“She messed up this time,” said Sandra. “His daughters hate me and I’ll never put myself through that humiliation again.”
“Back up,” Trevor said. “Was Robert and his girls at the store?”
“Undoubtedly a twisted version of what the matchmaker intended in her note. I won’t find any peace with that family.”
“Take a deep breath and tell us the story. It can’t be all bad,” said Trevor.
“None of it matters. I won’t stand accused of bewitching their father with plans of wasting his fortune away.” Sandra bounced to her feet and began to pace. “I’ve never been so wrongly accused in my entire life. I don’t care about money.”
“Of course, you don’t. I’m here to provide for you,” said Trevor.
“I’m not a popper! Your father left me a sizable inheritance,” Sandra said. “And living under your roof is out of the question. You are just starting out in life and I don’t plan on staying single forever. It’s not in my blood to stand by and watch others live life; not while God gives me breath.”
“Is that a new spark of independence I hear in your voice?”
“Yes, and don’t sound so surprised. In less than a week the mother-son role will drastically change, but regardless, it’s important for me to have someone who will appreciate my loving interference.”
“We could buy you a puppy,” suggested Trevor with a grin on his face
“You think this is funny? It was stupid to fall for the first man who gushed magical words into my empty heart. Everything felt so right with Robert – until today.” She sniffled again and plunked herself onto the rocker.
“He will return, mother, and you can talk, get all your questions settled.”
“We don’t need him to come back. I can finish this wedding up for you.”
“Angie paid the man to do a job. Your part in this thing is to be the groom’s mother, not the wedding planner.”
Sandra sighed. “Why did the matchmaker’s magic work so well for you? The woman produced a false hope in this old gal.” She chuckled aloud. “Although, I should be grateful. That family have huge issues. Besides the girls trying to keep their mother’s memory alive and the treasury intact, I witnessed Cynthia’s husband play the final blow against his wife and her sister, Franny. Much healing is needed there.” Her voice softened, and she murmured. “Listen to me, thinking everything that crosses my path is all about me when the Miracle Maker could have planned it this way all along. I made some headway with Franny, encouraging the girl to face her sin and make amends with her sister Cynthia. Hopefully, that part will eventually work out.” Sandra stood to her feet. “Shame on me. I promised to pray, and I will.” She looked at her son, a sudden weight lifting from her shoulders. “So, what trouble did you get into today?”
And just like that, the peace returned to her heart. Her greatest desire was to follow God’s leading, and if he’d chosen to engage help from Mrs. Claus and Sandra Dristoll in bringing two lost women to their knees, what more could she ask for?
Sandra’s mood remained upbeat, even when she noticed Robert wander into the dining room. With the guests already cleared out, and the staff finished cleaning up after the supper meal, she sat alone in semi darkness, gazing onto the blue-blackness of the lake. Early star-risers burst in the heavens, providing the comforting night light to end her day. She sensed rather than watched Robert approach the table. When she turned toward him, she offered the best smile she could muster, designed to still his turbulent heart. She could see hurt oozing from his eyes as he tried to hold her gaze. Confusion displayed in his sluggish stance and etched deep into his features. Sandra longed to brush the pain away with healing words and perhaps another kiss on his wet cheek.
“Sit down, Robert, before you fall down,” she said. “I’ll get you a coffee.”
When she returned to the table, he wrapped his hand around the mug and closed his eyes as if he could summon the warmth of the beverage to comfort his soul. “I don’t even know where to start.”
She touched his arm. “Let me pray and God will start the conversation.” He nodded, and she closed her eyes. “Father, we are at your mercy. Robert and his family need your guidance, unconditional love and peace. Be with his girls as they sort through their problems and be with us as we take a step back to figure out your plan for the future.”
At Amen, they opened their eyes, and this time he felt worthy to look at the woman who held his heart in the palm of her hands.
“Franny speaks up for you and Cindy is mellowing. I saw a side of them today that I never knew existed. Greed. Why would they question my loyalty to them? It hurts, and I told them so. Mostly I chastised them for the selfish remarks that you overheard.”
“They had a bad day,” Sandra said. “Perhaps that dredged up all the cold heartless comments. I can only hope, for I am not a gold-digger.” She paused to take a sip. “Why would they come down so hard on us; it was just a visit? It’s not like we’re engaged.”
“In my heart I am, and I told them that too. They will not run my life, and if you’re gracious enough to consider traveling the healing trail with my family, I still want us to be us.”
“And how do you define us?”
“A work in progress, but one that has a sure foundation. We can work through this together – I know we can.”
Sandra bit her lip. “I can agree with a work in progress but like I said
