Back on Blossom Street (Blossom Street #4)(93)

“She listened because Alix has experienced that kind of anger and pain herself. She doesn’t like me to mention it, I know. It takes a pretty incredible woman to rise above the life Alix was forced into. Every day she amazes me more.” He reached down to squeeze her hand. “Only someone who’s learned to forgive great pain can help someone else who’s still hurting.”

Clasping his hand, Alix twisted around and shot him a warning glance, which Jordan ignored.

“That’s one of the reasons Alix is going to be such an asset to me, in church and outside of it,” Jordan continued. “People aren’t afraid to talk to her about anything. That’s the gift she brings to my ministry.” His eyes met hers and he smiled. “Having been raised in the church, I have a hard time reaching street kids. They don’t think I can identify with their problems and they’re right, I can’t. I’ve never spent a night sleeping in some alley. But Alix has and she’s risen above it. They’ll listen to her far more than they ever will me.”

“Does a street ministry interest you?” his mother asked, sounding surprised.

Jordan nodded enthusiastically. “Mom, I don’t want to preach to the choir for the rest of my life. A doctor goes to people who are sick. These kids need God’s love. But I can tell them all about it and what they need to do and they’ll yawn in my face. Then they look at Alix and see someone who’s changed her life. Who do you think they’re going to listen to? Me, who’s lived a comfortable life, or Alix who’s been where they are?”

Susan turned to Alix, her expression unreadable.

“It isn’t just street kids, either. It’s everyone. I couldn’t have chosen a woman with a kinder heart. She cares about people and they see that and love her back.” He paused. “I see the way kids gravitate toward her. She doesn’t judge them, she listens with love and understanding and tells them there’s a better way.”

Once more Susan’s eyes locked with Alix’s.

“Jordan, would you bring me the plate?” his father called out from his position at the barbecue. “These ribs are done to perfection.”

“Sure thing!” Jordan disappeared into the kitchen.

Susan hung her head. “I feel like such a fool, Alix.”

“Why?” she asked. After his little speech about forgiveness, Alix couldn’t possibly be angry. It hurt, what his mother had said, and it would take a while for that pain to go away; nevertheless, this was an important relationship to both her and Jordan. “You love your son and you want the best wife for him. I can’t be upset about that.”

“It’s just…Oh, I feel so foolish. Jordan’s right. You’re going to make him a wonderful wife, and you’re going to be a good pastor’s wife, too.”

She shrugged. “I plan to try.”

“Please,” Susan whispered and her voice cracked as tears filled her eyes. “Don’t hate me.”

Alix took the other woman’s hand. “I don’t.”

“I’ve given you every reason to dislike me and despite that you’ve been nothing but kind. I’m so sorry. Can we put this behind us?”

“Isn’t that what the Lord’s Prayer is all about?” Alix asked. “Asking God to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive others’?”

Susan smiled through her tears. “I’ve been married to Larry for thirty-eight years and been a pastor’s wife all that time, yet it seems I have much to learn from you.” She stood, and came around the table.

Alix met her halfway and they held each other fiercely.

This was a new beginning—the beginning Alix had been hoping for.

CHAPTER 34

Colette Blake

Colette couldn’t sleep. It might as well be noon instead of three o’clock in the middle of a moonless night.

Every time she closed her eyes, all Colette could think about was Christian. The scenarios that ran through her tortured mind were so terrifying, she had to force herself not to scream or cry. Every day without news intensified her fear that Christian would never be found. China was a huge country and no one seemed to have any idea where Christian might be. No one was saying anything, at any rate.

Elizabeth had asked Colette to stay with her until this was resolved, one way or another. But how much longer should they continue to hold out hope?

Elliott Dempsey had landed in Beijing and phoned to tell them he’d spoken to the U.S. embassy. He’d hired an investigative team and was awaiting word. He phoned at least once a day with an update. So far every lead had come to an abrupt dead end. Christian had never arrived in Zhongshan—but this was information Colette already had. His trail began and ended in Beijing.

Climbing silently out of bed, Colette crept down the stairs. A glass of milk might help relax her enough to sleep.

When she came into the kitchen, Colette was surprised to find Elizabeth sitting at the table, dressed in a long robe. Her white hair hung down around her shoulders.

Elizabeth gave her a tired smile. “You couldn’t sleep, either?” she asked.

Colette shook her head. “I came down for a glass of milk.”

“I did, too, but it hasn’t done me any good,” the old woman said. “I doubt it’ll help you, either.”

“Give it time.” It wasn’t like Elizabeth to be so negative.