Laurette wondered what else could happen.
“I’m going to be quitting my job, and I’d like you to consider taking over.”
“I told you I don’t know how to teach school.”
“We’ll talk about that. You don’t need a teaching certificate, and the curriculum is all set up. You just monitor the kids’ progress as they go through the workbooks. You can do it,” Diane insisted.
“I think she should do it,” Ryan stated, pulling Rette close to him. “It would be better than waiting on tables,” he told her.
“Could we have our cake now?” Katie demanded.
“So many decisions. It makes my mind whirl,” Laurette told Diane when she thanked her friend for a pleasant evening. She carried a piece of cake on a plate to share with Ryan later.
“You’d make a good teacher,” Diane told her friend.
Ryan and Laurette sat in his Volkswagen and talked a long time that evening. “The Lord has been good to us. You told me to put my trust in Jesus, and He would guide us. And I think He has put the teaching job in front of you for a reason. I’d like you to think about it,” Ryan told Laurette. “You’re good with kids. You can do it.”
“There aren’t many students enrolled. I’d have to supervise two or three grades.”
“Think about it.” He brushed the hair back from her face.
“What will your job be in the winter?”
“I may have to go to Ketchikan a few times. We’ll be setting up schedules with the cruise lines for next year.”
He gave her a hug. “Will you work for me next summer?”
“As long as we have time to go fishing. Have to keep my father happy.”
He cupped her chin in his hand. “It’s time I let you get some sleep.” She could read the unspoken feelings in his eyes before he kissed her good night.
❧
On Sunday Laurette took time off from tasks at work to meet Diane at church. She had trouble keeping her mind on the sermon. She kept thinking how the sanctuary would look decorated for her wedding.
When the pastor invited anyone in the congregation to come forward, she had turned to whisper to Diane. She saw Diane’s eyes grow wide and felt her friend poke her shoulder. Looking at where her friend pointed, she caught her breath.
Ryan, dressed in his SAM jacket and pressed jeans, with his head held high, walked to the altar rail. He knelt before the waiting pastor and spoke in a strong voice. “I became a Christian as a child, but I only recently learned what it means to live as one. Today I recommit my life to Jesus Christ and ask Him to remain in my heart and guide my ways from this day forward.”
Tears of pride and joy spilled down Laurette’s cheeks. Love is the reason behind everything You do, Lord. Thank You.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MArilou H. FLinkman and her husband have retired to a home in Arizona. Since the Kairos Prison Ministry is not active in Arizona, Marilou has become a food bank volunteer. She says she has finally gotten out of prison but the Lord has found another way for her to serve. She is active in her church in Chandler. The Flinkmans enjoy travel. They have explored the backcountry of Brazil, gone on safaris in Kenya and Tanzania, and been in Hong Kong, and recently returned from Russia. Marilou is an avid reader and enjoys visiting the couple’s six children and thirteen grandchildren and fishing in Alaska. To find out how Marilou is currently involved, please visit her Web site at www.marilouflinkman.com.
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Marilou H. Flinkman
Author Relations
PO Box 719
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
Table of Contents
Copyright
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
Twenty
Twenty-one
About the Author
Alaskan Summer Page 16