Bridge to Haven Read Online Free Page B

and went back into the living room. “Wait right here.” She went to the door and opened it quietly. “Come on in, Pastor Zeke.”
    Daddy took one look at Abra and his brows shot up. His mouth twitched as he gave a sideways look at Mitzi. “Hmmmm.”
    Mitzi put her hands behind her back and smiled, all innocence. “Put the blame on my account, Zeke.” She grinned. “I told her to have at anything she wanted in my room while I called Marianne. I forgot all the temptations. Marianne sounded so tired, I said I’d call you. I didn’t think you’d be here until after five.”
    Daddy held out his hand. “Time to go, Abra.”
    Mommy was asleep on the couch. She roused, but Daddy told herto rest; he’d fix dinner. He told Abra to play quietly. Joshua came in the back door and talked with Daddy. The telephone rang. For the first time Abra could remember, Daddy ignored it.
    Mommy seemed better when they all sat down to dinner. Daddy prayed the blessing. They all talked about their day. Joshua cleared and washed the dishes. Abra tried to help, but he shooed her away. “It’ll be faster if I do it myself.”
    Mommy went to bed early. As soon as Daddy tucked Abra in, he followed. Abra lay awake, listening to the low sound of their voices. It was a long time before she went to sleep.

    Abra awakened in the dark and heard the front door close. Daddy had gone out for his early morning prayer time. She could remember him carrying her on those walks and wished he still did.
    The house felt cold and dark when he was gone, even with Mommy in the next room and Joshua out in his fort. She pushed the covers off and tiptoed into Mommy and Daddy’s bedroom. Mommy shifted and raised her head. “What is it, honey?”
    “I’m scared.”
    Mommy lifted the covers. Abra climbed up and shimmied under. Mommy put an arm around her, covered them both, and held her close. Abra soaked in the warmth and felt drowsy. She awakened when Mommy made an odd sound, a low groan, and muttered, “Not now, Lord. Please. Not now.” She moaned again, her body stiffening. She rolled onto her back.
    Abra turned over. “Mommy?”
    “Go to sleep, baby. Just go back to sleep.” She spoke in a strained voice, as though talking through her teeth. She made a sobbing sound, and then she let out a long breath and relaxed.
    “Mommy?” When she didn’t answer, Abra snuggled close, curling up beside her.
    Awakening abruptly, Abra felt cold, strong hands lift her out of bed. “Back to your own bed, Abra,” Daddy whispered. The cold air made her shiver. Wrapping her arms around herself, she looked back over her shoulder as she headed for the door.
    Daddy went around the bed. “Sleeping in this morning?” He spoke in a soft, loving voice as he leaned down and kissed Mommy. “Marianne?” Straightening, he turned on the light. Her name came out then in a hoarse cry as he flipped away the covers and lifted her.
    Mommy hung in Daddy’s arms like a limp rag doll, her mouth and eyes open.
    Daddy sat on the bed, rocking her back and forth as he sobbed. “Oh, God, no . . . no . . . no .”

CHAPTER 2

The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord!
JOB 1:21
    J OSHUA SAT IN THE FRONT PEW of the church, looking up at his father through eyes blurred with tears. Abra sat beside him, body rigid, tears running down her pale cheeks. When he took her hand, icy fingers gripped his. The pews behind them were packed with mourners, some crying softly. Dad’s voice broke and Joshua flinched, his own tears spilling over. Dad stood for a moment, head bowed, silent. Someone sobbed and Joshua didn’t know if he’d made the sound or Abra.
    Mr. and Mrs. Matthews moved from the row just behind them and sat on either side of Joshua and Abra. Penny squeezed in between her mother and Abra, and took Abra’s hand. Mr. Matthews put his arm around Joshua.
    Dad raised his head slowly and looked at them. “It’s very difficult to say good-bye