to answer her doubts; his laughing blue eyes said it all.
With a burst of joy Skye stood and enthusiastically huggedher brother.“Oh, Brad, I’m so pleased.When is the baby due?How is Peggy feeling?Is Janey happy?”
“Slow down.One question at a time.”He laughed at her enthusiasm.
“You’ve had time to get used to the idea, and don’t tell me you weren’t just as excited when Peggy told you.”A knowing look flashed from her eyes.
Brad shook his head.“I’m still having trouble believing it.We’ve tried so hard for so many years, and now, when we can least afford it and haven’t got a penny of insurance, Peggy gets pregnant.”
“Listen, count your blessings.Wasn’t it you who told me God’s timing is always perfect?Besides, if you need help...”
“No,” he said, raising his voice with pride.“Don’t even offer, Skye.You’ve done enough for us already.The baby’s not due until November, and I’m sure to have found some kind of employment by then.”
“All right, but I’m going to pray up a storm...Remember, the effective prayer of a righteouswomanavaileth much.”
“That seems to be a slight misquote of that verse.But for heaven’s sake, don’t let that stop you: Pray!By the way, where were you last night?”he asked.
“Out.”She batted her eyelashes wickedly.It wasn’t like her to hold back anything from her brother, but to explain about Jordan would be pointless.Skye had decided not to see him again, and with the decision came a relaxed freedom.Jordan had the uncanny ability to stir awake feelings she had long considered dead.He was too astute, too perceptive.Her simple defenses would easily crumble under the force of his personality.The uncomplicated pattern of her life suited her, and there was no reason to openly invite disruption.
Playfully her tightened fist punched his upper arm.“A baby after all these years.You had it in you after all, you big brute.”
Brad was a wonderful husband and father.He had been a solid rock supporting her in a dark world after Glen’s death.If anyone deserved happiness, it was Brad.
The children’s ward was bustling with the pre-dinner rush, and after a hasty visit with Billy and Sally, Skye resumed her volunteer duties.As was her custom, the piano playing and singing followed dinner.Several of the children dissolved into fits of laughter over Skye’s cleverly worded jingles.Cheers and applause filled the recreation room as parents and staff joined the merriment.Skye’s own elated mood became infectious, and even the most cynical could not help being drawn in and touched by the joy shining from the eyes of the children.
Her closing number was one that held deep meaning for Skye.She had composed it herself, and it spoke of darkness and light, sorrow and joy, the contrast between the valley and the mountaintop.The final words brought huge smiles of awe and appreciation from the audience.
Don’t let the song escape from your life
For every life must have a song
A song to ring out loud and long
Let Jesus be your heartsong.
“Sometimes I think I know you so well, Skye Garvin, and then there are times like these and I realize I don’t know you at all.”Sally looked at Skye, her brow marred by a puzzled frown.
“What makes you say that?”Skye questioned.
“I’m not exactly sure.The quality of your voice when you’re especially happy.”She shrugged.“There are times I have the impression that one reason you are able to communicate so well with these families is that you’ve walked through some deepvalley yourself.And yet you’re so outgoing and positive, it’s almost as if you’ve never known a minute’s worry.”They slowly continued down the hall.“Like Betty Fisher.”Sally paused.“There’s a communication, an understanding between you that’s beyond compassion.”
If Sally was seeking confidences, Skye wasn’t going to share them.Glen, his death, and all that followed was in the past.Reliving those terrible months would be like tearing open a half-healed wound.And yet Sally was her friend, and she didn’t wish to offend her.
