Kelsey squeezed through a group of kids and their parents in the hall, apologizing the entire time.  After reaching Hannah, she caught her breath and then moved in front of her.  “You were right, sweetie.  Your bonnet was in the van.”  She knelt, put it on Hannah’s head, and tied the ribbons.

                “Thanks, Mama.”  Hannah’s left leg became spastic, going up and down.

                Placing a hand on her thigh, Kelsey stopped it.  “Do you need another pill?”

                “No, I’m fine.  Just nervous.” 

                Kelsey peered into Hannah’s eyes and knew she spoke the truth.  Hannah would usually ask for another pill when her muscles got tight.

                “Okay.”  Kelsey patted Hannah’s hand.  “Don’t be nervous.  You’ve people in the audience who love you.”

                “Is Wade here?”

                “Yes,” Kelsey replied, smoothing out the skirt of Hannah’s gray dress.  “I saw him parking in a space just now.”

                “Goodie!”  Hannah clapped, smiling.  “I knew he would keep his promise.”

                Kelsey pursed her lips.  Unlike Parker.  His parents were coming, but not him.  He had become a father in the last year, but now he was converting back to his self-center habits.  Was Victoria responsible for that?

                She ran a hand through hair and then felt Hannah’s hand on hers.  Kelsey glanced up at her daughter and saw her face etched with concern.  “Mama, are you all right?”

                “Yes, sweetie.”  Kelsey stood.  “I was just thinking.”

                “You always tuck a piece of hair behind your ear or run a hand through your hair either when you’re nervous or mad.”  Hannah tilted her head.  “Is it about Daddy not coming to the play?”

                “Maybe.”

                “It’s okay.”  Hannah shrugged. 

                Kelsey’s heart sank.  No child should be okay about their father not being there for special events.

                Shaking her head, Kelsey willed herself to be cheerful.  “I think you’re going to be the greatest pilgrim woman in the history of this play.

                “I agree with your mama,” a familiar baritone voice said behind her, sending shivers down her spine.   She turned around and faced the man who had become very important to her.

                Kelsey remembered how Wade had let her lean her head on his shoulder and cry at Cole’s memorial service at their church since many people couldn’t travel to Hope City. 

                When it was her turn to share her memories about Cole, Wade squeezed her hand and whispered, “You can do it.”  She sucked in a breath, dried her eyes, and told everyone that she had a major crush Cole, and he had put up with her following him around like a puppy.  She recalled the story when her first boyfriend broke her heart.  Kelsey said, “Cole told me there were jerks, but I would find someone who would be worthy of me.” 

                When she spotted Wade, he smiled at her, causing goosebumps on her arms.

                Kelsey shook herself back to the present.  She noticed a twinkle in his eyes as he watched, making those goosebumps to return.  

                “Wade!”  Hannah’s eyes sparkled.  “I’m glad you came.  Mama said she saw you pulling up.”

                “I told you nothing would keep me from coming, Han.”  He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small brown leather sack.  “I’ve been told one of my ancestors lived near Plymouth, Massachusetts, in the early eighteen hundreds, and it was said he took a piece of the rock as a souvenir.”  He opened the sack and shook a piece of rock with jagged edges into his palm.  “I don’t know if it is true or not, but I thought you might want to rub it for good luck.”

                “Sure!”

                Kelsey watched as her daughter rubbed where the rock was smooth, mumbling what sounded like a prayer. 

                She glanced at Wade, who looked at Hannah the way a proud father looks at his daughter.  The same look that Kelsey’s dad had given her numerous times.

                “Mama, what’s wrong? “

                Noticing a tear slid down her cheek, Kelsey quickly wiped it away and mustered to regain her composure.  “I’m fine, sweetie.”  She caressed her daughter’s face.  “We’d better go and get into our seats.” She bent down and kissed her cheek.  “Good luck.”

                “Thanks, Mama.”

                “I know you’ll do great, Han.”  Wade winked at her.
                As the teacher began to round up the kids to get them in line, Wade and Kelsey made their way to the cafeteria, which had the only stage in the school.  People had removed the tables and put plastic chairs in their place, facing the stage.

                She threaded her arm through his.  “It was nice of you to come backstage and share that piece of rock with her. “

                “I knew she was nervous, so I thought it would help.”

                “Do you think it’s a part of Plymouth Rock?” Kelsey asked.
                Wade shrugged.  “I don’t know.   I want to think so.  My dad gave it to me when I left for Baylor University.  It was my lucky charm during finals exams.  Well, that and studying helps.”

                Stopping at the door, she opened it.  “Well, I think it fascinated Hannah.”

                When they entered, Kelsey spotted her family and Parker’s parents.  She noticed Wade scanning the crowd, looking for an empty seat.

                Kelsey knew of one space-Parker’s seat, which was next to her.  Her stomach fluttered with excitement to be seated by him, sharing in their pride for Hannah.  “Um, you can sit by me.”

                “Isn’t it for Hannah’s dad?”

                Kelsey tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and sighed.  “He isn’t coming.” 

                “What?  Why?”

                Not having time to explain her ex’s behavior as a father and his mixed-up priorities, she said, “Parker’s back to his old self.  Unfortunately, Hannah has gotten used to him not being at her plays.”

                “That’s sad.”

                “Yes, but both sets of her grandparents, uncle, you, and I are here for her,” she said.

                “True-but”

                Kelsey saw her mom waving vigorously at them to come over.  “We should sit down before my mom pulls a muscle.”

                Wade laughed.  “Okay.”

                Sitting down, Kelsey crossed her leg, hitting his knee.  She blushed and apologized.  He smiled, and she giggled.

                Her brother, Travis, moved towards them.  “Kelse, Maureen asked if I could switch places with you.  I think she wants to talk with you.”

                Kelsey leaned forward and saw her ex-mother-in-law beckoning her with her hand.

                She looked at Wade, torn.  She wanted him beside her, but she didn’t want Maureen to know she was falling in love with Wade.   Heck, she, herself, was barely acknowledging her feelings. 

                Kelsey looked at her brother.  “Okay.”

                She made her way to the empty seat by Maureen.  Chuckling to herself, Kelsey thought Maureen had dressed too elegantly for a fourth grade play, wearing a beige pantsuit; her red hair styled in a French twist, but was pleased she came.

                Kelsey had a good relationship with her ex-in-laws, which she knew people in town found strange.  Maureen and her ex-father-in-law, Howard, stood up for her more than for Parker because they knew he was spoiled and self-centered.  Kelsey’s heart went out to them because she knew they felt responsible for the way Parker turned out.  Howard had told her they wish they had been firmer with Parker, maybe by showing him a poor neighborhood and how people struggle to get by, telling he was lucky he had nice clothes a big house and plenty enough to eat.  Her ex-father-in-law would have made Parker volunteer at a soup kitchen twice a week, and then prayed he’d be less selfish and more compassionate for others.

                Smiling at Maureen, Kelsey said, “I’m glad you and Howard are here.”

                “We love to support Hannah; you know that.”  She leaned toward Kelsey and whispered, “That man who walked in with you, is that the famous Wade Ramsey that Hannah talks about?”

                “Yes, it is.”  Kelsey hoped she sounded aloof.

                “He’s a handsome young man,” Maureen said.  “I hope I’ll get to talk to him after the play at the restaurant.  Will he be there?”

                “I guess so.”  Kelsey wiggled in the plastic chair.  She felt weird, talking about a man she very well could see being her life partner with her ex-mother-in-law.
                “Darn it!” Howard said, fidgeting with the small video camera in his big hands.   “Maureen, help me get this thing to work.”

***

 

                After the play ended, Kelsey’s family and friends went to the restaurant for snacks and refreshments.  Standing next to Hannah, she smiled as people congratulated her daughter on how well she portrayed the Pilgrim woman number one.  Hannah blushed from all the praising.   Kelsey walked to her to see if she needed something.

                “No, Mama.  I’m fine.”  Hannah wasn’t looking at her, but something else.  She followed her daughter’s gaze, then wished she hadn’t.  The town’s meth and heroin addict and her cousin, Nick’s ex-girlfriend, Fontaine Theissen, was talking loud to Wade and had an arm around his neck.  Pangs of jealousy like she never felt before paralyzed her. 

                Kelsey knew that she shouldn’t hate anyone, especially a troubled person like Fontaine, but every time her cousin tried to help her get clean, and she went back using, making Nick feel guilty that he hadn’t done enough, Kelsey found it harder and harder to forgive Fontaine.  She couldn’t understand why Fontaine started doing drugs.  Fontaine had loving parents who gave her a nice life, never wanting for anything.  Most likely, it was because of her low self-esteem; thinking she wasn’t smart as her siblings, and she wanted to be in what she thought was the “cool gang” in high school.  Unfortunately, once hooked, she had found it hard to stop.  Six months ago, Nick told Kelsey that Fontaine had gone to rehab for the third time, but seeing the scene before her now, Kelsey realized Fontaine was drinking, and it was just a matter of time before she would be doing heroin and crystal meth again.

When Wade tried to pull away, and Fontaine wrapped her other arm around him, her temple started to throb.  Before Kelsey knew what she was doing, she found herself in front of Wade and Fontaine.

                Fontaine unwrapped her right arm from Wade and faced Kelsey.  “Kelse, what do you know good?”   Laughing, she fell onto Wade.

                With Fontaine’s breath reeking of alcohol and her rotting teeth, Kelsey stepped back.

                After Wade pulled Fontaine off of him and stabilized her with his hands, she said, “I’m fine, big boy.  You can let me go now, if you want to, that is.”

                Disgusted, Kelsey closed her eyes and silently counted to ten.  I won’t let her get to me.  “Fontaine, we’re closed for a private party.”

                “I want to see Nick.”  Fontaine staggered toward Kelsey.  “I need to tell him I need him.”

                “Nick isn’t here.”  Catching her brother’s eye, she waved him over.  I’ll call him, and you can wait for him with Travis in the back.”   

                Fontaine started laughing.  “Sure thing, miss high and mighty.  I wouldn’t want to ruin your party.  Everything has to be perfect.  That’s why Parker left.  You are so good and boring.”

                Kelsey’s face heated, and her heart rate up-ticked.  She gritted her teeth and balled her hands into fists, nails digging into her palms.  “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”  Kelsey glanced around and saw people staring.   Her mom and Maureen were comforting Hannah.  She had her head down, but her body wasn’t shaking like she was crying.  Kelsey knew she must be disappointed Fontaine ruined her little party.  Telling herself to be the bigger person, Kelsey took a few calming breaths.  “I’m not going to fight with you.  This is Hannah’s night, and I won’t let you ruin it anymore.  Go in the back room.”

Travis grabbed her elbow.  “Let’s go.”

                Wade moved beside Kelsey, asking her if she was okay.

                 Fontaine looked over her shoulder at them, and she smiled.  “So that’s why you came over.  You were jealous that I was flirting with your new boyfriend. Makes sense. You’ve never been this gung-ho on confronting me before.”  She eyed Wade up and down.  “You have good taste.  He’s hotter than Parker.  I hope you can keep this one happy.”  She winked.  “I can give you pointers on how to do that.”

                 Kelsey put her hands on her hips.  “Travis, take her away!”

            This time, her brother put both of his hands on her shoulders, then pushed her to walk.

            When Kelsey saw Fontaine was in the back room, she called Nick, telling him he needed to come to the restaurant and pick up Fontaine because she was in trouble.  What’s new?

            “Are you okay?” Wade asked, putting a hand on her shoulder.
            Kelsey smiled.  “Yes.  As you witnessed Fontaine and I don’t get along.”

            “I thought you handled that situation well, considering she was goading you to fight with you.  I can’t believe what she told you.  That was so-,” Wade  rubbed the back of his neck, “so crude.”

            “That’s typical Fontaine.”  Kelsey sighed.  “Excuse me.  I want to see if Hannah’s okay.”

            “Sure.”

            Maureen and her mom moved away, and she sat in the chair in front of Hannah, leaned forward, and put her daughter’s hands in hers.  “Sweetie, I’m sorry for what happened.”’

            Hannah looked up.  “I know, but I had fun before she came, so it’s okay.”  She frowned.  “I’m mad at what Fontaine said to you.  It was mean.”

            “Yes, it was," Kelsey said.  

            “Are you okay?”

            “I am now, knowing you’re not that upset.”

            “Meemaw said not to worry about you.”  Hannah smiled.  “That you could handle Fontaine.”

            Glancing up at her mom, who stood ten feet away, Kelsey gave her an appreciative smile and looked back at Hannah.  “Well, unfortunately, I had a lot of experience with that.  I hate that we fought in front of you.”

            “You didn’t start it.”

            Wade came over.  “I’m sorry for interrupting, but I wanted to say I’m going.”

            Kelsey rose.  “Okay.  Thanks for coming.”  Without thinking, she hugged him.  Being in his arms made her feel better.  After a moment, she pulled back, embarrassed.

            “No problem.  I enjoyed myself.”  He caressed her cheek.  “Are you sure you’re okay?”

            “Positive.”  

            “Will we see you tomorrow at Dr. Werner’s house?” Hannah asked.

            Wade arched an eyebrow.  “Are y’all coming for Thanksgiving supper?”

            “For dessert and our annual Pictionary match,” Kelsey said, feeling excitement at the prospect of seeing him the next day.  “It’s a tradition.”

            “Great.”  Wade’s eyes sparkled.  “I look forward to seeing y’all.”

            “Yeah.  Me, too.”  Kelsey grinned.  “So, what’s your favorite pie?”

            “Pecan, of course.”

            “Well, then, I’ll make one.”

            “Thanks.”  He squeezed her hand and backed away.  “Well, bye, Kelsey, Han.  You did great in the play.  I’m proud of you.”

            Hannah beamed.  “Thanks, Wade.”

            He looked at Maureen, who stood by Kelsey’s mom.  “It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Schell.”

            “Likewise,” Maureen said.  “I enjoyed our chat.”

            Kelsey glanced at Maureen suspiciously.   Maureen gave a coy smile.

            “Mrs. Meyer, thanks for the food,” Wade said.

            Her mom smiled.  “You’re welcome, but it wasn’t much.”

            After Wade left, Hannah said, “I want to talk to some people before they leave.”

            “Okay.”

            “I better see if we have leftover food,” Kelsey’s mom said.

            Alone with Maureen, Kelsey said, “Oh, I was meaning to tell you I’ll bring Hannah by your house Friday before noon, so you don’t have to make an extra trip.”

            “Are you sure?”

            “Yes.”  Trying to reassure her, Kelsey said, “I’ll get there before Parker and Victoria.  I’m not sure how she would react to me.  Of course, we need to meet and have a rapport.  I mean, Parker gets to have Hannah on the weekends, and we’ll see each other on special occasions.”

            “Parker’s not going to be there.  Unfortunately, I don’t think Victoria will allow Hannah to be in Parker’s life.”

            Kelsey furrowed her brow as she tried to keep her anger in check.  “Why?”  How dare that woman keep my daughter away from her father?  Her heart pounded in her ears, and she sat down, telling herself to calm down. 

             “She’s a spoiled brat, that’s why.”  Maureen hit the table with her hand.  “I wish my son would grow a spine.  She convinces him to do anything she wants him to do and drags him everywhere.”

             Kelsey set her jaw.  “I wonder where she dragged him tonight.” 

             “I know you’re mad at him for not coming.  I am, too.”

             “It’s not just that,” Kelsey said, louder than she intended.  “It’s just that Parker had become a good father this past year and now he’s dropping his responsibilities as a dad again.  What upset me is that Hannah had expected this to happen.  She should be worrying about things like school and fashion, instead of whether or not her father will be there for her or not.  I’m afraid her self-esteem will suffer in the long run. “

            Nodding, Maureen said, “I know, and he has gotten worse since Victoria became his fiancée.  She monopolizes his time.  If he weren’t working at Howard’s firm, we would never see him.  The only reason Parker was able to pick up Hannah last week was because she had a spa day.”

            Kelsey folded her arms and scowled.  “I wish it was all weekend.”

            “I’m ashamed Parker spent most of the time he had with Hannah with Victoria.  She watched TV most of the day.  I couldn’t believe it when Hannah told me as I drove her home, but then that’s Victoria.”  Maureen pursed her lips. 
            “Thank God Wade makes her happy.”  She covered her mouth with her right hand, hating herself for saying that to Maureen.                  She dropped her hand.  “I’m sorry.”

            Smiling, Maureen shook her head.  “Darling, it’s alright.  I’m glad Hannah has Wade in her life.  When I talked to him, I could tell he cares about Hannah, and any fool can see by the way he looks at you that he’s smitten and you with him.”

            Kelsey blushed and looked down.   “We’re friends, that’s all.”

            Maureen chuckled.  “Like my dad would say, ‘Bunk.’  I saw with my own eyes the way you two looked at each other, and you are falling in love with him.”  She tilted her head.  “Or have you already fallen?”      

            “Do you want me to bring Hannah to y’all’s house on Friday or not?”  Kelsey began to stack the unused napkins, hoping Maureen would drop the subject.  Does everyone guess my feelings toward Wade? 

            Feeling hands on her shoulders, she looked at Maureen.  “I know Parker hurt you terribly, but you can’t keep your heart closed to love.  You deserve to be happy again.  I love my son, but I love you, too.  Every day I pray to God He’ll give you the courage to trust someone with your heart, and I believe He has.  You need to take the next step.”

            Howard called for Maureen to come.  “I guess he wants to leave.”  Maureen bent down and picked up her purse.  “I’ll see you on Friday.  Please, think about what I said.”  She kissed Kelsey’s cheek and went over to Hannah and said goodbye.”

           

​

***

 

            Lying in bed that night, Kelsey thought about what Maureen told her.  It was the same thing Tracey and Abby had told her.  Then she remembered somebody telling her if three people told her to do the same thing, then it was a message from God.

            What am I waiting for?    She felt happy and safe around Wade.  God knew he was the first man since Parker to touch her heart.              Kelsey had to admit to herself that what she felt for Wade was deeper than anything she had felt for Parker.

            Sinking further into her mattress, she sighed.  I shouldn’t live in fear anymore.

            Sadie jumped on the pillow next to Kelsey and circled around a couple of times before she settled down.  Kelsey began petting her.  “You’re lucky that you’re a cat.  All you do is eat, prowl around, catch mice, and sleep.  I wish we humans could have it that easy.  Sometimes we think too much, ignoring what our heart is telling us.”

            Sadie answered with purrs.  She pushed her head against Kelsey’s hand.

            After a few minutes, Kelsey thought, I’m ready to take a chance on love again.  I’ll take it day by day and trust in God’s plan for me.

            Satisfied with her decision, Kelsey rolled onto her side and tried to sleep.