Chapter 4: Meeting

© Copyright 2009 by Rachel Rossano
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rachel-rossano.blogspot.com

Daniel took a deep shuddering breath and let it out slowly as he stepped out of the pastor’s offices. The last meeting was over. The church leadership was positive and hopeful about the Lord’s plans for His work in South Africa. They had rejoiced with him in the many blessings and provisions that the Lord had given. And after a long day of meetings, Daniel finally had time to seek out Anne.

As he walked back toward the main portion of church building, he began to wonder if Anne would be around. Silence echoed in the rooms he passed and he didn’t hear any shuffling in corridor ahead. Then Dean’s voice came from the foyer.

“All free,” he yelled.

A frantic patter of feet answered as a small person barreled past Daniel in a mad dash for the foyer. The nursery door ahead opened and the girl, braids flying, easily avoided it.

As the door closed Daniel’s heart leapt. Anne, attention still focused on the foyer beyond and the laughter of Dean and at least two other children, stood in the hall before him. Her golden hair, still long, fell over her shoulder in a thick braid. Wisps of hair had escaped and were curling around her ears and the edges of her face.

“Anne.”

She turned and met his gaze. A flicker of recognition registered in her face and a slight blush flushed her cheeks as she smiled a welcome.

“Welcome home,” she said.

“I was hoping to run into you sooner.”

She nodded. “Me too, but it has been a full day. Do you mind if I throw these out?”

Only then did Daniel notice the garbage bags in her hands. “Of course not.” He stepped aside so she could pass him, catching a whiff of orange blossoms as she did. He then turned to follow her. “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind having dinner with me. I can drop Dean off at his aunt’s and we could grab something, your choice.”

She leaned against the back door and looked up at him. “I would love that. We have a lot to talk about.” She smiled. “I want to hear all about South Africa.” Daniel held the door for her as she tossed the bags into the garbage bin. “How did the meetings with the Pastor go?” she asked.

She walked past him to go wash her hands, and he followed. “Very well. They are pleased with my reports and want to increase my support.”

“That is wonderful.” She disappeared inside the nursery bathroom to emerge a moment later, hands damp but clean. “How is Dean adjusting to all the moving?”

Daniel smiled as he replied. “He likes it a lot actually. He is a pretty resilient young man.” And Anne was the same as always. Constantly concerned about others before herself. It was a joy to watch her as she straightened the last of the toys, smoothed a quilt over the back of a chair, and finally nodded before closing the door on the nursery. He followed her to the foyer where Dean and his new friends were sitting on the steps into the auditorium.

Dean looked up and sighed. “I am tired Uncle Dan.”

“Well, I was just going to say it was time to go to Aunt Lynda’s. You should probably get your coat.”

With great drama, Dean dragged himself to his feet and over to the coat rack. Anne watched him with laughter in her eyes, and Daniel couldn’t help smiling himself.




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