Unending Devotion (Michigan Brides #1)(106)

Connell still worked for McCormick Lumber, but he’d requested that he and Tierney split the traveling among the camps. As it was, most of Connell’s business kept him in town, where he was able to work with other businessmen on a regular basis and push for the reforms that he was promoting.

“Have I told you yet today how much I love you, Mrs. McCormick?” His lips pressed against her ear again.

“Not enough. I think I could use a little reminding.” Her hand found his and intertwined through his strong capable fingers. With a smile, she tugged him toward a room that had been recently vacated by one of the girls who had found employment as a maid.

“Lily.” There was something in his tone that halted her heartbeat and chased away the playfulness of the moment.

“There’s someone waiting downstairs to see you.” His gaze met hers, and something gently cautious in the depths of his eyes lit a flicker of hope in her heart.

“Is it—?” She pressed trembling fingers against her lips, too afraid to say the name.

“Go see.” He nodded toward the wide winding stairway that led to the front hallway.

With her heart galloping at top speed like an out-of-control carriage, she lifted her silk skirt, bunched it in her hands, and raced in a very unladylike manner to the stairs.

She nearly tripped as she rushed to descend the two flights. She was blind to everything about the luxurious home that Mr. McCormick had given to them as a wedding present. Of course, she’d wept when the stern, gray-haired man had handed her and Connell the deed—not because she’d been happy to have a place of her own, finally.

Rather, she’d wept tears of joy because she’d known she could fulfill her dream of opening a home for women who needed rescuing. Connell hadn’t wanted her to feel any pressure to leave Oren, and when she’d suggested they turn their wedding present into a home of refuge, he’d willingly supported her.

And Mrs. McCormick had wanted to be a part of every facet of decorating and preparing the home for the young women. She’d poured her time and energy into doing everything she could for the young women who came.

They made a good team. During the times Connell had to travel for work, Lily found comfort in being with Oren and Mrs. McCormick, who had become the father and mother she’d never had. And through it all, she’d been learning to trust God to unfold His purposes for her life. He’d been doing so in amazing ways that she couldn’t have planned, even if she’d tried.

She couldn’t make her feet move down the steps fast enough. As she turned the last bend, she paused and peered over the railing. Mrs. McCormick was hugging a young woman, holding her against her bosom like a long-lost daughter.

Even though Lily couldn’t see the face of the girl, tears stung her eyes and her throat constricted. Could it really be her?

Behind her, Connell’s fingers brushed her arm, offering her a measure of support.

Slowly she descended the last several steps. As her slippered feet touched the polished hardwood floor of the entryway, the young girl pulled away from Mrs. McCormick. She swiped at the tears on her face with dirty fingers, leaving smudges on cheeks that were too thin.

Mrs. McCormick stepped back, giving Lily a full view of Daisy. Her hair hung in tangled, matted strands. Her satin dress—the same one Mrs. McCormick had loaned her all those months ago—was tattered and stained and barely recognizable. It hung from her emaciated body. Her skin had lost its lovely creaminess and had a yellowish tint. She covered her mouth and gave a harsh cough that bent her bony shoulders.

First shock, then sadness spiraled through Lily. Oh, Daisy, her heart cried. What have you done? What has become of you?

The young woman standing before her was only a shadow of the sister she’d once known. She was like the dress, worn and lusterless beyond recognition.

But when Daisy straightened, and her big brown eyes met hers, her gaze was the same as it had always been—trusting and filled with hope.

Lily’s heart pinched with a twinge of pain and love. She wanted to rush over to Daisy, grab her into a hug, and never let her go. Instead, she held herself back. She’d pushed the girl away once with all of her mothering and loving. She didn’t want to do it again.

“Hi, Lily.” Daisy’s voice was soft and hoarse.

“It’s good to see you.” Lily smiled at her sister.

“I didn’t know if you’d be happy to see me or not.”

“I’m very happy.”

“You are?” Daisy’s eyes widened. Another coughing spasm took hold of the girl, bending her over with the force. Mrs. McCormick gently patted Daisy’s back until the coughing ceased.

Lily’s throat constricted and her eyes burned with painful tears. She wanted to rush to the girl, usher her upstairs to one of the rooms, and call the doctor.

Connell laid a hand on the small of her back, as if sensing her pain.

Once again, she forced herself not to move.

Finally, Daisy straightened. This time sadness etched the girl’s grimy face. “I’m sorry, Lily. So sorry . . .”

Lily couldn’t speak past the tightness in her throat.

“I’ve been so foolish,” Daisy whispered so low that Lily almost couldn’t hear the words. “So, so foolish . . .”

The ache in Lily’s chest expanded, and it pushed the tears that were brimming in her eyes over the edge and down her cheeks.