By the time Sam served dessert, Jane was indeed within her Uncle Marek’s arms. Laurie had offered, but Jane clamored for a man who shared half of his ice cream, although, Laurie noticed with a smile, none of his sweet potato pie. Marek ate that first while Jane sat with her auntie. But once Sam cut into the mystery pie, Jane was with an uncle who to Laurie’s view loved the little girl as much as her godparents did.
Jane wasn’t interested in the accompanying pie; she only wanted the ice cream and Marek was generous. Lynne noted his discretion; the pie was a blend of apple and boysenberry, and the small seeds might have been hard for Jane to chew. Lynne didn’t say much about the new recipe, although Sam gave several compliments and Renee did too. Marek was quiet, which piqued Laurie’s curiosity; perhaps it was that another was aware of this group’s secret. Only the Aherns had seen Eric change form, but if Laurie had still possessed any doubt, after that evening no reservation would have remained. Eric’s whereabouts were spoken of without hesitation and Sam was relieved Seth had finally made progress. Laurie didn’t hear much about the Aherns’ personal life, and nothing about those orphans was mentioned. As Jane began to fuss, no more ice cream on Marek’s plate, Lynne made noise too, that it was time for them to head home. Laurie followed Lynne’s lead as Renee gathered Jane’s few playthings. Laurie noticed no toys graced the Aherns’ home, perhaps Lynne and Jane didn’t visit here often. Then he remembered how far apart these families had been earlier in the year, although no distance seemed apparent now, as Renee and Lynne shared a long embrace, followed by an equally strong hug given from Sam to Lynne. Marek had remained seated and Lynne only patted his shoulder. Yet Laurie discerned something between them to which the Aherns weren’t privy. Laurie wasn’t sure if he’d speak about it, maybe it was a Lutheran issue. Marek didn’t prepare to leave, seemed comfortable staying behind. Laurie possessed a new understanding of these West Coast folks, and drove Lynne and Jane home wondering how hard it would be to leave on Tuesday.
The next morning, Laurie again escorted his hostesses to St. Matthew’s, where Laurie was introduced as a family friend visiting from New York City. He found a few raised eyebrows, but most people were pleasant, and no one enquired about Eric. The sermon stuck in Laurie’s mind; Marek subtly wove the theme of forgiveness amid a story Laurie had never heard, that of an adulterous woman brought to Christ by a mob seeking to stone her dead. Not that if Marek had chosen an Old Testament reading would Laurie have been familiar with that tale, which made him smile, but this story caused him to stare at Lynne, then at Marek. Something was between them, yet it wasn’t Eric. Laurie couldn’t fathom that any sort of improper relationship had emerged, but he wished to know what those two shared.
After the service, Lynne remained in their pew until all other parishioners had departed. Laurie then followed her to where Marek stood in the vestibule, his smile wide. “So good to see you again Laurie. I hope you had a delicious breakfast.”
The men shook hands as Laurie laughed. “Apple boysenberry pie, but no ice cream. That would’ve been beyond decadent.”
“Indeed, not to mention you wouldn’t have enjoyed all the ice cream.” Marek’s eyes twinkled and Laurie felt drawn to this man. What sort of hawk had he encountered in Poland and…. Laurie realized that other than this cleric’s nationality, he knew nothing about him. Yet he was very close to the Snyders, although what he shared with Lynne was strictly platonic. Laurie couldn’t erase the sense of something known to only them, more than pies, or hawks even. Suddenly he wished he could tell Stan the truth, for there was much to share beyond Eric’s transformations. He could inform his partner about the Aherns’ plans, but to mention those other orphans wouldn’t be the kind of detail Stanford would appreciate. He would tell Agatha, yet, now Laurie’s life teemed with multiple histories. This pastor’s background seemed just as fraught with mystery as Eric’s, then Laurie shivered inwardly. Had Marek’s family been rounded up by the Nazis, from what atrocity had this pastor escaped?
Yet in his merry voice, no trace of sorrow was detected, and Laurie remained quiet while Lynne and Marek chatted. But Laurie still discerned some thread binding them. He gazed overhead to an unadorned wooden ceiling, nothing elaborate about the makeup of this building. The tone of Marek’s speech was that of a man missing a key element within his life, and while it wasn’t Lynne or Jane, it was that of family. Was it his family from Poland or….
Then Laurie noticed how Marek spoke to Jane in Polish. The toddler seemed to comprehend what Marek said, then she glanced at Laurie as if seeking his agreement. Laurie smiled. “Honey, I have no idea what’s going on.”
Marek chuckled. “I just told her to enjoy her afternoon with you. And that I hope to see you and Mr. Taylor in the coming year.”
Laurie smiled slowly, but warmth coursed through him due to Marek’s inclusive tone. “Indeed you’ll see both of us when baby number two arrives. Stan can’t wait, although you’d never get him to admit it.”
Marek laughed, then clasped his hands around Laurie’s. “Do give him my best. Now Laurie, travel safely on Tuesday. Lynne, enjoy your guest. And Miss Jane….” Marek took the toddler from Lynne’s arms, kissing Jane’s head. “You have a grand time with Uncle Laurie. I’ll see you later this week certainly.”
Marek added something in Polish, which made Jane giggle. Lynne sighed as if she knew what had been spoken, making Laurie clear his throat. “What’d you tell her?” he asked Marek.
“Just that the apple boysenberry pie was wonderful, and to convince her mum to try a peach boysenberry next time.”
Laurie nodded. “I heartily second that motion.”
“You two.” Lynne shook her head, but a grin lit her face, and again joy filled Laurie’s chest, alongside relief. Yes, he would be leaving soon, but Lynne had support, and Jane was so loved. Then Laurie’s heart ached as he witnessed a meaningful glance between Lynne and Marek. Neither felt compelled to hide it from Laurie, although no one else remained in the church. Whatever it was, Laurie felt Eric must know, maybe it was simply tied into who Eric was at that moment and the hawk that had plucked Marek from whatever dismal fate…. Laurie shut that from his mind as Lynne said their goodbyes while handing Jane Laurie’s way.
That afternoon mother and daughter took naps while Laurie studied the paintings in the sunroom. He’d asked permission, and Lynne gave it with a smile. She’d told him where the keys were for the studio and outbuilding, but enough canvases remained within the house. Eric had been prolific when he returned from Manhattan, but had concentrated not on the sketches from Queens. More important were his wife, daughter, and the baby on the way.
Laurie would share those pieces with Stanford, or maybe not. Perhaps they would say very little about Eric, easier for Laurie to maintain the façade. Then Laurie felt slightly ill, and he walked from the sunroom into the living room, but the house held an eerie silence. For all he realized, a few issues were unknown, and the biggest secret was outside all knowledge; when would Eric return?
Then Laurie smiled at himself; since flying west he’d thought little about his cousin, which had been a necessary respite. Was it easier to worry about Eric? If nothing else, no longer was Seth’s mental health Laurie’s heaviest burden. Laurie looked upstairs; he was eager to go home, but didn’t wish to leave Lynne and Jane alone. And when he was home, a massive untruth would permeate his and Stan’s lives, which now sat on Laurie’s shoulders much like the weight Seth’s illness had caused. But once Seth was home, Eric too, then that falsehood could be cast aside. They would travel here sometime in January for a truly happy reason, and if Eric ever changed again, at least Lynne wouldn’t have to…. She’d still lie to Stanford, but Laurie could smooth it over. He sighed, then headed to the French doors. Then he paused as that one pane caught his eye.
Violence had caused that pane to be broken, then Laurie shivered, thinking of Seth standing on Korean soil, a rifle in his grasp, his mind with one goal. Were those alterations any different, or more rightl
y the level of change? To Laurie, the answer was no. How would Seth reconcile his actions, Laurie then mused. He traced the outline of the glass, then shook his head. Opening the door, he stepped outside, closing the door behind him. But he looked back at that piece of glass; forever he would notice it. Yet, it didn’t mar the overall look of the door. Perhaps that was how Seth would return to their family. He would always be different, but no longer damaged.
Laurie sat at the table, not wishing to see Sam’s unfinished portrait. He stared at the grounds, imagining how Jane and her sibling would run around much as he and Seth had played when they were children. Then Laurie chuckled, hoping it would be more than two little ones trekking about in this magical garden. Laurie didn’t attach unpleasantness to where Eric had repeatedly transformed into a bird, then back into a man, for a greater good was occurring, both in Florida and right on this property. Then Laurie thought to Marek; what had happened to him? Seth said there was much to tell him, and Laurie wondered how detailed Seth’s future letters might be. Did Laurie need that much information, or would it simply be more to keep from Stan? Laurie crossed his arms over his chest, not wanting to consider it. Then he dropped his arms to his sides, thinking of Sam’s portrait. How would the finished piece appear, and when might Eric complete it?
After her nap, Lynne found Laurie seated at the patio table. He turned as she opened the door, his smile genuine, but edged with questions. “Hello,” she said, closing the door most of the way. “Thanks for letting me sleep.”
“Of course.” He pointed toward Jane’s window. “Is she still snoozing?”
“She is, but we’ll hear her. Sometimes I come out when she naps, and she never fails to let me know that she’s done resting.”
Laurie chuckled as Lynne sat beside him. She gazed to the grounds, which no longer sported summer’s touch. Leaves were turning, rainwater filled the birdbath, and these pieces of furniture were speckled with dusty splotches. “Sam will probably come over this week, put these away.” She motioned to the table and chairs. Then she gazed at the bubbling fountain. “Probably time to turn that off too.”
“Do you prune the boysenberries?” Laurie asked.
Lynne smiled. “I don’t, but Eric usually gives them a once-over. Not sure what’ll happen this year, and the new plants don’t need any attention. Goodness knows there’s plenty of fruit in the freezer. If we get a bad crop next year, it’ll be okay.”
She didn’t fret about those items, but her heart was heavy, for questions loomed in Laurie’s eyes. She’d felt his gaze on her and Marek as they spoke in the vestibule. Lynne didn’t know if Marek had written back to…. Lynne’s eyes grew misty, then she sighed. “What would you like for dinner tonight?”
“What, oh, anything’s fine.” Laurie leaned back in his chair. “I’m not too bad making grilled cheese sandwiches if that sounds good.”
“It does, tomato soup on the side.” Lynne’s voice trailed off. She would cook something more elaborate tomorrow for Laurie’s last day. Then it would be back to simple fare, although she expected to share a meal, maybe two, with the Aherns later in the week. But perhaps Sam’s thoughts would be divided, much on his and Renee’s minds.
Lynne wouldn’t attend mass in the morning, or on Tuesday, when she would drive Laurie to the airport, then come home to an empty house and…. She shed a few tears, then looked at that man, who wore a frown. “What is it?” she said softly.
“Part of me doesn’t wanna leave, I mean, I can’t wait to be home but….” He inhaled deeply, tried to smile, but shook his head instead. “You’ll be alone here.”
“It’s been lovely having company.” She looked around the patio, then met Laurie’s gaze. “I won’t lie about that. It gets so quiet, I mean….” Lynne bit her lip, then glanced at her belly. “There’s three of us, but I do most of the talking.”
“Or at least all of the English.” Laurie grinned. “Do you ever hear Jane speaking Polish?”
Now Lynne giggled. “Sometimes. She sings that song often, goodness knows what the baby must think.”
Laurie reached for Lynne’s hand, squeezing gently. “I’m sure she knows she’s surrounded by love.”
“I’m sure she does.” Lynne gripped back, then released Laurie’s hand, getting to her feet. “Well if nothing else, you’ve brightened our weekend. I so appreciate….” She blinked away tears. “I know the reason’s difficult, but I am so glad to see you.”
He stood, then embraced her. “Me too Lynne. Me too.”
They remained together until Jane’s cry was detected. Lynne pulled away, wiping her face. “Someone’s feeling left out.”
“I’ll fetch her.” Laurie headed inside, Lynne right behind him.
Lynne and Laurie never spoke about Marek other than Laurie noting how much he enjoyed the sermon. Lynne had too, but hadn’t taken more from it than what Marek outwardly taught, forgiveness an essential message. On Monday, Laurie did some laundry while Lynne made another pie, this time pumpkin. Laurie lamented how there was no room in his suitcase to smuggle home some slices, but his tone was jovial. That afternoon Sam stopped by, and the men chatted about Seth while Lynne fixed supper. She asked Sam if he and Renee wanted to join them, but Sam begged off, noting that Renee had another long day at the office. Lynne didn’t inquire further, but after Sam left, she spoke to Laurie about that situation. Both agreed it seemed more than a coincidence, but other than prayer, there was little for them to do.
After dinner, Laurie called Stanford, their conversation lasting only long enough for Stanford to confirm Laurie’s travel information. Lynne played with Jane in the nursery, where Laurie found them. To Lynne, Laurie looked tired, but his voice was light, although Lynne wondered if that was for Jane’s benefit. The threesome remained in the nursery for another half hour, then Lynne announced it was bath time. Laurie went to his room, to pack, he said, while Lynne ran water in the tub. Once Jane was clean and dressed for bed, Laurie rejoined the ladies, again in the nursery. He sat in the rocker, reading to Jane, while Lynne folded clean diapers. As Jane grew sleepy, Lynne stood in the open doorway, listening to Laurie’s soft croon. Lynne wiped away tears, in part from how close Laurie had become to this family, and for his absence looming on the horizon.
Once Jane was asleep, Lynne and her guest went downstairs, but the stillness felt ominous, and not only to Lynne. Laurie tried to make conversation, but finally he shook his head. “I suppose I should head to bed too. Gonna be a long day tomorrow.”
Lynne nodded. “By now I’m already in my pajamas.” She looked around the room, which appeared no differently than before Laurie’s arrival, yet it seemed altered. She smiled at him. “Be sure to call when you get home. I’ll be thinking of you all day.”
“Of course. You and Stan both.”
She giggled. “Yes, but he’ll have work to keep him busy.”
“What will you do tomorrow?”
“Some laundry, maybe entertain Sam if he’s not occupied. Just the same old, same old.”
Lynne didn’t feel sorry for herself, but Laurie approached her, grasping her hands. “I really do wish there was two of me,” he smiled. “I’d gain ten pounds from pie alone, but….”
“You might not, what with chasing after Jane.”
Laurie chuckled. “She’s a handful.” Then he sighed. “I just hate thinking of you being here by yourself.”
“I’ve done it before and then I really was on my own.” She patted the baby, which tumbled, making Lynne smile. She placed Laurie’s hand where the movements were strongest, then their eyes met. Tears formed in his, but he smiled, blinking them away.
Neither spoke, yet Laurie didn’t move his hand. For a moment Lynne felt this man was channeling her husband, for Laurie’s touch was soothing. Then Laurie took back his hand, wiping his cheeks. “It really is a miracle, my God. I can’t wait to see you all in January.”
Lynne nodded, many emotions swirling within her. Then she turned toward the dark fireplace, wishing a blaze ro
ared. She would start building a fire, just for the crackles and pops, something to replace the emptiness. Having someone stay overnight made such a difference, for the mornings were abuzz with conversation and the evenings…. She looked back at Laurie, who had crossed his arms over his chest. Before the nights hadn’t been lonely, Lynne had been too tired to think about who was gone. Now her heart ached, for while this man would return to his other half, she would still be waiting. “January will be here before we know it.” Her voice trembled, but she smiled. “And on that note, so will tomorrow.” She yawned, although it was forced. “I’m gonna lock up.”
As she stepped near Laurie, he grasped her hands. “I’ll do it. You go on. I’ll see you in the morning.”
His touch was calming, nothing more. She nodded, then stroked his damp cheek. He smiled, grasping her hand, kissing the back of it. Then he made a small flourish, stirring Lynne’s laughter. She took the stairs, but waited for him on the landing. After one more embrace, she stepped into her room, closing the door behind her. Her heart still ached, but the pain was lessened, for she wasn’t the only one sleeping alone.
Chapter 139