“Along with Mrs. Chisolm and her arthritis and Julian Walker with the loss of his father.”
The congregation stood and sang the doxology together. As beautiful harmonies lifted to the ceiling and beyond, Joshua examined his heart.
Anna deserved more than an apology.
As people moved out of their pews and into the aisles, he kept an eye on Anna as she moved toward the door. Had she seen him yet? And if she had, would she be upset if he spoke with her?
The last thing he wanted to do was make things more difficult or uncomfortable for her.
But as his family moved in her direction, his heart felt like it might burst out of his chest. He had to see her. Talk to her. Even if for a single moment.
“Miss Lakeman!” Martha waved her hand.
Anna stopped and turned toward them. For a brief second, her eyes met his. But he couldn’t decipher what he’d seen.
Mom and Dad reached her first and gave her hugs. Then Martha.
Greetings and pleasantries were shared while people milled about. Just another Sunday in Walker Creek.
Then all of a sudden, he was standing in front of the woman he’d loved with his whole heart.
“Anna.”
“Joshua.”
They spoke over one another.
“You go first.” He swallowed and twisted his hat in his hands.
“It’s good to see you.” Her voice was soft. But she didn’t smile. Not like she had to his family.
A lump now occupied his throat. He swallowed again. It wouldn’t go away. “I’m sorry to hear about your father.”
Her eyes glistened and she looked down. “Thank you.”
“How is he doing?”
“He’s awake and talking now but is bedridden. He doesn’t have use of his legs or arms, he’s too weak. And if he does more than sit up, he faints. The doctor is worried about the strain on his heart.”
He spotted the slight tremble in her chin. If only he could take away all the pain and anguish of the past three years. “I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do?”
She reached for her sleeve and pulled out a hankie. “I’ve hired Louise to come live at the house and help. She’s with him now. I needed to come to church this morning.”
He touched her hand and their gazes collided. “I needed to be here too. I’m sorry, Anna.”
“It’ll be all right. Dad is strong.” She dabbed her hankie at her eyes. “Your family must be thrilled to see you again.”
He squeezed her hand and cleared his throat as he inched closer. “I’m sorry about your father, yes, but ...I’m... sorry.” Would she understand what he was trying to say?
The churchyard wasn’t the best place for this but too many years had gone by. What if he didn’t get a chance to see her again before he left? He couldn’t bear any more time without her forgiveness. Not after seeing her.
For several seconds, he stared.
She blinked.
“Will you forgive me, Anna?” The words were hushed. There were lots of people around. At this point, he didn’t care about what any of them heard, except for her.
With a dip of her head, she broke the connection. Then licked her lips. “It was a long time ago. Nothing to forgive.” She twisted the hankie in her gloved hands.
