Later, the pastor visited with Rebecca and read from the book of Exodus of how Moses led the people out of Egypt. She recalled imagining she was one of the hundreds of thousands of people who left Egypt in the middle of the night, walking through the desert toward the Red Sea.
Pastor Nelson explained how the Israelites were trapped. To the east was the sea, to the south and west were mountains and to the north was Pharaoh’s army. But God would provide a miracle so great all of Egypt would know He was Lord. “Do you think the Israelites were afraid?”
“I bet they were shaking in their boots,” Rebecca answered solemnly.
Pastor Nelson chuckled. “The Israelites were afraid and blamed Moses for being trapped. Even so, God told Moses to hold out his staff, to reach his hand over the Red Sea which would part the water and allow the people to cross. Then He gave the Israelites a pillar of clouds to lead them during the day and a pillar of fire at night. He did this because he wanted it to serve as a reminder that God was always with them guiding them.”
Rebecca smiled as she recalled asking why God hadn’t sent her a cloud as a guide. Pastor Nelson explained how God gave us something the Israelites didn’t have, the Bible and the Holy Spirit. “The Bible is God’s Word, and it reassures us He is with us day and night.”
Rebecca turned to the passage in Romans chapter 8:14-17. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So, you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’”
She used her finger to trace the note placed by Pastor Nelson, “When you are afraid to trust in God.” Alright, God, I am trusting.
Startled by a noise, Rebecca looked into the eyes of Elizabeth who was holding a tray of milk and cookies. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I thought you heard me come in.”
Laughing softly as she held her hand over her heart, Rebecca breathed in and out as she willed her pulse to slow down from her brief shock. “Only this minute, I was talking to God about being afraid.”
Elizabeth grinned. “I have heard it said that God’s timing is perfect. It seems mine is not. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
Still feeling her heart race, Rebecca took in a deep breath. “I had a troubling dream and decided to read for a while before I tried to go back to sleep.”
“It worried me when you spoke to the doctor about having nightmares. I was hoping that was something in the past tense.” Elizabeth patted Rebecca’s hand then placed the cookies between them. “No matter what troubles me, I find something sweet helps me to have a different outlook on things.”
Rebecca bit into a cookie and closed her eyes, savoring the sweetness. “I believe your method might cause me to want to have a bad dream, so I can have a midnight treat.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I am sure your technique is superior. Do you mind sharing what you are reading?”
Rebecca slid the Bible closer. “No matter how many times I look at it, it seems to say something different to me each time.”
Looking over her shoulder, Elizabeth read the passage. “Does the verse speak to you because it reminds you we have a Father in heaven who loves you? Or is it the reference to fear?”
“Both I guess. Since my parents did not raise me, I was often reminded that I was a child of God. This verse was something our pastor used to encourage me after a painful event on my first day of school. The funny thing is now when I think about what happened I laugh.”
Seeing the puzzlement on Elizabeth’s face, Rebecca explained about her problems with vertigo and how a childhood friend spun her around to cure her. “It seems silly now, but it comes to mind because I was angry with a friend and afraid to get out of bed. My pastor was the one who finally convinced me to let go of my fears and forgive my friend.”
Rebecca moved her finger along the underlined words in her Bible. “When I read this verse as an adult, I am ashamed I have been feeling sorry for myself. Even though I wish things were different, I had a wonderful life. I have a heavenly Father who loves me and surrounded me with people who accepted me as part of their families.”
Rebecca looked into Elizabeth’s eyes. “I have struggled with fear all my life. If I had let my worries continue to paralyze me, I would have missed out on meeting you and your family. You will never know how much I appreciate how welcoming you have been.”
Elizabeth brought Rebecca into an embrace. “Oh honey, it has been a pleasure. You are so special to me. I am sorry it took us this long to find each other again. I admit to being apprehensive as well. But I want to help you make a fresh start with your father. Your mother would have wanted that. She loved him very much.”
Sniffing, Elizabeth used a dainty handkerchief to wipe the tears running furiously down her face. “Now look at me. I am a watering pot, and as Sara Jane already told you, I am not one of those women who cry prettily. My face gets red, and my nose runs. Most assuredly, if I don’t stop, my eyes will be swollen shut.”
Laughing, Rebecca embraced Elizabeth. “We can’t have that, can we? Sara Jane would be mortified.”
Chapter 31
Dear Papa,
Molly asked me to help her with Sam’s girls. They are twins and are adorable. B.J. offered to drive me back and forth a couple of days a week so that I can spend more time at the ranch. I am so happy when I am with them. Sam is such a dedicated father, and I admire him so much…
Rebecca enjoyed spending time with Sam as they explored the variety of shops a larger town afforded. They had also taken a drive out to the country to deliver a saddle order to Jonas Weber who took pride in giving them a tour of his ranch.
Later, they all gathered for dinner at the family’s country home. Rebecca had been impressed by the beauty of the spacious entry hall and its winding staircase. Sliding doors connected the attractively decorated hall, parlor, library and dining rooms which were octagon in shape. Sam was more impressed by the kitchen’s sink pump connected to a cistern which held thousands of gallons of water collected from the slate roof.
After dinner, Hannah excitedly led them past the second floor that housed the bedrooms to the tower, which was a large octagon room the children used as a playroom.
It was a wonderful day. Rebecca felt happy at the opportunity of spending time with good friends. Her enjoyment was so complete, she had almost forgotten her upcoming court date as she chatted happily with Sam about their visit.
They returned to the Brooks’ home, and Sara Jane rushed to meet them. “Rebecca, you will never guess, your father came to meet with Mama. He wants to see you.”
Wide-eyed Rebecca looked to Sam, whose face contorted into a scowl.
Elizabeth scolded her daughter. “That is quite enough, young lady. At least let them get settled before you start carrying on. Why don’t you give us a few moments to speak in private?”
Blushing, Sara Jane apologized profusely. “Oh, I am sorry, I was excited is all.”
Elizabeth softened her tone. “Why don’t you ask Cook to prepare some coffee? I will let you know when to bring it in, alright?”
Rebecca felt the blood drain from her face as they followed Elizabeth into the parlor to meet with her attorney, Peter Marks. Taking her arm, Sam steered her gently to the settee. “Rebecca, you aren’t going to faint on me, are you?”
Not wanting to alarm anyone, she shook her head, sinking into the soft cushions with an outward calmness she did not feel.
Sam took a seat beside Rebecca and squeezed her hand slightly.
Peter looked at Rebecca with concern. “Are you sure you are feeling okay? Do you need a little time?”
Rebecca glanced at her hands that were now folded in her lap. “Whatever it is you need to tell me, please, get it over with. I want the truth.”
Peter took a seat in a side chair he placed directly in front of her. “After years of your father’s head being buried in the sand, he received what one might call an epiphany. Having no one to blame but hi
mself, however—in his defense—the deception regarding your welfare was extreme. The root of the problem is although your father mastered the spoken word, he struggles to read in English. He prefers to do any correspondence in German and delegates any communication or legal documents to those who work for him—and to his wife.”
Peter leaned forward. “In theory, his second marriage was a good plan. However, Louisa was not the woman he believed her to be. She has stolen directly from your trust fund for years. Now that your father knows the truth, he wants to make restitution, not only monetarily, but he wants to work to restore your relationship. Or he wishes to meet with you to see if you would be open to working toward that end.”
Sam lightly stroked Rebecca’s forearm. “What are you thinking? This is good news, isn’t it? At least you know your pa wanted to try and take care of you. That counts for something, doesn’t it?”
Feeling numb to emotion, Rebecca gazed at her hands clasped tightly together in her lap. “I don’t know what I expected. I am glad to know at least he wants to meet with me.”
“You are thinking he should have tried harder, and a lot earlier, I expect. I couldn’t agree with you more. I told your father the same thing and to his face.” Rubbing his jaw, Peter continued. “Let me say your father was not at all pleased with my statement. He gave me a small souvenir to reflect his feelings,” he said as he used his hand to move his jaw back and forth.
Rebecca’s mouth dropped as she noticed a small bruise forming on Peter’s jaw. Sam and Peter shared a grin before he turned his attention back to her. “I know your father will want to speak for himself. But he truly believed you were back east getting an education in an environment better for your health. He also was getting updates from the school and the doctors on your progress. He certainly had expenditures indicating you were being cared for at no small cost. In hindsight, we know those communications were lies.”
“I can attest to the truth of this statement; your father dedicated himself to making a success of the ranch. He says he did it all for you and in honor of your mother. So many have tried to make a success of things here, but few have succeeded. Your father is the exception to the rule. His hard work will be to your benefit. The bulk of the ranch, the house, the livestock will ultimately be yours. Your father’s quest was always to provide for you, and his dream was to bring you back to live with him on the ranch one day.”
Sam leaned back and cast a worried frown at Peter. “Based on what happened to Rebecca when she was a child, knowing what we know about this stepmother, not to mention her stepsister, how could she ever go back into a situation like that? It would never be safe.”
Rebecca tapped her feet impatiently. Surprising herself, she interjected, “While I agree it would be foolish to go anywhere near Louisa or Lucy intentionally, I have fond memories of my stepbrother Robby. Since I was a little girl I have dreamed of having a family, and you may think me naïve, but I would like the opportunity to meet my half-brothers.”
Peter gave a look of approval to Sam. You are right to be concerned about Louisa and perhaps Lucy also.” Rubbing his chin again but with a mischievous smile, he said, “Your father and I had a very productive meeting. I think we understand each other’s point of view better now. He did share with me his lawyer is working on a settlement of some sort for Louisa. She and Lucy will be staying in town.”
“So, if neither will be at the ranch, do you think I could safely visit my father?”
“Your father is a broken man. I believe he’s learned from his mistakes and he would do everything in his power to make sure you are safe. If you take Sam along with you, that is more reason to believe you will be fine.”
Elizabeth took this moment to speak. “For added support, my family and I will come along. We can put Sara Jane as lookout,” she said as she reached for Rebecca’s hand.
Laughter broke the weightiness of the conversation. Growing serious again, Rebecca turned toward Sam. “You’ve been here nearly a week already. Would you be able to take some additional time to go and visit my father with me?”
“Adam and I worked it out for me to be able to stay several more days. I would be honored to go with you. If you hadn’t asked me, I would have invited myself. But know this, I am going in loaded for bear. If someone so much as looks at you funny, they will hear about it from me.”
Chuckling, Peter slapped Sam on the back saying, “You are a good man, Sam Brady. In many ways, I agree it will be best to be prepared. However, I truly believe the worst is over. The hard part will be to forgive and move on.”
Elizabeth cleared her throat. “Peter, why don’t you and I give these two a moment to talk? Y’all join us in the dining room when you are ready. I know Sara Jane will be anxious to get your reactions to things.”
As Peter and Elizabeth exited, Sam turned to Rebecca. “This is what you want, to go and see your pa face to face?”
“For years I have wanted to meet with him, to talk with him. But now I don’t know—I am feeling anxious and a little scared.”
“I admit to feeling a little uneasy myself. Not only am I worried about how you are feeling, but also what it is going to take to keep you safe. From the sound of things, you are going to be somewhat well to do. Which leads me to the question, if that is true, what will you want with someone like me?”
Shaking her head, Rebecca bit her lip before replying. “Sam, do you remember earlier this year how you would get so frustrated with me every time I spoke to you about a concern? No matter what or how I said it, you supposed I was trying to pressure you into marrying me?”
Sam took in a deep breath and took Rebecca’s hand. “Going forward please know I will do my best never to treat you that way again. I want you to tell me when something is worrying you.”
Rebecca stared at Sam’s hand now holding hers and sighed. “If we were to get married, we would vow to love each other in sickness and in health for richer and for poorer. Should this inheritance be valid, we might be richer than we could have imagined, but I don’t think richer makes anyone necessarily happier. We have both seen evidence of that. I imagine having extensive property brings about other problems.”
Rebecca squeezed Sam’s hand and looked into his eyes before continuing. “Since you came to visit me here, I have been so happy. When I wake up each day, I feel the need to pinch myself to make sure I am not dreaming. But I also worry I might say or do something which will make you leave. It seems strange to me that you ask, why would I want someone like you, when I wonder what you want with someone like me?”
Shaking his head in disbelief, Sam said, “I guess that makes us quite the pair, doesn’t it?” Taking both hands, he continued. “Rebecca Leah ‘Towns’ Mueller, I love you. I am sorry if my actions caused you to believe otherwise. I don’t want another day to go by without you knowing how much I want you to be my wife and a mother to my girls. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy, showing you how much you mean to me.”
“I want to do this again.” Sam knelt beside her on one knee. “Would you do me the honor of marrying me? Would you commit to loving this mostly poorer but crazy in love with you cowboy?”
“Most definitely,” Rebecca said with a grin.
At that, Sam stood, kissed her soundly, and spun her around in his arms.
Grabbing tightly to his shoulders, Rebecca cried out, “Sam, no. Don’t spin me.”
Stopping immediately and setting her down, Sam groaned. “I can’t believe I just did that.”
Clutching his shoulders, looking at her feet trying to steady herself, Rebecca replied, “We went from better to worse real quick, didn’t we?”
Chapter 32
Dear Papa,
Mr. Marks retired, and Peter has taken over the business. I don’t know why, but his new wife took me in dislike. She asked me to make myself scarce. Mrs. Potts offered me a job at her diner. I will start working there next week…
Still seething from the most recent conversation with his wif
e, Charles gathered his sons and walked with them to the mercantile. The shop owner patiently pulled objects from the display case. Charles patted both boys on the shoulder, then pointed towards the merchandise. “Your mother says we must pick from these preselected items. Take a moment to decide what you would like to give your sister for her birthday and going away present. You must hurry. I have an appointment. I don’t want to be late.”
Charles glanced at his timepiece. His much-anticipated meeting with his daughter Becky and his lawyer was this morning. How he would ever make things up to her, he couldn’t begin to fathom. For a moment he allowed himself to be distracted. He watched his sons shop for their sister, Lucy.
Mark scowled at the selection the salesperson painstakingly laid out on red velvet fabric. “Can’t imagine wanting any of this for my birthday. You pick, Charlie.”
Looking at the assortment of items, he agreed with his youngest son’s assessment. What his stepdaughter would need with another fan or lace handkerchief he would never know. Charlie turned toward the selection of barrettes and hat pins and placed his finger on his mouth. Mark fidgeted, pulling on his father's sleeve. “Pa, is it okay if I go look at the fishing poles in the back of the store?”
Charles sighed. “Mark, understand we are not here to shop for you. However, you may go for a minute or two only. Come directly back. I will need to leave soon.”
~
Rebecca rejected another pair of shoes and placed them back on the shelf. I can’t believe these prices. She smiled at a young boy of about six or seven who watched her from behind a display of fishing poles. Upon meeting his gaze, the boy gasped, turned and ran directly into Sam.
Sam steadied the boy. “Well hello there, partner, everything okay?”
The boy's eyes widened. He pointed at Rebecca. “Mister, is she an angel?”
Sam laughed and pushed his hat back from his face and replied, “Well I admit she is mighty pretty, sweet too. But an angel? No, she’s flesh and bone, the same as you and me, kid.”
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