While he walked, he wrestled with the question as if he were going to preach a sermon. As so often before, he went to the story of Jacob for inspiration. He had rounded the block, and the mill house was coming into view again when the answer came to him. Laban made Jacob work seven years for his wife. He ticked down his fingers. Sunday was the fourth. Three more Sundays in November. Four Sundays before Christmas in December—seven weeks.
Laban gave Jacob seven years. Well, Jake and Becky didn’t have seven years. But they did have seven weeks. Jake would give Becky those weeks to make up her mind: marry him, go back to Maine, or find a job and stay in Angel Vale. By the beginning of 1878, the question would be answered. Jacob might be only the bachelor without his Christmas angel, but God was in control either way.
The next morning, when Becky came to the store to help out as she often did, Jake treated her like a clerk, keeping his distance from her. He wasn’t mad at her, but she might be mad at him. And he wanted to be sure his idea was from God. He kept praying, asking for a sign, right or wrong. So far everything said go.
Preacher Reed came on Friday in time to marry the one couple who were prepared to marry at the mid-point to Christmas. Anyone not waiting until Christmas had gone to the Justice of the Peace. “In a hurry to get married. I can understand that.” Reed chuckled at his own joke.
“Are you married?” Jake hadn’t intended ask the question. The preacher had never mentioned a wife.
“Why, no. When you told me about your plan, I had me a talk with the Lord about joining up. I’m not getting any younger. But God said no. How can I ask a woman to put up with my schedule? Wouldn’t she be in danger, all alone so long?” His reasoning might be part of what scared Becky, worrying Jake a little.
On Saturday night the store closed, they set up the store for church. After they had set the podium in the front of the room, Preacher Reed leaned on it. “They say you preach when I’m not here. How about we hold two services—one tomorrow night and one on Sunday morning? I’d like to hear you preach before I leave.” He poked Jake in the arm. “At the rate Angel Vale is growing, they’ll need a church and a full-time pastor before too long.”
Jake stared at Reed as if he’d invited him to jump off a cliff. “What do you mean?”
“That it’s time you get ordained and be named the official pastor of the church in Angel Vale. You already are, you know. It’s time you receive official recognition.”
Underneath Reed’s smile Jake sensed his serious challenge. Maybe this preacher would understand his dilemma. “Becky doesn’t want to marry a preacher.”
Reed frowned. “That is a problem. You must know she’d be a good pastor’s wife. I can see it, just from the few times I’ve seen her.”
Jake nodded. He could explain the reasons behind her hesitation, but that wasn’t the question at the moment. “And I’m not at all sure I want to be a pastor.”
Reed hummed to himself. “Then your sermon tomorrow night is even more important than I thought. Why don’t we pray right now, asking God to make it clear whether you should preach and all the other things that go along with being a pastor—or whether you should wait for God to bring someone else to Angel Vale.”
The request sent Jake to his knees behind the podium. Preacher Reed joined him, but before he began praying, he said one more thing. “We’d better also pray that God does the same thing for Becky, because without her, your ministry will only be half as effective.”
Jake couldn’t have said it better himself. This prayer committed him to the harshest test he had ever faced.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Jake hadn’t sought Becky out since the awkward confrontation at the mill house earlier in the week. Had she scared him off? They worked side-by-side in the store without discussing anything beyond the day’s business. She missed their easy friendship.
Sophia was the one person Becky could share her concerns with without being judged. Friday night she sought her friend out to plan a small party for Isabella, who was marrying her Edwin on Sunday. The subject of Jake came up. “He asked me to marry him while the preacher is here this weekend.” She stared at the blank wall. A year ago, she would have died of happiness if a man like Jake asked her to marry him. She had only met Jake face to face six weeks ago. He was everything she’d wanted in a man, but that the opportunity had presented itself, she couldn’t commit. What bothered her so? That girl in Merville felt like another person, in another lifetime.
“And you said no.” Sophia said the words so matter-of-factly that Becky wanted to hug her.
“You don’t think I’m crazy?” Becky pulled out the sheet of paper where she had written down her list of pros and cons. She had studied it, added to it, and prayed over it until it was tattered. “I wrote all this out that day in the meadow, as if I could find the answer in logic.”
“Your picture gives you a clearer answer.” Sophia picked up the sketch of Jake. “But you’re not ready, yet.”
On Saturday, as the bridal shower for Isabella was wrapping up, Matt arrived at the mill house. “Preacher Reed is here, and Jake wanted you to know they’re holding a church service tonight, as well as in the morning. Angel Vale’s own small camp meeting.”
Becky jumped to her feet. “Jake will need help with the store.” She pulled on her coat and headed for the door.
“Becky, wait.” Sophia finished making sandwiches and jars of tea. “We may not have time to come back for supper.”
Becky added a couple of apples. “Do you want to join us?” she asked Isabella.
“I’ll wait for Edwin. If he can’t come, I’ll come along later.”
Sophia pulled her wrap close around her as they headed down the street. “Maybe it’s my old bones, but it seems cold for this early in November.”
A gust of wind made Becky shiver, and she shook her head. “I’ve thought the same thing. Jake keeps a thermometer in the store. As far as I can remember, it’s maybe about five degrees colder than Merville was, but it feels colder. I think we were used to the ocean. And the wind—” She shivered again, this time on purpose, and they both picked up the pace.
“For someone who doesn’t want to marry a preacher, you’re sure getting to him fast,” Sophia said.
“I got into the habit with Father. He depended on me to keep track of things.” Jake wasn’t Father, Becky reminded herself. They arrived at the store before long. The room was set up except for a small corner where Jake continued to do business. Saturday was the busiest business day of the week. Between working long hours during the day, setting up for church, usually preaching the service, and then restoring the shelves for Monday, Jake was exhausted on Monday mornings. And he did it, just so believers could gather together to worship.
Jake grinned when he saw Becky. “Hello there!”
Becky walked through the store toward him. A room lined with shelves filled with cans of beans, bags of flour, and sugarloaves cones didn’t inspire worship. Perhaps it reminded them to thank God for food. Maybe they could worship in the mill house after all the brides moved out. It would mean a lot less work for Jake.
“Did Matt bring you the news?” Jake looked around for his friend.
“I haven’t seen him this afternoon,” Sophia said.
Jake dusted his hands on a hand towel. “Can I offer you an orange phosphate?”
Becky lifted her basket. “I brought us a bite to eat, if you have time.”
“I wish I did,” Jake said.
The door swooshed open, and Matt stepped in. He crossed the room in long strides and put his arms around Jake’s shoulders. “Did Jake tell ya he’s gonna preach tonight? Preacher Reed’s special request. He seems to think Angel Vale might need a regular church, with all the weddings and families starting this fall. And he’s ready to appoint Jake if all goes well tonight.” He grinned as if he was sharing the best news in the world.
Becky sucked in her breath. Jake looked at her helplessly. “It was his idea.” He then left the register when
a customer needed assistance.
Why hadn’t Jake warned her?
Sophia pulled Matt aside. “I brought us some dinner, before the service starts.”
Paralyzed, Becky stood in the middle of the room. At least she had a few minutes of privacy to absorb the news. The issue looming between her and Jake would come to a head tonight. What should she do? Common sense took over. Whatever happened later, Jake must need time to study before the sermon. After so many years at the pulpit, Father had dozens of old sermons tucked away to reuse if he needed to. Jake didn’t have that, only a consistent walk with the Lord. Whatever faults she might find in the man, his relationship with the Savior was inspiring. God reminded her that she should honor him, because he feared the Lord, as she often read in the Psalms—the most important quality she could want in a husband.
While he waited on the customer, Becky went into his office to leave the dinner. Preacher Reed sat behind Jake’s desk.
He leaned toward her with a smile and extended a welcoming hand, as if he were at home. “Miss Patterson. How lovely to see you again.” His eyes twinkled as he said, “I confess I was hoping I might be conducting your wedding ceremony today, but Jake tells me that’s not the case.”
“No.” Becky shook his hand and sat down. Her old habits of entertaining guest preachers died hard. If Jake didn’t want the food, she might as well share it with Preacher Reed.
“I’ve heard about the wonderful work you’ve done, helping the women, both in Merville and here in Angel Vale. I believe God brought you and Jake together for an extraordinary purpose.”
As he was speaking, the door opened, and Jake came in. “That’s a private matter between Miss Patterson and myself.” He planted himself by Becky’s side as if to assure her he wouldn’t allow Reed to ramrod her. She absorbed the strength radiating from him and thought of the scripture that talks about the Lord as a “sun and shield.”
“Now if you don’t mind, I need to prepare for tonight.” Jake walked around the desk. “Alone.”
Preacher Reed looked from one to the other and slowly nodded. “I’m praying for you both, that you will be of one mind about God’s will—and your willingness to obey. Deciding to become a preacher is no light matter.” He shut the door behind him.
Becky stood to leave. “Here’s your dinner. If you’re planning to fast, then ignore it, I guess. I’ll take the rest and share it with Sophia.” She took a few steps, but halted at the door. “I’ll be praying for your sermon tonight. God will use you.”
She knew that as well as she knew night would follow day. What part God wanted her to take, she didn’t know—or maybe she refused to see it.
* * *
Jake sat behind his desk, his Bible in front of him, the food Becky brought on his left. Closing his eyes to the dilemma they represented, he prayed. The Bible talked about waiting on the Lord. It also promised that the Holy Spirit would pray when he couldn’t find the words.
God would have to take over. When he read the Bible, the words swam before his eyes. His sermon notes came out as squiggles on the page. Although he wasn’t hungry, eating might help his state of mind. He bit the thick ham sandwich and ate it slowly. Thanking God for the food brought Becky to mind, and he groaned. He chewed, mentally reciting the passage he planned to preach from tonight—about waiting, the way several remaining couples had decided to do. How could he preach a sermon about waiting on the Lord when he struggled with the issue himself?
He meditated while he ate, forcing his mind to focus whenever Becky sneaked in a crack. He began to write letters and words until he had a few thoughts on the page.
A gentle knock on the door alerted Jake to the time—fifteen minutes until the service was supposed to start. Becky stood there, at peace as if this service was like any other.
“I see you ate.” She packed the plate into her picnic basket.
The single sheet of paper didn’t resemble the sermons Jake attempted to write out in full. “You know how the Bible says when you’re weak, that’s when He’s strong?”
“It will go well. I am certain of it.” She smiled. “My encouragement for you might be why God brought me here, if for no other reason.” She closed the basket. “It’s almost time to start.” She turned to leave.
“Becky.” Jake came around the desk and touched her arm. “Thank you. For everything.”
She pulled in her lower lip. “You’re welcome.”
“Promise me, whatever happens, that we’ll talk together for a few minutes after the service.”
She squirmed. “I suspect things will change tonight.”
“Promise me. No matter what happens.” His hold on her arm tightened.
“I promise.”
Jake tucked his notes into his Bible and walked into the main room, Becky at his side. Applause welcomed their arrival. Becky’s blush made her prettier than ever, and he walked her to her spot on the first plank, where he could look into her eyes for encouragement.
The room was fuller than he’d expected, especially considering the late notice. As if he hadn’t been under enough pressure. It’s up to God. Looking at Becky, knowing how much she believed in him, knowing what tonight might cost them both, he wasn’t even sure if he wanted to do well.
But tonight wasn’t about Jake—or Becky. Tonight was about what God wanted. It was about what the people of Angel Vale needed. What Jake wanted most of all was to serve God and the people he loved. After another short prayer, he stepped to the front and began the first song.
Before Jake was ready, the time came to preach. After leading in prayer, he shared his thoughts about waiting on the Lord. The words flowed out of him, his feelings and struggles, the way he’d asked God for guidance. When he was out of words, he felt like he’d preached for fifteen minutes.
He checked the clock above his counter. An hour had passed.
Jake invited the congregation to pray with him in silence. He suggested they ask God to tell them the one thing He wanted them to hear most of all. The holy silence felt like tongues of fire hovered over everyone’s heads. Jake didn’t know how to close the service—or even if he should.
He looked across the congregation and studied his friends. Some of their faces were lifted heavenward, some were buried in their hands. Some of them were on their knees, and others were quietly reading their Bibles. Only one looked at him directly: Becky.
Tears streamed from her eyes, anointing his preaching in a way that reached to the depths of his soul. She nodded, and so did he.
After a few more minutes of silence, people began to stir. Preacher Reed joined Jake and put his arm around his shoulder. “Anyone who agrees that Jacob Underwood should become the ordained minister of a church in Angel Vale, say ‘yea.’”
In unison, the congregation stood, clapping and shouting yea. Above the ruckus, he heard Becky’s whispered “yea.”
Jake’s heart raced.
“If anyone disagrees, say ‘nay.’”
Jake couldn’t help looking at Becky. Her eyes were fixed on the floor. If hearts could speak, her scream of “nay” would fill the room.
“Then with the blessing of God and of this congregation, we will ordain Jacob Underwood to the ministry at the end of tomorrow’s service.”
The congregation responded with applause, but Jake shook his head. He couldn’t. He had promised Becky he wouldn’t be pastor. Maybe he had said that for the wrong reasons, making God more important than God’s will. How could he figure all of that out by tomorrow?
He had to talk things over with God—not to mention Becky.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Becky shivered, colder than the coldest night of her life. In one night, her brightest dreams and her worst fears had been realized. Jake Underwood would become the official pastor of Angel Vale’s first church, as he must. She had known from the first time she had heard him preach, and now the truth was spoken in plain truth for all to know.
It also confirmed her worst fear. She had come to Wyoming
in large part to escape the role of a pastor’s wife. She wanted to be an ordinary member, a Christian who loved and served the Lord. She didn’t want to open her house every time strangers came through town. She didn’t want to tend children when no one volunteered or to lead the ladies’ meetings.
She didn’t want her children judged as a thermometer of her husband’s calling. She had been a quiet, well-behaved child. But those months after her mother died, she struggled. She had to sit by herself during Father’s long sermons, and she wiggled and walked up and down the pews, rearranging hymnals and Bibles. Later she’d overheard the ladies saying, “He needs to marry again, if only for Becky’s sake. You know that verse that says, ‘For if a man know not how to rule his own house. . .’ She didn’t know exactly what they meant, but it scared her into obedience
Before she knew it, the brides from Merville ringed her, offering her their heartfelt congratulations.
Phoebe, who had worked with her in the ladies’ society back home, was the first to speak. “What a blessing for all of us. You must be so excited. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we can’t imagine anyone we’d rather have to work alongside our pastor.”
Becky almost melted into a puddle on the floor. “Thank you, Phoebe. Although it still isn’t certain Jake and I will wed.”
Denial met that response, even among the women who, like her, wanted to wait until Christmas to make their decisions. Before she fell apart in front of everyone, Sophia spoke up. “On such a special night, I am sure Becky and Jake would appreciate some privacy.”
After that, the brides said heartfelt goodbyes and left. Last of all, Sophia whispered as they hugged, “My prayers are with you, dear.”
Becky clung to the woman who had become like the mother she had lost, until her eyes landed on another woman who had lingered behind—Henrietta Myrick. When she saw Jake was talking with Preacher Reed, she approached Becky.
Christmas Mail Order Angels: The complete 11 Volume Set Page 5