In Every Heartbeat - By Kim Vogel Sawyer Page 0,53

to Maelle.

“That’s right.” Maelle leaned forward slightly, looking at Jackson.

He cleared his throat, and Libby turned her head to face him. “Maelle and I were forced to wait until I finished my legislative work before we could get married.” He released a rueful sigh, rubbing his finger under his nose. “It turned into a longer wait than either of us anticipated. While we’ve enjoyed these years together, we’ve also longed to begin building a family.”

“Of course, we hoped to have children of our own . . .” Sadness flashed through Maelle’s eyes. “But for whatever reason, God hasn’t chosen to allow it.”

Jackson leaned across Libby to give Maelle’s hand a brief squeeze. “So God has opened our hearts to forming a family by less traditional means.”

Libby’s heart pounded so hard she feared it might bounce into her throat and choke her. She gasped out a single word. “Y-yes?” At last she’d be able to call Maelle Ma! It might take her a while to feel comfortable enough to call Jackson Pa, but—

“And that’s why,” Maelle said, her smile serene, “Jackson and I have asked permission of Isabelle to adopt Hannah and Hester.”

For a moment, Libby thought she’d been kicked, because the air seemed forced from her lungs. She could scarcely draw a breath. “Hannah and . . . and H-Hester?”

“That’s right. They’re the sweetest girls, but so sad.” Maelle shook her head. “The first time we met them, our hearts just went out to them. We know they need us as much as we need them.” Maelle reached past Libby to clasp Jackson’s hand. “We’re so happy to become parents. And we wanted you to share our happiness, Libby. You’re the first person we’ve told. Well—” she laughed lightly—“besides Isabelle and Aaron, of course. So are you happy for us?”

Resentment and anger coiled through Libby’s frame, so intense she couldn’t remain seated. She jumped up, forcing Maelle’s arm aside. Stomping forward several feet, she clenched her fists and pinched her eyes closed. How dare You, God? How dare You give the mother I wanted to someone else? Then a sardonic thought flitted through her mind. Earlier that day, when Hannah and Hester had finished helping her make the crepe paper flowers, Libby had asked God to provide the girls with loving parents. God had certainly answered. . . .

She covered her face with her hands and groaned, “But I didn’t mean Maelle.”

“Libby?” Warm hands curled over her shoulders and tried to turn her around. But Libby couldn’t face Maelle. Not now. She jerked loose and ran from the barn. Just as she careened into the yard, a fiddle’s merry tune filled the air. The dance was beginning.

How she’d looked forward to this weekend at home. To celebrating with Matt and Lorna, to dancing with Petey and Bennett, to spending time with Maelle. All of that happy anticipation now stung like salt in a wound. She’d promised Petey the first dance, but she couldn’t face him.

Maelle and Jackson stepped out of the barn. Maelle called, “Libby?”

Libby held up both hands like a shield. She spoke through gritted teeth. “Leave me alone.” Then she turned and ran.

Bennett slinked behind the crowd, working his way closer to Mr. and Mrs. Rowley. Moments ago, Maelle Harders had taken the couple aside. Judging by the worried looks on their faces, something bad had happened. And Bennett wanted to know what it was. He edged sideways, keeping his back to the three while pretending to tap his foot to the music. But his ears were tuned to their conversation.

“. . . just took off. I haven’t seen her that upset since she was a little girl.” Maelle sounded confused.

“Well, you know Libby . . .” Mrs. Rowley clicked her tongue on her teeth. “I love the girl, but she can be given to theatrical displays.”

Bennett stifled a chuckle. Mrs. Rowley knew Libby pretty well.

“I think this is more than a childish tantrum” came Maelle’s insistent voice. “You didn’t see her. Aaron, I’m going to take a lantern from the barn and go—”

“Let her be, Maelle.” Mr. Rowley sounded kind but firm.

“I can’t just—”

Mr. Rowley spoke over Maelle’s protest. “This is your brother’s wedding party. You need to be here, celebrating with Matt and Lorna, not chasing after Libby. When she calms down, she’ll return. In the meantime, why don’t you . . .”

Bennett had heard enough. Apparently Pete’s conversation with Libby had rattled her good. He worked his way to the opposite side of the dance