Her dolly? Jason swallowed. What had he gotten himself into now? He glanced toward Katie. Their whispering had caught her attention, and amusement danced in her emerald eyes. She’d heard. He squared his shoulders and turned back to Suzy. “All right, but only for a while before you and your dolly go to bed.”
Susanna grinned and leaned back against him, sitting quietly once more.
Jason lifted his eyebrows at Katie. Parenting wasn’t so hard. Playing for a few minutes with a five-year-old couldn’t be that bad, even if the idea of playing with a doll did seem foreign to him. Katie probably expected him to refuse.
A smile hovered over her lips and danced in her eyes. He’d been captivated by the green in her eyes that first day back in Independence when he helped build a fire for her and her mother. He’d fallen in love with her when she’d faced one hurt after another, and that love had grown along with her faith until she’d accepted God’s love. If only he could win her love, he’d ask her to marry him. He wanted to help her raise Susanna and Davy.
Katie looked away, breaking the connection between them. Jason’s gaze slid over the gathering until he spotted Clay standing in the shadows apart, yet within the range of Tommy’s voice.
“‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.’” Tommy paused and looked at those gathered in a semi-circle around him. “Folks, do you understand what Jesus is saying here? He’s giving us all we need to make heaven our home. He’s telling us not to worry, but to trust Him. Believe in Him just as we believe in God. He’s getting our mansion ready now.”
Clay seemed to be listening intently. Lord, bring the truth alive in Clay’s heart. In the hearts of any within hearing who need to accept your gift of eternal life. Bless each one here tonight and draw us close to You.
If Clay accepted the Lord, he might come back to Katie. Jason cringed at the thought, but couldn’t shake it from his mind. If she preferred Clay, there would be nothing he could do about it. He needed to accept the truth. Clay had been Katie’s first choice. His heart sank. What was he thinking? He’d never been in the running because Clay had been her only choice.
As Tommy finished reading and commenting on the fourteenth chapter of John, he closed his Bible and looked around. “I feel there are some here tonight who need to believe in Jesus. Not only that Jesus exists, but that He is the only way to heaven. He is God. He’s our savior and He’s waiting for you to say, ‘Lord, I believe. Forgive me for my unbelief and my willful neglect of the sacrifice You made for my salvation.’”
From the corner of his eye, Jason saw Clay spin on his heel and leave. His heart sank. He might not want Clay and Katie back together, but he would rejoice in welcoming a new Christian brother. Lord, speak to his heart. Draw him to You.
As others moved forward and knelt to pray, Jason looked down at Susanna. Her eyes were closed. Her lips parted as a soft breath escaped. He met Katie’s amused gaze with a grin. “Reckon I don’t get to play dolly tonight?”
“Don’t gloat too much. She’ll remember tomorrow as soon as she wakes up.”
He shrugged. “I promised so I’ll do it as soon as I can.”
Tomorrow he had to move cattle and try to coax more milk from a cow that gave less every day. Katie’s eyes seemed to hold admiration for him now, but would they if she knew the next problem they faced might affect Davy?
Chapter 16
“Well, what do you think? Is God faithful?” Rachel laughed with her face lifted toward the warming sun. She grabbed Susanna’s hand. “Let’s skip, Suzy. The rain has ended and the sun feels so wonderful this morning. We’ve just crossed another river without mishap.”
Katie smiled as Susanna tried to keep up with Rachel’s skips. She called out to her friend. “Yes, as you well know. God is always faithful.” She kissed Davy’s soft covering of hair as the other two stopped and waited for her to catch up. “I believe that was the easiest crossing we’ve had yet.”
“Pa says we’re getting close.” Rachel swung Susanna around, holding both her hands. “We’ll make camp near the Blue Mountains tonight.”
Susanna giggled and jumped in place when they stopped. “Do it again, Rachel.”
Rachel knelt to Susanna’s level with her arm around her shoulders and pointed. “Look at them, Suzy. They are so big. They’ll stand watch over us while we sleep tonight.”
Susanna shook her head. “Mountains can’t watch us, Rachel.”
Rachel laughed. “I guess my attempt at being poetic fell short. No, Suzy, mountains can’t watch us, but God can. And He will, just like He did when we crossed the Snake River.”
She turned to look at Katie. “Have you heard anything more from the Parkers?”
Fear, far too familiar, thrust through Katie’s heart at the mention of the Parkers. She shivered. “Other than when I catch them staring at me, you mean? Thankfully, no.”
Davy was six weeks old now and seemed unaffected by the hard trail. She cradled his chubby, little body and looked down into his bright, alert gaze. He was always so happy, content to lie in his crib and watch any activity going on around him when he wasn’t asleep. He cried only when he was hungry or needed a diaper change. But never for long. She saw to that. She didn’t want the Parkers to hear him and show up at their wagon again.
Katie lifted her gaze toward the cloud of dust moving alongside the train. Men on horseback moved the extra animals and Jason was somewhere among them, faithfully taking care of their cattle. He even milked the cows. A frown creased her forehead. Lately, he’d been getting less milk than usual. If only the cows could be allowed to stop for a few days and graze, maybe it would help. Although grass covered the valley where they walked, it didn’t seem to be enough for the cows to produce milk. This continual moving was hard on everyone.
As if reading her thoughts, Rachel said, “Don’t worry, Katie. God will supply milk for Davy. I know there hasn’t been enough for anyone else the last few days, but he hasn’t gone without yet.”
“Suzy didn’t get any milk yesterday.” Katie sighed. “I can’t seem to stop thinking about what may happen if all the cows go dry. Last night, Jason said he’s only milking one of them now. The others have already given out. The Parkers will take Davy if they find out about this.”
Rachel’s silence sounded loud in Katie’s heart. If only someone would tell her what to do. She missed her mother more every day. Mama would have known how to take care of Davy.
~*~
Katie hooked the pot of soup over the fire and stepped back. She turned as Jason strode across the grass.
“Hi.” He took off his hat and wiped sweat and grime from his forehead. “Is Tommy here?”
“He just took the oxen to the holding pen. He should be back any minute.” Something was wrong. The worry in Jason’s eyes spoke for him. “What is it? What’s happened?”
Jason took a deep breath and let it out. “It’s the cows. I thought maybe I should tell Tommy first.”
Katie covered her chest with her hand to ease the stab of fear his words brought. “Jason Barnett, you tell me what it is.” She twirled away. “Oh, forget it. I already know. You didn’t get any milk tonight, did you?”
Katie didn’t want Jason to see her cry. The very thing she feared had happened. What would they do now? Davy had to have milk to live. The Parkers would take him for sure.
“Katie, I’m sorry.” Jason touched her shoulders and pulled her back against his chest. His breath brushed her ear. “I don’t know what else to do. I tried. I really did.”
Katie turned and stepped back to face him. He dropped his hands, but she laid a hand on his arm. “I know, Jason. I’m not blaming you. I feel so helpless. We have to do something, or we’ll lose Davy.”
“What’s going on?” Tommy hurried toward them.
Rachel stuck her head out of the wagon. She held Davy nestled in her arms and Susanna snu
ggled up close.
Katie sighed. They all needed to be told. Together, maybe they could think of something.
“The cows went dry.” Katie spoke at the same time Jason said. “I didn’t get any milk tonight.”
Tommy frowned. “Davy has to have milk. God has promised to supply all of our needs if we trust Him. Let’s join hands and pray. Move over here by the wagon so Rachel can pray with us.”
Jason and Tommy took Katie’s hands before reaching up into the wagon to accept Rachel’s. When Jason and Rachel completed the circle, they all bowed their heads, and Tommy led their prayer. “Lord, You know our need and will answer even before we pray. We believe you now to give us direction. Show us where to turn to find milk for Davy.”
Katie added her silent prayers to the others and she felt better. God had heard them, and He would answer. Davy still didn’t have milk for supper, but she refused to give in to worry. She returned to her soup and biscuits while the conversation centered on trying to coax more milk from the cows.
Katie turned toward the others. “If we only had one more cow that had milk, we’d be all right.”
“Well, we don’t have one more cow.” Tommy’s voice held a note of impatience. He walked away and stood with his head bowed, then swung toward Katie as a smile crept over his face. “You are right. We don’t have another cow, but we do have Nanny.”
“Nanny?” Katie shook her head. “We don’t have Nanny anymore. Dad gave that goat to the Barletts a long time ago.”
Tommy stood. “I’m going to go see them. My guess is they’ll loan her to us once they hear of our need.”
“Will she have milk?” Rachel asked. “I mean since the cows have quit maybe she has, too.”
Tommy shook his head. “No, she isn’t as likely to. Anyway, I’m going to see.”
Jason stood. “I’ll go with you, then I’d better get on back to camp. Ma Taylor would have my hide if I missed supper.”
“You are coming back for Bible reading, aren’t you?” As soon as the words were out, Katie wished she could call them back. It sounded like she didn’t want Jason to leave. And she for sure didn’t want him getting that idea.
He grinned at her. “Yeah, I’ll be back. I wouldn’t miss our Bible study. Save me a place to sit?”
She nodded as warmth covered her face. With a smile playing at the corners of her lips, she turned back to her cooking.
Before long Rachel joined her. “Is there something I can do? Davy is asleep, and Suzy is putting her baby doll to bed.”
Katie laughed. “Ever since Davy’s birth, Suzy has become a very good mother. She made Jason play with her dolly the other day. I was so surprised when he did.” She turned away. “If you can find something to dish these beans on, I’d appreciate it. They—I mean—Tommy should be back by the time they’re ready.”
Rachel laughed. “You know he likes you, too.”
“Tommy?”
“No, silly, the one who has you blushing every time he looks at you. Jason Barnett, of course.”
Katie couldn’t stop the flush from again warming her cheeks. “I don’t—” She sighed. “All right, I am attracted to Jason, but I doubt he sees me as any more than Tommy’s sister. Or worse, yet, he feels some sort of debt because of what happened to Karl.”
Rachel frowned and looked across their camp before shaking her head. “No, I don’t think Jason is blaming himself for Karl’s death, not even a part of it. I’ve watched the two of you together, and I believe God has brought you to each other for a purpose. You belong together. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought the same thing.”
Katie shook her head as tears stung her eyes. She blinked to hide them. “I won’t, but why am I talking about it at all? If you must know, I’m in love with Jason. I’ve never met a more gentle, kind, compassionate man. He’s the only man I ever felt the desire to spend my life with. Time is nothing when I’m with him. Honestly, Rachel, I could sit and visit with Jason forever. Oh, forget visiting. I could be with him forever without a word spoken and never grow tired.”
Rachel smiled and hugged Katie. “You are in love with him. I knew it! Please, may I help you plan your wedding?”
Katie laughed and swiped at her eyes. “Oh, Rachel! Now look what you’ve done. Got me crying about a wedding that will never take place.”
“Oh, it will take place.” Rachel grinned as she turned to get some plates. “I think we can count on that.”
“What of you and Tommy?” Katie called to her.
Rachel turned back around with wide eyes and no trace of humor on her face. “We weren’t talking about me.”
“Maybe we should.”
“No, I don’t think so. Tommy is a wonderful man, but he has no romantic interest in me. We’re friends. That’s all.”
“You expect me to believe you have no romantic interest in Tommy?” Katie made a clicking noise with her tongue. “Christians do not tell lies, Rachel.”
“Who says I have to tell you anything?” The hint of a smile touched Rachel’s expression.
Katie stuck out her lower lip and tried to look hurt. “After I exposed my innermost feelings to you? Come on. I’m only asking because I care. I want Tommy to love you.”
“All right.” Rachel retraced her steps until she stood by Katie. “I love Tommy. There is not a question in my mind. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a life mate. He’s a wonderful Christian. He’s caring and gentle. And he’s handsome.”
“Handsome?”
She laughed at Katie’s raised eyebrows. “I think he’s very handsome and that’s what matters. You just can’t see it because you’re his sister.”
Katie acted like she was thinking and then nodded. “Yes, you are probably right. At least I know he isn’t overly ugly.”
Both girls turned at a sound to the side. Tommy stepped from evening’s dusk into their campfire’s light. “I did it.” A huge smile relaxed his face, and Katie had to agree with Rachel. Tommy was quite good looking, even if he was her brother.
“Mr. Barnett said they would gladly give us all the milk we need. He said Nanny is producing plenty. Mrs. Barnett said goat’s milk is easier to digest, anyway, so Davy shouldn’t have any trouble adjusting to it. We don’t even have to milk her. Their oldest son is going to keep doing it.”
“Praise God.” Katie breathed a prayer of thanksgiving as her legs gave out and she plopped into the rocker. Davy would be all right.
~*~
Tommy sat in the gray autumn dusk on a wooden barrel near the fire where the light shone brightest for reading. He picked up his mother’s Bible. “I’ll be reading from the fourth chapter of John tonight.”
At the fourteenth verse, he read, “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”
Katie adjusted Davy’s blanket around the bottle of goat’s milk Isaac Bartlett had brought over earlier. His sucking made little slurping sounds that brought a smile to her face. She glanced to the side and caught Jason watching them. If only she could read his mind. He never failed to sit beside her when they had the Bible readings. Probably so he could hold Susanna, but Suzy was with Rachel tonight. She shook her head to drive away the questions that realization brought. She needed to concentrate on what Tommy said.
“Every one of us knows what it’s like to be thirsty. Many times in the last few months I’ve sucked on a smooth, hard pebble just to keep from feeling the thirst that our trek across the desert caused. I know you did the same. But Jesus isn’t talking about a physical thirst. How many of us have felt that intense longing deep within that only Jesus can satisfy? I have, not so long ago.”
Katie looked to the side where Clay stood again on the outskirts of those gathered around the campfire. Many had brought quilts or warm, woolen blankets for a shield from the cool air sweeping out of the north as a gentle reminder that winter would soon be upon them.
Small children snuggled into their parent’s laps and many were already asleep. The adults listened as Tommy spoke. Katie glanced again at Clay. He appeared to be listening as well. She closed her eyes for a moment and breathed a prayer for his salvation.
“And now I’d like for her to come forward to give her testimony.” Tommy’s voice rang out catching Katie’s attention.
Everyone turned to look at her. She must have missed hearing something important.
Jason nudged her with his elbow. “Go on. Tommy wants you to tell about your salvation.”
She looked from him to Davy. He reached for the baby. “Let me hold him.”
Her eyes widened. He would hold a baby in public? “You want to hold Davy?”
He grinned. “Sure. He hasn’t gotten that heavy, has he?”
She shook her head in amazement and handed him over. “Just keep the bottle in his mouth, and you should be fine. Rachel’s right over there with Suzy if you need help.”
“Go on. We’ll be fine.”
Katie stepped around people until she stood beside Tommy. All she could think of was that from this view point the crowd seemed to have doubled. Her gaze skimmed over so many and focused on the Parkers. They were here? Please Lord, don’t let me say anything to offend them. Her voice shook as she said, “I don’t really know how to do this, but I can tell you about the night I turned from my rebellion to accept what God offered.”
She glanced at Tommy and he nodded his encouragement so she began. “I guess if my mother was here, she would say I was her rebellious child. I liked to do things my way. She didn’t approve of dancing, but I went to every dance I could. Having fun was most important to me.”
Her gaze met Clay’s and stopped. Her talk might influence someone’s life. Even his. Or the Parkers. Maybe several were in need of salvation. She breathed a quick prayer for help, and her gaze settled on Jason. He sent encouragement in his smile. She would tell her story to him and Rachel, the Bartletts and the Taylors. She could talk to them while the others listened. She could do this.
“My Christian mother is now enjoying the blessings of her heavenly home. I wish I had listened to her from the start, but I rebelled against her teachings.
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