Emerson looked at her strangely. It seemed the fear was passing and now confusion reigned. “Why would you pay my debt?” He barely spoke the words aloud.
Tayler smiled. “Because Someone once paid my debt to keep me from death.”
Both men’s brows furrowed as if they were trying to figure out what language she was speaking. Tayler shook her head. “Come on. We’re missing the celebration, and Thomas and the others will be worried about where I’ve gotten off to.”
She started back the way they’d come, then glanced back over her shoulder. “If your friend Charlie wants his money, then leave Emerson be and come with me.”
The sound of movement behind her left Tayler little doubt that at least the big man was following behind. She thought of Emerson’s push to see them married and finally understood his desperation. It saddened her to think he would lie before God and a congregation by making vows with her that he didn’t mean. Worse still, that her mother had betrayed Joshua in the way she had. And for what? Money? Power? She shook her head. What had happened to this world?
Sin. And humans gave in to the temptation far too often.
They made their way back down the hill and into the clearing. By now the big man was at her side, the knife no longer in sight, and Emerson followed a few paces behind. Tayler saw Thomas and gave him a wave. He crossed the tracks with a worried look on his face.
“I was searching all over for you. Where have you been?”
“We were just taking a little hike.” She motioned to the big man at her side. “This is Mr. . . .” She looked at the big man. “I’m sorry, I don’t seem to remember your name.”
“Uh . . . DeMarco. Greg . . . DeMarco.”
Thomas still looked uncertain but nodded. “Mr. DeMarco.”
“And of course you know Emerson.” Tayler smiled. “In fact, would you be so kind as to take Emerson on over to the buffet while I assist Mr. DeMarco?” She didn’t wait for an answer but looked at the big man. “We’ll just go to the hotel manager. He’ll help us arrange for your needs.”
She left Thomas and Emerson with a wave. “I’ll join you in a minute. Save me some cake.”
“If you’re lying, you know I’ll still kill him.” Mr. DeMarco’s voice brushed over her.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Tayler prayed for peace. Was she doing the right thing?
It didn’t take long to get Mr. Bradley’s assistance. Since it was a bank holiday, nothing could be officially managed until the next day, but Mr. DeMarco seemed to accept this without too much concern. Once he’d stated the amount and she confirmed that she had more than enough to cover it, Tayler left him with a bank draft and received from him a signed receipt for Emerson. He hadn’t been overly excited to give it, but with Mr. Bradley witnessing the entire matter and assuring him that Tayler Hale’s check was good, Mr. DeMarco finally relented.
“What was that all about?” Thomas asked as she joined him.
“Emerson owed the man money. That’s all any of this has been about. Money.”
Thomas frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“That makes two of us. I’m not sure what all is happening or why Emerson was suddenly depleted of funds, but apparently, he owed someone named Charlie the Chisel a great deal of money, and Mr. DeMarco was here to collect.”
“And you paid him?” Thomas’s voice betrayed his disbelief.
“I did.” Tayler looped her arm through his. “I can’t really explain it, but I felt like if I paid the debt, Emerson would see that I could truly forgive him. Remember the verses Pastor Wilcox shared about doing good to those who hate you? I just felt that this was the thing to do, even though I don’t think Emerson hates me.”
“But after all he’s done to you—the way he tried to force you to marry him . . .” Thomas fell silent.
Tayler squeezed his hand. “I know. But I just kept thinking of all the things they did to Jesus, and He was still willing to pay. Emerson’s life was at stake. All because of money. Maybe by my paying his earthly debt, there’s a chance he will turn his life around and accept Jesus’ payment for his spiritual debt.”
“But you had no idea how dangerous Mr. DeMarco was—you put your own life at risk.” Thomas pulled her closer. “Weren’t you afraid?”
“More than you can imagine. But I felt at peace. Even if I had to lay down my own life, Emerson deserved another chance because that’s what God does for all of us.”
Thomas looked down at her with an expression of wonder. “You’re really something else, Tayler Hale. I don’t think I could be as forgiving if I lived a million years.”
“Well, it’s a good thing it’s not a contest, then.” She laughed and leaned in closer. “You don’t do very well in those, as I recall.”
Thomas pulled away. “If you’re talking about our fishing contest, then that’s not fair. You know I was . . . I was . . .”
“Distracted?” She grinned. “The only way I suppose we’ll ever know is to repeat the contest.” She sighed as if it were a huge imposition.
28
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7
The train pulled into Curry, and Thomas stood on the platform with his arm around Tayler. Her brother Joshua was arriving today.
Telegrams had flown back and forth over the past month. Mr. Dunham had confessed to helping Mrs. Hale forge the changed will and was facing charges for embezzlement. Mrs. Hale was awaiting the judge’s ruling, but neither of her children wanted to press charges against her. She’d willingly signed everything over to her son and daughter and apologized for all of it.
Thomas wasn’t sure how he felt about it, but it had been shocking to hear that Tayler’s mother had been a part of the scheme from the beginning. And to think that money had been the cause of all the problems to begin with. Mrs. Hale had turned to money instead of grieving for her husband. Emerson had turned to money instead of God, and it had gotten him into a whole mess of trouble. Esmerelda had made stupid choices all because of greed. What had gotten into this world? Were they doomed?
The Bible clearly stated that the love of money was the root of all evil. That was one of the reasons why Allan and Cassidy stayed in Curry, and why Jean-Michel had left France, and why Collette chose to stay here as a cook’s assistant. None of them wanted to have a love of money.
Emerson had left after Tayler preached to him good and long about his need for salvation. Whether he took it to heart or not, they didn’t know. But at least he knew. And Tayler had sent a telegram to Mr. Pruitt back in Denver explaining everything so that Emerson couldn’t continue in his lies. The rest was up to Emerson and God. Mr. DeMarco had left immediately. Shortly after, a lovely telegram from Charlie Lorenzo arrived thanking them all for their help and assistance. If Thomas hadn’t read it himself, he wouldn’t have believed it.
The train eased to a stop, and steam puffed out from the base of it. Tayler tensed next to him. But Thomas knew as soon as she spotted her brother, for she gasped and ran toward him.
Thomas slid his hands into his pockets and watched the siblings reunite. Something he’d never had before he came to Curry. But he had many whom he could call family now.
But then Tayler gasped again. “Mother!”
An elegant lady stood on the bottom step of the train.
Joshua went over and offered his arm. He gave Tayler a little nod.
Thomas observed the woman he loved. Several emotions passed over her face, and then she took a deep breath and walked forward toward her mother.
The older woman broke into tears. “I’m so sorry, Tayler. Have I lost you?”
Tayler hesitated only a moment before she rushed to the woman’s arms. A lot of healing had taken place over the weeks and miles. “No, you haven’t lost me. And I forgive you. Just as I’ve been forgiven.”
Thomas moved closer to her side in case she needed his support. It was one thing to learn of everything Mrs. Hale had done from a distance, but now she stood in front of them. In person.
Mrs. Hale
swiped at her face. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness for everything I’ve done—especially how I treated you—but thank you.” She looked at her son. “If Joshua hadn’t confronted me in love . . . I can’t imagine what would have become of me.” She sat on a nearby bench, looking totally spent. “Something snapped when your father died. The doctor tried to give some kind of medical explanation, but let’s be honest . . . there are no excuses. I’m a sinner and what I did was wrong. So very wrong. And to think I almost lost both of you in the process.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t control the fact that I’d lost my husband, and Mr. Dunham convinced me I could control my future. Little did I know that he just wanted to stay in my good graces a while longer to steal more of my husband’s money.” She started sobbing again. “I still can’t believe all I’ve said and done. I’m so sorry.”
Joshua Hale lifted his mother to stand again and took her arm. “We’re not here to say everything is perfect, but we are working on it. As a family.” He stepped toward Thomas with Tayler all smiles beside him. Joshua held out a hand. “Now . . . I believe I don’t need to be introduced. Thomas, it’s a pleasure to meet you finally. My sister wrote me a lengthy letter about you.”
He felt his brows rise. “Really? She didn’t tell me that.”
“It’s wonderful to meet a man she deems worthy.” Joshua looked back down at his sister. “That’s important to me after all she’s been through.”
Thomas felt the sudden urge to be blunt with the man. “Well, I’d like to make it permanent.”
Tayler gasped.
“But I want to do this properly. I’d like to ask your permission, Mr. Hale.”
“Permission for what?”
“Permission for your sister’s hand in marriage.”
Joshua’s face turned sour. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Thomas’s heart sank down to his stomach. He swallowed. He’d flubbed it all. Jumped too soon.
“Because . . .” Joshua’s face twitched a bit. “I’m only giving permission if you take all of her.”
Laughter was heard behind them, and Thomas turned to see Collette, Mrs. Johnson, Cassidy, Allan, and the twins.
Collette gave a little squeal and rushed in and hugged Tayler. She turned and spoke in French to Thomas. “So are you going to ask her or not?”
Tayler’s face turned red, but Thomas took that moment to get down on one knee. “Tayler Grace Hale, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Wait a second!” a voice bellowed behind them.
Everyone turned and saw the fiery, redheaded Chef Daniel coming toward them with a bunch of flowers in his hand.
“Can’t let the young’uns do all the proposing today.” His brogue was thick and the crowd watched as he strode straight up to Mrs. Johnson and got down on one knee. “Lassie, you know what I’m asking.”
Thomas straightened up. He couldn’t believe what was happening, but he had to hear Tayler’s answer. “Well?”
“Yes!” She jumped into his arms.
He looked down at her, pulling her close. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She pushed him aside. “But we can talk later, we have to see what she says.”
The crowd laughed as all the attention went back to Curry’s head chef. Mrs. Johnson sputtered for a moment and placed her hands on her hips. She scanned the crowd gathered around, her face looking very unhappy. Then all of a sudden, she shook her head and shouted, “Of course I’ll marry you, you big lug! Now get on your feet and kiss me.”
Thomas laughed along with everyone else as they noticed that this was one order Chef Daniel wasn’t going to disobey.
Dr. Reilly ran up at that moment and stood next to Collette. “What did I miss?”
Collette filled him in on the two proposals, and the doctor looked stunned. Then he glanced back at Collette and wiggled his eyebrows. “Why don’t we make it three?”
Applause filled the train platform.
Cassidy came close and had tears in her eyes. “Thomas, I’m so proud of you, of the man you’ve become, and for choosing such a beautiful young woman to join our family.” She turned to Tayler. “Tayler . . .”
“TayTay!” the twins chimed as they danced around and clapped.
“TayTay?” Joshua laughed and shook his head. “I’m loving it already. I used to call her Tiny T when she was no bigger than those two, but I prefer TayTay.”
“Me too.” Leaning down, Thomas kissed Tayler on the forehead. It might not have been the most romantic of days, but he wouldn’t trade it for the world. His whole family was right here.
Tayler reached up and patted his cheek. “Oh no, you’re not getting away that easily, Mr. Smith.” She tugged his face down and kissed him.
Warmth spread through him as he wrapped his arms around his bride-to-be and kissed her fully.
So this was love.
Wow.
Epilogue
THURSDAY, AUGUST 21—CURRY
Cassidy circled the bride and checked the beautiful white satin gown. “Tayler, it’s absolutely perfect.” She hugged the young woman who’d become so much more than just a friend. “You look perfect.”
“Thank you, Cassidy. For everything.” A sheen of tears glistened in Tayler’s eyes. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“I’ve always wanted a little sister, and then God brought you here.”
“I’m so glad He did.” Tayler turned back to the mirror. “I can’t believe I get to marry Thomas today.” She put her hands to her cheeks. “It’s all so exciting. Am I dreaming?”
“No. It’s very real. Today is your special day.” Laughter bubbled up. “I remember thinking the same thing when I married Allan—it seemed like a fairy tale.” She wrapped an arm around the young bride’s shoulders as they stared into the mirror together. “Today is just the beginning. Thomas is a wonderful man, and he loves you so much.”
Heart in her throat, Cassidy couldn’t put the rest of her feelings into words. The two who were saying their vows today were among the most precious people in her life. In her book they both deserved all the happiness in the world. What God had done in all of their lives over the past years at the Curry Hotel was truly a miracle. Allan and her. Thomas and Tayler. Daniel and Margaret. Matthew and Collette. Jean-Michel and Katherine—who were now coming to stay in Alaska for several months. Her heart felt like it could burst with joy.
Tayler stepped away from the mirror and grabbed both of Cassidy’s hands. “I’ve always wanted a big sister too. So I’d like to make a request. Would you pray with me before we go out there?”
“I’d be honored.” Cassidy squeezed Tayler’s hands and bowed her head as she prayed for the Lord’s blessing on the wedding today and the marriage for the years to come.
She had no idea what the future would hold for the Curry family up in their little hamlet in Alaska, but she did know one thing: it would be joyous and full of love and life.
As she spoke her “Amen,” the new song Pastor Wilcox had taught the children last Sunday sprang to her mind.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. . . .
In loving memory of Cassidy Faith Hale (March 2000–September 2015)
Recipes
Curry Hotel Rolls
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Makes 52 rolls
7 cups King Arthur Bread Flour
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
2½ cups whole milk (warmed to about 110 degrees)
1 stick real salted butter (softened)
2 large eggs
3½ tsps salt
5 tsps instant dry yeast
1 stick melted salted butter (for brushing—and actually the more you use, the better they will be!)
Combine the flour and salt in a bowl and set aside. Stir the yeast into the warmed milk and set aside. In a stand mixer (I use a 6-quart for this recipe) cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy and then gradually add the milk on the slowest speed. Add the eggs and
mix well. Once it’s all incorporated, add the dry ingredients. Place a dough hook attachment on the mixer and mix on low speed for approximately 3 minutes, then bump it up to the next speed for another 3 minutes. The dough should be elastic but firm.
Cover the dough and place in a warm environment for about an hour and a half while the dough rises until nearly doubled.
From here, prepare the dough like a Parker House–style roll. Fold the dough gently and turn out onto a bread board or smooth working surface. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle about 1⁄8 inch thick. Butter the entire surface and fold the dough in half (butter side in), pressing the edges a bit to seal. Using a bench knife, cut the dough into 52 squares. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets (I like the air-bake sheets the best), brush the tops with more butter, and set to rise for another hour or so. They will really puff up, so give them space. (If you’d rather have an oval roll, follow the alternate directions below.)
Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees (375 degrees convection) until they are golden brown, approximately 12 minutes. Brush them with melted butter immediately after removal from the oven.
Alternate oval: Divide the dough into 52 pieces. Work each individual piece into a flat oval shape (about an 1⁄8 inch thick). Brush the oval with the melted butter and then fold it in half (so that the butter is on the inside), pressing lightly on the edges so they stay folded. Repeat with each oval of dough. Continue with the rest of the recipe.
Enjoy.
Curry Hotel Chocolate Mousse
by Kimberley Woodhouse
Makes 8 servings
7 oz. bittersweet chocolate (I like Ghirardelli™)
4 large egg yolks
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 stick salted butter (very soft)
2 cups heavy whipping cream (divided)
¼ cup granulated sugar
shaved chocolate (optional)
Under the Midnight Sun Page 28