Threads of Love (42 page)

“Lydia,” Floyd whispered, “how could you ever think of doing something so cruel and mean-spirited to people who have loved you and tried to be kind?” he asked in disbelief. “I don’t even know this person…this creature who would plot to hurt others so ruthlessly, without a thought for them. Your own flesh and blood, Lydia, your sister, your own son, me, Dr. Wilshire, Mr. Banion, all people who have loved you or tried to help—and all you want to do is inflict pain on us. Why, Lydia, why?” A tear overflowed and rolled down his cheek.

“Stop it, Floyd. Quit acting like such a whining fool, crying like your kid. Why don’t you grow up and see what life is really like? I’ve had to. I really got nothing more to say to any of you. Since you’re so all-fired in love with that kid, you figure out how to take care of him and hold down a job. Me? I’m gonna start over and never look back. Don’t any of you ever come looking for me either. You’re all a part of my life that never existed. My life’s starting the minute I walk out this door,” she replied, with a loathing look aimed at all of them.

They watched as she rose from the chair and stormed out the front door, never giving a second look at her husband or child.

“What’s gotten into her? I just don’t understand,” Floyd said to no one in particular.

“It’s not what’s gotten into her, Floyd, it’s what hasn’t. She’s looking for good times and money to take care of filling the void in her life, but she’ll find out that they won’t cure what ails her. The hole Lydia feels inside, that desperate longing to be accepted and loved, needs to be filled, and only God can heal her. The pain will cling to her like an undesired affliction until she turns to the One who loves her in spite of all her shortcomings,” Tessie told him.

“What are you going to do, Floyd?” Addie asked. The adults had wondered the same thing but didn’t broach the question.

“Right now, I think the baby and I need to be with family until I get things sorted out. I think I’ll head back to Ohio. I can stop in Kansas City and close out the apartment, then go see my folks. I’ll leave my address with you and our landlord in Kansas City. In case Lydia decides she wants to come back, she’ll need to know where to find us,” he stated hopefully.

Charlie and Tessie agreed that Ohio sounded like a good place for a fresh start. His parents were still there to help with Floyd Jr. and being settled in one place would allow him the opportunity to spend more time with his son.

“You’re always welcome to come visit with us, Floyd,” Tessie told the young man. “Addie has become very attached to Floyd Jr. in the short time he’s been here, and I know she’s going to miss him. We all will,” she added.

“I’ll keep in touch with you. I’m not real good at letter writing, but I’ll try. You’ll let me know if you hear from Lydia, won’t you?” he asked.

“Of course, we will. If she contacts us, we’ll be sure that she receives your address,” Tessie reassured him.

“Guess I’d better get over to the hotel. I need to make train reservations and get some sleep before we leave in the morning. I really appreciate what you’ve all done for me and the baby. Especially you, Mr. Banion. If you hadn’t come and found me, I hate to think of what Lydia might have done,” he told them. “I’m sure glad you folks decided to keep Addie. She’ll have a good life with you. Lydia would destroy her,” he stated sadly, before walking out the door.

The next morning Tessie, Charlie, and Addie watched as Floyd boarded the train, with the baby in his arms. He looked forlorn and dejected, but his smile returned when he gazed down at his son. He kissed the baby’s rosy cheek and whispered to him, “Who knows what will happen? Maybe one day God will open your mama’s heart, and she’ll come back to us.”

“I’ve made a decision,” Charlie told his two favorite women as they walked home.

“What might that be?” Tessie asked.

“I think the three of us need to sit down and do some serious planning for a wedding. You two women aren’t getting things moving toward the church quick enough to suit me,” he stated with mock indignation.

“Charlie, it’s only been a few days since you told me to start making plans, and we have had a few major interruptions in our life,” Tessie retorted.

“Don’t worry, Charlie. Tessie has her wedding gown ready to go. She had it even before you asked her to get married,” Addie told him.

“Is that so? Pretty sure of yourself, were you?” he teased.

Tessie felt a blush rise in her cheeks. “It’s not what you’re thinking at all. One day when Addie and I were talking, I mentioned that when I got married I would wear my Aunt Phiney’s wedding dress. So, you see, I wasn’t being presumptuous,” she told him, as they walked onto the porch and he leaned down to kiss her.

“You can be just as presumptuous as you like, Dr. Wilshire, as long as it’s me you’re marrying in that dress. So, when’s the date? Have you talked to the preacher? What about a special dress for Addie? Shall we get married here in Florence, or do you want to go home? How about a big cake? What do you think, Addie? A really, really big cake?” Charlie asked, clasping his outstretched hands and forming his arms into a huge circle.

Addie laughed at him, for his good mood was contagious. “We’ll need to make another quilt,” the child informed them.

“Why do we need another quilt?” Charlie inquired when Tessie nodded her head, agreeing with the child.

“So we can weave you into the family, just like me,” Addie replied.

“I’m all for that, just as long as you wait until after the wedding to make it!” Charlie told the two of them.

“I think that’s one thing that can wait,” Tessie agreed.

“Well, this can’t,” he replied, pulling her into his arms and kissing her thoroughly while Addie sat on the front steps giggling, unable to conceal her happiness.

Judith McCoy Miller
is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, many of which have appeared on the CBA bestseller lists. Judy makes her home in Topeka, Kansas. She can be found online at
www.judithmccoymiller.com