by Ward Wagher
“This is the first time I've heard this that I think I understand it.”
“But are you going to do something about it, Franklin?”
“I gotta think about it, Justin. I'm just afraid you're right.”
“I can't make the decision for you.”
“I know. I just need some time to digest things.”
“Okay.” Voss reached in his drawer, and handed Franklin a chip. “Take this.”
“What is this?”
“It contains a Bible, in which I have bookmarked several passages. I figured you would be here to talk sooner or later. Take a look at them and think about it. We can talk tomorrow.”
chapter forty-eight
The mornings were still crisp during the late spring in Montora Village, even though the snow was long gone. Franklin stood on the battlements of Montora Castle sipping his coffee and studying the snow covered mountains of Montora. Many of the peaks were high enough to retain snow year-round. In beauty, this area was competitive with anything in human occupied space. As Montora's reputation spread, tourists traveled to the village simply to gaze upon the mountains.
It was kind of like the crisp weather of the summer after the storm clouds cleared. And the past several weeks had been stormy. Along with the weather, Franklin's sunny optimism was beginning to return.
At Daphne’s funeral the day before in the village church Father Riggs used the opportunity to explain once again the simple meaning to God's plan. It was like the light coming on in a dark room. There was no mistaking what God had done for humanity and what he would do for the poor sinner. The late night conversation with Justin Voss had illuminated things further.
“Pretty morning.”
Franklin turned as Signe walked up on the allure. “Great morning. I didn't know you stayed over last night.”
She stepped close and gave him a peck on the cheek. “I flew up this morning.”
“Business in Montora?”
“Mother came up with Louie to review the marketing plan with Modest. I decided to ride along.”
“An early start.”
“Mother is not one to lie about when the sun comes up.”
“It's delightful to see your mother with her energy back.”
“Oh, it's wonderful. She still has nightmares, but they're diminishing, thank God.”
Franklin had turned around with his back to the wall and leaned against it as he took another drink of the coffee.
“Still a bit chilly,” Signe said as she snuggled into him. Across the castle, Alex Nesmith leaned against the wall, looking out at the village. “What is Alex going to do now?”
“He told me he would be just as happy to stay on as Guard Captain. I told him he was welcome to. He seems... practical.”
“And what is Franklin Nyman going to do now?” Signe asked.
He disengaged his arm from hers and put it around her shoulders to pull her close. “Franklin Nyman would like to get married. Know anyone in the market?”
“That's not funny, Franklin. Until we sort out where you and I stand with respect to the Lord, we can't move forward.”
“Exactly.”
“Exactly what?”
“As of about 3 AM I think we can consider it sorted out.”
“What happened?”
“You know, I never understood until yesterday at the funeral what all this meant. Suddenly I just knew the truth.”
“And it set you free?” Signe asked, her eyes shining.
“No.”
“You talked to Father Riggs?”
“Actually, Alex spent the evening talking to the Father. I flew into Cambridge and talked to Justin.”
“And you came to the Lord?”
“No.”
“Franklin!” There was a warning note to her voice.
“Sorry. I'm just trying to tell it to you my way. I came back to the village and sat in my bedroom thinking about it. I just couldn't push myself over the edge. I was sitting in the chair in the middle of the night and it was like God was sitting in the room with me. It reminded me of one time when I was sixteen and being an idiot. Dad sat me down and told me in a quiet voice that this couldn't go on. That's what God did. Let me tell you, you don't want to wrestle with God.”
“I think I've experienced something like that.”
“So I gave in.” He stopped and looked at Signe.
“Just like that?”
“Just like that. One moment I was resisting; the next I belonged to Him. I’m not quite sure how it happened. But it did. I mean, my problems have not changed any, but now I just know they are manageable – with God helping me.”
“What are you going to tell Father Riggs?”
Franklin grinned. “I was tempted to play head games with him, but then that doesn’t seem right, does it? Besides, Alex also came to terms with God.”
“That's wonderful.”
“I believe the term is bittersweet. For him and for me. He lost his fiancé. I lost a colleague and beloved friend.” He shook his head. “I somehow never got around to telling her I loved her.”
“I think she knew it.”
“And we really don't know if she made a decision.”
“Father Riggs told me one time that we sometimes have to just leave things in God's hands,” she said.
“I think I understand that, but I feel like I have to learn to walk and talk all over again. I don't know what God has for me, but I'm determined to do things His way.”
“You have changed.”
“I do have one concern…”
“And what would that be?” she asked.
“What if you find out you liked the old me better?”
At that she came into his arms and favored him with a long kiss. They stepped away from each other somewhat breathlessly.
“So I guess we can move forward then.” Signe said. “I think you’ll do just fine.”
“Yes, I was hoping you would say that. But you could tell that with just a kiss?”
“Not at all. I knew it anyway,” she grinned.
They turned around and looked at the mountains again.
“Beautiful place,” Franklin said.
“Yes it is. And will be for a long time to come.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ward Wagher lives in Greenville, South Carolina with his wife. A college professor and an Information Technology professional, Wagher writes Adult Christian Fiction, and Christian Science-Fiction. Visit his website at www.wardwagher.com.