Let Me Call You Sweetheart Chapter 7, Page 68
Christy and Timi Anne had been invited to Sunday dinner at the O'Neill's home. Rick offered to pick her up using the family farm truck. Christy was so happy to see Rick. He greeted her family with a big smile, but they were very concerned to see Christy leave with Timi Anne.
"Now be careful. Don't stay too long," Anne Lipinski urged as she stood outside in the cold watching them leave until she couldn't see them anymore.
"My mother is so obsessive with Timi Anne. It'll feel great to be away for awhile!" she smiled warmly at Rick.
"I could hardly wait to see you both." Rick told her. "I've been busy cleaning up at Billees after church. Seems like Constable Nathan had a rowdy bachelor party there last night. Lee wanted it cleaned up spotless."
"Mountie Nathan seems like a pretty nice man and a very caring Mountie. If it wasn't for him, Timi Anne and I wouldn't be here with you now." Christy affirmed.
"Well, it wasn't his idea. Seems his best man is Judge Avery and for some reason he decided to hire some dancing ladies. Sam told me all about it. He said Mountie Nathan was very embarrassed and Mr. Coulter wasn't happy." Rick shared with Christy.
"Was there a fight?"
"No, but this morning at church, Pastor Joseph gave us all a sermon on drunkenness and quarreling. I was wondering why most of the men went up for an altar call. After what Sam said, I figured it must have been about the party."
"What's an altar call?" Christy asked.
"You are Catholic right?" Rick asked. Christy nodded yes. "So are we, so I'm not sure. I think it's kind of like confession, but in front of everybody. They went to the front of church by Pastor and he asked them if they repented and wanted to claim salvation by God, something like that." Rick explained.
"My family says the rosary every night together. We don't have a church to go to, so when the visiting priest comes we go to mass. Dad said they're busy with plans to build one around here." Christy said.
"That's good. How's your family doing with Timi Anne?" Rick asked.
"Oh, they all love her to pieces. I only have time with her when I feed her. I actually miss my alone time with her. Mama seems to take over a lot and it bothers me sometimes. I wish she'd let me take care of my own daughter." Christy was frustrated.
"My mom will probably be the same when we go inside." Rick warned her as they pulled up to his family farm. Rick got out and ran to the other side, as he helped Christy who was holding Timi Anne step out. "Can I hold her please?" his eyes lit up.
"Sure Rick, she is your daughter too." Christy smiled warmly and gently handed Timi Anne to Rick and then wrapped her arm through his and they walked together into the O'Neill house.
The O'Neill's were in the living room when they came in. Timi Anne gave out a little cry and they both came rushing to the door. "Oh, look here Ma, our little girl is here!" Sean was calling Mary over.
Christy looked at Rick who was not handing her over to his folks just yet. He definitely wanted to hold her as he missed his daughter. "I'm tending to her now. I just got to hold her."
As Mary leaned in closer, she said delightedly, "Oh, she's so precious! It's hard to wait!"
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. O'Neill!" Christy greeted Rick's parents.
"Oh, hello child." Sean smiled.
"Come in Christy, and have a seat" Mary nodded to the living room. "Sorry, we lost our manners, it's just that Timi Anne stole our attention."
As Christy walked in she looked around and saw a few framed family photographs. Then she saw one of Timothy and her heart sank. He was so handsome, it took her breath away, so she had to look away. She hadn't thought much about him lately because of how busy she had been taking care of her baby, and being back home in the busyness of her family's home. Rick saw her with her shoulders sagging, and walked over putting his arm around her. Christy rested her head against his arm and felt comforted. He knew exactly what she needed and she appreciated that in him.
Mrs. O'Neill asked if she would like some hot tea and she accepted a cup. They talked cordially for awhile about life in general. Soon Rick handed Timi Anne to his mother and her eyes sparkled as she watched every little move she made and every little gurgle she said. Both Sean and Mary were enthralled with this little one. They realized it was God who was handing them a gift of life. No one could replace Timothy, but Timi Anne was beginning a circle of life for their family.
It was exactly what they needed to begin their journey of healing and God knew.
The afternoon was a fun break for Christy and soon Timi Anne was ready to nurse. Mrs. O'Neill took Christy to their bedroom and gave Christy some privacy so she could feed her daughter. When she came back in to check on them, Timi Anne was sleeping, so she laid out a clean quilt on the bed and they laid her there to nap, covering her tiny body with the other half of the quilt. Mary put her hand on Christy's shoulder and tenderly drew her into her arms giving her a hug. No words were said.
Mary being an avid Irish cook, had prepared beef stew and date pecan bread. While Timi Anne slept, the four of them ate the delicious dinner and talked, getting to know eachother. It was much quieter than Christy's house and she relaxed. Sean O'Neill was no longer grumpy and had been slowly coming back to his life with his family.
Rick told them all that he would help get the farm back in shape, but that he had definite plans to work for Mr. Coulter, so he could save money to build himself a home. Christy first heard about this when he was sharing this with his folks. She looked at him wondering what he was thinking.
Christy helped Mrs. O'Neill with the dishes and later went to check in on Timi Anne, only to find Rick in the bedroom watching his daughter. This warmed Christy's heart and she stepped in. Rick looked at her and welcomed her in his arms. They watched Timi Anne breathe and wiggle in her sleep. When Christy looked up at Rick he had tears in his eyes. Christy tenderly reached up and wiped his tears. Rick looked at Christy and then ever so gently kissed her.
