Savannah follows her brother into the barn and watches in horrified silence as he beats out his rage. When his blood begins to cover the wall, she steps behind him.
“What in God’s name are you doing?”
Glenn stops beating the wall but doesn’t turn around, his head drops, “Go away, Savannah, you wouldn’t understand.”
Savannah ignores him and grabs a clean towel from a cabinet in the cold barn. “Anika didn’t tell you the truth, about the homestead.”
His head snaps up at that bit of information. “What are you talking about?” She gently wraps one hand and then the other, only to flinch when he hisses in pain.
“She wasn't alone at the homestead.” His eyes fly open wide and he glares at her. Savannah chuckles, “That's what I thought. You two have feelings for each other, but she deserves better than this display, and so do you.”
“My feelings don’t matter.” Glenn jerks his hand away and snaps, “You wouldn’t understand.”
“I understand more than you think. Sometime soon, you and I will take a ride and I'll show you what Anika's been up to.” She stomps out of the barn and prays that this the right thing to do.
Chapter 13
Anika holds Delaney’s hand and smiles down at her in excitement. “I’ve never worked a bake sale before. This should be fun, right Delaney?” In her other hand is a carpet bag.
Glenn carries her pastries in a wooden box and walks beside them, listening.
Delaney shrugs her shoulders, “I guess.” Anika glances at her in surprise.
Allen, Daisy, and Savannah are walking ahead of them carrying the trays of baked goods, and the twins are with the housekeeper. “That doesn't sound like my girl. What's wrong?”
“I don’t know,” she mumbles.
“Delaney, did you know that we will be joined at the sale by some of the church families and that includes boys and girls your age,” Glenn explains.
“That’s nice, Mr. Ward.”
Anika glances down at her and squeezes her hand gently. “Mrs. Clara will be there, and you look so pretty in your new dress. Today is a chance to make new happy memories, Delaney.”
Delaney stops walking, surprising them both. “Mama, when we’re done, can we go see them?”
Anika stoops down eye level with her daughter, “See who?”
“Daddy and Rosie,” she whispers.
All the color drains from her face as the words strike home. “Oh sweetie, of course we can.”
Delaney throws her arms around her and wipes her eyes. “Thank you, Mama.”
“I’d do anything for you, Delaney.”
Delaney skips to catch up with Savannah, and Glenn stares at her struggling to compose herself. “You're one hell of a woman, Anika Coltrane.”
Anika blushes and smiles, “Thank you.” She hurries to catch up to her daughter and put some distance between them. It is better if they aren't seen together. Delaney needs to find peace, and she will do whatever it takes to help her find it. Even if that means visiting the cemetery.
Today is an essential part of reclaiming her life. Joining the Ward family at church will give them a fresh start. Delaney needs to meet children her own age. She straightens her blue velvet dress and matching overcoat, wondering how the other church members will react to her. So many young women are without husbands or widowed with children. It is best if she is not seen as a threat to them. The money from the bake sale goes to help the widows and orphans from the war. Unfortunately, too many are still struggling with the daily needs of food and shelter.
First Baptist Church is beautiful from the outside. It is unusual in that it is an all brick building. The churches steeply pitched roof, and simple red brick façade accentuates the pointed, arched stained glass windows, but it is the tall, thin spires which draw the eye to the crowning glory. The bell house is surrounded by the spires, with its large cast bronze bell gleaming in the morning sunlight.
It is too cold to set up tables outside, but the news spread quickly through the town, and it is expected to be a busy day. Inside the sanctuary, the pews have been moved to a storage building for the day and tables have been lined up all around the walls. Families are busy laying out their items and excitement hums.
Pastor Donegal welcomes them and directs Daisy to the tables for them to use. Anika will have a table to herself as well. Daisy and Allen move to the table next to hers and begin setting up, while Glenn helps stack her wooden trays on the floor behind her table.
“Did you bring the quilt?” Pastor Donegal asks.
“I did, but we left it in the wagon.” Anika looks to Glenn who quickly offers to retrieve it.
“I would like to hang it on the entry wall, coming into the sanctuary. To make sure everyone entering will be able to get a good look at it.”
Dr. Parker and his wife, Clara wave and walk over. Delaney runs to them for her hugs. “That’s a wonderful idea, Pastor Donegal! I hope it’s well received.” Anika smiles and glances around the room.
“Anika, do you need any help?” Clara offers.
“Yes, please. Could you help me get my table set up? I’ve never set up at a bake sale before.”
“You'll do fine.” Pastor Donegal waves at Glenn and points to the hall to show him where to take it. Anika watches him go and her eyes catch Martha watching her. Of course, she is wearing the new dress from Mrs. Flannagan's shop,
