At the orphanage, Maddie helped Joy distribute afternoon snacks to the children. She always wanted to help, no matter what was happening around her.
“Mrs. Worthington—er, I mean, Joy,” Maddie said with a shy smile, “I can’t believe how different every day feels now.”
Joy handed her another tray of cookies. “I can only imagine. Having you with us brings us so much joy.”
“Before,” Maddie hesitated, her voice dropping to a whisper, “I thought for sure I’d have to work in one of the mills. They say it’s loud as thunder all day long and the air is so thick with lint you could knit a sweater from what sticks to your clothes.”
“Knitting sweaters from mill air doesn’t sound like the most comfortable pastime,” Joy said.
Maddie’s gaze lingered on Joy’s rounded belly. “I’ll help out. Whatever you need.”
“Sweetheart,” Joy said, taking Maddie’s hand. “You are part of our family now. You have all the rights and love we will give this baby. Thomas and I want you to have every opportunity to chase your dreams.”
“Really?” Maddie asked. “But people only adopt older orphans to work for them.”
“Not us,” Joy reassured her. “We’re hoping to keep you from having to work so hard. You deserve a childhood. You have the right to follow your dreams!”
Maddie’s eyes sparkled. “Like teaching,” she said.
“Exactly,” Joy smiled.
“Joy?” Maddie asked, a playful glint in her eye.
“Yes, dear?”
“Could we maybe bake some cookies tomorrow?” Maddie asked. “I love to bake.”
Joy nodded. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”
Joy watched Maddie chatter away among the children, her laughter a melody of newfound joy.
*****
Thomas turned at the sound of footsteps, and there she was—Joy, with her customary whirlwind energy, somehow softened today into a gentle breeze.
“Thomas,” Joy began, hesitating only for a moment before crossing the room to join him. “We need to talk about us.”
“I suppose it was bound to happen at some point.” Thomas led her to the sofa and sat down beside her.
“Ever since Maddie came into our lives, I can’t help but wonder if we’re ready for all of this.”
“Ready?” Thomas echoed. “I’ll admit, the thought of fatherhood is downright scary at times.”
“Exactly,” Joy said, moving closer to him. “But it’s not just about Maddie, is it? It’s about you and me, too.”
“True, we were strangers when we married,” Thomas conceded. “But, Joy, we enjoy each other’s company, and I think we’re truly meant to be together.”
“I do agree. I think we’ll make wonderful parents for both Maddie and this little girl we’re expecting.”
“Our littleboywill have all the love he ever wants,” Thomas agreed. “I never realized that I could find so much joy in being married to a woman who can’t remember to wear shoes for the life of her.” He nudged her bare foot, which was peeking out from under her skirt.
Joy laughed. “Do you think we can make this work? Truly?”
“Joy,” he said, “we’ve been making it work for (they’d been married six months before Christmas)months now. You’ve turned my life upside down, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Even with the chaos I bring?”
“Especially with the chaos,” Thomas affirmed. “And as for making our marriage work, I am wholly committed to this journey with you.”
