Threads of Love (36 page)

“Uncle Jon, Aunt Phiney, and the twins are coming to see us. They’re coming on the train the day before Christmas,” she excitedly informed him. “Won’t that be fun?”

“That’s wonderful. It’s nice to have lots of family with you for the holidays,” he agreed, looking toward Tessie for confirmation that her family would be arriving.

“It took a bit of coaxing, but Uncle Jon finally relented. He was holding out, sure I’d come home for Christmas,” she told Charlie.

“How did you convince them?” Charlie inquired.

Addie, who had been intently watching their conversation, answered before Tessie had a chance. “She told them I was going to Chicago for my operation right after Christmas so they said they’d come here,” she informed Charlie, proud that she had been able to follow their conversation and now interject a meaningful piece of information.

Charlie’s fork fell and struck the edge of his plate, a small chip of blue china breaking off and landing near the edge of the table. His head jerked up, a startled look on his face.

“What’s she talking about? You haven’t made definite plans, have you?” he asked.

“Yes, but I’d rather not discuss them right now. I know you don’t agree with me about the surgery, but a discussion right now will only result in an argument. Let’s try to avoid that if we can,” she requested.

“That makes it convenient for you, doesn’t it? You tell yourself that keeping secrets and telling me half-truths is acceptable because you want harmony,” he said, his voice calm and his face showing no evidence of anger.

“I want to spend a peaceful holiday. Is that so wrong?” she shot back.

“No, it’s wonderful, but your actions belie what you say,” he answered.

“And just what is that supposed to mean?” she asked, an edge to her voice.

“If you truly wanted a peaceful holiday, it seems you would have been open and honest in your actions. Instead, it appears you’ve been less than forthright and now plan to continue on that path using harmony as an excuse for your behavior. I don’t plan to argue with you, and I won’t spoil this holiday. I may not always agree with you, but I’ve always treated you honorably. I wish you’d do the same for me. If you’ve been seeking God’s will and He has given you direction, then I must believe your decision is for the best. As I continue praying about Addie’s surgery, perhaps I’ll develop a little of your assurance,” he told her quietly.

Addie had been watching the exchange between the two people she loved most. She had understood most of what Charlie had told Tessie. She was glad he wasn’t angry, but neither of them seemed happy either. She moved from her chair, took hold of Charlie’s hand, and joined it with Tessie’s.

“There!” she said. “That’s better.” Addie gave them a big smile.

How could they resist her simple solution? “We’ll talk tomorrow,” Tessie told Charlie. “Let’s finish dinner.”

When Charlie arrived the next day, Tessie kept herself busy with patients while Charlie entertained Addie. He’d brought a gift for them—one for before Christmas, he declared—and insisted that Addie open it immediately. It was a beautiful Nativity scene he had found at a tiny shop in Kansas City. They’d spent their time arranging the figures, and later when Tessie peeked into the parlor, she had heard Charlie telling Addie the story of Christ’s birth. Addie watched his lips, intent on each word. As he explained about each of the characters, Addie would point to a figure, watching for his confirmation that she had understood. Tessie forced herself to move back into her office. Leaning against the side of her desk, she reminded herself that she needed to remember Charlie was her adversary when it came to Addie’s surgery.

After lunch he asked if they could go looking for a tree. He explained that he had made arrangements for a wagon, and since her relatives would be arriving the next day, it would be the perfect time. She conceded that Addie could go along, but no amount of cajoling from either of them could cause her to give in and join them. Charlie was disappointed, and Addie was confused by Tessie’s attitude, but the two of them bundled up and had a wonderful time. They returned with one beautiful tree and four very cold feet several hours later.

Their discussion after dinner lasted much longer than either of them planned. Addie sat quilting, ignoring their conversation, and finally went to her room as one question led to another. Although Charlie was as good as his word and didn’t start an argument, he voiced his disagreement and unhappiness at some of Tessie’s conclusions. He was hurt to find that Edward had become her confidant. She immediately became defensive and wary during his questioning regarding the amount of time she had consumed seeking God’s will for Addie.

“I’ve not been on my knees consistently, if that’s what you’re asking,” she answered cautiously. “I did pray faithfully about Addie’s hearing loss until Edward’s appearance in Florence with news of the surgery. I feel that is God’s answer,” she replied, annoyed at herself for feeling so sensitive about the decision.

“God’s answer for Addie, or an opportunity for you?” he asked quietly.

“That’s unfair, Charlie. You think my primary interest is medical erudition for me and not Addie’s welfare, don’t you?”

“To be honest, I’m not sure about your priorities, but I do want you to know I’ve been praying steadfastly about Addie and the surgery since the day I learned you were considering it,” Charlie told her as he got up from his chair and moved toward the closet where his coat hung. “I can’t say that God has given me an answer, but I can tell you I feel very uneasy about the situation. I know it’s not my decision to make, but I hope you’ll take time to talk to God before you go any further.”

“Edward’s appearance and the fact that his brother-in-law performs such specialized surgery is surely a sign that Addie is meant to have the operation,” she stated, quickly defending her stance. “I’ve been praying about Addie’s hearing since she came to live with me, and I have every confidence that the surgery will be a success. The difference between us is that I’m not afraid to put my trust in medical science,” she retorted, as Charlie buttoned his overcoat.

“Be careful where you place your trust, Tessie. There are a couple of verses in Proverbs—Proverbs 3:5-6, if I remember correctly—that say, ‘Trust in the L
ORD
with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.’ You might want to spend a little time with God and see if He’s the one directing your path to Chicago,” he said, walking back to where she sat.

Even though she knew that he was standing directly in front of her, Tessie didn’t lift her eyes from the floor. She sat staring down at his black leather shoes, wanting to lash out in anger. She knew Charlie spoke the truth, but she wanted the surgery to be God’s answer for Addie. She wanted it so much that she was afraid to pray, fearful God would send an answer she didn’t want to hear.

Charlie knelt down and took hold of her hands. When she still didn’t meet his eyes, he placed a finger under her chin and lifted her head. When her eyes were level with his, he smiled gently and tucked a falling wisp of hair behind her ear. “I’ve loved you since that first day in the train station when you came for your interview. Did you know that?” he asked her.

“Don’t, Charlie! It will only make matters worse,” she replied, dropping her gaze back to the floor.

“I don’t want you to think anything that has been said here tonight alters my love for you. I’ve come to think of you and Addie as my women, and I want the very best for both of you. If you decide it’s best to go to Chicago, I’ll support you in that decision, but please don’t hide things from me,” he requested.

“You’ve been very good to Addie—and to me, Charlie. I appreciate your concerns, and since you’ve asked that I not hide anything, you should know that we’ll be leaving for Chicago the day after Christmas. Edward will be traveling with Addie and me. His sister requested that he return to Chicago until he’s fully recuperated. Since we were making the trip so soon after Christmas, Edward decided that he would wait and travel with us,” she stated, never once meeting his intent gray eyes.

“It appears that nothing I’ve said has meant much to you. I’ve declared my love and offered my support. I had hoped you would at least give my request to seek God’s guidance some consideration, but it seems you’re determined to follow your own path. It doesn’t appear you need me for anything. I’m sure that Edward will provide delightful company on the trip. I hope you’ll forgive me, but I don’t think I’ll stick around for Christmas. Seems to me I make you uncomfortable, and just between the two of us, Edward makes me uncomfortable,” he said, rising and walking to the front door.

“Addie will be disappointed if you’re not here for Christmas. She’s planning on Christmas Eve services at church,” she told him.

“I’m sure you can explain my absence to Addie. You and Edward can take her to church on Christmas Eve,” he responded, turning the knob on the front door.

“You really are welcome to spend Christmas with us,” she said, walking toward him.

“I don’t think it would be wise. I have some gifts for Addie. I’ll have John bring them by the house,” he replied, shoving his hand into his coat pocket, his fingers wrapping around the small square box nestled deep inside.

“That would be fine,” she answered, not sure what else to say.

“I’ll be praying for Addie—and for you,” he told her, walking into the cold night air.

“Merry Christmas,” she murmured, watching his tall figure disappear into the darkness.

T
he train slowly hissed and belched its way out of the station, with Addie and Tessie seated across the aisle from Edward. Addie carefully positioned herself near the window. Having concluded that Edward was the cause of Charlie’s disappearance, she decided to show her displeasure by avoiding contact with him. Edward was delighted with the seating arrangement, entertaining Tessie with animated conversation, intent on keeping her from having any regrets about the trip. Tessie dutifully assisted Edward as they changed trains, with Addie scurrying along behind, resenting the object of Tessie’s attention.

As they boarded their connecting train, Edward quickly showed his displeasure at being forced to sit several rows behind his traveling companions. The moment a gentleman riding behind them left his seat, Edward hobbled up the aisle on his crutches and dropped into the seat directly behind them for the remainder of their journey. It was a long, tiresome trip for Addie, who was meticulously endeavoring to hide her fears from Tessie.

As they disembarked the train, Edward immediately spotted his brother-in-law. Waving to gain his attention, Dr. Lundstrom hastened toward them, explaining he had already made the necessary arrangements for Addie’s admittance as a surgical patient pending his examination the next morning.

“My wife and I would like for you to stay with us during your stay in Chicago,” he stated to Tessie.

“It’s lovely of you to invite me, Dr. Lundstrom, but I feel it would be best if I remained with Addie. She’s going to be frightened, and I don’t want to cause her further distress by being unavailable,” she explained.

“We have an excellent nursing staff, and I’m sure her every need will be met,” Dr. Lundstrom assured his visiting colleague.

“I don’t doubt the staff’s competency, but I won’t change my mind about remaining at the hospital with Addie,” she responded.

“As you wish. We’ll make arrangements for another bed to be moved into her room,” he conceded.

“I won’t be long, Edward. If you think you’ll be warm enough, why don’t you just wait for me?” Dr. Lundstrom suggested.

“I’ll be fine,” he answered, pulling Tessie toward him and kissing her thoroughly. “Byron will keep me informed of your progress, and I’ll see you soon,” he told her as Dr. Lundstrom removed their luggage and came alongside to assist them from the carriage.

Addie attempted to digest the scene she had witnessed. What was that awful Edward doing kissing Tessie? Charlie wouldn’t like it, and she didn’t either. She hoped Johnny would remember to give her letter to Charlie. Her shoes felt as though they were weighted with lead as they reached the front door of the building looming in front of them. It was bigger than any place she had ever been and reminded her of stories she had heard about dark, ugly places where they kept children who had no parents. Walking through the door and down the shiny hallway toward a large oak desk, they stopped while Tessie signed papers, and then the nurse escorted them into a sparsely furnished room.

After bidding Dr. Lundstrom farewell, the two of them unpacked some of their belongings, grateful for something to pass the time.

“Do you think it would be all right if I put it on the bed? Will they get angry?” Addie asked, pulling her recently completed quilt from one of their bags.

“I don’t think anyone will mind, but if they do, they’ll have to take it up with me,” Tessie responded, posing with fists doubled and arms lifted in a boxing position. Addie laughed at the sight, and the two of them placed her beautiful quilt over the starched white hospital linens.

Settled in her room several hours later, Addie watched as Tessie sat writing a letter. “Are you writing to Charlie?” she inquired, carefully tucking the quilt around her legs.

“No, I’m writing to Uncle Jon and Aunt Phiney. I promised to let them know we arrived safely,” she replied, noting Addie’s look of disappointment to the response. “I’m not going to send it until after Dr. Lundstrom’s examination in the morning. That way I can tell them what he has to say about your operation.”

“I think I’ll go to sleep. Want to say prayers with me?”

“I would love to pray with you, Addie,” Tessie replied, moving to sit on the edge of the bed.

Addie’s prayer was simple. She thanked God for everything, requested that she not die in surgery because she wanted to be at Charlie and Tessie’s wedding, and told Him it would be okay if she couldn’t hear after the operation since she was doing all right since she had been living with Tessie.

Tessie leaned down to kiss her good night, hoping Addie couldn’t see the tears she was holding back. She sat watching the child long after she had gone to sleep, wondering if she really didn’t care if the operation was successful.
Is she subjecting herself to this ordeal merely to please me?
she mused and then pushed the thought aside, sure that the statement was merely a protection mechanism the child was using in case the surgery failed.