Page 67 of The Baxters
“Baxters are believers—in God, in His Word—the Bible—and in being kind to each other above all.” He took his time, like he was being careful to make this a reminder and not a reprimand. “We respect each other and people outside of our home. And we cherish the time we have together.”
Ashley didn’t know about the whole God part, but she nodded anyway. Her dad was right. These were the things that had defined them through the years, and they mattered. She remembered that now, too. Even if she didn’t agree with every point.
Beside her she felt Landon approving, moving his head as Ashley’s dad spoke. Landon had always respected Ashley’s father. On the other wall, Erin and Luke nodded, too. Their eyes were soft, like they were hanging on every word their dad spoke.
“But let me be clear on one thing.” Dad looked around the storm shelter. “Baxters aren’t perfect. Tonight was proof of that.”
He continued. “We will make mistakes… and say things we don’t mean.” He paused. “But when that happens, this family makes things right. Before a single day passes. We apologize and forgive and hug each other. So that before too much time goes by, we’re laughing again.” He looked at Luke and then Ashley. “Sitting in the same room and supporting each other again. Even in the midst of a terrible storm.”
Outside, the sirens stopped their wailing. The worst of the storm must be over. Ashley glanced toward thestairs. No telling how bad things looked outside, but down here the family was still in one piece.
Ashley looked at Cole, sleeping in her arms. Then she lifted her gaze to her family and Landon.
Her father glanced around the room again. “I’d like to pray for us, for all of us.” He stood and the others did the same thing. “It’d be nice if we all held hands. The way we used to pray when you all were little.”
When they were all on their feet, Ashley held Cole close and took her mom’s hand. Beside her, Landon put his hand on her shoulder and he took hold of Luke’s hand with the other. When the circle was complete, Dad bowed his head and closed his eyes. “Let’s pray.”
Then he did what he’d done for their family on more occasions than Ashley could count. He asked God to protect them and guide them, train them and use them. “We want to be a light for this world, Lord. Help us keep our eyes on what matters. And help us love You and each other. And anyone else You might bring into our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
“Amen.” Ashley didn’t think twice about saying the word. It was an honor to be in the same room as her family, their father praying over them the way he had when they were younger.
The room grew quiet except for the sounds of everyone hugging each other. After a minute when the sirens stayed silent, they climbed the basement stairs back up into the house. The walls were still standing and everything seemed to be in order. They had survivedone of the wildest days in all their lives. Stronger for it, better.
And for the first time in a long time Ashley felt something she hadn’t thought she’d ever feel again.
She felt like a Baxter.
FOR LANDON, THEworst thing about the storm passing was the moment Ashley let go of his hand. Landon could’ve stayed in the basement forever, listening to John Baxter, sitting beside Ashley, her fingers soft between his.
Now, he watched Ashley pass Cole to her mother. She turned to Landon. “I’ll walk you out.”
“Okay.” Landon sighed. He walked with her to the front of the house. “Here.” He took the blue gift bag from the floor and handed it to Ashley. “It isn’t much.” He paused. “Oh… and there’s a card inside. For you, Ash.”
A familiar softness came over Ashley, something he hadn’t seen in such a long time. It made her even more beautiful, if that were possible. She took the bag and peered inside. “So nice of you, Landon.”
“Like I said, I meant to send him a gift before this.” He pressed his shoulder into the door and studied her.
She looked at him, for a long time. “I still have them. Every letter you ever wrote to me.”
“You do?” His heart felt suddenly lighter. “Really?”
“Mmm.” She nodded. Her eyes held a shy look. “Every one.”
Landon remembered the last letter he sent her. After he’d sobered up and been released from the hospital, he had decided not to be angry or hurt or devastated about Ashley’s place in his life, the times they’d shared. Until now, he wasn’t sure she’d received it.
“I never wrote back.” She put her hand on his shoulder. “Something else I’m sorry for. It was… the sweetest letter.” Her smile started in her eyes. “All those times we shared. I practically memorized it.”
Landon’s heart lifted. That meant she had read it more than once. Often, even. He let her comment pass. It was enough that he knew without making her feel possibly awkward about caring too much. “You amaze me, Ashley Baxter.” He took her hand again. The passion from earlier was gone. But what remained was powerful. “I’ll just leave it at that.”
She laughed and pulled the tissue paper from the bag. “I better open it.” Then she pulled out the bookHorton Hears a Who!She set the bag and paper down and thumbed through the book. “I love this story.”
“Seemed to fit.” He grinned at her. “Because you really are a good mother, Ashley. Give yourself a chance. I think you’ll be one of the best.”
Their conversation was quiet, just the two of them. Everyone else was in the living room, laughing about something. The mood was so different than when Landon had arrived hours ago.
She reached back into the bag. “The card? It’s inhere?” She pulled it from the bag. “Should I read it now?”
“No.” Again Landon didn’t want Ashley to feel awkward. “Read it later.”
