by Dawn Kinzer
“Careful you don’t surprise Gram into a heart attack.”
“Take care of yourself, Sarah.” He looked down at her with warm, caring eyes. “If you ever need anything...”
“I know where to find you.”
Will saluted, then rapped the side of the wagon. “Let’s go, Oliver.”
As they drove off, Sarah turned to face Peter, her heart beating as fast as a hummingbird’s wings.
He remained in the middle of the yard, holding on to Mary, who squirmed as though her life depended on getting free.
“Daddy, let me go! I want to see Sarah!”
Peter had met her halfway, and now he seemed to be waiting for her to make the next move.
They couldn’t stand there all day, staring at each other. One foot in front of the other, and she’d be there in no time. Sarah took a deep breath, and as she closed the gap between them he put Mary down. She skipped around them, singing a nursery rhyme.
“You’re staying?” His questioning eyes held hers.
“I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.” Gratitude for seeing the truth filled her. “I was wrong. I should have trusted you—trusted your love and commitment to me.”
“Of course, I forgive you. But what about your dream?” His voice was raspy, and he cleared his throat. “It finally sank into this hard skull of mine. It’s not fair to expect you to give up something I was unwilling to give up myself.”
“I don’t need to travel to another city or country. I can make a difference right here in Riverton. I think I knew that the whole time, but I was just too stubborn and determined to show everyone that I could accomplish something special. That my past, or my parents’ pasts, doesn’t define who I am.”
“You are special.”
“Peter, I don’t want anything to ever come between us again.” She wrapped his arms around her and leaned against his chest.
“Sarah.” He twirled her loose strand of hair with his finger and caressed her cheek. “Be my wife.”
“You’re asking me to marry you, Reverend Caswell?” Her heartbeat matched his.
“I am,” he said, his voice husky. “We make a good team. You said so once yourself.” He cradled her face between his hands and held her eyes with his. Peter’s lips found Sarah’s, and his kiss went deep, as though he cared nothing about who may watch or what they may think. He drew away, but placed his forehead against hers. “I don’t want to live without you.”
“You won’t have to. I love you, Peter.”
Mary tugged on Sarah’s skirt, and peered up with pleading eyes. “Are you going to be my mommy?”
“Yes, sweetheart. Forever and ever.”
A giggle escaped Mary and she danced around them, still singing a silly song.
Sarah held her hand on Peter’s chest, just above his heart. “You’ve given me so much, but there are two things I must still ask of you.”
“Only two?” A teasing grin flashed across his face. “Tell me, Sarah. What can I give you?”
“I’d like to search for my parents, so I can tell them I’ve forgiven them.”
“We’ll look until we find them. No matter how long it takes, we’ll get some answers.” His thumb trailed her lips. “And the second?”
She held up the locket she’d worn since childhood. “I don’t want this to be empty any longer.”
“I’ll gladly take care of that.” With Mary tugging on his jacket, Peter leaned close to Sarah’s ear, his warm breath sending tingles through her body. “Sarah McCall, I’ll do anything to see you smile.”
Epilogue
December 1902
Sarah leaned against the frame of her bedroom window. Large, delicate white flakes gracefully blanketed the ground outside, transforming the frozen, brown land into a beautiful, sparkling vision. Fresh snow had always reminded her of a clean slate and a chance to start over.
How fitting—the first snowfall—on her wedding day.
Her parents’ presence was the only thing that could have made the celebration even more perfect. But her father still had almost a year to serve in prison. Despite her disappointment that her mother was unable to travel from San Francisco to Riverton for the wedding, Sarah felt grateful she’d found them. They were also eager to write and get re-acquainted.
Of course Sarah was anxious for the day her father was no longer incarcerated, but the prison had given her a place to start when she began searching for her parents. It would have taken much longer to locate them if her father had already been released.
Once free, her parents would make the trip to Wisconsin. Many years had passed since her father had cheated townspeople while gambling. Sarah prayed they’d have enough heart to forgive him and welcome what she hoped was a changed man. Whether they did or not, she was willing to give him a second chance.
Sarah smiled.
Time to get ready. Time to begin her life with the man she loved—her best friend—today, tomorrow, and always.
Questions for discussion
and reflection
Sarah wants to go to Africa as a missionary. What are her motives? How do you feel about her reasons for going?
Why do you think Gram is so hard on Sarah?
Sarah’s grandfather plays an important role in her life and the decisions she makes. How have people in your life mentored you or influenced your path?
Some townspeople look down on Sarah or hold her accountable for her parents’ actions. What do you think about judging others by association? Can you think of current examples in the news or situations where you’ve been personally involved?
Both Sarah and Rebecca have dreams for their lives. Which character do you relate to more and why?
Sarah believes she’ll find purpose in her life if she serves as a missionary in another country. Where do you go to find purpose in your life?
Why do you think Sarah has a hard time trusting Peter? Why are her reasons valid or invalid?
Peter and Frank have a special friendship, even though they don’t agree on everything. Why do you think their friendship still works? How might it serve as an example to the rest of us?
In the story, what characters do/want good things for the wrong reasons? How do you feel about their decisions?
What emotions did you experience when Sarah received the letter from the missions society?
What do you think about the sins of the fathers being inherited by their children? What does that mean to you? Have you seen examples of that happening?
Later in the story, gossip creates a scandal. Is there anything Sarah could have done differently? How would you have handled the situation if you were in her position?
What do you think about the way the church council handled the scandal before the truth came to light? What about after they learned the real story?
What do you think about Gram’s reasons for keeping her secret from Sarah?
How did you feel about Sarah’s responses to William’s gambling problem?
One of the themes of this story is forgiveness—forgiving others, accepting forgiveness, and forgiving ourselves. Which do you think is more difficult and why?
What do you think about the statement that when it comes to forgiving others, we need to do it for ourselves as well?
Why do you think Rebecca has such a hard time giving and accepting forgiveness?
How did you feel reading the scene that disclosed Peter’s secret?
How has Peter changed from the beginning of the story to the end?
What did you think about Sarah’s choices at the end of the story?
How has Sarah changed from the beginning of her story to the end? How has she grown and evolved as a woman?
Author’s Notes
The story is influenced by my home town, Prairie Farm, Wisconsin, and some of the people who lived there in the early 1900s. My parents also grew up in that rural community. Prairie Farm, the oldest settlement in Barron County, was built along Hay River. It began to develop when the Knapp-Stout Company (
lumber) made their headquarters there in 1848.
Because the story is fiction and comes purely from my imagination, I changed the names of people who I based some of my characters on, as well as some of the town’s buildings and layout.
How does the town’s history relate to the story?
I included some of the buildings/businesses in the story that actually existed in 1902.
Peter’s congregation worshiped in the original Lutheran church where the new building stands today. Both my father and I were baptized there, and my parents still attend.
The Wing’s Opera House—long gone—did hold various forms of entertainment and community activities.
The Sprague Hotel (Sherlock Hotel in the story) was built in 1875. It burned down in 1899, but was rebuilt and ready for business in sixty days. The hotel no longer stands.
George and Alice Carter are based on real people. George and Alice Scott greatly impacted the community with their faith, leadership, generosity, and service. Mr. Scott later became a state senator.
Sarah’s place of employment in the story is the Home Store (later called the Farmer’s Store), built in 1902 by Mr. Scott. The building resembled an old Spanish mission, and the descriptions—inside and out—are accurate to the best of my ability. It became known as the most beautiful store of its kind in the country and drew many visitors to the small town of 330 people. Sadly, the store burned down in 1948 and was never rebuilt.
The Carters’ three-story, 26-room mansion featured in the book was built by George Scott near the river in 1898. It still stands today and is privately owned. Mr. Scott did indeed build a rollercoaster for his children on the top floor.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the town’s Memorial Day celebration was a grand affair and drew participants from all over the county.
My heartfelt thanks
They say it takes a village to raise a child. When it comes to birthing a book, it pretty much takes a country. Although writing this story was a solitary act, the process involved a great many people for whom I am grateful.
My heartfelt thanks to...
Melody Hanson, Elsie Krause, and Janet Johnson (my mom). The resources you provided have been invaluable in writing this and upcoming books in the Daughters of Riverton series.
Jennifer Quinlan, historical editor. You kept me grounded in the past.
Members of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). There are too many names of people who have befriended and supported me in my writing journey to list them here. You know who you are. I would not have had the courage to pursue publication without the knowledge gained through this organization’s teachings.
Annette M. Irby and Ocieanna Fleiss. My dear McCritters, we’ve spent not only countless hours, but many years together. Thank you for investing in me and my stories. We’re not only critique partners, we’re sister-friends.
Sandra Byrd, Laura Frantz, and Julie Lessman. You gifted authors have blessed me with your friendship, encouragement, wisdom, and prayers during my writing journey.
Tina Boyd and Leann St. Germain. You’ve been there for me in the ups and downs of my personal life and cheered me on in my professional life. I couldn’t ask for better friends.
Debby Hartsock and Janene Durman. Every author needs prayer warriors, and I’m so thankful you’re mine.
My family. Sonny, you’ve sacrificed to help make my dreams come true. I couldn’t have published this story without your love and support. We’re a team! Brooke and Ana, your love and belief in me have blessed me more than I can express.
God the Father who has been with me every step of this journey.
The Holy Spirit who inspires.
Jesus, my Lord and Savior who died and rose again that we might forgive and be forgiven.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Dawn Kinzer, a mom and grandmother, lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, cinnamon, popcorn, strong coffee, good wine, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.
You can find out more about Dawn and her books by visiting www.dawnkinzer.com.
She loves to hear from her readers. You may contact her at [email protected].
Other places to connect: Her Blog, Facebook,
Google +, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Instagram
FREEBIE
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Visit www.dawnkinzer.com and enter your e-mail address in the box on the sidebar, then click on a link in a responding e-mail confirming your subscription. After you confirm, you’ll receive a “Subscription Confirmed” e-mail. Click on the title Maggie’s Miracle or link included to open up the story. Read then or “save” to read later.
Maggie’s Miracle - Sometimes it only takes a small miracle to create a life-changing moment…
HOPE’S DESIGN, BOOK 2
THE DAUGHTERS OF RIVERTON
An independent city girl aspiring to
be a fashion designer falls for a
stubborn artist from the country.
One desires to be known,
the other to work in secret.
You can find it here on Amazon.