by Lisa Prysock
Dearest Evangeline, The Lady of Cornwall,
Holding you in my arms by our very own hearth when I return home will be a joy to my heart. I am thankful for the Lord’s gracious gift when He gave you to me in wedded bliss. How I long to see you when I look out across the sea and imagine your angelic face.
Do you know the one thing that comforts me while this ship rocks to and fro among the waves and we are parted? It is this very Bible here upon my captain’s desk in my own quarters where I am able to be alone with my prayers and thoughts, hearing the voice of God. When I am fearful that we may have lost our course, I listen for Him and cry out to Him.
My heart is so full of thanksgiving, realizing my own righteousness is as filthy rags without the blood shed by our blessed Redeemer and Savior, Jesus Christ. I ponder how remarkable it is that our Heavenly Father gave us His only Son, and sent Him to the earth, a tiny babe born in a manger of a blessed virgin.
How the swing of the hammer upon those spikes echo through the centuries, calling out to each of us to repent and to accept His sacrifice for us. It has changed me. Oh, how the love of our Lord when He allowed them to crucify Him has changed me. How many times I have wept in my heart to think on what He must have endured and suffered on our behalf, often with tears and grief at my own failures. Alas, it has made me better. I am made perfect in my weakness.
Yet, I hear His call on those most trying of days, when His voice speaks to my heart so I can rise yet another day—: I will have mercy upon whom I will have mercy. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord doth not impute iniquity. Blessed is the man who trusts in Him. I try then to think of Him risen, as He is, seated now at the right hand of the Father, having conquered death after the shedding of blood for the remission of our sins and the sinful state to which we were born into because of the first man, Adam. Not that I could have done any better, mind you. My own weaknesses tell me that.
Still, my soul thirsts for Him daily and I pray yours does, too. I pray all is well with you and the children, my dearest, Evangeline. Do not fear, the Lord will safely navigate this ship homeward and we shall be together for Christmas, to celebrate His birth. Have a yule log ready, my dearest, and a country ham. The biggest one you can find, with a plum pudding, too. We shall eat, and be merry, and dance to the fiddle, and kiss under the mistletoe. ‘Tis of these things I dream when I lay my weary head upon the pillow and the waves toss us to and fro. ‘Tis your face I see in my dreams.
Soon, we will not be apart and I will hold you in my arms, my beloved. We shall take a romantic ride in the cutter upon the glistening snow this winter, only you and I. I’ll hold you in my arms and whisper sweet things in your ears, and kiss your lovely hands, and be glad to walk upon the solid earth. I shall not miss the sea as I sometimes have in years past when I settle in for the winter and a time of rest. I shall be ever so happy to hold our children and see them growing up before my eyes.
How is Bernice? Does she grow taller every single day? How is our Mandolyn? Does her laughter fill our home? How is Andrew? Does he help bring in the wood to keep the fire burning? How is Bartholomew? Is he studying his lessons? What of Peter? Is he growing strong since having the influenza? Is Sally helping with the baking? Does Alice keep learning to make her stitches straighter each day? Is Eliza’s penmanship improving? I shall bring Noah home and you shall see he is nearly a master of the ship now and almost a man. Your heart shall be full with approval.
Take care that you and our children, many that God hath blessed us with, do not catch a chill in this wintry weather. Pray these blasted gales which come out of the north by surprise and the easterly winds do not overtake us. We have had some peaceful days sailing upon calmer waters for much of our journey. Pray for a continuing steady calm and kind winter mornings and evenings. Keep the lighthouse manned at all times, for it shall not be long now. Of course, I will mail this at our next port as we come around the coast of Spain, and when you shall have it, I pray we shall have already set our course for home, and the Morning Dove shall be nearer to the beautiful shores of Cornwall, and your arms which I know continually reach out to the poor. Tell Rutherford to help his lovely mother, for whom my heart yearns.
With all of my love and devotion,
Captain Calvin Glen Wellsey
Aboard the sturdy Morning Dove vessel on the evening of November the 21st, 1852
Nicole held the letter up to her chest. She closed her eyes and whispered up a prayer. Dear Lord, please help me to be close to You like this and to have a heart for You like this. Help me never to slide away from You ever again. Thank You so much for saving my daughter’s life and leading us to become Your children. Another thing, Lord, thanks for helping me to become more content and not so distracted with material things.
As I look around at our life, the life You have given Amy and me, I realize how much we have. Thank You for turning me into a giver instead of being someone always wanting more. Thank You for delivering me from being materialistic. It’s good to enjoy the abundant blessings You’ve bestowed on us, but it’s also good to have a heart liberated to be content in almost every way.
Thank You for saving me from marrying the wrong man. I’m giving You my career and asking You to help every role I take on to be for Your glory. Oh, and one more thing. Thank You for introducing us to Jack. If he’s the man You have set aside for me, ask him to ask me to marry him. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
“SO IT SEEMS PRETTY serious with you and Nicole Beaumont.” Chase slapped Jack on the back good-naturedly as a group of guests on the ranch drove by on snowmobiles, heading to trail number four.
They both leaned over the railing on the front porch of the main house, Jack waiting for the clerk filling in for Jill to give him the daily deliveries to be made. Chase waited patiently for Philomena to bring the Haven kids down to go to the hospital to meet their new baby sister. Jill had safely delivered a baby girl, and The Sweetwater River Ranch Resort was in a celebratory mood.
“I guess you could say that.” Jack pulled the collar up on his jean jacket with the sheepskin lining. “We even managed a few dates without Amy. She spent the night with Savannah so we could go out on the town.”
“You took her to Whip’s Steakhouse, right?” Chase grinned. “Best steak in Fremont County if you have to leave The Sweetwater.”
“Sure did,” Jack nodded. “We also went to hear Redemption Revolution perform at Bubba’s Burgers one night. They’re a hip-hop band from St. Louis staying here to perform mostly at the ranch, but they’ve had a few gigs in Lander. Oh, and we had a romantic dinner in my RV one night. I cooked spaghetti.”
Chase laughed. “As I recall, that’s the only thing you can make.”
“Yeah, don’t tell her that.” Jack chuckled, relenting. “I guess there’s a few other things I’ve learned to cook living on my own, but not anything too fancy. Pancakes, maybe a good lasagna or beef stew now and then.”
“California girl, right? Does she even like Wyoming?” he asked.
“Loves it. We’re looking to buy a little piece of land here and settle down together. Her daughter is thriving here in the countryside, other than one bad sledding scare. Oh, and Nicole sprained her ankle ice skating.”
Chase nodded. “That’s understandable. They’ll adjust. Winter’s tricky for the best of us.”
“My thoughts, too,” Jack agreed as they watched Harley jump into the wagon bed harnessed to a team of mules. Buck was driving a full load of guests to check out the nativity scene. Then, he’d take them on to feed a small herd of reindeer Logan had invited to the ranch through a petting zoo.
“Has she met your folks?” Chase turned around to look at the decorations on the front porch, so Jack turned around, also.
“Yeah, my folks met her and most of her family at Thanksgiving. They loved her, but...” Jack’s voice trailed off as the clerk handed him the deliveries for the day. He stared at the small packages thinking there should be more with Christmas right around the corner. Turning
to the clerk, he added, “Thanks. Anything else for today? No roses?”
“Nope, that’s it.” The clerk shivered and ducked back inside the main house to the front counter in the foyer.
“But what?” Chase asked. “Is she a Christian?”
“Yeah, a prodigal recently returned home, so to speak. Thing is, she hasn’t made a clean break from the ex-billionaire Hollywood boyfriend, or I’d probably tie the knot tomorrow. I’ve never met anyone as special as Nicole, not since Cheryl Anne, of course.”
“I see. That’s a tough one. She’s not your usual case, being who she is and all.” Chase paused. “Well, maybe she’s waitin’ on you to pop the question before she throws away them billions. I mean, that’d be hard for anybody. I know some Christians that’d be ambivalent in that particular situation.”
“Thanks man, that’s good advice. I guess I’d better get going. Here comes your crew. Give our best to Logan and Jill.”
Chase smiled and they shook hands. “If I don’t see you before we head back to Tipton, have a great Christmas. Ask that movie star to marry ya. I have a good feelin’ ‘bout her.”
Jack paused to absorb all Chase Haven had said as his former boss greeted the Haven kids streaming onto the front porch. He tipped his hat in Philomena’s direction as they passed by and then stared at the packages in his hands, realizing it’d been a whole week since Mister Billionaire had sent any roses for cabin eight. Something had changed, but what?
Chapter 24
“I heard the bells on CHRISTMAS Day.
Their old familiar carols play.
And wild and sweet the words repeat.
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
“Ready for our date?” Jack looked at her from beneath his cream Stetson as she stepped out of the cabin. He looked more handsome than ever, standing there, looking deeply into her eyes.
“Wow, you brought a sleigh and a driver?” she asked.
“I said it would be a special evening,” he reminded her softly, nuzzling her with a kiss which barely brushed her lips.
It was the Sunday afternoon before Christmas, and the familiar exhilaration of the children before their performance had shed excitement on everything, an excitement which had lasted through the whole day. Amy had played the role of an angel, and Nicole had praised her natural acting ability.
They’d practiced her four lines over and over again leading up to the big day, and she’d nailed it. Jack had clapped vigorously for her. McGuire’s little girls, Jamie and Tracy, along with Savannah, another little girl visiting the ranch, and Emma, had also been angels. Laina and Austin had driven up from Tipton for her to be in the program since their getaway had ended, but Nicole had exchanged cell numbers with Laina so they could stay in touch and continue to grow their friendship.
The girls appeared authentically angelic in their white costumes and angel wings, but the best part had been when Redemption Revolution performed a song at the end with all of the kids. On the last verse, Amy and Casey broke out in a moonwalk to surprise everyone. The program had ended there with a standing ovation and many happy faces, not just because of their performance, but more because of the joy the Lord had blessed them with during the service.
“How do I look?” she asked as he escorted her on his arm to the sleigh. She wore a winter white leather coat with a fur cape built into it, paired with brown cowboy boots, jeans, and a white blouse. Her sunglasses and hat completed her look, and helped her feel safe from prying onlookers if they ended up around any other fans when they went to dinner. They were headed to Whip’s Steakhouse again because it was the best place to eat in Lander, apart from The Sweetwater.
Jack picked her up at the waist and swung her into the sleigh, causing her to giggle while she held onto her hat. “You look absolutely gorgeous, babe. Like a million bucks.”
“Thanks,” Nicole replied as he climbed into the sleigh. The tan and white mustang swished his tail when the driver snapped the reins, and they were off, gliding over the snow toward the covered bridge, and beyond, the chapel.
“Why are we headed back to the chapel?” she asked.
“You’ll see,” he replied, snuggling closer to her and wrapping his arm around her shoulders. Then he reached across the sleigh to the seat facing them and uncovered something in the corner of the seat closest to him, removing a linen cloth to reveal two glasses of sparkling cider on a silver tray with a bouquet of lily of the valley, red and white roses, sprigs of myrtle, sweet pea, and evergreen branches. He picked up the gorgeous bouquet and handed it to her. “These are for you, my love.”
“How on earth did you find sweet pea this time of the year. It’s one of my favorites.” Nicole felt as though she was glowing, basking in his affections.
“I have my ways.” He smiled, handing her one of the champagne glasses filled with sparkling cider. “Is Amy going to be all right spending the night with Emma?”
“Mmm, this is good,” she said, sipping some of the non-alcoholic beverage. “Yes, she’ll be fine, and she’s super excited. After this morning’s performance, she’s on cloud nine. I don’t think anything could dampen her mood. And having another sleepover with her new friend, Emma, is like frosting on the cake. I guess they have all kinds of plans. I think the girls are painting their nails this evening and doing fancy French braids in their hair. Laina said she and Austin picked up Christmas movies and popcorn with extra, extra butter.”
Jack chuckled and then sipped some of his drink from the champagne glass. “I heard Austin say they’re taking the girls to Bubba’s Burgers for dinner. Then they have to get back to Tipton tomorrow to celebrate Christmas with their families, but I gathered they were happy to have this weekend here for Emma to be in the program.”
Nicole nodded in agreement as they crossed over the bridge. Was she in a dream, riding in the beautiful sleigh at Christmas time with the most patient, loving, kind, caring, handsome, Christian guy she’d ever known? “Thanks for being there to support Amy and me today, Jack. It means so much to us.” Not to mention how tall he was, and that he was a man of genuine integrity. How she liked a man to be tall. The Lord knew she did and He’d certainly sent her a good-looking, tall cowboy.
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” He set his cup down on the tray. “You are my world, and I believe we’d be the happiest couple on earth if you’d...” His worlds trailed away as he swept a stray curl away from her sunglasses, shielding her eyes from the glare of the pretty sun beginning to set in the horizon.
She took her sunglasses off, the same pair she wore nearly every time they’d left the cabin so strangers wouldn’t recognize her. Softly she repeated, “If, if I’d what...Jack Colten?”
“...if you’d marry me, Nicole Maribella Beaumont.” He paused. “I’m not a billionaire, but I’ll spend the rest of my life loving you and treating you like a queen, like the way you were meant to be treated and loved. I will respect you, and care for you. I’ll be committed and Ioyal.” The sleigh pulled to a stop at the chapel and Nicole didn’t even notice when the driver disappeared for a while.
Jack pulled both of her hands to his lips, kissing them tenderly. “I believe in hard work, and I believe in following the dreams God gives you. He put ranching and horses in mine, and something to do with lighthouses. So, I figure it’s His way of letting me know I’m going to be married to a powerful lighthouse woman of God. I believe you’re meant to keep on creating beautiful movies to share Him with the world. I’d never try to stop that. I love that you do that. I’ll be the best dad I can to Amy and I’ll teach her what it means to be honest, God-fearing, and to stand for something.”
He continued, gazing into her eyes, holding her hand close to his heart. “I don’t have any idea where we’d live, but I hope you’d consider making Wyoming your home base. Maybe we could buy a bit of land here and do some traveling as we’re able with your career, but whatever we do, I have this feeling deep in my heart,
we were born to be together.”
Nicole smiled and threw both of her arms around Jack’s chest and neck as snowflakes began to fall around them. “Oh, Jack, I thought you’d never ask.”
He laughed, looking around at the snow falling. “I had to pray about it.”
“So did I,” she laughed, smiling, her eyes sparkling in the sunset. It was amazing to watch snowflakes falling with sunlight in the distance. She thought it made everything sparkle even more.
“So, does this mean you’ll marry me?” he asked.
“Yes, it does.” Nicole leaned her head against his chest and looked up at him with a contented sigh. “Yes, Cowboy Jack, I will marry you. Right here at this very chapel, if you like.”
“I was hoping you might feel that way. This chapel is a pretty awesome place. I’ve got something I want you to see.”
“You do?” she asked. “More surprises. I love surprises.”
He stepped out of the sleigh, and then pulled her down into his arms. “Come with me.” He took her hand in his and led her inside the chapel to the foot of the Christmas tree. It was located off to the side of the platform where the children had performed their program.
“See anything?” he asked.
Nicole nodded. “I see a tree that represents the one my Savior died on for me.”
“Yes, that’s right, but there’s so much more. Not only did He die for us, He said He came to give us life, and life more abundantly.”
“Oh, Jack, I see it.” Nicole covered her mouth with her hands, tears filling her eyes as she absorbed Jack’s words, words of a King, her King. At the same time, she saw a diamond ring suspended from a silk ribbon on one of the branches, dangling at her eye level, shimmering in the lights on the tree. She reached for the ring and then threw her arms around Jack again.
He held her there for a while, and she realized she’d just needed to be held. “Try it on,” he said after she stood on her own, helping her remove the ribbon.