Chapter 9

Chapter 9
Restoration

“Cindy, oh Cindy!” My heart gave way to its emotion when I saw Sally running towards me. It had been so long since I had seen her. She wrapped her warm arms around me in a firm embrace, “How I have missed you my dear friend!”

Tears poured freely from both of us as we blubbered exaltations over the other. “I’m so sorry Sally,” I finally managed. She looked full into my face. “Cindy, I’m sorry too. I know that I haven’t been there for you the way I should. You are so very precious to me”, a sob seeped from her lips. “Let’s start over,” I said. “Oh lets…” she exuded and began to update me on all the comings and goings of those in the town. I chuckled at my dear and precious friend and how little she had changed. How I had missed her! Caleb walked up, Sally and his two children in toe. “Oh my Sally how they have grown”, I said giving little Luke’s cheek a tug. “Are you all ready to play the sheep in the pageant tonight Lukey,” I interjected. He responded with a rolling grin and clapping hands. “I will take that as a yes!” Little Anna, Caleb and Sally’s newest member, sat snuggly in the other crook of Daddy’s already full arms.

“She truly gets more beautiful everyday.”

“We think so,” Caleb exclaimed.

“And how are you Caleb?”

“Very well Cindy, and yourself?”

“Very well in deed.”

“Good to hear,” Caleb shifted his weight and looked lovingly towards his wife, “well I guess I better get Luke where he needs to be and find us a seat.” He leaned forward and kissed her ever so lovingly on the lips. “Save you a spot,” winking mischievously at her. “You better,” she teased as she clasped the back of his neck with her hand. Soon Caleb was headed back towards the make shift stage to manage the duties of a faithful Father.

“You two seem so happy Sally.”

“We truly are,” Sally clutched my arm in hers, “I heard Jeremy left town. I’m sorry to hear that, I had hoped…” “I had too,” saying it all a little to honestly, “But, God works in mysterious ways Sally; you will never guess who I’m here with tonight?” “Who?” Sally asked with jubilant excitement. “Nate Simms,” I responded sheepishly. “Oh, Cindy,” Sally said smile broadening, “I never in a million years thought, but oh Nate is such a fine man.” “I know,” I said thoughtfully.

“Where is he?”

“Helping some of the men with the lighting preparations, he assured me he would be in the audience in plenty of time to see the children’s play.” “Oh, Cindy,” Sally said in a joyful giggle, “all of this is just too glorious.”
……

The still hush exploded in applause as parents, neighbors, and friends stood joyfully to their feet displaying there pleasure of the Christmas pageant the children put on. There were a few missed lines, and wobbly entrances, but all in all I beamed with pride over what my children had accomplished. I sent a loving prayer to the Father that each would be kept safe in His care, and raised under his guiding hand. Ciaos ensued as children and parents sought each other out, with great hugs and pats on the back, people began to disperse to get their last bit of cider or eggnog before the great tree lighting. The rush of the evening left me dizzy with excitement. I was full to overflowing and as the last child found his parents I sat on the edge of the stage tears running from my eyes. I closed my eyes and breathed in deep of the fresh night air, never had I felt more alive. Opening my eyes I saw Nate approaching with two cups and a piece of pie. My heart raced and my hands numbed with nervous anticipation.
“Cindy, I thought you might be a bit hungry after such a successful performance.”
“You really think it went off well?” I searched his face for honesty. His smile broadened and his eyes sought mine, “What you have, my dear, is a gift!” I felt my heart would surely melt from the honesty and intensity I saw behind those loving eyes. “Really,” I whispered. Nate placed the still steaming cups and the homemade pecan pie on the stage and ungloved his right hand. He gently placed it on the side of my cheek and I leaned into the warmth closing my eyes. Caressing my cheek with his thumb he leaned in close, “Really”, he said touching his lips to mine. The kiss melted away all remaining uncertainty, and I knew that Nate and I would be with one another as long as each was alive. Pulling away he placed his gloved hand over mine, still stroking my cheek, he kissed my forehead, “Now, eat up!” I obeyed happily.
……
A shiver, not brought on by the cold, ran up my spine as Nate and I stood close to Sally and her family awaiting the lighting of the large evergreen that sat in the middle of town. The square was humming. Christmas carols were sung and hearts soared. The countdown began…10, 9, 8, 7,6,5,4,3,2,1… “Light that tree!” The mayor said jubilantly. The colors were brilliant as I thrust my hands up in the air with applause, little girl giggles seeping from my lips. Nate watched my child like wonder with fond affection, with more boldness than I had seen he clasped my hands with his; he turned me into him and kissed me full on the lips. Sally and Mama, watching the display, looked at one another and winked. Papa took Mama’s hand in his and placed it to his lips, “Our little girl has come back to us.” “Indeed, Papa, indeed she has!”

Breathless, I blushed under the realization that so many had watched the open affection between Nate and me. I peered once more up at the glorious tree. My eyes suddenly caught a glimpse of a silhouette in the hills above. It was the frame of a man, satchel firm over his shoulder, hat and gloves in their place, outstretched tree limbs against the background giving him the semblance of angel wings. Raising my hand I said, “God bless you and keep you Jeremy.” He responded with a raised hand and then turned toward the great valley and disappeared from my site forever.

Audrey’s tear stained face looked full on Cindy. “Oh, Grandma,” she whispered. Cindy reached out and clasped her Granddaughter’s hand giving it a firm squeeze. Andy snuggled in the other crook of her arm, fast asleep. “Oh Grandma, I miss Grandpa,” Audrey said choked emotion almost overwhelming her words. She remembered him taking her on long drives on back roads, ice cream floats at a little run down shop on the outskirts of town, tickle fights, and abundant laughter from both grandparents. Andy never got to know Grandpa, he left for home before he was born. The bittersweet memories rushed through both Cindy and Audrey’s mind as they remembered the man they both loved and lost. “Your Grandpa was a rare find Audrey, I had more love for that man than I could have ever imagined with Will. He didn’t stop surprising me after that bold kiss; in fact, I learned that my beloved Nate wasn’t shy at all. He simply carried a quiet strength without fear or hesitation, he was completely confident in who he was, a trait that others respected. He made me feel loved and safe. This is what I pray you will find in your helpmate one day Audrey.” Audrey’s body shuddered as she began to regain control of her raging emotions. “So, you never saw Jeremy again Grandma?” The questioned asked under quiet emotion. “No child. I don’t know if he ever married, had children, is alive…when he crested that hillside I knew in my heart he was gone from my life forever. Now, my precious one, you have heard the story in full, I think it is time we get your brother and you snug in bed. Tomorrow your parents will be here and we will have our own Christmas Eve memory to make.