Free Year of Jubilee by Peggy Trotter

wagon ride was made in silence,
Jubilee’s emotions going in circles about this family trip.
    The church looked beautiful among the maple
trees, now fully leafed out. Irises bloomed around the foundation
in a multitude of colors. The simple building sported a tall
steeple above the two white entry doors. Pastor Barnett and his
small wife stood at the top of the stairs, greeting people.
    After Rafe lifted her down in silence,
Esther bustled to meet her with a smile and a hug. Jubilee wasn’t
sure what to do. It was a new sensation for someone to receive her
in such a welcoming manner. The pastor’s wife chattered away,
escorting them to the sanctuary. Her husband descended the stairs
to greet them with a handshake and a grin. Jubilee’s face grew warm
at the parishioners’ stares as the Barnetts made a fuss over them.
Finally, they entered and took a back seat behind a young,
blond-haired couple with a baby.
    The congregation stood to sing after the
pastor gave a short introduction. The song was unfamiliar to
Jubilee, so she moved her lips to hide the fact that she didn’t
know it. Next to her, Rafe’s low voice joined in. He knew the words
and his tone was pleasant and deep. They sat and Jubilee looked
around discreetly, having the advantage of sitting in the back.
    Her mind returned to her companion who
shifted, bumping his leg against hers. She tried to focus on the
pastor, who stepped to the front to start the sermon. He wasn’t a
yeller, he was quiet. She had to strain to hear some of his words.
He appeared to have a real burden for lost people and a deep
conviction of reaching out to everyone in the area.
    Somewhere in the middle of the sermon, the
baby in front of her began playing peek-eye. Jubilee tried not to
pay attention to the little imp, but it was difficult. With blond
hair and a flash of bright blue eyes, she was adorable. When at
last they stood for the benediction, the baby, whose face now
peered over her father’s tall shoulder, grinned openly. Jubilee did
her best to keep her gaze toward the song leader. After the closing
hymn, the couple in front of them turned to introduce themselves
and apologized for their child’s antics.
    “Ve are most sorry. She not good on church.”
The father grinned and the baby dove for her mother’s arms. “I am
Ivan Larsson. Dis Elsa. And dis, dis Britta.”
    “Ve are neighbors.” Elsa smiled, her green
eyes warm as she wrestled the bouncing child. “Ve move in few
months back.”
    Rafe reached out and gave Ivan a firm
handshake. Jubilee couldn’t help but smile at Elsa’s friendly face.
Elsa was taller than her by a good six inches and slightly plump.
Her dress was a plain blue, yet well-made and new.
    “You plant fields? My done. Is gud wetter
for da planting.” Ivan, with his strong Swedish accent, started a
conversation with Rafe while young Britta reached out, babbling for
Jubilee.
    Startled, Jubilee looked at Elsa. But she
offered the child to her with a laugh. “You hold? She like
you.”
    Uncertain, Jubilee held her arms out for the
chubby little girl who grabbed for her bonnet ties, knotted loosely
to allow the hat to hang on her back. Britta clapped and threw her
arms up in delight, grinning and showing her four white teeth.
Jubilee was captivated and caught her breath at her antics. Britta
squealed and held out her pint-sized hands, opening them and
closing them towards the beams of light through the shutters.
    “Yah, likes the light, she does.” Elsa
beckoned Jubilee to bring the sprite closer to the windows. The
baby reached out to the window and let out a happy squeal.
Jubilee’s smile widened.
    “She’s adorable.” Jubilee laughed. “How old
is she?”
    “Britta be one next month.” Elsa nodded.
    “Oh.” Jubilee giggled as the tot lunged
again to the shutters. She patted the baby’s back and crooned to
her. The child turned to her and gave a big baby grin before
becoming fascinated with Jubilee’s dress. She reached out