At last, the prayer ended, and the congregation rose to their feet. Josie carefully adjusted the sleeping Nathan as she moved closer to Travis. The warmth of his forearms against her eased the tremors still coursing through her. Travis balanced Gideon on his shoulders, the little boy happily waving at everyone around. Josie had rarely seen Travis hold Gideon, so it comforted her to watch him keep the squirmy boy in his lap throughout the service.
Before Josie could leave the pew, she was stopped by Mrs. Scott. Forcing a soft smile, Josie greeted her, steadying her breath to calm her hysteric heart.
“I heard the news last week, and I couldn’t help myself,” Mrs. Scott said with bright eyes, reaching forth to touch Nathan’s covered head. The knitted hats had come in handy, despite him not being born in spring as Mrs. Scott and the ladies had predicted. The woman gasped in admiration. “My, my he is a fine young lad.” Her gaze switched to Travis. “You two must besoproud.”
Travis smiled, wrapping his free arm around Josie’s shoulders. “We are.”
Mrs. Scott turned to Josie. “Mrs. Blythe, I was wanting to invite you to the ladies’ spring quilting circle at my home. The one hosted at your place was a wonderful blessing, so we are all eager for another.”
A flame soared up Josie’s cheeks. Kindness was the furthest thing she was expecting, and the look on the woman’s face and the other people around them seemed to knock the breath out of her. Smiles were all around, and men came to Travis, patting his shoulder.
“I’d love that.”
Mrs. Scott folded her hands together. “Well, goody. I will get back to them, and we shall discuss a date.”
Before walking away, Mrs. Scott reached out and gently pinched Nathan’s chubby cheek. He didn’t stir, remaining fast asleep in Josie’s arms. He was a good sleeper, rarely fussing, and sometimes Josie felt like she was carrying a rock, so heavy and still he was. Josie turned, noticing Caroline approaching.
Caroline gasped, covering her mouth. “Oh, Josie, he’s an angel.” Her arm came around Josie as Travis stepped away, greeting the men surrounding him to extend congratulations.
“He has Travis’s eyes,” Caroline cooed, her lips curving.
Josie’s heart thundered against her chest.If only she knew.All babies supposedly had blue eyes according to Aunt Polly, and if Josie wasn’t mistaken, they would either turn brown or green. She deeply hoped they’d turn brown like hers. If they turned green—thoseeyes—she knew she’d have to bury those haunting memories deep within and focus on the precious gift in her arms. Nathan was here, and he needed her, no matter what color his eyes became.
“I take it Mrs. Scott invited you to her quilting circle,” Caroline said.
Josie nodded, rocking Nathan gently in her arms as he began to stir. “Yes, she did just now.”
“I’m looking forward to having fellowship amongst us ladies again.”
Fellowship. Josie never thought she’d see the days she’d appreciate one word so dearly. That day had beenoverwhelming, but seeing how much everyone cared, despite what they could assume, made her heart sing. A new beginning was just over the horizon, just like she hoped.Thank you, Lord.
“I can’t wait,” Josie said, smiling.
Nathan’s face pinched. He let out a soft cry, and Caroline frowned. Josie bounced Nathan, making shushing noises. Heat crawled up her neck. How many people were watching now?
“Oh no,” Caroline cooed. “Someone isn’t happy.”
“He’s not used to strange places yet. This is his first time away from the homestead.”
Travis looked back at her, pointing out the door, his brows raising. Josie nodded, giggling softly. She looked back at her friend. “I think Nathan wants to go home.”
Caroline sighed. “Oh well. We’ll have to stop by and see him so he won’t think us strangers.”
“Come by anytime,” Josie said, pressing Nathan’s face against her shoulder, hoping a new position would calm him. She made her way toward Travis, who stood by the door, struggling to keep hold of a squealing Gideon. The little boy wriggled in his arms, eager to break free and join his siblings playing outside.
“That was very nice of the ladies,” Travis said, setting Gideon down and holding his hand. “I hope you don’t mind, but I overheard your conversation with Mrs. Scott before I was pulled away.”
“Being invited to something was the last thing I expected.”
“I told you there was nothing to worry about. We like to see the good in people in this town. Everyone wants you to feel welcome.”
The Lord had been good to her even though she felt unworthy. Being loved by the church was nothing she expected. She was welcomed, and for the first time since the war, she experienced unity and love—no lines between North and South, all united in the West.
Rose supervised the children up ahead under the church’s willow tree, her arms folded over her body. She turned, noticed Josie, and immediately trudged through the thick snow to greet her.
Rose covered her mouth and gasped just like Caroline did inside the church building.
“Josie, he’s a gift from God!”
