Leave a Candle Burning by Lori Wick Page A

looked at him, knowing he’d been struggling with the same thoughts. What if the two of them died and left Valerie? That question had been in their minds since hearing of the death of Dannan’s cousin, but now that they’d seen Corina and heard her cries, it put new meaning on the whole situation. It also placed new meaning on their faith in the character of God. Was He a God who could be trusted with the life of their daughter? Their Bibles said yes, but their hearts were taking a little time to follow.
    Jace suddenly put his arms around Maddie and spoke with his lips close to her ear.
    “Everyone else is asking themselves the same questions. We’re not alone in this. We’re going to keep trusting and talking to others who are working to trust just as we are.”
    Maddie nodded against his chest, almost relieved that Valerie began to fuss. She thanked Jace after he kissed her and turned to take care of her daughter. Jace exited to stable the team and keep praying that he and Maddie would believe what they’d read and heard.

     
    “Are you all right?” Reese asked Conner the moment they stepped inside their front door.
    “What made you ask that?” Conner responded.
    “You’re quieter than usual.”
    Conner didn’t immediately answer. He’d been very affected by Corina’s cries and was still thinking about her but also about Dannan. That man had lost a close friend and a cousin, and yet he had to carry on. And without a wife, no one was there to share his tears and remind him that in God’s care, all was going to be well.
    “Conner?” his wife tried again.
    “I am all right, but I can’t get Dannan and Corina off my mind.”
    “I’m glad he’ll be with Douglas and Alison today.”
    Conner agreed, but a part of his heart wished Dannan was with them. He wasn’t sure why, but the desire to take care of Dannan was amazingly strong.
    “Tomorrow,” Reese said, and Conner looked at her. “He’ll be here tomorrow for lunch. We’ll have him then.”
    Conner wasn’t sure how he felt about her reading his thoughts so clearly, but he still put his arms around her and held her until Troy showed up. He had walked home, his heart just as heavy over Dannan.

     
    “It was the most heartbreaking sound I’ve ever heard,” Scottie whispered to Eli, still working to control her emotions. “She was so frightened of that bee. And then to call for her mother—” Scottie stopped, not sure she could think about it anymore but wanting her husband to know.
    Eli took her hand. “You don’t have to tell me.”
    “But she’ll be here tomorrow, and I want you to know how precious she is, and what a good job Dannan is doing.”
    “But your telling me can wait until you feel better talking about it.”
    Scottie stared across the room for a moment. She didn’t cry, but she wanted to. She usually never lingered long after services, but today she’d left without speaking to anyone. She wanted only to get home and talk to Eli, and now she couldn’t find the words.
    “I guess there’s really nothing else to say,” Scottie sighed. “Douglas handled it well, but he was shaken too. And Dannan came back in during the closing prayer. Corina was calm by then.”
    Eli gave her hand a little squeeze. “Tomorrow starts a great opportunity for us.”
    Scottie looked at him.
    “Even though Corina is Iris’ responsibility, you and I can both show her kindness and caring, in turn, making this time easier for her small heart.”
    Scottie nodded in agreement, suddenly so weary that she felt she was drooping on the side of the bed.
    “Why don’t you rest for a while?”
    “Do you mind having dinner alone?”
    “Not at all. I’ll eat now and when you’re ready, have Finn bring your tray up here.”
    “Thank you,” Scottie said.
    Eli smiled at her and watched her leave the room. He heard her door shut down the hall a few seconds later and knew she’d be asleep as soon as her head found the pillow.

     
    “Cathy?” Doyle