“Yes, Father.” There was no sense in begging. His mind was made up.
He stroked her face gently with his hand. “You are a spit-fire that the Lord will use mightily some day. Stay true to building a godly character and moving forward. Don’t get stuck in this hard place.”
Tariana smiled and wrapped the rare personal interaction around her needy soul. He did not often speak compliments to avoid filling one’s head with vanity. She had gathered affirmation from his insightful words, and mock saluted, grinning playfully. “Forward ahead, sir,” she said. “I’ll go upstairs and get ready.”
“Wear that nice dress you had on the other day. Is it new?”
“Yes,” she said, surprised he’d noticed.
“The color makes your eyes dance. Surely, your young man will notice that.”
“What young man?’ she asked, horrified. The only one he knew of was Michael, who was not hers at all.
“Your old man is not blind, daughter. He’s been your man your entire life. You just never knew it.”
“I still don’t know it, Father. Of whom do you speak?” Tariana asked.
He laughed. “When you spot true love, your eyes will be opened.” He turned to his wife and pecked a kiss on her on her cheek. “See you all at church.”
When he’d gone, Tariana begged her mother. “Do you know to whom he referred? It would save me from getting into trouble again if I knew, even though I doubt there will be too many men wanting a devious woman by their side until death-do-us-part.”
Ada Gracin laughed. “Ex-devious. And my lips are sealed. Discovering love is half the fun, and I won’t take that from you, Tariana. Now run and get ready. This is the Lord’s Day and America’s celebration of independence. There is so much to be grateful for.”
On the way upstairs, she focused on the most recent names recorded on her thanksgiving list. Michael was on his feet, walking with a cane, his memory having returned fully, and Frances was once again the center of his world. Tariana pondered the invitation Michael had given her to come and visit him, but she’d chosen to stay away, shame shredding her pride one layer at a time. He’d be at the celebration today, with Frances by his side, just as it should be. And Tariana would be there alone, searching for the love that had escaped her for her entire life. She’d known everyone since birth, which would make the search more difficult, but she was in no hurry.
Tariana sighed, glad it would be close to a year before any of it mattered. The dust on this blunder would have surely settled by then.
She fussed with her appearance to honor her father. He’d liked the dress, and he preferred her hair pulled back with only tiny ringlets hanging down at the back. A parasol and matching bag completed her outfit, and she headed downstairs to join the family before they left for church.
Frances was the first one ready, for once, and she had gone on ahead to walk with Michael. Tariana felt relieved. They hadn’t dealt with the awkwardness between them, and she was pleased not having to face it that morning.
Cherise, Samantha, and Evelyn attempted to drag her into their silly chatter as they walked. When their voices lifted in songs of praise, the words connected with Tariana’s soul.
“My sins are all forgiven and I’m on my way to heaven – Praise His Name.” The three girls were gifted with wonderful harmony and often ministered in the church to an appreciative congregation.
“Won’t you join in with your sisters, Tariana? God loves a cheery heart,” Ada said.
“My voice would hurt His ears. He has not blessed my vocals.”
“We are gifted differently, but He loves all praise equally. Music lifts your mood, and yours could use some lifting. I want you to enjoy your day, not simply endure it.”
“Don’t worry, Mother. My insides are filled with gratefulness and joy. Michael is improving, Frances is back in her rightful place, and I am a new person. What I’d feared as unrepairable damage to my heart was merely infatuation, a foolish and misguided desire.”
“See Mother, the caterpillar is ready to break out of her cocoon and venture forth as a beautiful butterfly,” Cherise said.
“Save your drama for the children, or, better yet, the theater,” Tariana said, grinning at her sister affectionately.
Cherise wrapped her arm through Tariana’s. “My best friend and sister. I have nothing to preoccupy me today, and I would love to spend the entire time making you laugh while stuffing ourselves with food until we burst.”
“Gluttony is also a sin,” Mother reminded.
The four girls giggled, knowing Ada Gracin possessed a huge appetite and rarely refused anything on the table. And that day, the long tables would be stacked full of delicious food.
With uplifted spirits, the other two girls fell into step and erupted in song again. This time, Tariana joined in, surprised that her voice did not spoil the melody. She took pleasure in the fact that God’s ears might be tickled instead of aggravated.
Tariana need not have concerned herself, for all the people gathering at the little white church came joyfully distracted, without a word or whisper of gossip to spoil the atmosphere. Her father gave a historic summary as to the birth of American Independence, reaching as far back as 1776. Ten years before, the July 4th had been declared a federal holiday, a symbol of patriotism worth celebrating. The sermon followed with the theme of giving thanks, and a happy congregation followed Reverend Gracin out the back door while singing the closing hymn. Everyone gathered around the flag pole, placing their hands over their hearts. Voices raised, filling the air with the words to the “Star-Spangled Banner.” A healthy air of pride continued to flow through the crowd
