“A dollar’s enough.” Father lifted his index finger to hold their attention. “I don’t pray much, but I did ask God fer some help tonight. I suspect I should give Him credit fer me spyin’ a buggy makin’ its way down a road out of town. ‘Mighty odd time fer anybody to be headin’ out o’ town,’ I thought to meself. So I follered it. But I was thinkin’ with me brain, I was.” He tapped his temple. “Before I left town completely I thought to ask a little boy sellin’ lucifers on a street corner to tell the police to go in the same direction the buggy was goin’, ’cause there might be trouble brewin’. I paid him a penny. He seemed happy enough.”
Nash nodded. “I’m glad they took the boy seriously. But then again, they’ve been desperate to capture this band of thieves, so no doubt they were following up on any clue.”
“Thank goodness they were finally successful,” Becca noted. “I was going to run as fast as I could to find help, but I was so afraid I would never see Nash alive again.” She placed a hand on his arm. “Oh, Nash, you were so brave!”
“With the Lord as my guide.” Nash looked at Becca’s father. “I’m thankful for your quick thinking, Mr. Hanham. My driver has some explaining to do. To the police.”
Becca felt sorry for Jack, but he had brought his punishment on himself.
Nash’s expression turned wistful. “The Lord used another unlikely person to help us. If I’m to be honest, I must say that I have Hazel to thank as well.”
“Hazel?” Becca asked. “That is strange.”
“Yes. She’s the one who showed me the ransom note sent to her brother-in-law. That told me right away I needed to act quickly.” He sighed. “That was before I let the criminals know I am engaged to you, not Hazel.”
Becca smiled, blushing.
“I propose a big celebration, a formal party for all our friends. At that time we shall announce our engagement and wedding date.”
“Are you sure?” Becca asked.
“More sure than ever.” The conviction in his voice did more than enough to convince her.
“But Miss Caldwell. . .”
“I assure you, she has no reason to hope for our match any longer.”
“Oh.” Becca faced him straight on and looked him in the eyes. Eyes she wanted to see every day for the rest of her life. “You kept up your end of the bargain. I don’t remember a time I’ve been happier. But I know I was not born to your world. To marry me will be a sacrifice for you. I want you to know that from this moment, I release you of any obligation you feel toward me. I want you to feel free to marry a woman of your own station. That’s what my dream is for you—acceptance by your friends and your happiness.”
“If you really mean that, then you’ll marry me tomorrow. Your spirit touched me that night long ago when I first bought lucifers from you, but when I saw you again as a beautiful young woman, my heart was captured. The time we’ve spent together since then has only confirmed my initial feelings for you. Now I can’t imagine life without you.” He sent her a boyish grin. “If you’ll marry me, I promise you’ll never have to touch another dirty dish.” He lifted her left hand in his and regarded the ruby ring. “Grandmother instructed me to give her ring to my future wife. When I presented it to you, I meant to keep my promise. I don’t want a society maiden. I want you, Becca Hanham. If you’ll have me.”
“If I’ll have you? Why, I’d marry you even if you lived right here on this street.”
Laughing, Nash took her in his arms. They kissed, knowing their time together had bonded them forevermore.
Epilogue
Nash and Becca stood under an ivy-covered archway leading to the gardens of the Abercrombie country estate a few miles from Providence. The delicate scent of flowers gave the air the feel of a wedding. A four-tiered cake Cook took two days to bake and frost graced the center of a buffet table.
Becca looked up into Nash’s eyes. “I have married the man I love today.”
“You only love me today?” Nash teased, holding his arm around her waist. “But I will love you today, tomorrow, and every tomorrow God sees fit to grant us, my darling.”
“As it shall be. My love for you will never die.”
Becca wouldn’t have cared if they’d married in a barn, but the wedding itself had been everything she could have imagined and more. She looked out among their guests as they indulged in the wedding feast held outdoors under a lovely New England summer day. They had all wished her well as Mrs. Nash Abercrombie. Even Hazel, now being courted by a wealthy older man, didn’t seem to begrudge her such happiness.
She couldn’t help but notice Father looking stiff in formal wear and her brothers pulling now and again on their collars, but her male relatives had all done her proud by displaying their best behavior. Even the smaller siblings, acting as ring bearer and flower girls, shone. Mother and Becca’s sisters blossomed in the environment, reminding Becca of the rose petals their guests had placed along the garden path for Nash and her.
During the engagement period, Becca had come to know his intimate friends and had even drummed up the courage to perform for them. After she sang her initial song, the others joined in and had great fun showing off their respective talents to one another. Many such a pleasant night of music and parlor games bonded them, so her fears that they would never accept her had long since faded. Clearly their high regard for Nash superseded any urge toward snobbery. Then again, Nash had trained her well, and she felt more and more comfortable among his set as time progressed. The idea of socializing with them for the rest of her life no longer seemed formidable. Nash did confess that his friends had quieted a few snippets of gossip, but that only proved their loyalty. Two of Nash’s customers dropped their accounts with him to protest his match with Becca, but the Lord quickly sent more to replace them. Truly, the Savior had answered their prayers in every respect.
Nash surveyed the buzzing reception along with her. “I understand we have one of the largest wedding parties reported in Providence.”
Becca laughed. “When one has so many siblings, that’s likely to happen. And look at Mother and Father. They are absolutely beaming.”
“I hope they’ll enjoy their new home. There should be more room for all your siblings now. Granted, they will still share bedchambers with one another.”
“Yes, but in quarters not nearly as cramped,” Becca was quick to point out. “I’m so grateful to you. For the first time in my memory, Father has stopped drinking, and my brothers and sisters aren’t spending their time daydreaming about how to leave home as quickly as they can. I’m so glad they’ll be living near us, too. I couldn’t ask for more.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“What a dream.” Becca sighed. “To have everyone I love near me always—especially you, Nash. I never considered being well-off or powerful, and certainly I never envisioned that I would be a member of your society. I never thought I’d wear anything but rags, and here I am in the finest garments I can imagine. Yet none of those things matter to me.” She looked into his face, marveling once again at how handsome he looked. “The dream you have made come true for me is one of undying love. The love of a compassionate man of God was all I ever wanted. Thank you for giving me that.”
“The gift of your love has made all my dreams come true, Becca. I’ll love you forever.”
Unashamed of their love, they shared a kiss, the first of the many more they were assured of sharing for the rest of their lives.
About the Author
Tamela Hancock Murray is an award-winning, bestselling author living in northern Virginia. She and her husband of twenty-five years are blessed with two daughters. When not spending time with friends and family, Tamela enjoys writing stories of faith, hope, and love. Tamela also loves hearing from her fans! Check out her Web site at www.tamelahancockmurray.com.
Dedication
With special thanks to my parents, Herman and Ann Hancock. You both have always given me your love and support.
A note
from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Tamela Hancock Murray
Author Relations
PO Box 721
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