Unexpected Family. Jill Kemerer

questions in his eyes, he glanced at Macy, who was now picking at her sling. “Looks like a lot of people are headed that way.” He pointed to a lane where kids ran ahead, moms pushed strollers and dads toted young boys or girls on their shoulders.

      “Do you want a ride, Macy?” He tapped his shoulders.

      She shook her head, pigtails slapping the sides of her face.

      “Okay.” He frowned.

      Stephanie considered pulling him aside to explain, but what could she say? Macy isn’t really a brat. She’s acting like one because she doesn’t want to share me. Yeah, that would sound great. Stephanie did the best she could as a single mom, and sometimes it wasn’t good enough. When she’d lived with Dad, it hadn’t been as bad. He played with Macy while Stephanie tackled a term paper. He soothed the tension when her patience vanished.

      She peeked at her daughter, clutching her hand. How would Tom fall in love with Macy if she acted like a sullen statue?

      They made their way to the lane. Ducks flew overhead in a V formation, and a line of trees swished in the light wind.

      “So what have you been up to?” Stephanie forced a cheery tone. “How is your family?”

      His sharp glance ratcheted her nerves. “They’re good. Claire got married this summer, Libby earlier this year. Bryan and I run all the dealerships, and we share a house. Sam took over as CEO of Sheffield Auto last fall.”

      “Your dad retired?”

      “Yes and no.” He chuckled. “He retired from the auto business to be a superintendent for my brother-in-law. Dad is in construction now.”

      “I always liked Dale.” She stepped over a tree root bumping out of the ground. “I could see him in construction. He’s got a lot of energy.”

      “When my grandpa retired, he had a big party. He has lots of energy, too,” Macy said with a shade of snottiness.

      “Good.” Tom nodded. “I’m sure he enjoyed his party.”

      “He did. We got him floaty balloons and everything.” She picked up her pace, shoulders wiggling with her determined stride.

      “I miss my grandpa. He taught me how to tie ropes and build birdhouses. We went out on his fishing boat all summer. I wish he was still around.”

      “Where did he go?” For the first time since arriving, her voice wasn’t dripping with attitude.

      “Heaven. He died a while back.”

      “I’m going to heaven, too.” She jabbed her chest with her thumb. “My Sunday school teacher told me so.”

      Tom grinned down at her. The most patient, loving expression crossed his face. Stephanie almost gasped. Loving, yes. But patient? She sifted through her memories. He’d always been quick with a reply. Time must have mellowed him. But maybe that wasn’t fair on her part. Could she say she truly knew him when they were only together a year?

      He tugged one of Macy’s pigtails. “Well, you keep listening to your Sunday school teacher.”

      “Mommy’s going to heaven. Aren’t you?”

      “Yes. And Tom is, also.”

      “No, he’s not.” Macy shook her head and laughed.

      “Macy, that’s a very mean thing to say.” Stephanie halted.

      “But—”

      “No buts. All believers go to heaven. You know that.”

      “You mean I have to share you there, too?” she wailed. “I don’t want to go anymore.”

      Stephanie dreaded looking at Tom, but she had to. His curious expression reassured her. “Will you excuse us a minute, please?”

      He nodded.

      She marched Macy to the side of the lane and kept her voice low. “Why did you say that, Macy? Do you know you hurt his feelings?”

      “I don’t care.” Her cheeks drooped. “Heaven isn’t for him. It’s for us. It’s our girl place.”

      “It’s not our girl place. We will be together, but everyone else who trusted in God will, too. You wouldn’t want to leave anyone out of heaven, would you?”

      Macy bowed her head and dragged her tennis shoe back and forth in the dirt.

      “Answer me, Macy.”

      “I want to go home.”

      Clenching her hands into fists, Stephanie waited until her nerves calmed before answering. “Fine. I’ll take you home. I’ll call the sitter. You can stay there, but I’m coming back to pick out pumpkins with Tom.”

      That got her attention. Macy wrapped her arms around Stephanie’s legs. “No! I want to stay. He can go to heaven, too.”

      “It’s not your decision if he goes to heaven or not. You owe him an apology.”

      “But, Mama—”

      “No buts.” Stephanie led Macy back to the lane. “Macy has something to say to you. Don’t you?”

      “I’m sorry.” The muffled words barely were out before she started sobbing.

      Stephanie wrapped her in a hug and kissed her head. “I know apologizing was hard, but you did the right thing.”

      Macy pulled away and wiped her eyes. “Do I still get a doughnut?”

      “It depends.” Stephanie darted a glance Tom’s way and mouthed, “Sorry.” Then she moved forward. “Let’s try over there. I see a big pumpkin with your name all over it.”

       Chapter Four

      Thankfully, her lunch break had finally arrived. The phones had been ringing nonstop all morning, and if Stephanie had to argue with one more insurance rep about covering a porcelain filling, she was going to rip the phone out of the wall. There wasn’t enough chocolate in the world for Mondays like this.

      Bea, the other receptionist at the dentist office, had invited her to eat at their favorite deli. As they crossed the parking lot to get into Bea’s sporty black car, Bea chatted about her upcoming vacation plans.

      “You sure have been quiet. Are you feeling okay?” Bea asked. Her chic white bob and subtle makeup matched her warm, intelligent personality. Stephanie considered her more of a worldly-wise aunt than a coworker.

      “I’m fine. A little stressed.” As the car merged with traffic, Stephanie relaxed into the seat. At least the sun was shining. The day wasn’t completely bad. “Every time I answer the phone it’s a crisis.”

      “Tell me about it.” She chuckled and peeked over. “A little green is peeking out from your bruise again. Remind me to touch it up with my concealer stick when we return.” She braked for a traffic light. “What are you going to do about your car?”

      “Insurance is supposed to cut me a check this week. My old one wasn’t worth much, so I’ll have to find a used car in a limited price range.” Another to-do on an already crowded list. If only Dad was here. He’d help her pick out a vehicle. He’d check it over and tell her if it had major problems. She missed him. Missed having someone to rely on.

      “How’s Macy doing?”

      “Her wrist hurts, but she’s convinced she doesn’t need the sling. You know how kids are.” They sped past apartment buildings, fast-food joints, the pharmacy and a grocery store before coming to a stop at the bustling sandwich shop.

      Since moving to Kalamazoo, Stephanie hadn’t told anyone about Tom, but she longed to confide in someone. And she appreciated Bea’s faith-filled perspective, something Dad lacked. She’d