Lanterns and Lace
Kahlerville.”
    He sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. “I realize that, but I think once you see how happy we are as a family, you will reconsider your plans.” She didn’t reply, and he wondered what she was thinking. “We could take Rebecca and visit the cemetery tomorrow, providing you are feeling up to it.”
    “Tomorrow is Saturday,” she said, giving the impression that time played an important part in her venture.
    “Does tomorrow present a problem?” Did she have plans with Aubrey Turner?
    “Oh no. Not at all. I was thinking about my move into the boardinghouse.”
    “You could handle that matter on Monday. Sunday for us is a day of rest. Would you like to accompany us to church?”
    She glanced at the floor, then back to his face. “I don’t go to church. Haven’t been there since I was a little girl.”
    “Then will you do us the honors?”
    “I really don’t know what to say.”
    Grant ignored the reluctance in her voice. “A yes will do.”
    She nodded slowly. “All right. I’ll stay through tomorrow afternoon, because I do want to spend some time with my niece. I’ll make a decision about Sunday then.” She eyed him suspiciously. “Why are you being kind to me?”
    “You are my daughter’s aunt,” he said. “But more so, you are important to God. Please think about waiting until Monday morning to move to the boardinghouse.”
    Confusion etched her delicate features. “You’ll not change my mind.”
    How right you are, Miss Martin. It will take God. “Rest now. Mimi or I will look in on you later.”

Chapter 5
    “Now tell me one more time why Jenny is staying in this house until Monday,” Mimi said. “I’m afraid you’ve taken leave of your senses.”
    He peered into the dining room, where Rebecca played with her rag doll. “To get acquainted with Rebecca, you, and me. I’d like to take her to Jessica’s grave. And of course, she needs more time to get well.”
    The older woman’s eyes narrowed. “I’m trying to be compassionate and loving, but after what she said to you? Really, Grant, think about this. She wants your daughter—our Rebecca.”
    He drummed his fingers on the kitchen table. “I know. A part of me thinks I’ve lost my mind, too, but I feel I’m supposed to give her another chance.”
    “You’re wanting to accomplish a lot in two days.” Mimi bustled about. She wiped clean this and put away that in a frenzy of activity.
    Grant took an armful of dishes from her and lifted them up into the cupboard. “Perhaps it will involve a few visits here after she moves into the boardinghouse.”
    “Oh? Won’t that make it easier for her to snatch Rebecca from under our noses?”
    “That won’t happen. I’d never let her take Rebecca from the house. You or I will always be close by.”
    Mimi shook her gray head. “And how long does she plan to stay in town?”
    “I didn’t ask. But I will.”
    “Grant, why are you going to so much trouble when it’s not necessary? You don’t have to prove anything to this woman.”
    For a moment, he thought she might burst into tears. He wasn’t sure he could handle one more emotional female this morning. Breathing a prayer, he paused and attempted to sort out his thoughts. “I understand how you feel, Mimi, but she’s Rebecca’s aunt. And I’m fairly certain she isn’t a believer.”
    “Mercy me. The woman is a heathen.”
    Grant laughed. “Hadn’t looked at it quite that way.” He swallowed the humor in Mimi’s tone. “I think if Jenny finds a relationship with the Lord, then she’ll toss this ridiculous notion of hers aside.”
    “You’ve come up with all this since your argument with her?”
    “Haven’t had many patients today.”
    She shrugged. “Good thing. My dear boy, we all have plenty to pray about. I dare say I won’t let our little girl out of my sight.” She turned and watched Rebecca cradle her doll. “Just because she might become a child of God doesn’t mean all of her

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