The Hope of Eden

His Heart

1921
Lynchburg, Virginia

Rosalie stood on her toes trying to peek at the turkey on the stove.

She huffed and firmly tapped Carmen's arm.

He looked down and hummed. "Yes, my darling Rose?"

Rosalie blushed at the nickname and smiled, forgetting what annoyed her. "I love you, Mr. Carmennnn," She hugged his waist and rested her head on his arm.

Carmen smiled at the sweet child. "I love you, Rose. Will you take the napkins to the table? I will bring the turkey and get your mother,"

She nodded quickly. "Yes, sir! I will be the best napkin bringer in ever ever!"

Carmen chuckled at her eagerness to do well. She was always excellent. "You are the greatest and loveliest Rose there will ever be," He patted her head tenderly and she walked away giggling.

His heart was full.

It was true and untrue at once.

With each passing day, the capacity of his heart grew to accommodate the love and joy he felt.

It was a rich blessing.

"Mr. Carmennn! I want to see the turkey now, but I promise I won't touch it until you bring Mommy in." Rosalie called from the dining room.

Grabbing the roasting pan, he carried the turkey into the dining room to appease the little girl.

She clapped as he entered the dining room, making his heart full.

Surely, Rosalie's love was getting to him.

He would confess to being hopeful for Eden t-

"Mr. Carmen! It's beautiful!" Rosalie gushed as she leaned over to see the turkey as he placed it on the table.

She pecked his cheek and sat in her chair. "I'll wait here, Mr. Carmen. I think, no, I know Mommy will just love over happy love this!" She placed her hand over her heart and beamed.

Carmen smiled tightly at the little girl, hoping and praying Eden would love it as Rosalie said.

He was nervous.

The idea was good, but Eden could have a negative memory attached to Thanksgiving and the evening could be traumatic.

He sighed, forcing himself up the stairs.

"Gott, ich glaube, das ist eine gute Idee. Etwas, das ihr hilft zu lächeln und sich zu amüsieren, doch," (Lord, I believe this is a good idea. Something to help her smile and enjoy herself, yet,) He sighed heavily, the nerves strengthening as he neared her bedroom.

He stopped.

Her door was cracked open.

She was singing.

"And even in uncertainty, I will abide. Even in the drowning waves, I will abide. You are my Guide, and safely, I will abide,"

His heart plummeted to his feet.

Eden's voice was incredibly lovely.

Every single day, he found a new reason to admire her.

A worshipful songbird.

He swallowed his nerves and knocked on the door.

"Yes,"

He forced his feet to move and entered the room.

"G-good evening, Eden," He grimaced inwardly. "Forgive me," He bowed his head slightly, and she watched him intently. "You have done well to stay in bed under the Doctor's order," He said lightly. "Tonight, the order is different. We are having dinner and I have come to retrieve you,"