Free Rising Darkness by Nancy Mehl

I was fairly confident he wouldn’t recognize me. Tom hadn’t known me, so I had tohope Jonathon wouldn’t either. I looked nothing like the dirty child I’d once been.
    The waitress’s eyes swept across the room. “We only have one table clear right now.” To my horror, I heard her say, “Jonathon, would you mind sitting with this lady? At least until we have another table cleaned off?”
    â€œI’d be happy to. Thanks, Rosey.” That wonderful voice. The one I’d been trying to erase from my memory for so long. I felt a touch on my shoulder. “I hope you don’t mind, ma’am.”
    All I could do was shake my head. Once again, a feeling of unreality enveloped me. How could Jonathon Wiese be in Sanctuary?
    I followed the waitress to the table she indicated. As we made our way across the room, people called out to Jonathon, greeting him with enthusiasm and confirming that I hadn’t been mistaken. It was definitely Jonathon.
    When we reached our table, he held out my chair, and I sat down. As he slid into his seat, I scanned his face again. As impossible as it seemed, I was sitting across from a man I’d never planned to see again in this lifetime.
    I suddenly noticed a hand in front of my face. I turned to look up at the young woman who’d seated us.
    â€œI’m Rosey,” she said. “My mom and I own this restaurant.”
    I took her hand and shook it. “I—I’m Emily McClure. Just visiting. Trying to find out something about a family member who used to live here.”
    She frowned and let go of my hand. “Oh? Do you mind if I ask who?”
    â€œMiriam Byler. Turns out she was my great-aunt. Her sister, Clara, was my grandmother. My mother just found out she was adopted and that she was Clara’s daughter.” I was babbling, but frankly, I was just happy I could get any words out at all.
    Rosey’s eyebrows shot up. “I knew Miriam pretty well. Met Clara, too. She came to town quite often before she passed away. When she came to visit, she and Miriam would come here to eat.” She smiled. “They were both wonderful women. You should be proud to be related to them.”
    â€œThank you,” I said, trying to smile back. “I really appreciate that.”
    She nodded. “What can I get you two to drink?”
    â€œI think I’d like a cup of coffee.”
    Rosey smiled at me. “You’re stronger than I am. If I had coffee in the afternoon, I’d be up all night.” She swung her attention to Jonathon. “And for you, Pastor?”
    Pastor? My mouth almost dropped open. Jonathon was wearing contemporary clothing, not the usual Mennonite uniform. I noticed his hair was shorter than I remembered it. He’d always worn it a little long back home. But as a pastor, he probably felt the need for a more conservative hairstyle. Suddenly, I remembered the other church I’d passed as I came into town. Jonathon must be that church’s pastor.
    â€œI think I’ll join the young lady,” he said with a glance at me. “I’ll have coffee, too.”
    â€œTwo brave souls,” Rosey said. “Here are your menus. I’ll be back in a minute.”
    I took the menu from her hand, but Jonathon waved his away. Obviously, he’d been here before.
    As Rosey went to help someone else, I quickly scanned the room. I’d come here hoping to spot Terrance Chase, but at the moment I couldn’t think about anything except Jonathon. Unwillingly, I met my dinner companion’s eyes.
    â€œI’m Jonathon Wiese,” he said with a smile. “Welcome to Sanctuary. If I can do anything to help you, please let me know. Miriam and I were friends.”
    I steeled myself the best I could, running my affirmations through my head. I was no longer Sophie Wittenbauer, a wayward, pitiful child. I was Sophie Bauer, educated, sophisticated, and strong.
    â€œI