Mariah's Gift

By Lilly Linville

Moving to Pleasant Grove, North Carolina in the spring of 1948 had been a mutual decision for Joe and Mariah Hodges. He hadn't been able to find work back in Kentucky and the offer to work for Jacob Grayson on his farm was too good an opportunity to pass up, especially with a small house being part of the deal. It's winter and the first holidays Mariah's ever spent away from family. She is so homesick, she considers taking a bus back home, but Joe reminds her with their first child due the end of December, it wouldn't be possible. He promised her he'd take her back, but hoped she'd reconsider after the baby is born. She has never experienced such a deep feeling of sadness and when a large yellow Lab shows up, her spirits are lifted by his companionship. The dog seems to sense her feelings and keeps her company while Joe is busy with his farming responsibilities.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781613092170

Book preview

What They Are Saying About

Mariah’s Gift

In this wonderful novel , Mariah’s Gift the reader is transported to a simpler time and place. The characters are well drawn and will keep you rooting for then throughout the novel. The surprise ending will leave the reader not only satisfied, but will make them smile as well.

Lynette Hall Hampton

Author of The Ferrington Men Series

Valissa’s Home as Agnes Morehead

Mariah’s Gift

Lilly Linville

A Wings ePress, Inc.

Mainstream Novel

Edited by: Jeanne R. Smith

Copy Edited by: Joan C. Powell

Senior Editor: Jeanne Smith

Executive Editor: Marilyn Kapp

Cover Artist: Trisha FitzGerald

All rights reserved

NAMES, CHARACTERS AND incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Wings ePress Books

Copyright © 2014 by Cynthia Poindexter

ISBN  978-1-61309-217-0

Published by Wings ePress, Inc.

Published In the United States Of America

Wings ePress Inc.

3000 N. Rock Road

Newton, KS  67114

Dedication

To my family and friends, thank you for your support and encouragement.

One

Afull moon cast long , dark silhouettes across the pasture from the tall bare trees surrounding the farm. The clear night sky glistened like diamonds in the cold November air. Joe and Mariah huddled together watching the splendid display of shooting stars.

Snuggling closer to keep each other warm, he nuzzled her neck. Joe wrapped his arms tighter around his very pregnant wife as their eyes followed another star streaking across the sky. Honey, did you make a wish on that one?

I did. She smiled and placed her hands over his. I wished that our child would be here soon. But I’m trying to be patient.

From the strong kick I just felt, I don’t think it’ll be long before your wish comes true.

Mariah leaned back against her husband’s warm body. I’m so excited about becoming a mother. I can hardly wait to hold our baby in my arms.

He laid his head on her shoulder. You just have to be patient a little longer. I already know you’re going to be a wonderful mother. I remember how the children back home always flocked around you. Your sweet ways drew them like a magnet.

"Joe, have you thought about how special this year will always be for us with the baby coming next month? Our lives will never be the same.

When I was a little girl, people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I always told them I wanted to be a mother. I guess that didn’t sound very ambitious, but I can’t think of anything better than having a family and being just like my mama.

Joe turned toward the house. Why don’t we go inside? The wind’s beginning to pick up, and I can feel you shivering. We can sit by the fire and warm up before we go to bed.

She took his hand and walked by his side. It’s such a clear night and I love star gazing. I wanted to stay out and enjoy it, but I admit I am freezing. How about I fix us a cup of hot chocolate?

That sounds like a great idea and will definitely warm us up. I’ll add some more wood in the cook stove for you. Joe picked up a pail of kindling by the door. It only took him a few minutes to get the fire built back up as Mariah washed her hands and took a small pot out of the cabinet.

Do you think you’ll want more than one cup? Mariah asked.

Nope, one will be plenty for me.

Hot chocolate was one of the first things I remember my mama teaching me to make. I must have been about six years old at the time and scorched it a few times before learning it had to be heated slowly. Guess it was my first lesson in patience. Mama told my sisters and me that the vanilla was her secret touch and we had to keep it between us.

Mariah placed a cup in front of Joe on the table and sat down beside him with hers.

The rich aroma of chocolate filled the kitchen. It smells great, Mariah. This was one of my grandpa’s favorites, and many winter nights my grandma fixed it for us. I don’t know if she added vanilla to hers, but it really gives it a great flavor.

THE DECISION TO MOVE from Kentucky to Pleasant Grove, North Carolina in 1948 had been difficult for Joe and Mariah Hodges. Leaving family and friends was the hardest thing they’d ever done.

Joe, can you believe we’ll soon be here a year? When we first arrived, it seemed the time flew by, but now it seems to be dragging.

To the newly married couple, the move seemed to be the answer. They marveled at the way it had come about. If they hadn’t met Jacob Grayson, who happened to be visiting his brother, Robert, a year earlier, they might still be struggling to make a living in Kentucky.

When Joe learned Jacob was considering hiring someone to help work his farm in North Carolina, he felt it was too good an offer to turn down.

With Mariah’s blessings, they’d packed up and headed for their new home and a new adventure.

I still feel we made the right decision for our future. He could tell by the look on her face she was hesitant to respond. I hope you agree.

After a few minutes, she tentatively said, Joe...at the time, we thought we were doing what was best for us. She sighed and added, But only time will tell.

Joe tried not to sound defensive. Yeah, but if we hadn’t taken this opportunity, you know we’d probably still be living in your parents’ house with me trying to find work when and where I could.

JOE AND MARIAH MARRIED a month after she’d graduated from high school. He’d been twenty-three and she’d just turned nineteen. They’d dated for two years and knew they wanted to spend their lives together. Growing up in the same community, Joe and Mariah’s families had known each other for most of their lives. They’d all attended the same church and schools in the small town.

Joe was a good-looking young man with thick, black hair and dark brown eyes. His slim frame made him appear to be taller, especially standing beside his petite wife. He was well-liked back in their home town with his gentle demeanor and easy-going personality.

A lovely young woman, Mariah had long, sandy blonde hair and sky blue eyes. When one first met her, her energetic spirit sometimes gave the impression she was high strung. But her tender heart and compassion for others were her most endearing characteristics.

They both could be headstrong, but their differences complemented one another and balanced their relationship in many ways. The young couple learned from observing Mariah’s parents that even though they could disagree, a mutual respect and deep love were the right combination for a happy marriage.

WHEN WE MOVED IN WITH your parents, I’d hoped I would find a job and we’d eventually save enough money to be on our own, Joe said. Unfortunately, I soon realized it would be a long time before we’d be in a position to move out.

Job opportunities had been scarce in the small farming town. Joe had only been able to find occasional work, and became frustrated and discouraged when he hadn’t been able to find anything permanent.

I admit it was hard on my pride when I saw I might not be able to support my wife and give you the home you deserve. Your parents never made me feel it was a burden with us living with them, but it wasn’t the plan I had for us when I asked you to marry me.

Joe knew that moving away from her family had been extremely hard for Mariah. His grandparents had raised him, and since they’d both passed away, he had no family to leave behind. Her hesitance in responding confirmed his suspicion that his wife regretted their decision. He’d felt all along that she’d only agreed to move because she knew how badly he wanted the job.

Mariah tried to remain supportive and assured him over and over that she knew in her heart it was the best chance they might get to have their own place.

He’d made a promise to her and her family that if she wasn’t happy and couldn’t adjust, they’d move back to Kentucky.

Joe clearly remembered Mariah’s daddy’s reassuring words to him when he told him about the job offer in North Carolina. I’ve always known you’re an honest, hard-working young man. I also know how much you love my daughter and that you’ll keep your word to her.

Yes sir. That’s true.

Of course you have reservations, Joe, he’d said. But I’ll give you the same advice I’d give to my son. All you can do is to go and give it your best. It’s a great opportunity for you and Mariah. You’ve tried to find work here, and unfortunately you haven’t been successful. A man’s first responsibility is to take care of his family, and I’m confident you’ll give it all you’ve got. As hard as it is for us to see you leave, you know our prayers will be with you. The worst that can happen is it doesn’t work out and you come back home.

That conversation meant a lot to Joe and gave him the confidence he’d needed to take such a big step in his and Mariah’s lives.

Joe appreciated Buck’s wisdom and sound advice. He respected Mariah’s daddy and considered himself lucky to have him as a father-in-law.

THE MONTHS HAD QUICKLY flown by since their move in April to Pleasant Grove. The huge garden they’d planted provided an abundance of food and kept them both very busy through the summer.

In a letter to her mama, Mariah wrote, With Joe’s help, I’ve canned everything I could possibly put in a jar. I wish you could see all the quart jars of tomatoes, corn, squash, beans and pickles. I’ve filled the oak shelves Joe built for me in the corner of our kitchen. You don’t have to worry about us going hungry.

The canned fruits and vegetables would be their main food staples for the winter months ahead. Thankfully, when they’d first moved, Mariah’s mother and sisters generously sent boxes of their canned goods so she and Joe would have food until the garden started producing.

JOE AND MR. GRAYSON stayed busy every day as they shared the responsibilities of farming and caring for the growing herd of Black Angus beef cattle.

Summers are the busiest time of year for a farmer, but the work started in the spring and didn’t end until the fall.

Jacob Grayson had stubbornly struggled with the decision to hire help, but was grateful to have the couple living in the small house on his farm. He’d quickly realized the difference it made having Joe’s assistance. His pride made it hard for him to admit there just weren’t enough hours in a day for him to handle all the work by himself. After employing Joe, he felt confident he’d be able to take care of his property and continue to enjoy the only lifestyle he’d ever known.

SPRING, SUMMER AND fall had come and gone. Since the weather turned cold, time seemed to slow down to a snail’s pace for Mariah. She loved being outside, but her advanced pregnancy and the cold winter temperatures forced her to stay in more than she preferred.

Joe noticed how the loneliness and confinement dampened her usual happy disposition, and he knew there were times she felt as if he didn’t understand how homesick she was for her family. But he did.

Mariah finished reading the letter and placed it back in the envelope. I don’t know what I’d do without the letters from mama and my sisters. They help me feel I still have a connection with the day-to-day things I miss about being with them.

Closing her eyes, she imagined herself standing alongside her sisters in her mama’s kitchen, laughing or having a good natured argument about various topics as they washed the dishes after eating a big meal they’d prepared for the family. Those simple ordinary things were surprisingly what Mariah missed the most.

A day never went by that she didn’t miss the sound of her sweet mama’s voice singing along with the radio as she and her sisters harmonized to a favorite song. In the evening, her brother Ryan would play his guitar while he and their daddy would join them in a song.

She tried to wipe the tears from her eyes, but once they started, it was like a dam had burst. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t stop sobbing.

Joe gave her a hug. Please don’t cry, honey. I know you miss them and I’m glad they write to you so often. I see how your eyes light up when I walk in the door with a letter in my hand.

I didn’t think it would be so hard being away from them for the holidays. She was crying uncontrollably. I’m sorry to be so emotional. She sobbed, But I just can’t hold it inside any longer. I feel like you don’t understand, but I want to go back home so badly I can hardly stand it.

Mariah had tried her best not to complain, seeing how hard Joe was working to provide a better life for them. She’d tried to keep her feelings to herself, knowing it made him feel guilty about taking her away from her loved ones.

The decision to move had been mutual. When Mariah suspected she might be pregnant, she didn’t feel they could back out since Joe had already told Mr. Grayson he’d take the job. She couldn’t ask him to go back on his word.

She had doubts and didn’t know if she still had the heart or desire to help Joe make it work. Mariah just hadn’t expected the overwhelming sadness that consumed her.

This Thanksgiving had been the first holiday she’d ever spent away from her mama and daddy, but with the baby due in December, her doctor advised against traveling. Mariah unhappily accepted the fact it would be impossible for them to go back to Kentucky for the holidays.

Joe couldn’t handle her tears. If you’re that unhappy, I’ll take you back as I promised. He continued to hold her. But you do realize we can’t just up and leave. First, I am trying to support my family. Secondly, I made a commitment to Mr. Grayson. Thirdly, you do know we can’t do anything until after the baby’s born.

Mariah sniffed and wiped the tears from her eyes. All she could manage to say was, I know we can’t, Joe.

Once she got her composure and was able to speak without sobbing, she actually felt better having been able to release the tension she’d held inside. I know you must think I’m being a big baby, but all I want is to be home in my mama’s kitchen preparing the traditional dishes and being with my family. I cooked way too much for us, but it’s the first Thanksgiving meal I’ve ever fixed for two people.

Mariah’s sisters lived only a few miles from their parents and were always dropping in to make plans for everyone to be together. Birthdays were celebrated with each one’s favorite foods and desserts. She missed being a part of those special occasions this year and knew it was going to be especially hard to get in the holiday spirit. Her intent was to make Thanksgiving and Christmas a joyful occasion for Joe by continuing the traditions she’d known and enjoyed all her life.

Mariah felt embarrassed when she saw the look on Joe’s face. She waited for him to say something else, but he remained silent as he picked up the recipe card she’d left on the table.

Feeling guilty for her outburst, she tried to lighten the mood. Joe, did you know my mama has a card file for everyone’s birthdays with a list of their favorite dishes? She has one for you, too. Mama says everyone should feel special on the day they were born.

Joe decided he’d take her lead as he pulled out a chair at the table and sat down. So that’s where you get your habit of list making. Your mama’s one fine cook and her pound cake’s my favorite. I even remember her bringing one over to my grandparents’ house before we were married.

He forced a smile. I think that cinched my decision to ask you to be my wife, hoping your mama might have taught you how to bake.

Well, it’s lucky for me she did, she teased, or I guess I’d have never found a husband.

Joe gently pulled Mariah down on his lap, relieved that she’d stopped crying. I’m no fool. I was smart enough to stake my claim on you before any of the other fellas in the neighborhood found out about that pound cake.

Mariah let go of the tension and began to enjoy their playful bantering. I guess that proves the old saying, ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’

Oh, it wasn’t just that...you had a few other attributes that caught my eye. Let me see, where do I start? It was impossible not to notice that cute little figure.

She blushed, Now you’re embarrassing me.

He loved teasing her, Well, I’d never want you to ever think it was only the pound cake. I knew a good thing when I saw it.

Sweetheart, she said, I hope you still feel that way.

Well...most of the time, I do, he joked.

Two

The morning after

Reviews for Mariah's Gift

[jaynep140 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! It was so well written, and follows a couple. I am a HUGE animal lover. When I found out it featured a dog I just had to read it. Now as I know the author, I had to read it. Had is the wrong word here, I should say wanted!I was blown away (and for me thats really hard to do) for a debut novel this was wonderful. It features history, family, work and so many other real life struggles. I realize this was not set in our time period, but it is so easy on many levels to relate. This is a book to be treasured and if you like a clean read that you are comfortable having a hard copy of with no fear of small children seeing something they probably shouldn't or just like animals a little this is a must read! I look forward to the next book and if this author gets better I can hardly wait!