Page 39 of Time to Stirrup Love
“Pearl,” she said, stunned. “I wasn’t expecting to see you.”
Since the incident, Pearl had been very sick and Margaid hadn’t had much of a chance to speak to her, so she was glad to see her out and about, but she still looked a bit peaked.
“I wanted to drop by and tell you they caught those hunters. Thanks to you for reporting the illegal trap.”
“Oh, that’s awesome. Would you like to come in?”
“I would.”
Margaid stepped to the side to let Pearl in. She had the distinct feeling that there was more Pearl wanted to talk about.
“Make yourself at home. I mean, this is your home but…”
Pearl laughed nervously. “I get it.”
Pearl sat on the edge of the floral couch. Perched there very much like her brother. Margaid sat down in the chair across from her.
“What can I help you with, Pearl?”
Pearl worried her bottom lip. “College. I want to go to college.”
It surprised her. “Oh. That’s awesome. Do you have questions?”
Pearl reached into her pocket and pulled out a letter and handed it to her. Margaid could see it was an acceptance letter to the state college. A full scholarship, so Pearl didn’t need financial help. It all looked so amazing.
“I’m twenty and…my mom and Finn are so nervous about letting me go. I want to be a nurse, a nurse practitioner eventually, and then come back to Harmony Glen and help people here.”
She smiled at Pearl. “That sounds wonderful.”
“It’s been a dream of mine I’ve been holding back. Then the incident with the full moon and…how can I really go? I know the world knows about us.” Pearl dropped her head in her hands. “Not sure they’re all accepting of us.”
Margaid knew then what she was worried about. Pearl had had a close call and Margaid couldn’t blame her for being worried. She had this protection here with Finn and her mother, even the town, but Pearl wanted more. And Margaid understood that, that’s what she wanted. There had to be a solution for Pearl.
“Is state far?” Margaid asked.
“No. It’s close.”
“Maybe you could come home during a full moon?”
“That’s true. I could.” Pearl’s eyes twinkled. “Now, it’s just a matter of convincing my mother and my brother.”
“If you want to go to college, you should.”
Pearl sighed. “Finn gave up so much to help when our dad died, though.”
Margaid reached out and touched Pearl’s knee, giving it a squeeze. “He wants you to be happy. Don’t be scared and talk to them.”
“I will. Thanks, Margaid.” Pearl stood up and took back her letter. “I better go. You’re good for Finn, you know. He’s been happy. Have you ever thought about staying? I mean it’s the town motto. Happily ever afters.”
Margaid chuckled. “I have. Maybe. My job takes me all over.”
Pearl nodded. “Think about it. I’ll see myself out.”
Margaid sat there mulling it all over. What if she did stay? What if she could make her life with Finn? The thought made her happy. She could transfer to a local ministry office. Maybe oversee the waters around here? That would be a big chance.
Of course, she was gambling on a lot of unknowns. Finn knew her time here was temporary. What if he only wanted her for a short time?
There’s a simple solution, dunderhead. Talk to him.
