Page 93 of A Whim and a Prayer

His Adam’s apple ducked hard. I’m not sure you do, Mrs. D.

“I just fed her dinner a while ago and now she’s sleeping again because the poor thing is emotionally drained.”

“I can certainly understand that,” he said quietly, his emotions near comatose, so he couldn’t imagine the toll this had taken on someone as emotional as Winnie. He cleared his throat, then drew in a deep breath. “I’ve just been wondering. Have you … been able to talk to her at all? Find out how she’s doing?”

“As a matter of fact, I have, Beck, and I have to admit—I never expected so much good to come out of something so bad.”

Beck’s heart rate jumped up, along with his hope. “Really? How’s that?”

“Well, when she had a third nightmare around three or so, I just couldn’t take it anymore, so I woke her up and oh, Beck! She shot into my arms sobbing and telling me how sorry she was, and not just about this incident. Sweet mother of mercy, she apologized for butting heads with me all these years and not realizing that I was only looking out for her own good. We talked for hours and hours, Beck, and both of us said we’ve never felt closer to each other.”

Beck swallowed hard while moisture burned hot in his eyes. “I swear, Mrs. Dennehy, that is the best news you could have given me.”

“Oh, I don’t think so, Beck, because something even more miraculous happened—you see”—her voice broke on a sob—“our precious Winnie has given her life to God!”

Beck dropped the phone, not sure whether to laugh or cry as he grappled it up to apologize. Heaven knows he’d been praying for that for years now and trying to talk to her about God whenever she’d listen, which wasn’t much, but suddenly here it was? “Sorry, Mrs. D, but did you say what I think you said? Because if you did, that is definitely the best news you could have given me ever.”

Other than Winnie wanting to be more than friends.

She laughed and then she cried, voice nasal as she continued. “That’s what I said, and oh my goodness, Beck, we bonded in so many ways that I can’t stop crying tears of joy.”

He smiled. “That’s great news, Mrs. D—I always told her what a great mom she had, so it’s good she finally realizes it. I couldn’t be happier for you.”

Now for myself? I could sure use a few tears of joy …

“Thank you, Beck. She’s down for the night, but I will tell her you called, okay? Oh, and we’re all expecting you next week on Christmas after your dinner with your folks—7:00 p.m. as usual, right? And your parents are welcome too, of course, although I know they always go to your aunt and uncle’s house after you celebrate your private Christmas at home.”

“Yes, ma’am, they do, but you can count on me for the evening.”

“Good. It wouldn’t be the same without you, Beck, and I know it means a lot to Winnie too.”

Beck released a quiet sigh. One can only hope …

“Oh, and Beck?”

“Yes, ma’am?”

“I want to thank you for rescuing Winnie last night and for being the best friend she could ever have. We all love you and I want you to know that there’s nothing Mitch and I would love more than for you and Winnie to end up together … romantically. And I know that I asked you to pursue her that way, but given this traumatic circumstance …”

His breath hitched in his throat …

“ … maybe it’s best if you and she remain friends for now. Do you … do you understand what I’m saying?”

Yes, he understood. Winnie had won, effectively putting an end to his pursuit of anything more with the girl that he loved.

He paused long enough to refortify with a deep breath. “Is that your request, Mrs. D? Or hers?”

Her hesitation was palpable, stealing his air.

“Both, Beck,” she said softly, sorrow lacing her tone. Because she’s just not ready. I’m so sorry …”

The breath he’d been holding slowly seeped through his lips. “I understand, Mrs. D, and please know that I’m praying for her. Good night.” Slowly replacing the receiver, Beck sagged against the phone, hand still attached as he bowed his head.

And I’m sorry too …

Chapter Sixty-Four

“G’night, Mama.” Julia padded into the kitchen where Charity was finishing up baking Winnie’s favorite desserts, looking as tired as Charity felt, with eyelids drooping as much as the crossword puzzle book in her hand. “When is Daddy coming home?” she asked as she gave Charity a limp hug good night.