Seascapes Page 10

  “For now,” Kate replied. “It’s certainly going to be an interesting summer. Ready to go? I could use a walk to clear my head.”

  With a nod agreeing, Fee quickly went to tell Nancy they were leaving. The two women grabbed their jackets and purses and headed out the door.

  ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

  “Let’s run that one again. Remember tempo! Slow it down and repeat the bridge twice before heading back to the chorus.”

  Nate tapped out the beat on the drums to get them started and then Ashley began with the opening chords on the keys. Drew was on the acoustic guitar along with Roy on the bass.

  Rehearsal had been going well. Drew was hoping to sneak this song into the middle of their set at some point. The Lord had been putting it on his heart to sing. He’d had it on his mind every morning when he woke up for the last week.

  He decided it was time to listen to God no matter what Mrs. Johnson might say about it. He had been following the “two hymns” rule for a while and they would still do two hymns this week, but he had to play this one as well.

  As the song wrapped up, Drew closed his eyes and breathed a prayer, “Thank you Lord, thank you, for redeeming me.”

  “Hey, I want to run it one more time. Do you mind? I think I could clean up that melody at the start if I had one more try,” Ashley said.

  “Sure. Let’s do it.” Drew nodded at Nate to get them started again.

  Kate and Fiona could hear music coming from the church as they walked up the sidewalk towards the front doors. They glanced at each other.

  “Think it’s okay if we go in?” Fiona wondered aloud to Kate. “I don’t want to interrupt anything.”

  “I don’t see many cars in the parking lot. Let’s peek, and if we’re in the way, we’ll just leave and come back tomorrow.” Kate kept heading up the steps and pulled open the door.

  Standing on the stage at the front of the church was Drew and his worship band. There were no other people in the sanctuary. The two women watched from the doorway.

  Kate’s heart caught at the lyrics Drew was singing. The song was about being redeemed and letting the past go. It talked about being free.

  Fiona put an arm around her friend. Kate was transfixed by the music. She had paled and was watching the band, almost as if she were in a trance.

  The song touched a part of Kate’s soul that had laid dormant for so long. It was if the song was written for her and no one else. She closed her eyes and let the words wash over her.

  The song ended and Drew called out, “That’s a wrap everyone! Thanks for coming in early for rehearsal this week! We’ll see you bright and early Sunday morning!”

  He headed towards the front row where he had left his guitar case open. Movement at the back caught his eye and he looked up to see Kate and Fiona standing there.

  “Hey!” He raised a hand to wave. “What did you think?” It was only then he saw how pale Kate was. He hurried toward her.

  “Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

  “What was the name of that song? I’ve never heard it before?” Kate had felt a wave of, well something she couldn’t quite name come over her as she had listened to the song. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought it was a heavenly nudge to her soul. She shook her head slightly. That was ridiculous. It was just a song after all.

  “It’s called ‘Redeemed’ by a band named Big Daddy Weave,” Drew answered.

  Fiona let out a huff of laughter at the band name.

  “I know. It’s a strange name, but trust me, it makes sense when you realize the lead singer’s last name is Weaver and he’s a big dude.” Drew wasn’t sure what to do. It was obvious Kate was distressed, but he wasn’t sure how to fix it. His instincts to make it better were kicking in.

  “Is it true?”

  Drew was confused. “Is what true?”

  “Does God redeem us? Does he set people free?”

  “He does that and more.”

  Chapter 21

  Fiona helped Kate slip into a pew. She could see her friend was still processing the lyrics from the song. Drew had hurried off to find his brother.

  The side door opened, and both Peter and Drew came striding through. “Drew said you were here. Perfect timing! I wanted to let you know I talked with our mom. She had thought I was playing a joke on her at first,” he said with a laugh in his voice.

  “Once she realized I was serious, she started to cry and couldn’t keep talking. My father got on the phone worried something had happened to me. He was struck speechless as well!”

  Kate just stared at him in disbelief. She pushed the emotions the song had brought up to the back of her mind and focused on what Peter was telling her. Why were Peter’s parents so emotional about the news they had reconnected after all these years she wondered? They’d had hundreds of kids come through their home. Surely, they hadn’t been able to keep track of all of them.

  “They are coming out soon. They can’t wait to see you!” Then, unable to help himself, he stepped forward and picked Kate up from her seat and enveloped her in a hug.

  Kate was a bit more prepared this time and didn’t hold herself as stiffly. Her arms even managed to come up and she returned the hug briefly just before she stepped back. “That’s great, Peter. What does it mean to be redeemed?” She jumped slightly when she realized what she had blurted out.

  Peter stopped and looked at her quizzically. “Redeemed? As in what God does for us?”

  “I guess so. I don’t know. Drew was singing a song when we got here. It was about redemption and I want to know what it means.”

  “It’s the song I want to do soon. The one that has been in my head for a few weeks,” Drew said quietly to Peter. “I think that’s what upset her.”

  “Let’s go sit by the nativity window.”

  The two women slipped into a pew in front of the window while Peter sat in the one in front of them and Drew behind. They were sitting not far from the one depicting the lost sheep. It was the first story Peter had shared with her.

  As she had walked into the church that first day, however, she had bypassed the first window which showed the story of Christ’s birth. She had a very vague recollection of the story but was a bit fuzzy on the details. She hadn’t celebrated Christmas in quite a few years other than quietly exchanging a gift with Fiona.

  She never made a huge deal over the holidays. After all, she had no one to share them with. The days usually consisted of her curling up on the couch watching old black and white movies or reading a book. She didn’t have much time for either pastime, so enjoyed the moments when she could indulge.

  “Do you remember the story of Christ’s birth?”

  “I remember some of it, but not all of it. I know he was born to Mary who supposedly had not ever slept with her husband, Joseph. I’m still unsure how that is even possible. There were some shepherds, three kings, and someone named Harold or something who wanted him dead.”

  A wide grin spread over Peter’s face. “Yes, the details do seem to be a bit fuzzy. The story starts long before Mary and Joseph show up in Bethlehem looking for a place to stay.”

  Kate smiled to herself as she watched Peter. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge. It was evident in the grin etched on his face. He was getting into his topic as his hands began to move. He was passionate about Jesus, that much was obvious. She was simply glad she had found him. It was like finding a part of herself she thought was lost forever, a piece she hadn’t even known was missing.

  Drew sat so that he could see Kate’s profile. She seemed transfixed while she watched his brother tell the story of how Christ had been born. A smile even played on her lips, which was much better than the pain on her face earlier.

  This woman had such a broken spirit. He began to pray as he watched her, asking God to heal her heart and to open it as well. He prayed she would open her heart not only to God but also to him. He was going to pursue a relationship with her. Not only had the Lord been putting music on his hear
t lately, but he had been putting Kate on his heart as well.

  He wasn’t sure where this would go, but he knew he would have that answer before his parents arrived to question him. Not that his dad would, but his mom wouldn’t even hesitate to ask if she perceived how he looked at Kate. According to Peter it was “goofy.”

  “What does the birth of Christ have to do with redemption?” While Kate had enjoyed the story, she wasn’t sure what it had to do with her question. She had been patient, but now she needed to know. She had to know.

  Fiona leaned forward slightly. She had held on Peter’s every word. She was now as intrigued by the story as Kate had been and wanted to know about the connection as well.

  “Christ came to earth as a baby for one reason and one reason only, to save mankind. His sole purpose was to make a way for people to once more have a relationship with God, an eternally saving relationship.”

  Kate looked confused. “How could a baby do that?”

  “Christ was also the Son of God. He was the bridge between people and God. When he was a man, he was crucified on a cross for our sins. He took on the sins of every person who has ever lived and who will ever live. He paid the price. He redeemed us, paid for us.”

  Drew could see the confusion play across Kate’s face. He continued to pray the Lord would help Kate understand what Peter was telling her.

  His heart stopped for a moment as he realized that until she did, he couldn’t fully pursue a relationship with her. It felt like someone had just dumped a bucket of ice water over him.

  Chapter 22

  Kate hadn’t been able to get the conversation with Peter out of her head. She had been mulling over what he had told her for days. She’d even pulled up a Bible app on her phone and began reading in the Gospel of John at Peter’s recommendation.

  “Earth to Kate! Anyone home?”

  Kate looked up. The two women were in the café enjoying a late lunch before heading to the beach. “Sorry, Fee. I was thinking about what Peter told us about redemption. I can’t stop thinking about it.”

  “Kind of hard to believe, huh?”

  And ever since that day, Drew had been scarce. She hadn’t seen him much and was starting to miss him. It was weird how she had lived in Haven for years without seeing him and now she had started to miss seeing him around.

  Shaking her head slightly, she returned her focus to Fiona. “I’m not sure. Anyway, what were you saying?”

  “I asked if you were excited to see the Grants again.”

  “To be honest, I’m a little scared. What if they aren’t like I remember?”

  “Considering it’s been a few years since you last saw them, I’m thinking everyone is going to be different. You seem to be doing okay with Peter. You’ll probably be just fine with the rest of them, too. How old were you when you went to live with your father again?”

  “I was ten.”

  “I’m sure you’ll appear different to them. After all, you aren’t a little girl anymore.”

  “I’m just worried I’m going to disappoint them somehow. It’s so stupid. It really doesn’t matter if they like me or not,” Kate said, her voice trailing off.

  Fiona looked at her incredulously. “Kate Winters! They’re going to love you. You’re beautiful. You’re kind. You’re wonderful.”

  Kate could feel her face beginning to turn red with embarrassment. “Okay, stop, stop! What’s not to love right?” She was joking. She had never felt more unlovable.

  In fact, she hadn’t been truly honest with Fee. She wasn’t just a little scared about meeting the Grants again, she was terrified. She had done her best over the years to put them out of her head. Remembering hurt so much. What if they rejected this adult version of the little girl they remembered?

  After all, her mother hadn’t loved her. At least not in a way most mothers loved their children. She had so few memories of her and almost all of them contained some type of pain.

  Her father had shown over and over how much he hadn’t loved her. The years with him still had lasting effects she was trying to overcome.

  Fiona’s voice became serious. “Kate, all those things I just said about you are true. You are beautiful, more beautiful than you probably even realize. You are kind to everyone you meet. Your creativity with the jewelry outshines me so much sometimes I get a little jealous. You need to believe in yourself, sweetie. You are incredible. I think you are even more incredible than I ever thought especially now that I know more about your past.”

  Kate kept her eyes focused on the table. This conversation was making her uncomfortable. She was struggling to believe what Fee was telling her. She had always struggled to see herself as Fee did. Inside she was always a scared, unloved little girl.

  “I’m sure it was hard to endure what you did, but don’t let it define you. You could have turned out to be a different person, but instead you are this generous, caring, amazing woman. Did I say amazing already?” At this Fiona gave a short laugh, but there was moisture glistening in her eyes.

  Kate grabbed her water glass. She sipped slowly as she tried to get her emotions under control. She would not cry. She would not break down. Control. She needed to find control.

  “Thanks, Fee,” she said once she trusted herself to speak. “That means a lot to me.”

  “You’re welcome, honey.” Changing the topic, Fee asked, “Do you want to go to church again?”

  “Sure. Maybe it will help me figure out how to act in the face of all of this. I haven’t got a clue what I should be feeling, saying, or doing lately. I really hate feeling so out of control.”

  Just then the door opened with a tinkling of bells. Fiona, who was sitting so she could see the front spoke, “Hey, speak of the devil, it’s Peter! Oops…do you think I should have said that?”

  Kate smiled and turned to look. Sure enough, there was Peter standing at the front of the café scanning the seats. His eyes locked with hers and he started for their table.

  “I’m so glad I found you! My parents were able to get an earlier flight. They’re here!”

  “Here? Now?” Kate tried to look past him as she felt the start of an anxiety attack.

  “No and yes,” Peter answered with a laugh. “They aren’t here with me. I promise they aren’t hiding outside. They thought it would better if they stayed at my place while I came to find you.”

  Kate breathed a little slower. She wanted this, right? She was still trying to figure out how she felt about the meeting but now it was here. She had no more time to process it.

  “I went to your store first, but your employee, Nancy, right? She said you had both gone out to get something to eat.” Peter had started babbling a bit and it was obvious he was excited about his parent’s arrival. “Are you up to meeting them now?” He was so eager he was bouncing on his toes.

  Kate exchanged a quick look with Fiona. Taking a deep breath and setting herself as if going to a battle, she said, “I guess so.” Her eyes then sent a pleading look at Fiona to come with her.

  Her friend smiled and said, “I’ll go pay the check and be right with you. Don’t leave without me.”

  Kate felt a little better knowing Fee was coming along. She hoped the anxiety attack wouldn’t get worse. She practiced her breathing exercises quietly as she rose to leave. Her heart had sped up and she was beginning to feel a little faint. She gave herself a pep talk. She could do this. She would do this. She wasn’t going to let her past continue to control her.

  Peter lived in the village limits, on the opposite side of town from Kate. It was a short walk to his little cottage, not far from the church itself. While they made their way there, Kate’s thoughts began to race. She continued to work on her breathing, hoping to keep the panic attack from worsening. She suddenly stopped dead in the middle of the sidewalk and burst out, “I can’t. I’m sorry, Peter. I just can’t meet your parents!”

  Fiona stopped and grabbed one of her arms. “It’s okay, Kate. Just breathe. Remember what I told you earlier
? They want to meet you. It will be okay, sweetie. I’ll be right there with you.”

  Peter had a look of concern on his face. “I promise my parents aren’t scary. They’ve been praying for this day for years. They really want to see you.”

  Kate looked at him with pleading in her eyes, “What if they don’t like me? What if I’m not who they want me to be? I’m not a little girl anymore. What if…” she trailed off with panting breaths. The attack was beginning to worsen.

  “Oh, Kate,” Peter said, embracing her. “They’re going to love you. I promise.”

  Releasing her, he continued, “Do you remember the story I told about the lost lamb? You were the one lamb my parents had lost. For years they have worried about where you were, how you were doing, and if you were okay.”

  Kate closed her eyes as Peter’s hands steadied her. Breathe in and out. Slow and steady. She focused on her breathing as Peter continued.

  “My parents just want to see you. They’d like to talk to you and get to know you again. You were like a daughter to them. It broke their hearts when you were taken from our family. They will love you just as you are. They have no expectations at all.”

  Kate clung to his words. Could he be right? Could they accept her just as she was? Even with all the things that had happened to her once she left their home? It seemed impossible, but she was willing to try.

  “Just give me a minute,” Kate said. She kept up her deep breathing for a bit longer and worked at calming her racing thoughts. Taking one more deep breath, she said, “Okay, I’m okay. Let’s go.”

  Chapter 23

  Peter called out as he led the two women in through his front door, “Mom? Dad? We’re here!”

  Peter stepped aside to let Fiona and Kate enter after him. His parents, Ken and Jill Grant, stood in the middle of the living room with their eyes glued to the doorway.

  It was apparent in one quick look, that Peter had inherited his father’s build. Ken was an older version of Peter, just greyer. He sported a goatee as well that had a more gray than brown in it.