Sweet Reckoning

“How are you feeling, Marna?” Patti asked her. Ginger stiffened.

“I’m . . . all right. Bit hungrier than usual is all.”

Patti watched her carefully. “And how are you holding up?”

Marna swallowed, and for one second her happy face slipped to reveal the turmoil underneath. “I’m okay,” she whispered. “I don’t want anyone to worry about me.”

“I know you don’t, dear. But everyone loves you. And it’s okay to lean on others when you need.”

“Thank you,” Marna whispered, and with a single sniffle she would say no more. Ginger never looked up. The beaters trembled in my hand. Marna didn’t want us to make a big deal about her circumstances, and I respected that, but we surely all felt the ache inside about what was to come.

Patti leaned in next to me when I finished the potatoes. “Those look great, honey. Time to set the table.” She smacked a kiss on my cheek.

I opened the cabinet and looked at the full set of dishes.

“Did you buy all this?” I asked. They looked fancier than something she would have chosen.

“The entire house was stocked and furnished when I got here.”

I couldn’t place the faraway look on her face, but I knew it had to do with Dad’s thoughtfulness.

I counted plates while Marna took out silverware. Zania came in and got out glassware. Ginger gave the gravy a stir, seeming to enjoy the springy whisk. It was funny how the guys and girls had congregated separately, sort of like Patti gave off feminine vibes that drew us girls under her wings. Laughter sounded from the family room, where the guys were watching something, and Patti’s eyes sparkled. She finally had herself a big family to spoil, even if only for a day.

We brought the dishes to the massive oak dining table in the adjoining room, and Patti showed Marna and Ginger the proper layout. I approached Zania as she was filling a pitcher with ice water.

“How are you feeling?” I asked.

She held out her hand for me to see. “No more shaking. I still crave it. Every day. But I will never drink again.”

I knew that feeling. I nodded and rubbed her back. “I’m proud of you, Z.”

“I have all of you to thank. And your papa.”

“How are things in Boston? Do you like it there?”

Zania bit her lip. Her olive cheeks reddened. “Things are very well in Boston. Brother Kopano is only allowed in the garden area, but he visits every day if he can.”

“I’m so glad,” I said. I wondered about her relationship with Kope, if they’d talked about their future, but I didn’t want to pry, especially with listening ears around. I also wondered if he had told her about the kiss he and I shared, and, with a pang, I hoped he hadn’t.

Together we filled the water glasses and set the feast of food around the table. I could feel myself being watched, and sure enough, when I turned around, I had a perfect view of Kaidan sitting on the love seat, one arm over the back of it, capturing me with a hot stare. Why did he always have to look so dangerous and alluring?

“All right, guys!” Patti called. “Dinner’s ready!”

The boys wasted no time piling into the room. Patti sat at the head of the table. Down one side were Jay, Marna, Kopano, and Zania. Down the other side were Ginger, Blake, Kaidan, and me. Ginger had bumped me aside when I tried to sit next to Patti, so I let her. I couldn’t bring myself to be jealous. Sitting on the end next to Kai, across from Z, I couldn’t complain. I loved seeing all eight of us in couples. Everyone except Patti, that is. She looked around the table, that motherly grin of satisfaction never leaving her face.

“Do y’all mind if I pray?” she asked.

Silence.

Blake, Kaidan, and the twins were frozen stiff, and though Patti had to sense it, her warm smile never faltered. I saw Kopano give Marna a small nudge, and she cleared her throat.

“Um, whatever you’d like, Patti.”

In awkward movements, everyone looked around hesitantly until Patti said, “Let’s hold hands.” So we reached out for each other. My heart thumped, hoping the awkwardness in the air would pass. Kaidan twined his fingers with mine, and his palm felt clammy. I bowed my head and closed my eyes.

Patti’s voice was soft. Almost immediately a blanket of peace seemed to drape itself over the room. “Heavenly Father . . .” She sighed as if already overwhelmed. “You’re certainly asking a lot of these precious children, and I can see why. The possibilities in them are endless, and I hope they can feel that strength in themselves. We don’t know exactly what’s in store, but we know the battle won’t be easy. I beg you to fortify their hearts, prepare their minds, and free them of fear.” Her voice got thick, and I heard Marna sniff. The moment felt so peaceful. So right. “And while you’re at it, please help me not to worry. Thank you for this day, and bless this meal. Amen.”

Amens were whispered around the table. When we lifted our heads and opened our eyes, I sucked in a surprised breath, and I wasn’t the only one. The room was bathed in bright light that shone down through the ceiling. I had to squint. It stayed with us only a few seconds before lifting, leaving us Nephilim gaping.

“What is it?” Patti asked.

She couldn’t see the light.

Jay looked around at our wide eyes, too. “What just happened?”

Marna leaned into his arms. “Everything’s going to be okay,” she said, letting him rub her arm and kiss her head.