“Ah, yes. I did.”
Her father pushed his chair back from the table. “Be back in a minute. Don’t start without me.”
When he returned, Jamie followed in behind him. Tariana jumped to her feet. “Jamie! I’m so glad you came. Come – sit here, next to me.” She raced for the table setting she’d put off to the side and motioned for Cherise to slide down the bench to make room. Jamie’s eyes were on her, and she felt uncharacteristically nervous.
“Sorry for my late arrival. My family detained me with questions about why I’d been invited to eat with the preacher’s family at the beginning of the week.”
Tariana laughed. “You are always welcome, Jamie. Everyone here knows we’ve been inseparable since birth. Even more so when fish started jumping off our lines and wild game unwillingly volunteered to dress our tables and fill our empty stomachs.”
“And to think you are honoring Michael and I tonight with this scrumptious food offering is an answer to my prayers,” Frances said. “We both want you to be happy in love someday, just like we are.”
“Father, will you pray?” Tariana asked. “I have humble pie planned for dessert.” She reached for the hands on either side of her.
Jamie’s were sweaty and she wondered if he were nervous that his new girl in town might be jealous of the relationship he shared with Tariana. Time would tell.
The younger sisters dominated the conversation throughout the meal with their never-ending updates on the latest in town. When it bordered on gossip, Father cast them a stern look. It did not stop the flow, but it did manage to change the direction. When Tariana noticed her guests sopping up the last of the gravy with the bread, she stood and brought her plate to the sink.
Jamie jumped in to help.
“You’re a guest,” she whispered. “You don’t need to help in the kitchen.”
“I want to spend this time supporting you.” He looked at the happy couple swooning over each. “Your sister seems very happy.”
“To almost lose your man in death, then with a loss of memory was a great blow, but I think it gave them a fresh outlook on their future.”
“With you out of the way.” Jamie snickered, and she had to join in.
“Yes, with me out of the way. Thank God, I saw the light.” Their chuckles must have reached the group at the table because the voices suddenly went quiet.
“I’ll cut and serve dessert if you want to give your little spiel now,” Jamie offered. “Don’t want anyone choking on that apple cinnamon pie.”
They rushed over to finish clearing the plates while all eyes remained glued on them. The silence proved deafening, and Tariana wished they were all still chatting about the wedding.
Jamie brought two heaping pies to the table, and she placed clean saucers next to him, took a deep breath, and started: “I wanted to take this opportunity to clear the air of my past transgressions. It appears that I wrongly playing matchmaker by determining that Frances was not the right woman for Michael. I sabotaged the relationship whenever I could, and for that, I deeply repent and seek your forgiveness.”
She directed her next words to Frances, “I do love you, and I have witnessed a strength and devotion in you I never knew existed before the accident. Michael was not the perfect fit I imagined for me, and all I can do is plead your forgiveness and ask that we put this deceit behind us.”
Frances jumped to her feet, hurried over to Tariana, and pulled her into her arms in a fierce embrace. Healing flowed from one heart to another. When they separated, both were teary-eyed.
Michael stood with open arms, and Tariana moved in. “I am proud to have you for a little sister, Tariana,” he said. “Our home will always be open to you.”
“Yes!” Tariana exclaimed. “That is exactly what being in your arms feels to me – like we are siblings. Finally, all has been put right.” Tariana’s laugh held a freedom that rippled through the air. “I’ve always wanted a big brother. There are far too many females in this house.”
“Amen,” Clarence Gracin chimed from the other end of the table.
Frances and Michael sat again, and Tariana served the pie that Jamie had cut. When Jamie took his seat, she reached out a hand and squeezed his.
“Now if I may have your attention a moment longer,” Tariana began. “Since my schooling is finished and I am not yet ready to take a husband, I have decided to go to work.”
“That’s unnecessary,” her father said. “We manage fine.”
“But I want to learn a skill,” Tariana argued. “What if I end up a spinster and need to support myself? I must be ready for all possibilities.”
Evelyn chuckled. “You must admit, it might happen with her, Father. What man could put up with her boyish ways?”
“That’s not true,” their mother said. “Look at the splendid meal she has prepared, and she’s been the perfect hostess. I think you misjudge your sister.”
“Short-term success. Marriage lasts longer. It will be difficult to keep up the charade all day, every day, till death do us part.” Evelyn was displaying her catty nature, which she usually hid so well.
“Evelyn Gracin,” Father said. “You apologize to your sister, right now.”
“I will not! She is so wrapped up in her own world, she doesn’t even see the man at her side wilting with agony at her rejection.” Evelyn focused on Jamie, and then grew suddenly shy. “I may be young, but I’m more ready to love than Tariana.”
The atmosphere in the room grew awkward. Tariana struggled to smooth it over. “We all have growing to do, little sister, and that is why I am taking a job. Miss Freedman from The New Northwest has
