Mrs. Johnson gave Thomas a look, and he tried not to laugh. She took a few steps forward with the boys, making Mr. Wilcox walk backward. He asked if they had to go straight back to the hotel.
“Where else would we go?” Mrs. Johnson shook her head.
Thomas stayed in his spot. Over the years, he’d faced plenty of Mrs. Johnson’s wrath. He did not want to get in the middle of this.
Cassidy joined Thomas and whispered to him, “I’d better go retrieve the boys. I’ll be back.”
He did his best to cover his mirth. Mrs. Johnson would not appreciate his laughing. But the expression on her face when Cassidy took the twins from her and she was left alone with her suitor! Heavens, if only he had a camera to take a picture of that.
Cassidy stepped back toward Thomas with her sons and Allan followed.
Thomas wanted to ask Cassidy what this was all about, but Chef Daniel walked up to the other chef and her admirer and started walking on the other side of Mrs. Johnson.
Allan chuckled. “Well, that’s one way to keep an eye on the competition.”
They watched as the trio walked back to the hotel, and Thomas couldn’t believe it. “Do those two men have any idea what they’re getting into?”
Cassidy patted him on the arm. “Bertram and Daniel have both been sweet on Margaret all winter long. Daniel probably a good deal longer than that. She’s done a good job avoiding it, but apparently, neither one of those men is willing to be silent any longer.”
“You think either one of them has a chance?” Thomas shook his head. Mrs. Johnson was very dear to him, but she was a wounded soul. Ever since her husband died, a little piece of her had died as well. It was almost her undoing when the influenza struck Curry a few years back while Cassidy was pregnant with the twins. But anyone who knew Mrs. Johnson knew that behind her hard shell was an amazing woman. She was tough to crack, however, and not a lot of people had the opportunity to see her heart.
“Oh, I’m pretty sure that one of them is bound to win her over.”
Allan grunted. “You really think so?”
“I’m pretty positive.” A nod accompanied Cassidy’s grin.
Thomas elbowed Allan. “So which one do you think it will be?”
“My money is on the chef.” Allan shrugged. “He has the opportunity to spend more time with her.”
Putting a hand to his chin, Thomas thought about that. “I think you’re right. Although, a few years ago, I thought those two were going to kill each other.”
“Goodness, I’m still amazed anyone survived that summer.” Allan put an arm around his wife’s shoulders. But then had to lean down and pull dirt out of Jonathon’s hand as it was headed to his mouth.
“Let’s not eat dirt, all right?” Cassidy rolled her eyes. “I think we should get these two home and feed them. Would you like to join us for dinner, Thomas? It’s nothing fancy, just roast beef sandwiches.” Most of the time the staff all ate together, but the Brennans often hosted Sunday dinner at their home.
“Not this time. I’d like to speak to the pastor, but thanks.” He waved to his friends as they headed back home and he returned to the church.
A few people still milled about outside, but Pastor Wilcox was heading back into the building.
Thomas caught up with him on the steps. “Do you have a minute to talk?”
“Of course, Thomas. Come on in.”
The pastor closed the door behind them, and Thomas strode to the front, sending a prayer heavenward.
“What’s bothering you, son? Still feeling out of sorts?” The pastor sat on the front pew.
Thomas sat as well and faced the pastor they were fortunate enough to have during the tourist season. Curry had gone too long without a church. “I’ve battled a lot of emotions these past few weeks. A lot of doubts and wondering where my place is in all this.”
The pastor nodded.
“I’ve put more time into my study of the Bible and prayer and have spent a lot of time with the Lord in the evenings, but there’s one question that keeps plaguing me. Where do I belong?”
“You don’t feel that you belong here?”
Thomas thought about that long and hard. “I do and I don’t. I want to belong here. This has been the only real home I’ve ever known. But I see Allan and Cassidy’s family and get letters from Jean-Michel and Katherine and their family, and I see all the families that come through here. Good grief, even Mrs. Johnson has two suitors trying to win her affection right now.” What was he trying to say?
“Ah. I think you just explained what you haven’t been able to put into words.”
“What?” He thought through what he’d said and still didn’t follow.
“You want a family of your own. You ache to belong to someone who is just for you.”
Thomas blinked. The truth hit him. All his life he’d wanted a family—and he’d found that at the Curry Hotel. But the pastor was right . . . in his heart, he longed for love. The husband-and-wife kind of love.
The pastor chuckled and looked down at the floor for a moment. “Is there anyone special in your life?”
The first person who came to mind was Tayler. Was that what this was all about? After his youthful crush on Cassidy, he’d learned to take his time with his feelings. Then when Caroline came along, he’d fallen for her when it had all been just a game to her. But Tayler was different. Special. “I can’t say that there’s anyone yet. Well, at least . . . she’s special to me, but she doesn’t know it. And I have no idea where I stand with her.”
“But it sounds like you’d like there to be something, that intimate connection that God calls for a man and a woman to have.”
Again, Thomas didn’t know what to do with that information.
“There’s nothing wrong with you, Thomas. And you’re not doing anything wrong. Keep seeking God, and He will bring the right person to you.” The pastor leaned in again. “I remember when I first met my wife. She couldn’t stand me, but I was smitten. It took a lot of patience and a lot of seeking God, but eventually He brought our paths together.” The older man smiled.
“Thomas, you’re a young man who loves the Lord. All this doubt and confusion around you is an attack. If you truly believe that Christ died for you and paid your ransom, then you are whole and complete in Him. You don’t need anything else to make you feel complete or to help you feel like you belong. Before you seek out a relationship, I suggest you deal with the doubt in your heart.”
He blinked. “Yes, sir.”
“Once you can rest in the fact that you are whole and complete in Him, then you’ll be ready for a helpmeet. And I’m sure God has just the one picked out for you.” The pastor stood and gripped his shoulder. “Why don’t you give it some thought and prayer and come see me again this week if you need to talk?”
The man walked away, and Thomas felt more confused than he had before he came in. He thought about all the negative thoughts and emotions he’d had the past few weeks. All the doubts. Was it true? Was it all just an attack? To make him feel worthless and unloved all over again? To make him doubt his identity in Christ?
Shifting his thoughts, he focused on all the wonderful things God had done in his life.
He did want to be in Curry.
This was home and he wanted to belong here.
But he also longed to belong to someone special.
Truth be told, he wanted it to be Tayler.
The thought hit him between the eyes. Maybe the pastor was right. He needed to take some time and pray about it and think it through. He couldn’t be a part of another disaster like his relationship with Caroline. But if he admitted it, he’d have to say that he’d taken his focus off of God during that time and put it on her. That was the truly disastrous part.
Right now, he needed to focus on the fact that God had him exactly where he was supposed to be. He would rest in that fact and be confident he was complete in Christ.
And if God saw fit to give him the blessing of a helpmeet like T
ayler, he would rejoice and shout it from the mountaintops.
MONDAY, JUNE 17
The day was perfect . . . crisp, cool air that was refreshing for this time in June, a brilliant blue sky, and a camping trip.
Thomas was ready for a week up on Curry Ridge. Especially since Tayler was along.
They’d had some time to talk this past week. Not of anything important, but it made him feel like their friendship had at least grown. And they worked together quite well in a comfortable, easy manner. She’d proven she wasn’t like Caroline—Tayler hadn’t lied about her experience—and she was as adept as he or Allan. It was impressive.
With all their duties of leading the expedition, he doubted he would have much time to speak with her alone, but at least he would get to see her a lot this week—to soak in her presence and, with God’s help, show her who he really was. He so wanted to be a man devoted to God. Complete in Him and Him alone.
So far, the trip had gone as planned. Sixteen guests had set out with them. Three families—which included the four girls who wouldn’t seem to leave him alone—and three married couples. Tayler led the hike with the families behind her, the couples following, then Thomas and their assistants bringing up the rear.
Thankfully, John had found four young Athabaskan men who wanted to work for the Curry. On John’s recommendation, Mr. Bradley hired them on immediately. That meant Thomas could let them carry the majority of the loads so he was available to help the guests and to lead, answer questions, and do anything else the group needed from him.
He remembered the days when he had been the young guy in training. He’d loved every minute of the trips, no matter how strenuous they were. There was always something exciting to see and interesting to learn. Alaska was unlike any other place. And seeing it through the visitors’ eyes helped him to appreciate the beauty he took for granted.
Before they’d set out, there’d been quite an upheaval about which girl would get to follow Thomas. He’d had to quickly nip that in the bud and insist that none of them would, as he would be taking up the rear. Thankfully, the girls’ fathers had been eager to step in and keep the pouting to a minimum. But it didn’t bode well for the rest of the week. Maybe he and Tayler needed to sit down tonight and discuss how they were going to handle these types of conflicts.
Shaking his head, Thomas determined to think positive. This was the day the Lord had made, and he would rejoice in it. He was thankful for everything he had. A wonderful job, the opportunity to serve the Lord in the most beautiful place on the planet, and his Curry family.
It seemed to take forever to reach the top of Curry Ridge, but once they did, several gasps were heard throughout the group. Everyone set down their packs so they could take in the view. The guests stood in awe.
Denali stood tall and fierce in the distance. Covered year-round in snow, today was a rare day when the High One allowed people to see him in his glory. A thin halo of clouds wrapped around his crown. The contrast of the massive mountain against the brilliant blue of the sky was glorious.
The air was still as everyone took in the grandeur before them. Lush valleys lay below them, covered in grasses of varying shades of green, the deep, almost black color of the spruce, and a riot of colorful wild flowers. Rivers snaked their way through the landscape like pathways leading to the great mountain. Thomas spotted the area where the Kahiltna Glacier cut its way down the mountain. Was there anywhere on earth that could compare to this? Was this what heaven would be like?
“Mr. Smith”—Mr. Bolans interrupted his thoughts—“I hear you have a hankering to climb the mountain one day.” The older man stepped next to him.
“That I do, sir.”
The older man just shook his head. “After this climb today, I’m pretty sure I’ll forego anything more rigorous.” He laughed at himself. “How tall is it?”
Thomas laughed along with the gentleman. “Denali is over twenty thousand feet high. The tallest mountain in North America. And yes, this five-mile hike is a bit strenuous in places, but nothing like climbing a glacier-covered mountain. I look forward to the challenge one day.”
“I guess we all have to dream big while we’re young.” Mr. Bolans patted him on the back. “Well, we anticipate a wonderful week up here.” He leaned in. “Including the trek back, which I’m assuming will be easier since we’re going down.”
“Yes, sir, and I’m glad, sir. We aim to make it as enjoyable as possible.”
Thomas sneaked a glance in Tayler’s direction. She stood facing the mountain, her hands on her hips. He wished he could see her face. He bet she shared the same awe he felt every time he got a glimpse of the High One.
Giggles sounded off to his left. He turned and spotted the four girls who were a constant nuisance to him this summer.
Bother. He fought the urge to roll his eyes. What could they be up to now?
Still aggravated that they’d interrupted his fishing with Tayler, he’d thought for sure the new naturalist wouldn’t speak to him again for weeks. Thankfully, they were past that and on friendlier footing now. But how could he get past all this nonsense with those silly girls?
“Put your focus on the Lord. Keep it there.” Pastor Wilcox’s words came back to him.
The tug in his heart was to get to know Tayler better. But it seemed like everything else was trying to pull them apart.
Ignoring the younger girls, he didn’t know what to do with his thoughts, which volleyed back and forth. If he kept his focus on God, did that mean he had to ignore Tayler? Or did it mean he should feel confident enough to talk to her?
He could have the argument in his mind all day.
Lord, show me what to do. Should I talk to her?
As soon as he’d lifted his heart in prayer, a peace washed over him.
Walking toward Tayler, he smiled. “It’s a beautiful sight, isn’t it?”
She released a huge sigh. “Yes, and I’m amazed that God has been so gracious to me . . . to allow me to come here and work, and then to see this.”
“I agree. The mountain is one of my favorite things about Alaska. So many different views of him. Crazy weather around him. But when you get to see him, it’s breathtaking. The entire range is something to behold. Denali, the husband, with his wife and child.”
“I find it interesting what I’ve read about the different names for the mountains. I don’t understand why people thought they needed to change them. The native names are so beautiful. And I just adore that the meanings are the High One, the Wife, and the Child. They’re so fitting.”
He watched her face light up when she talked. He loved her inquisitive mind. Her thirst for knowledge. Even at meals, she grilled John with questions, and he found her more times than he could count studying one of the many books she’d brought with her. Everything from facts on native tribes to plant life, mountain climbing, and survival.
“What?” She tilted her head. “Why are you staring at me like that?” Her eyebrows rose, and she swiped at her face. “Do I have something on me?”
“No, I’m sorry. I was just admiring your hunger to learn. I’m the same way.” He turned and gazed back toward the mountains. “Even at college—the place where everyone is supposed to be learning—I got teased for always having my nose in a book.”
She took in a big breath and gave his arm a little tap with her hand. “Me too!” She shook her head and smirked. “I was called bookworm way too often.”
Something else they had in common. It made his heart sing when she smiled at him. “You’d think that would be an honorable title in school.”
“Exactly.” She shrugged and sighed, then patted his shoulder. “It’s nice to know another book and knowledge lover. Maybe I could show you this new book I’ve been reading. It’s fascinating. About—”
“Thomas!”
Thomas inwardly cringed. He knew that voice. Esmerelda.
“Thomas! I need your help.”
His gaze stayed on Tayler, but her expression wilted.
She’s been hurt, a voice seemed to whisper in his heart. Like him. Thomas hesitated. Maybe that was something else they had in common. Was it possible someone had betrayed Tayler, just as Caroline had betrayed him?
“Thomas! You promised,” Esmerelda whined in a voice much more childish than normal.
“You’d better go. You’re being summoned by your fan club.” Tayler gave him a sad smile, turned, and walked away.
19
TUESDAY, JUNE 18
Greg DeMarco watched the crew tie up the ship to the dock in Seward. He’d send a telegram to Charlie to let him know he’d made it to Alaska, and then he’d make his way to Curry.
The kid thought he could sneak past him, but it hadn’t worked. Hadn’t bought him any time either. The boss was even more convinced the kid couldn’t follow through with his outrageous claims that he could get his hands on the money he owed.
Charlie had been more than generous. And he wasn’t a generous guy.
Greg adjusted his cuffs and pulled out a cigar.
At least up here, it’d be much easier to dispose of a body. No one would ever know.
He couldn’t resist the smile that split his lips. But it wouldn’t hurt to play with Pruitt for a while. Make him think he had a chance . . .
CURRY
Collette tied her apron around her waist, put the protective glove over her injured hand, and went looking for Chef. She’d gotten here two hours before her shift was to start, and she prayed Mrs. Johnson would accept her reason for being so early.
She found the lady in question by the pantry, holding a clipboard. Collette took a deep breath. “Mrs. Johnson?”
The older lady turned, a quizzical look on her face. “Collette, you’re here awfully early.” There was a question behind her statement.
Collette wrung her hands and sighed. “Oui. I’m hoping to achieve your permission for something . . . er . . . special.”
One of Chef’s eyebrows went up, a sure sign Collette had used an interesting word or phrase. “Does this have anything to do with our fine doctor?”
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