In Every Heartbeat - By Kim Vogel Sawyer Page 0,115

I’ll say my good-byes here.” He stuck out his hand, and Pete gave it a firm shake. “Have a safe trip back.”

“I will. Thanks for . . .” How could Pete possible encapsulate all Jackson had done for his family in the past week? He shook his head. “For everything, Jackson.”

Jackson grinned. “My pleasure. I’m just glad it all turned out as well as it did.”

“Me too.”

“Will you come to Shay’s Ford at the end of the week for Thanksgiving?”

Berta sent a hopeful look in Pete’s direction when Jackson posed the question. As much as Pete wanted to go home for Thanksgiving— to make sure his siblings had settled in and spend time with Matt and Lorna and all the others—he’d been away from school too long. He’d need many days to catch up.

Reluctantly, he shook his head. “I’m afraid not. One of my professors, Pastor Hines, said I could stay at his home if I ever needed a place, so I’ll probably take him up on his offer and use the break to catch up on the classes I missed while I’ve been here.” The disappointment sagging his mother’s face pricked his heart, so he added in a cheerful tone, “But I’ll be there for Christmas—you can count on it.”

“I think that’s wise,” Jackson replied. “Well . . .” He bounced his leather satchel against his leg and looked at Berta. “Maelle is probably still at your apartment, helping the children pack for your move. Let’s go there and finish up. That train will leave before we know it.”

But Berta remained rooted in place, her pleading eyes aimed at Pete’s face. Pete knew what she wanted. What she needed. And he wished he could give it. But it was too soon. Maybe one day he’d find the ability to put his arms around his mother, to hold her close, but God needed to do a little more work on him before he was ready.

Giving her a smile, he said, “You’ll be in good hands with Aaron and Isabelle—they’re some of the best people God ever planted on this earth.” He raised his hand in a wave. “Bye now.”

Berta’s lips trembled. “Bye, Petey.” She turned and followed Jackson to the curb, where he flagged a cab. Pete waited until they climbed in and the cab clattered away before he turned toward the hotel. He’d retrieve his bag and then catch a cab to the train station. By this evening, he’d be back in Chambers. He’d only been gone a week, but it seemed like a year, so much had transpired in such a short amount of time.

Pausing on the busy sidewalk, Pete bowed his head and offered a silent, heartfelt prayer of thanks to God for His redeeming intervention. So many broken threads had been woven into place. Pete had emerged stronger, more determined to seek and follow God’s will in every aspect of his life.

He opened his eyes and hitched forward, eager to return to Chambers and share with his two best friends all the miracles of the past week. Then his steps slowed, his enthusiasm waning. In order to share truthfully, he’d have to give God the glory. Would Bennett mockingly call the events happenstance? Would Libby’s defensive ire flare—was she still annoyed that he’d sent her away? For a moment, he considered keeping all that had happened to himself rather than face their scorn.

But then he straightened his shoulders and hop-skipped to put himself in motion again. Whether they wanted to hear it or not, he’d tell them all that had happened. And he would give praise where praise was due.

The following morning Pete arose early, dressed, and met with Pastor Hines before breakfast. The man cheerfully agreed to host Pete for the Thanksgiving weekend and even offered to assist him with his missed assignments.

“I’m glad to see you back, Mr. Leidig. I was half afraid you’d decided the work was too hard.”

Pete shook his head. “No, sir. I’m determined to complete my divinity degree. God’s called me to this task, and He’s given me everything I need to see it through. So I aim to please Him with my efforts.”

“Good man.” The professor smacked Pete on the back. “And I look forward to working with you. Head on to breakfast now—I’ll see you in class later.”

On his way to the dining hall, he stopped by Franklin Hall to retrieve Bennett, but to his surprise Bennett was already gone. His roommate was in the room, however. Winston