Christine Johnson - All Roads Lead Home

As if Mariah didn’t understand the offer, Gabe reaffirmed it. “What do you think, sis? You’d be perfect.”

Mariah concentrated on the china pattern with its delicate roses and gilded edge. She couldn’t leave her job. The orphans depended on her. She also couldn’t live so close to Hendrick. Yet Felicity had such hope that she’d accept. Mariah didn’t want to upset her.

“God has called me to the Society,” she said carefully, “but I’ll give it prayerful consideration.”

“You would still be working with orphans,” Felicity argued.

Mariah could see she wasn’t going to get out of this easily. “It’s not a decision to be made lightly.”

“I know.” Felicity sighed. “But it would set my mind at ease to have someone in charge before the baby arrives.”

Mariah knew when she’d been backed into a corner. She wasn’t as certain how to get out of it.

Luckily, Luke came to her rescue. “Is the deliveryman going to bring my baby brother?”

All the adults chuckled.

“No, Luke.” Felicity leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. “I promise the baby will arrive soon, but not before dessert.”

“Dessert?” He squealed with delight when the housekeeper brought out chocolate cake, and the business with the baby was forgotten. “My favorite.” He pulled himself tight to the table as a slice of cake was placed before him.

Everyone was distracted for long, precious minutes, but after the last bite was eaten, the adults settled in the parlor with its brocaded wingback chairs and polished wood floors. Luke went outside to play with the dog, and conversation inevitably turned to adult topics.

“Tell me, Mariah,” Gabe began from his perch beside Felicity on the sofa, “how is Mr. Isaacs?”

Mariah shifted so she wouldn’t see Hendrick in the other wingback chair. Naturally, Gabe would inquire about his dear friend and director of the Orphaned Children’s Society, but this conversation was likely headed back to the job offer Mariah couldn’t possibly accept.

“A bit weary of government interference, I’m afraid,” she said, hoping the hint would dissuade Felicity.

“That hasn’t changed, then.”

“I’m afraid it’s gotten worse. It’s difficult to keep a private agency running these days.”

Instead of discouraging Felicity, her remark had just the opposite effect. “Then you should come here. You’d be the perfect director for our home.”

“Am I being railroaded?” Mariah shook her head with a laugh. “The truth is, I love my work. It’s where I belong.” And though she liked Pearlman, with its cozy streets and tight-knit community, the town had one big problem, currently seated in the other wingback chair.

“How many children does the Society handle each month now?” Gabe asked.

Mariah hesitated. That’s why the Detroit office had closed. “A handful.”

“Exactly. It used to be dozens.” Gabe’s brow puckered. “I can’t believe there are fewer children in need. They must be going to the state institutions.”

“Children belong with their families,” Hendrick stated.

Mariah was so surprised by the passion in his voice that she couldn’t think of a thing to say.

“Agreed,” Gabe said. “That’s why Mariah’s going to Montana, to protect a child.”

Mariah’s jaw dropped. The room got deathly quiet. Hendrick, Anna and Felicity all looked stunned. Why had Gabe said that when he’d made her promise not to tell Felicity? She stared at her brother until she realized that he hadn’t mentioned Luke. His statement had been vague. She could be going to help any child.

Felicity recovered first. “I didn’t realize the Society placed children that far west.”

Mariah knew her cheeks were glowing but she hoped Felicity would just think she was warm. “They’ve sent children to many Western states.” That was true, though none had gone that far west in years.

Hendrick looked like he was gagging. He kept pulling at his collar until he managed to ask in a strangled voice, “You’re driving to Montana by yourself?”

“She might think she’s going by herself,” said Gabe, “but as her brother, I insist she take someone with her.”

“I’ll go,” Anna instantly volunteered.

“Wait,” Mariah cried. This was rapidly spinning out of control.

No one paid her the slightest attention.

Hendrick glared at his sister. “Mariah doesn’t need to look after a girl.”

“I’m not a girl,” Anna said hotly. “I’m nineteen.”

“And know nothing about the world,” he added.

A thought crept into Mariah’s head. Perhaps taking Anna along would satisfy Gabe. She did enjoy the girl’s company. How much trouble could she be? Certainly less than Hendrick.

“I think it’s a splendid idea,” Mariah said.

Anna beamed. “See?”

“That’s solved,” said Gabe. “Now all you need is a mechanic.” He looked right at Hendrick. “I can think of no one better.”

Hendrick gulped. “The garage—”

“That’s right.” Mariah capitalized on his excuse. “He has a business to run.”

“It’ll be in fine hands with Peter,” Gabe said.

Hendrick shook his head. “He’s a boy.”

Felicity glowed with the thrill of matchmaking. “He did a wonderful job fixing Daddy’s car. I’m sure he can handle anything that would come up while you’re gone. I think it’s the perfect combination.” She smiled broadly at each of them.

Mariah cringed. “But it will take at least two weeks to get there, and another two weeks back. Surely Hendrick can’t be gone that long.”

Felicity waved a hand. “The trains will be running by the time you’re ready to come back.”

Gabe increased the pressure. “What do you say, Hendrick?”

Mariah fumed. Apparently, she had no say in this. “He’s busy.”

Hendrick opened his mouth as if to protest, glanced at her and then changed his mind. “If Ma says Anna can go, then I’ll have to go, too. I can’t let anything happen to my only sister.” He emphasized the point by glaring at Mariah.

No. No. No. She couldn’t spend all that time with Hendrick, talking to him, seeing him, sitting an arm’s length apart. It would be intolerable.

Felicity clapped her hands. “It’s the perfect solution. Just perfect. Hendrick can make any repairs and ensure that you arrive safely. Well, then, it’s settled.”

It was not. But Mariah couldn’t say a word to change their minds. Anna bounced around the room like a rubber ball. Felicity and Gabe looked so pleased. Luke could come into the house at any moment. All she could do for now was accept that she would be driving west with Hendrick and Anna Simmons.

Until she figured out a way to get out of this little mess.

Chapter Three

Hendrick cornered his sister the moment they’d walked out of sight of the parsonage. “Why did you volunteer to go on that trip?”

Anna tossed her head and wormed past him. “It’s time I got out of this town and saw the world. Pearlman is so limited. I want more. I want to experience everything.”

What had gotten into Anna? She’d always been the quiet and shy type, until… “Did Mariah put you up to this?”

Anna laughed so loudly that everyone else on the street looked to see what was so humorous. “That’s what’s bothering you, isn’t it? That it’s Mariah.”

Hendrick choked back more than a little irritation. “That has nothing to do with it. I wouldn’t let you make a trip like that with any woman.”

Anna skipped ahead. “Well, you don’t have the final say, do you? It’s up to Ma. You said so yourself.”

Hendrick charged after her. She scooted along, face lifted to the sun, and only by virtue of his long legs did he catch her. “Ma won’t give her permission.”