“Of course. I’ll be here at eight.”
Anika hums and rocks Allen, stroking his dark head. Savannah knocks softly and moves to the cradle to look at Quinton.
“He’s starting to get fussy.” She picks him up and places his cheek to hers while Anika watches.
“Will you switch with me?” They switch babies, and she holds Allen and touches his cheek.
“Savannah what can you tell me about Martha?”
“Martha is … what’s the Christian way to say it, a busy body, trouble, she sews discord wherever she goes.” Savannah blushes when she looks at Anika.
“She hurt you,” Anika states, and it is not a question.
“I thought she did, but she merely saved me from a bad situation. Once I was to be married, but when he found out I aspired to be a photographer, he changed his mind.”
Anika listens quietly as she rocks and waits for her to talk.
“Anika, could I borrow the homestead for a little while?” Savannah asks unexpectedly.
“Of course,” she replies.
“Aren’t you going to ask me why?” Savannah asks.
“No. Your reasons are your own, and I've no need of the homestead yet.” She lifts Quinton to her shoulder to burp him and smiles at her new friend.
“Thank you. I would love the help, and I'm not sure others would understand.”
“I will help you in any way I can. Dr. Parker says I should start walking. I'll have Ms. Henrietta come, and we can start on Friday.”
“Perfect. I just need to get it cleaned up. Why don’t we get these two changed and go eat, I’m starved.”
“You read my mind and Savannah, if you ever need to talk, I’m here.”
Savannah looks at her and smiles softly, “Thank you, Anika. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
Chapter 10
Anika’s hands are trembling as she climbs down from the wagon. This is the first Sunday back at church since Sue died and her and Delaney’s first Sunday as a member of the family. Delaney is dressed in her new dress and glowing with excitement.
Allen helps Daisy down and then Delaney.
Savannah smiles and leaps down before anyone can help her. Daisy takes one baby from Anika and Allen takes one from Glenn. He leaps down and turns to lift Anika down. His hands wrap around her slim waist, and he smiles when he lowers her to the ground.
“You look lovely in purple, Ms. Coltrane,” he says.
“Thank you,” her smile is forced, and he refuses to release her waist until she looks up at him.
“Glenn?” Her eyes flicker, warning him.
“That’s more like it. I like to see the fire in your eyes, not fear. I told you that you had nothing to fear with us, and I meant it.” He releases her waist and turns to help his Mother with the baby.
Allen watches from the back of the wagon and hurries to Anika to distract her. “He’s fussing.”
Anika takes the baby and pats him while she walks, escorted by Allen to the front of the Church. Pastor Donegal and his wife Beatrice greet the church members as they enter the doors. “Welcome back, Glenn.”
“Oh, let’s see the boys!” Beatrice calls and soon all the women are staring at the babies and meeting Anika. Daisy makes introductions while Delaney is shown to Sunday school.
Delaney glances back at Anika, afraid to let go, just yet. Just when she is about to go help her, a little girl runs up and takes her hand, drawing her inside the small room. A smile erupts and Delaney giggles behind her hand.
Anika smiles with relief. Savannah guides her to a pew at the front of the church. Glenn and Allen, stand, waiting for the women to sit and Anika prays that both babies make it through the service. When she sits down, she is surprised to find Daisy and Savannah on her right side and Glenn on her left.
Glenn smiles down at baby Quinton and touches his dark head. “Let’s hope they stay asleep,” he whispers in her ear.
Pastor Donegal smiles at his congregation before starting his sermon. “Good Morning, this morning we are glad to welcome back the Ward family. Our prayers have been with you all and if ever there was a time to believe in miracles it is now.”
“Mr. Ward has asked that we baptize the boys this morning. If you would all be patient while they bring both boys to us.”
Anika jerks in surprise and when she tries to hand over Quinton, Glenn pulls her to her feet. “Not without you,” he whispers. Daisy hands over baby Allen and they guide her forward.
Not wanting to cause a scene she walks forward to the pulpit. “Glenn, you stand here on the left and hold him.” He smiles at Anika and explains, “I will do this while you each hold a baby.”
His wife holds the bowl of water as he dips a cloth and squeezes it over the dark newborn head. Quinton fusses a bit, but soon settles and the church members chuckle.
“Heavenly Father, in your love you have called us to know you, led us to trust you and bound our life with yours. Surround these boys with your love, protect them from evil. Fill them with the Holy Spirit and receive them into the family of your church. Show them how to walk in the way of Christ and grow in faith and love. Amen.”
Pastor Donegal takes Quinton, and his wife takes, Allen. They turn to the congregation and walk through the aisles. “We welcome to our church, Quinton and Allen Ward.” His voice booms out, “Will you protect them, love them and guide them.”
“We will!” The congregation says with one voice.
Glenn draws Anika close and feels her trembling. She
