Delight bubbled up inside me as people poured out of the house and into the yard, waving at me as if I were returning home after a long journey.
And perhaps I was.
“Hope!” Pricilla cried. “Thee hath finally come.”
I had written to her several times, telling her about Grace and asking if I could come to visit. She had written back with a resounding yes.
Isaac stepped out of the wagon and helped me down. The child I carried made the process a little more difficult. The moment my feet were on the ground, I was engulfed in hugs.
“This is Virginia and Esther and Joanna and Alice ...” Pricilla’s introductions continued, but I could only laugh, knowing I would never remember everyone’s names the first time. There were aunts, uncles, and cousins to greet, and they all looked so much like me—so much like Grace—that I felt completely at home.
“Come inside,” Pricilla said. “There are cakes and doughnuts and more food than thee could ever eat. And bring thy good husband.”
I took Isaac’s hand as one of the cousins led the horse and wagon to the barn. Isaac seemed just as pleased with all the family as I was. When his mother died, he had been alone in the world—until he’d married me. I also felt orphaned in a way. Since our return to Salem Village, I had not spoken to my father or Susannah. I saw them at meeting and admired their little boy, but we acted as if we were strangers. It was easier that way, after all we’d been through. I didn’t know if we’d ever reconcile, but I trusted that God would find a way for us to move on.
Now we were surrounded by family who loved us, and nothing else mattered.
As we ate, I asked for the introductions again and discovered that my mother Tacy had been one of eight sisters and two brothers. All but one aunt was married or widowed, and there were dozens of cousins.
And they spoke openly about their time-crossing.
“Two of our sisters, Abigail and Hannah, chose their other paths,” Pricilla said.
“Are all of you time-crossers?” I asked.
“No.” Buela shook her head. “Damaris and I are not.”
I looked around the room, and one of the sisters raised her hand. “I’m Damaris.”
Laughing, I shook my head. “I’m sorry. It may take me some time to learn everyone’s names.”
“Don’t worry,” Pricilla said as she touched my knee. “Thee hath time.”
Isaac stood behind me and put his hand on my shoulder. I reached up and rested mine on his. I did have time.
“And who are Rachel’s parents?” I asked, looking around the room.
Everyone turned to John and Patience, whose quiet sadness gripped my heart. I recognized their grief.
“I was with her until the very last,” I told Patience, who had married into the family and was not a time-crosser.
Tears rimmed Patience’s beautiful blue eyes, and she nodded. “Thank thee, Hope. It brings my heart comfort to know thee were with her.”
“Do you know what happened to the baby?” I asked quietly.
“Yes,” Patience said. “We’ve inquired after her and learned that her father, Josias Reed, took the baby with him to the Carolinas. It seems his wife died on the ocean crossing and never made it to Salem Towne. He is raising the child, and we have no right to her.”
“I’m sorry.”
“He named her Anne,” Pricilla said, “and we are praying that God sends her a guide, just as He provided one to thee and Grace.”
I had written to Pricilla about Tacy, as well, and all that Grace had told me about her life in 1912.
“And what of my cousins?” I asked as I looked around the large room at dozens of men, women, and children, all different ages.
Pricilla smiled. “Not all are time-crossers, but there are many, and they span the ages both past and future.”
The child in my womb rolled, reminding me that he or she would be joining this strange and wonderful family. And for the first time, I felt at peace knowing that if they were a time-crosser, it would be okay. Somehow, Pricilla made me feel as if this was a normal experience—something that had never felt normal before now.
“Thank you,” I said to Pricilla and the others as I met their loving gazes. “For welcoming Isaac and me into your family. You don’t know how much it means to us.”
Isaac gave my shoulder a comforting squeeze—and I knew I was exactly where I belonged. The only thing that would make it better was having Grace here with me—but she was where she belonged, as well. And I knew, deep within, that Grace was happy.
If I had learned anything, it was that God’s plans were far better than our own.
