Page 88 of Beyond the Desert Sands

“Yes, but Diego has no interest in God,” Papi declared.

“Has anyone bothered to share God with him?” Mama asked, looking from person to person.

Isabella shook her head and pushed aside her guilt. “I’ve only just made things right with God myself. I certainly haven’t been a good example or a godly witness to Diego or anyone else.”

Aaron met her gaze and looked away as if ashamed. He was clearly wrestling with his feelings about the matter.

“We should have been better to him. We should have shared about Jesus,” Mama said.

“We should have,” Papi agreed. “And maybe one of you will while he awaits his trial in jail, but he must face his consequences.”

Isabella knew she wasn’t going to convince her father otherwise. “Well, I’m just glad to be home. I’m going to find something to eat and then take a nice hot bath.”

“None of us have eaten,” Mama said, moving around Papi’s chair. “I’ll go see what we can prepare in quick order. I’ll have Maya bring it here, and we’ll celebrate. Aaron, can you get Daniel back to bed?”

“Of course.” Aaron went to Papi’s side.

Isabella got out of the way. Her father was barely able to sit up. He looked so weary. No doubt this entire situation had taken a toll on him. When she considered how it had caused him so much worry and fear, she almost changed her mind about Diego.

Before Aaron had Daniel back in bed, Lupe ran into the room in her nightgown and robe. She squealed at the sight of Isabella. “I’m so glad you’re home. I was so afraid for you.” She hugged Isabella despite the difference in their stations.

Isabella moaned but hugged her back. “I’m glad to be home, Lupe. So very glad.”

“What can I do to help you?”

“I’m going to eat something, and then I would love a bath, but I don’t want to make you work. Maybe just a pan of hot water.”

“No. I will make you a bath. You deserve it after all you’ve been through. You eat and then come upstairs. I will have it ready.” The maid all but danced out of the room, leaving Isabella to shake her head.

“She must be in love. I’ve never seen her so happy.”

Her father laughed as Aaron arranged the pillows behind his head. “Is that why you’re so forgiving? Because you too are in love?”

Isabella cocked her head as she considered her father’s words. “Being in love does make me feel better about most everything, so perhaps. But I want to learn to be a very forgiving person no matter what.” She glanced at Aaron. “I’ve had to forgive some, but I’ve had to be forgiven much. It’s time I learned to forgive easily and without such a battle.”

It wasn’t long before they were eating cold tamales and fried chicken, along with barely warmed refried beans and tortillas. Maya had arranged the food on the small table in Daniel’s room and brought in extra chairs. Isabella thought nothing had ever tasted so good, but exhaustion was starting to take its toll. As was the pain in her side.

When she reached for another tortilla, she couldn’t help giving a yelp of pain. She grabbed her side. “Sorry.”

“I think the doctor needs to check you over,” Mama declared.

“I agree.” Aaron had mentioned on the way down that he thought a doctor should check her ribs, but Isabella hated to be fussed over after everything else that had happened.

“I’m sure I’m fine.”

“The doctor will be here in the morning to see yourfather. He can look at you too.” Mama smiled and passed the tamales to Aaron. “More?”

Aaron shook his head. “I think I’m going to clean up and go to bed.”

Isabella nodded. “I feel the same way.” She glanced at her father and saw that he was already sleeping. “He’s so much weaker, isn’t he? This has cost him his last reserves of strength. I’m so sorry.”

Mama gave her hand a squeeze. “He will rest easy now that you’re safely home. Whatever time he has left, it will be spent pleasurably, knowing you are here.”

Isabella felt she had barely gotten to sleep when Maya was waking her back up. “Your mama said to come. Your papa...”

She didn’t need to say anything more. Isabella got up quickly and pulled on her robe. The pain in her side gave her pause, but only for a few seconds. If Mama was sending for her, it must be the end.

Isabella hurried down the stairs. Aaron was already at the bottom, waiting for her.

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