Page 95 of Muskoka Miracle
“Of course I did.”
She slid her arms around his waist, her bump protruding into him. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am,” she murmured against the scar on his jaw. “You’re so good to me.”
“Because I love you.”
“I love you too.” She tugged his head down and pressed her lips to his. There was healing in that kiss, hope too, and soon heat. She pulled away with a quiet gasp. “Are they staying here tonight?”
“Not tonight. Not until I go away.”
She smiled at him. “So maybe tonight I can show you how grateful I am?”
“If you’re up for it.”
“Hey, are you two okay in there?” Bek called.
“Very okay.” Sarah’s smile held joy, and a promise.
“Amen,” he agreed.
He and Sarah made a round of hot teas. It was good to be stealing kisses, working in partnership with her, feeling like Team Walton again. They might each have had their moments of stumbling over the years, but just like Ecclesiastes said, “Two are better than one” because when one fell, the other could pick him up. And with God at the center of their lives and marriage, “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
And later, as they drank tea, and ate the Tim Tams Bek had brought, and Sarah settled on the couch, laughing like the woman he remembered, he knew that whatever still faced them, God would help them find the love and light again.
* * *
Snow felloutside the big picture window at Muskoka. The fire crackled, sending welcome heat, especially for the two non-acclimatized Aussies whose shivers had necessitated buying appropriate winter clothes the day after they arrived.
Sarah settled onto the leather sofa in the Muskoka cottage. After Dan had left for his latest road trip, she’d lasted two days in the city. Two days taking Mum and Bek to visit shops and museums like the Bata Shoe Museum, before the call of Muskoka drew her to drive them here in Dan’s sturdy Jeep. Muskoka always brought a sense of peace.
“This is the life,” Bek declared, glancing over with a smile from where she was lying on the sofa, magazine in hand, hot chocolate in easy reach.
“I’m glad you approve.”
Her sister snorted. “How can I not? I’m here, my kids are being looked after by my husband, while I get to meet famous actors and authors and pretend to look after my little sister. It’s been tough, but I’m managing.”
“Looks like it.” Sarah smiled.
Oh, this was so good. Time here with her mum, and sister, and aunt, was like what she imagined an extended girls’ weekend must be. They’d met up with Jackie and Lincoln, Staci and James, and some of the other Musko-cheers, for a pot-luck meal where her mum and sister got the chance to learn more about these women.
Mum had gravitated to James once she’d learned about his missionary work, and they’d swapped stories while Bek found herself giggling with Anna and Rachel. And the time with these women, their hands of friendship extended so freely, reminded her that there were many blessings to be found, even in the midst of challenges.
“So, how are you really doing, Sarah?” her mother asked now.
“I’m doing a lot better.”
“You seem so much better than your birthday.”
That total cringe of a birthday Zoom call, with her embarrassing argument with Dan. “It took time to get my head around a few things.”
“You are okay about missing the Heartsong tour?”
She nodded. “I know now it was the right call to make.” Ugh. How could she have thought to lead people in worship around the world when she couldn’t even do it at home?
“You know Dan was just concerned about you.”
“I know.”
God bless her husband.Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace.
