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There always seemed to be a price.
Nina and Rowan sat in Miss Jeffries’ living room as their children played. The girlsdotedon Benji. At a year and a half, he was walking and exploring in ways that kept the adults around him in a constant state of alertness.
He was a clever toddler but the sisters always seemed to intuit what he would do or try next. Mary-Margaret called them to the far side of the room for a story.
Watching them with a smile on her face, Miss Jeffries said, “How amazin’ it is...seein’ my two girls with their babies. The Lord was kind to keep me around long enough to witness it with my own eyes.”
Nina felt everything inside her still.
Rowan frowned. “Are you alright, Miss Jeffries?”
“No, child. I haven’t been for a while now. Always had trouble with the blood pressure, you know?” She chuckled. “Couldn’t give up the biscuits and gravy, refused to stop drinkin’ my sweet tea. Got the diabetes and kept right on. I’m a stubborn old fool like that.”
Nina went to perch on the arm of her chair and Rowan knelt on the floor by Miss Jeffries’ feet.
She patted them. “Few years ago, I had some tumors that had to be removed. Seems they came back bigger and stronger this time.” She sighed. “Doc is talkin’ ‘bout chemotherapy and such but...I don’t want that.”
“No…” Rowan started crying.
“Listen to me, honey. Listen. I’ve lived on the Earth for eighty-one years. I’ve made mistakes but I’ve done a lot right, too. You two, you’re proof of that. I’m old and I’m tired. Real tired. Those little twins were my last girls. I wanted to see them safe and settled.”
Rowan whispered urgently, “Medicine is incredibly advanced now…we’ll find the best doctors. It’s not too late.”
“No, Rowan. They’re gonna bring in folks to help me. They’ll see me through the end of it right here in the house I grew up in, the house seen so many girls’ smilin’ faces over the years and soaked up more than a few of their tears. I’ll have a little morphine drip I hope the Lord forgives me for usin’. The pain is gettin’ bad.”
Nina asked softly, “How long?”
“Couple months. Maybe less. Bein’ honest, I hope it’s less.”
Rowan glanced at the children and back to Miss Jeffries. “Don’t give up. We need you.”
“Sweet girl.” A wrinkled hand cupped Rowan’s face. “You two got each other, got your men, got your babies. You mightwantme, but you don’tneedme.”
“P-please…”
“Rowan.” She met Nina’s eyes. “This is Miss Jeffries’ choice. We have to respect it. We’ll make it as good, as painless, as we can. Be with her every step of the way.” She paused and whispered, “Alright?”
After a long moment, Rowan nodded. “Alright.” Then she rested her face on Miss Jeffries’ lap and wept softly.
Nina fought to keep from breaking.
Finally, Rowan stood and whispered. “First things first...no more pain.” Turning, she called her assistant. Mary-Margaret joined them with a serious expression. “You already knew.”
“Olivia wanted to tell you herself.” Bending, she patted Miss Jeffries’ hand. “I agreed as long as it didn’t drag out too long. She’s hurting badly.” Straightening, she cleared her throat. “I’ve already arranged for a medical team. They’ll be here after we take the children home.”
“I don’t want a big fuss.” Miss Jeffries closed her eyes. “Just say a prayer and let me go.”
“I…” Rowan broke and walked rapidly to the front porch so she didn’t frighten the kids.
Nina joined her, pulled her close, and hugged her tight. “We’ll make thebiggestdamn fuss.” Rowan nodded, shaking as she cried. “Dry it up for now, girl. Look at me.” Leaning back, Nina ordered, “We have to be strong...like she’s always been for us.”
Wiping her face, Rowan took several deep breaths. “You’re right. Okay, okay.” She shook out her hands. “Let me call Gage.”
By sundown, Miss Jeffries’ bedroom had been converted to a hospital room. Her quilt still covered the bed. The first time the nurse injected her with morphine, tension no one had noticed gradually building seemed to deflate her slightly as it turned her loose.
Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes. “Thank you, Lord. Thank you.”
The next weeks were spent with women visiting from all over the country. Girls who’d passed through Miss Jeffries’ care and made it. Rowan’s organization tracked them down and flew them in.
