“Yes Ma,” Felicia agreed and everyone closed their eyes as she started to pray. Vivian tried to listen to her words, but she couldn’t help worrying about Micah. Something wasn’t right. She could feel it in her heart.
Emmett felt his eldest son’s eyes on him while they hooked the team up to the wagon. “Pa, we’ve already talked about my college plans. Why did you really ask me to come along?”
He sighed and attempted to avoid his son’s eyes while placing a few lanterns into the wagon. Thomas could always see right through him, but he was thankful the boy had played along in the house. He didn’t want to upset anyone without due cause. “I’ve got a bad feeling,” he finally admitted. “I don’t know what it is, but I feel like God is telling me, Micah ran into some kind of trouble. What I said about going to his cabin was true. I want to check there first. If his team and wagon aren’t there, we’ll head on into town next.” Emmett paused to reach for two rifles and a box of bullets hidden in the hay loft.
Thomas’ eyes widened when he saw him put the weapons into the back of the wagon and cover them with a blanket. “Do you think we’ll need to use those, Pa?”
Emmett shook his head. “I don’t know. It’s hard to tell what we’re going to encounter, but I’d rather be prepared for the worst.”
They traveled at a fast pace for about ten minutes before the sun went down. Then they had to slow down and light the lanterns to safely navigate the narrower roads close to Micah’s property. When they reached the clearing, he saw the wagon in front of the cabin. The horses were still hitched up to it, ominously still.
“Well, that’s odd,” Emmett said just above a whisper. “Micah would never neglect to care for his animals.”
He pulled up next to the other wagon and climbed down. Then he approached the horses slowly. They startled at the light from his lantern at first, but calmed when Emmett patted their withers. “It’s all right, boys. We’re just here looking for your owner. I sure wish you could tell me where he is.”
He walked up to the deck and knocked on the cabin door. “Micah…are you in there?” When there was no answer, he lifted his lantern to look through the dark window. “Micah?” he called again. All was completely silent.
Thomas stayed with the horses while he checked the outbuildings. He’d barely stepped inside the print shop when hearing his son’s alarmed voice. “Pa, come quick!”
Emmett dashed back toward the cabin with a pounding heart, hoping he hadn’t put his son in harm’s way. However, when he reached Micah’s wagon, he saw Thomas kneeling in the bed of it. “What’s wrong?”
“He’s in here. I heard him groaning.”
Emmett peered over the edge of the wagon and held up his lantern. Sure enough, it was Micah. From the looks of it, he was in a bad way. However, he was encouraged to see his chest moving up and down with steady breaths.
He grabbed a blanket from his wagon and handed it to Thomas. “Here, cover him with this to keep him warm. We need to take him back to the house, but I don’t want to move him any more than we have to. I’m going to need you to take our wagon and I’ll follow you with Micah’s.”
“Yes, Pa.” He covered Micah with the blanket and then climbed out of the wagon.
Emmett gripped Thomas’ shoulders. “All right, now listen carefully. Once we carry him inside, I’m going to need you to ride one of the horses into town and fetch the doctor as quickly as you can. You’ll need to take one of the rifles, just in case you run into trouble. If you see any members of the Reed family, try to stay out of sight. Can you do that for me?”
Thomas gulped hard and nodded. “You can count on me.”
“Thank you. Now let’s go. There’s not a moment to lose.”
Chapter Twelve
“And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Mathew 21:22 NKJV
Vivian paced by the door for almost an hour, praying Micah was all right. When lanterns appeared outside the window, she gasped and hurried out the door with Caroline not far behind. At first, she breathed a sigh of relief seeing two wagons. One was Emmett’s and the other, Micah’s. She could tell by his team of dapple-grays. Perhaps he’d broken a wheel on the road and had to stop and replace it.
When the drivers hopped down and their faces came into view, her heart sunk. There were only two of them—Emmett and his son. They rushed around to the back of Micah’s wagon and she followed, peering inside. Tears flooded her eyes when she observed Micah unconscious, bloody and bruised. Emmett hopped into the bed of the wagon, while asking his son to go to the barn and find something they could carry Micah inside on.
“What happened?” she heard her trembling voice ask.
“We’re not sure yet, but he’s in a bad way. We need to carry him inside quickly so we can see what his injuries are.”
Vivian felt Caroline’s comforting hands on her shoulders and she swallowed hard, gathering courage. “What can I do to help?”
“Prepare a bed for him on the main level. We’ll need warm water, bandages and ice for his head.”
“All right. We’ll have it all ready,” she said and hurried back into the house.
Caroline followed close behind, heading for the kitchen. “I’ll send Felicia out to the icehouse. Then I’ll boil some water and make bandages. Why don’t you prepare Thomas’ room for Micah? He can bunk with Will tonight. You’ll find clean sheets and blankets in the hall closet.”
Vivian did what Caroline asked in a methodical manner, trying not to give into the emotions welling up inside her. If she could just be calm and do what was asked of her, perhaps she could help Micah through this.
By the time Emmett and Thomas carried Micah in on a wooden board covered with a blanket, Vivian had everything ready. She watched in a numb haze as they transferred him to the bed and made him comfortable. A few minutes later, Caroline arrived with the warm water and bandages. Then Felicia came back with the bag of ice. Emmett thanked them and asked everyone to step out while he checked him for any injuries requiring immediate attention.
When Emmett came back out, he leaned against the wall with a weary sigh. “He has an injury on the back of his head that I’ve bandaged and put ice on. He also has bruised ribs and maybe a broken shoulder as far as I can tell. I’ve sent Thomas to fetch the doctor. When he arrives, we’ll know more.” He made eye contact with Vivian. “You can go in and sit with him now. When he wakes up, he’s going to want to see your face.”
Vivian thanked him before going back in. After sitting in the chair beside his bed, she dipped a cloth into the water basin and washed the dirt from his face and neck, taking care around a few scratches by his cheekbone and bloodied lip. Then she worked on cleaning his scratched-up hands.
When she finished, Vivian tucked the blanket around him again and held his hand. “Micah, I don’t know if you can hear me, but I’m here. It’s Vivian and I’m going to stay with you. You’re going to be all right.” She reached up to smooth back a few unruly strands of raven hair that hung over his bandaged forehead. Then she couldn’t hold back the tears any longer, realizing his injuries couldn’t have been an accident. Who would intentionally hurt this man—someone so thoughtful and caring—someone who never spoke an unkind word to anyone?
“God, please heal this man that I love.” Vivian paused, surprised by her own words, but she knew they were true. She did love Micah. Her heart had opened to him much faster than she thought it would, but the feeling was so natural, like she had known him for years. “Heal him,” she continued to pray. “Heal Micah so I can tell him this news myself. Please.”
It was over an hour before the doctor arrived and Micah still remained unconscious. Vivian stepped out of the room while he examined him. When the doctor called Emmett into the room to help, she started pacing the halls to keep busy.
Caroline approached, placing her hands on her shoulders. “This is probably going to take a while if the doctor has to set a broken bone in his arm. You need to rest, Vivian.
All this stress isn’t good for you or the baby. When Micah wakes up, he’s going to be in pain and need you there with him. You need to conserve your strength. Will you at least come downstairs for a cup of tea?”
Vivian agreed and followed Caroline downstairs, taking a seat across from her in the parlor. Her friend already had some Chamomile tea brewed and the moment she took a sip, Vivian felt her nerves beginning to calm down. “Thank you. This is exactly what I needed.”
Over the next hour, she spent time praying with Caroline and sharing light conversation. Then the doctor came into the room and she watched his indiscernible expression as he took a seat across from her. “How is he?”
“He’s faring well considering the ordeal he’s been through today. If Emmett and Thomas hadn’t found him, there’s no telling what shape he’d be in.” The doctor sighed and rubbed his chin, seeming deep in thought. “His ribs will mend, but will be tender for a while. His shoulder was dislocated, but not broken as previously thought. He’ll have to wear a sling for a few weeks. Right now, it’s the head injury that concerns me the most.”
She sat forward in her chair, watching his face carefully. “What do you mean?”
“Whoever did this, hit him in the back of the head with a rifle or plank of wood pretty hard. I can’t rule out the possibility of swelling in his brain. I’m not seeing any signs of it now, but the next day will rule that out. We’ll just wait and see.”
“Wait and see what? Please tell me. I want to know everything. Don’t hold back.”
The doctor paused for a moment, as though he was reluctant to tell her, but he finally continued. “We’ll wait and see if he wakes up. Then you’ll want to watch for slurred speech, confusion, sight or hearing problems…”
His voice faded away as Vivian fixated on the phrase ‘if he wakes up.’ Their wedding was supposed to be the next day and now she only hoped Micah would survive. Oh, how the circumstances had changed in just a few short hours.
The doctor left a short time later and Vivian went back in to sit with Micah, after making a brief stop in her room to retrieve the book they’d been reading together. She was relieved to see he now had on clean night clothes instead of the dirty torn clothing he’d arrived in. He also seemed to have more color in his cheeks than before, which filled her heart with hope.
“I’m back.” She leaned over and kissed his forehead before sitting in the chair. It was tempting to obsess over his condition and worry, but she chose to focus on something they enjoyed doing together instead. “What do you say we continue reading this Jules Vern book? I don’t know about you, but I’m anxious to hear what happens next.”
Vivian finished a few chapters until she could no longer keep her eyes open. She eventually put the book on her lap and fell asleep in the chair.
Caroline awakened her by coming into the room at some point. She’d lost all sense of time. “Journey to the Center of the Earth, huh? I’ve heard that’s a page turner.”
She smiled at her friend. “Micah gave me a copy and we’ve been reading it together lately. I thought he might enjoy listening to it, if he can hear it at all.”
Caroline gave her a knowing smile. “I’m sure your voice is comforting to him no matter what.”
She nodded and stifled a yawn before stretching to release a knot between her shoulder blades. “I hope so.”
“You should try to sleep. I’ll sit with him for a few hours. If anything changes, I’ll come wake you.”
Vivian agreed and thanked her friend, too weary to argue. Then she set the book on the end table before leaving the room. After venturing up the stairs, she sat on the bed and realized she’d forgotten to close the curtains. However, too weary to move again, she laid down and fell asleep almost the moment her head hit the pillow.
Vivian wasn’t sure how long she’d slept, but she was awakened by something bright shining through the window. She crossed the room for a closer look. It was the morning star shining in the eastern sky. It always showed up a few hours before the dawn—giving hope the darkness of night would not last forever. Soon the sun would rise again. Vivian smiled, remembering Jesus had also called himself the Bright and Morning Star. He provided hope, even during the darkest of circumstances. There was no miracle he couldn’t do.
“Thank you, Jesus,” she whispered, still gazing at the morning star. Thank you for bringing me hope.”
Vivian lit a candle and rummaged through her trunk of belongings until finding her mother’s quilt. She traced the star pattern with her finger before carrying the heirloom downstairs to Micah’s room.
Caroline looked up and offered a tired smile when she entered. “Were you able to sleep at all?”
She nodded and sat in a chair next to her friend. “A little, but I felt like it was time to come back.” She unfolded the quilt and spread it over her lap
Caroline gazed at it in the dim candlelight. “It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen its equal.”
Vivian ran her fingers over the intricate design. “Thank you. My mother made it. The pattern is called the Morning Star. These quilts were made by my mother’s tribe and given at ceremonies, weddings and even after someone had died as a memorial for them. This particular one was quilted to celebrate my birth.”
“It’s a wonderful keepsake. I’m sure it’s very special to you.”
“Yes, it is. Although I see the meaning of the star differently than my ancestors. Growing up as a Christian, for me it symbolizes Jesus and the hope He gives, even in the darkest hour of the night. He’s there to guide me. He is the true Morning Star, shining in my heart.”
“That’s beautiful, and a good reminder for all of us.” Caroline smiled at her and then covered a yawn.
“I believe it’s your turn to sleep. I’m wide awake now and Elliot is an early riser. You’ll need your energy to care for him.”
Her friend nodded. “I think I’ll take you up on that offer. See you in the morning.”
After Caroline left, Vivian approached the bed and spread the quilt over Micah as he slept. She knew it held no supernatural powers by itself, yet somehow, she felt the Lord leading her to lay it over her fiancé as an act of faith. More than anything it reminded her of the kind of God she served. There were no limitations to His power.
Vivian’s hand clung tightly to Micah’s and she placed her free one on the top of his head. She felt the Holy Spirit filling the room as she began to pray. “God, I have faith that You can do all things. So, I’m asking You to heal Micah tonight. Let there be no evidence of swelling or damage to his brain when he awakens. In the name of Jesus, I ask these things. Amen.”
After the prayer, she sat back, watching in anticipation. At first, nothing changed. The house was so quiet, she could have heard a pin drop. Then she felt it—Micah’s hand twitched and a moment later, his fingers tightened around hers.
Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks as she kissed his hand. “Micah, can you hear me?”
Chapter Thirteen
“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Lamentations 3:23 NLT
Micah remembered very little about being attacked, except for being thrown into the back of his wagon like a sack of grain afterwards. He heard a loud slap against horsehide and a “yah” from one of his attackers. Then his team took off at a gallop. He assumed there was no one up front guiding the horses by the way he was jostled around in the bed of the wagon. His head throbbed and buzzing filled his eardrums as he willed himself to try and sit up. It was no use. His limbs didn’t seem to work and his ribs burned, making every breath agonizing. He drifted in and out during the journey and soon heard crickets and croaking frogs over the buzzing in his ears. The night air was colder, causing him to shiver. His ribs ached even more after that, making him long for unconsciousness again to escape the pain.
Lost in a thick fog, he heard voices—someone calling his name and pounding on a door. He tried to call out for help, but his mouth didn’t seem to work either. On
ly a low groan escaped his lips. Before drifting off again, he prayed in desperation someone heard it.
The next time he returned to a halfway conscious state, the cold, hard bed of the wagon was replaced with a soft mattress and warm blankets. Voices came and went, muffled by the buzzing in his ears. He made out the sound of Emmett’s voice and then another low voice he assumed belonged to the doctor. Finally, Vivian’s voice came through his fog and she held his hand. Her presence soothed him. Although he couldn’t always make out her exact words, the rise and fall of her sweet voice brought comfort.
Later, he felt Vivian move closer, placing her hand on his head. Her prayer of healing permeated through the fog and buzzing somehow, allowing him to hear every word. He prayed silently with her, agreeing with what she asked the Lord.
The pain and buzzing in his head dissipated as their prayer ended and Micah felt enough strength to squeeze Vivian’s fingers.
Tears dripped onto his hand as she kissed it. “Micah, can you hear me?”
He opened his heavy eyelids, blinking several times before Vivian’s lovely face came into focus. A faint smile curved on his lips as he whispered her name.
She laughed and cried tears of joy while leaning forward to kiss his cheek. “Praise the Lord! He brought you back to me.”
The next morning the entire household was in a joyous mood after hearing of the miracle that occurred. Everyone took turns coming into the room to greet him, including Emmett’s children, who were relieved to see him recovering well. Young Will came in and gave him a little card saying, Get well soon, Uncle Micah. The fact he thought of him as an uncle brought warmth to his heart. The Rileys weren’t related to him by blood, but that didn’t matter. In a way, they had adopted him as one of their own.
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