“He’s here,” Natalie said with a sigh of relief.
Paul stood outside wearing a wool peacoat directing Jesse and a bunch of young boys moving things on and off of a flatbed trailer.
“Hello, Natalie.” His bony wrist twisted in the air. “We’ve been getting things ready for the Jacobs.”
Sheila walked inside to see how much they’d done, while Natalie stopped to talk to Paul.
“Sheila?” It was Nelle, standing to the right of Jesse and helping fold lap quilts on a ladder propped against the wall. “This was such a wonderful idea to help the Jacob family. I hope you don’t mind me jumping in. I had a whole cedar chest full of these that I’ve made over the past few years. This is the perfect time to be sure each family member has something to keep them warm. It’s a big space. I hope it gets warm enough for those little babies’ feet.”
“I bought a couple of area rugs. I think that will help. Once we get furniture in, it’ll warm up. Don’t you worry,” Sheila said.
“I told Jesse I’d like to send a meal to the family at the end of each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after work. I can always make enough to spare.”
“That’s so generous. I know they’ll appreciate that.”
Nelle smiled wide. “I’m like that little drummer boy. My gifts ain’t fancy, but they are from the gift God gave me, and I’m pleased as punch to share them.”
“Y’all have been busy, Jesse.” Sheila noted they’d taken all but three of the pews out, and now in the kitchen space they’d replaced the small dorm-size refrigerator with a full-size one too. “Nelle, did you do all this in the kitchen?”
“I did. Ain’t a home without a kitchen ready to fill those little children’s bellies. It wasn’t anything. I had boxes of mismatched stuff in the back of the kitchen in storage. I’m glad to put it to good use.”
“It was meant to be.” And just then Sheila watched Paul and Natalie walk in and those boys started hauling in those big heavy rugs. “Excuse me,” Sheila said. “Hey boys. Bring that heavy beast over here. Let me show you where to unroll that thing.”
She helped them get it in just the right position, and then she showed them where to put the other two. One for under the table with the two pews they’d use for dining, and the other in the center of the bedroom space.
Once the rugs were in place, the chapel looked cozier already.
They had the electric fireplace set up and running, with the couch in front of it.
“You were right about using the third pew in here,” said Natalie. “It’ll be perfect. Do you think we can sit a television ontop of that fireplace? Paul, what do you think? I hate to put holes in your walls.”
Paul walked over and took a look. “Jesse can hang a television on the wall. That’s no problem. There’s nothing that man can’t fix back to new. Don’t worry about it.”
“Are you sure you’re feeling okay about this? I was worried when I saw the gate open. I know how finicky you are about it staying closed,” Natalie said.
“I know I have been painfully aware of that gate, and honestly, I think that’s gone on long enough. If that family is going to be living up here, the last thing we need is to worry about that gate. I think we’ll all be just fine without it closed.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am. It feels much more welcoming with it open.” Paul put his arm around her. “I feel so alive. With you and friends, and now a young family getting on their feet. Helping them feels good. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this.”
She hugged his neck. “You are the best. I know where Jeremy got every single one of his good qualities.”
Sheila teared up as she listened to her best friend talk about her late husband. Natalie and Jeremy were so in love. It had been heartbreaking to watch her navigate that loss, but the joy in seeing Natalie learn to trust Paul, Jeremy’s grandfather, and accept him as her new family as she built a new life with Randy was heartwarming.
Randy came inside carrying his tools. “I could use some help unloading these bunk beds.”
The young guys didn’t hesitate. A moment later, they were hoisting mattresses and boxes.
In less than an hour with the extra hands, they had the twobunk beds put together. Sheila had worked her magic placement and once they were able to explain it to Randy so that he understood, he used a staple gun to affix the bedspreads along the back side, and just like that, it was a separate sleeping space for the family.
“This looks amazing.” Paul folded his arms. “I never could have pictured it, but it works.”
“Once we get a Christmas tree in the corner and stockings on that mantel, it’s going to be perfect.”
Paul hugged her. “There is a significant difference between a house and a home, and that difference lies in the feeling of belonging. These things you’re doing, they will make them feel like they belong here.” He smiled. “I have to wonder if this wasn’t the real purpose for this place all along. You make me look at things in a new way.”
“Is it too much? Paul, I know you value your privacy.”
