Page 71 of Healing Love

“Mi hija,” Bonita said, placing her hand on Miriam’s cheek calling her daughter, “I am so sorry for what you suffered.”

Miriam blushed, not knowing what to say.

“But you have made me a happy woman, knowing such amujer fuerteloves my son.”

Miriam recognized the name of the river and understood that she was being called a strong woman. “I’m the lucky one,” she confessed. “The handsome prince not only came to rescue me, but…well, he loves me too.”

Bonita laughed, patting Miriam’s arm. “Then you are both blessed and in being so, are blessing our family. Iwish youmuchafelicidad y larga vida junta.” Seeing Miriam’s questioning gaze, she translated, “Much happiness and long life together.”

Cam was watching and took a step toward her, but his father held him back.

“Let your mother speak to her,” Henrico said.

“Dad, you have no idea,” Cam growled. “No idea how much she’s been through.”

“Your mother will have a care,” his father replied.

Cam could not relax until he saw Miriam smile and embrace his mother. Letting out a breath he did not know he was holding, he grinned as she turned her smile toward him.

Saying their goodbyes later in the evening, Bonita proclaimed she wanted to meet Miriam’s family and would invite them all over soon.

With thoughts of their two huge, in-their-business families together, Cam and Miriam looked askance at each other before heading home.

Miriam dressed with indecision, trying on and discarding several outfits.What should I wear to a Red Cross event?Since her main garb was nursing scrubs, she finally called her sister over for some fashion advice. Rebecca quickly chose long, black, silky pants covered with silk netting over the top. When she walked, the loose material fell perfectly off her ass, flowing down to the floor.An emerald green, silk, wrap-around top with long sleeves completed the classic appearance thatMiriam wanted. A strand of pearls at her neck with matching pearl studs in her ears finished the polished look.

Rebecca stood in the bedroom of Cam’s house, smiling as she watched her sister prance in front of the mirror.

Miriam caught Rebecca’s smile and cocked her head to the side. “What?”

Rebecca smiled wider, answering, “It’s good to see you more like…I don’t know…yourself right now.”

A shadow passed across Miriam’s expression as she walked over, grasping Rebecca’s hand. “Have I been difficult?”

“No! Not at all difficult,” her sister exclaimed. Looking down at their hands, she continued, “Just different. Kind of lost. Sad.” Her gaze jumped back to Miriam. “That’s completely understandable, of course, but as your family, we didn’t know how to help you.” Then, giggling, she added, “Mama’s been doing a lot of housework and washing dishes.”

Miriam joined in shared laughter knowing their mother prayed during her household chores, saying that for every dish or room she cleaned, she prayed for the person who used it. As the laughter died down, Miriam sighed heavily. “I know everyone was sick with worry when I was gone and then when I returned…I…well, it was hard on everyone.”

“Dad kept saying that as long as you were back, we could handle anything you needed from us.”

Miriam enveloped her in a hug. “I love you all, youknow? Not being able to be with you while I was gone was the hardest of all.”

Rebecca returned the hug, her tears mingling with Miriam’s. “But now, you’re home, have a new career, and a gorgeous man.” Pulling back, she gazed deeply into Miriam’s eyes. “I know those things don’t take away your memories or terrors, but…”

“Yes, they make everything worthwhile,” Miriam finished for her. Turning back to the mirror, she said, “Now what do we do with my hair?”

Clapping her hands, Rebecca quickly dried her tears, and the two women continued their afternoon.

Cam drove Miriam into Richmond that evening, parking in the garage near the elegant, restored Richmond Hotel in the revitalized downtown area. He noted her anxiety and clasped her hand in his, entwining their fingers.

“You okay, babe?”

She licked her lips and nodded nervously. “I don’t know why I’m anxious. I’m excited to see Sister Genovia again and well…quite frankly, that’s the only thing I care about. All this other stuff makes me self-conscious.”

He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “Just know that you’re the most beautiful woman here and I don’t mean only on the outside.”

She turned her face up toward his, gifting him with her smile. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly,she nudged his arm and said, “Okay, big boy. Let’s get the show on the road.”

The dinner was rather ordinary, and their table companions were several older couples who had worked for the local Red Cross blood drives. She deflected their questions as to what she did for the Red Cross but was surprised when the main speaker asked all nurses who had answered the Red Cross calls during the previous disasters to please stand. She hesitated, but then saw that many of the event goers were nurses and no specifications to Mexico were made. Quickly sitting at the end of the applause, she heaved a sigh of relief.

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