North Country Family

by Lois Richer

  What else could she do?

  It took a lot of work to get the kitchen cleaned up and the boys ready to go. Cassie pulled into the packed church lot with only a few moments to spare before the service began. In a way she was relieved that there was no time to chat—she didn’t want any awkwardness in her relationship with Rick.

  Later she’d think about all they’d shared, all she’d lost. Today she’d concentrate, pour her heart and soul into her accompaniment and make sure Rick and the kids had the best music she knew how to provide.

  She’d do it out of love, for him.

  Cassie walked into the church. To her surprise, the church burgeoned with flowers. In the entry, a huge basket of fragrant hyacinths welcomed everyone. A dozen pots of pure white Easter lilies with big glossy yellow bows lined the front of the stage. On either side at the front, someone had arranged two massive vases of bright pink tulips.

  One glance at her father’s face and Cassie knew he’d done it.

  “They must have cost you a mint,” she said. “But they’re beautiful. They remind me of the flowers Mom always got for our church. It really feels like Easter now.”

  “Then they were worth every penny.” He squeezed her hand, then handed her her music bag. “Break a leg, sweetheart.”

  After whispering much the same thing to Noah, Cassie walked to the front of the church, laid out her music for the choir then began to play a prelude to quiet the congregation. She deliberately chose hymns she’d learned as a child, words that spoke of the resurrection and the life given by God. As the boys filed into the first two rows, silence fell, allowing the music to soar to the ceiling of the small building. Along with the lovely scent of the flowers, a feeling of joy permeated the packed room as Rick walked through the door to the left of the pulpit.

  Please bless him. Let him feel Your presence today.

  When Rick moved into position, Cassie let the last few notes die away. Her senses couldn’t get enough of him, his dear face and gentle smile. His voice quiet yet edged with authority, he asked the congregation to rise.

  How I love him…

  Cassie forced herself to look down to hide the rush of emotion that threatened to break through. This was Rick’s day to show his community what his ministry was about. Today they would see how God had used him.

  “He is risen,” he said, his smile wide as he gazed out over the group.

  “He is risen indeed,” the congregation responded.

  Cassie waited as he welcomed everyone. Her heart thrummed with anticipation when at last he nodded to the choir and they took their places on stage. Then Rick looked directly at her.

  Spellbound by his stare, Cassie saw anxiety flicker through his green eyes. She knew he was second-guessing himself, wondering if he’d been right to encourage the kids to do this, worrying he’d asked too much.

  Yes, he’d rejected her love. And come Tuesday, she would leave Churchill with her heart breaking. But today—today she was going to make sure that this man she loved with her heart, soul and mind would not regret this day. She lifted her lips in a huge smile that she hoped told him that she believed in him, that she knew today would be a success.

  Faith, she mouthed at him.

  Slowly, surely, his beautiful smile transformed his face. He nodded at her. Faith.

  Then, with the choir’s full attention, he lifted his hand. Cassie played the somber opening chords, thrilled as the dark low notes echoed through the sanctuary. Choir and band hit the first note in perfect unison.

  Thank You, Lord.

  Then Cassie threw herself into playing the music, for Rick.

  *

  Rick had arranged a Scripture reading to give the choir and band a break halfway through the Easter cantata. While they sat, John rose. Standing amidstst the congregation, his baritone voice authoritative and yet personal, he began to recite verses about that first Easter morning.

  Rick got caught up in thoughts of the next part of their presentation until a pause in John’s speech caught his attention. He looked up and found John staring directly at him, his dark eyes focused and intent. Then in a clear ringing tone he quoted, “‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to me.’”

  Every cell in Rick’s body homed in on that sentence. Jesus died to forgive sins, his sins. Hanging on to them diminished the very sacrifice he celebrated.

  Light filled Rick’s soul, cleansing, clarifying, chasing out the guilt and refreshing it with the joy of the Easter message. Bemused by the wonder of freedom that flowered inside, he waited until John sat, then motioned for Noah to prepare.

  Forgiven. I am forgiven. His soul chanted the glad refrain.

  Cassie played the entrance to the song, this time a booming, triumphant series. Rick lifted his hands and their voices responded, soaring in hallelujahs that blended and harmonized in a perfect tribute.

  Then Noah’s pure voice rang out, the words of redemption clear. His face shone as his solo echoed through the rafters. Redemption. Deliverance. Freedom.

  Still lost in the wonder of the gift that took away his guilt, Rick led them to the end of their Easter cantata, every note exploding with praise for the Easter gift God had freely given.

  As the last note died away, as the crowd rose and applauded, Rick bowed with the choir, his choir, then motioned for Cassie to take a bow. In that second the truth of what others had been trying to tell him finally hit his heart. God didn’t need or want his vow or his sacrifice for something He’d already wiped out. God needed a heart ready and willing to serve.

  Churchill was where God wanted him.

  But God had also sent Cassie here.

  For him?

  Hope flickered to life in a part of his heart that Rick had shut down. He needed to talk to John, to make sure his thinking wasn’t off, that he wasn’t making another mistake.

  Can it be that You planned this, God? Love? For me?

  His heart began to sing a new song—for Cassie.

  *

  Cassie snuck away from the church right after the service. She knew Noah and her father would catch a ride with Laurel. Before their Easter dinner, she needed some time to get her emotions under control, to make her heart stop hoping and yearning for something it couldn’t have. By the time the boys and Laurel appeared at Lives, she thought she was in control.

  Then Rick walked through the door.

  Control and rational thought fled, along with her voice. Her eyes couldn’t get enough of his spiky hair and his lopsided grin, and the low musical rumble of his voice. Each one seemed to resonate through her.

  “Thank you for your amazing playing, Cassie,” he said, his smile stretching across his face. “You made us sound great.”

  “That was all the boys. I just provided background noise.”

  There was something different about him. But though she studied him surreptitiously throughout the meal, Cassie couldn’t figure out what it was. And it was hard to be so near him, to tamp down the love that burgeoned inside.

  Oh, Lord, her heart wept.

  So when everyone went to the family room to play games, Cassie crept away. She pulled on her coat and gloves, and left the house. Outside the sun beat down with intensity, moderating the afternoon’s chill.

  She was lost in her thoughts of Rick and prayers for the courage to hold fast to her decision when a hand touched her arm.

  “Cassie.”

  Oh, that voice. She turned and rested her gaze on his beloved face, stunned by what she saw glowing in the depths of his eyes. His face shone, his voice held a depth of joy that took away her breath. “Rick?”

  “I’ve been redeemed, Cassie.” The words rang in the crisp air. He tipped back his head and laughed. “Redeemed. I don’t know why I didn’t see it. I’m a minister! I shouldn’t have made such a stupid mistake, getting caught up in my wrong thoughts, but I did.”

  What was he talking about?

  “God forgave me, Cassie. ‘There is now no condemnation for sin,’” he recited, gre
en eyes shining. “I’ve been trying to pay off a debt that wasn’t there. My mistakes were all forgiven the first time I asked God. That’s what Easter is all about.”

  “I know,” she whispered, uncertain as to what this meant, and afraid to hope.

  Afraid? Had she not yet learned to trust the One who loved His children enough to make the ultimate sacrifice? I trust You. Help me, Lord.

  “Your father helped me see that my vow was wrong, that the guilt I’ve been clinging to is not part of His plan of forgiveness.” He wrapped his arms around her and swung her in a circle, his head thrown back as he gazed into the blue sky. “I’m free!”

  Startled and off balance, Cassie grabbed hold of his shoulders. Their faces were mere inches apart.

  “I love you, Cassie Crockett. I love you with all my heart. Please don’t go. Please stay and help me reach Churchill for God. Together we can do wonderful things for Him. We proved that today.”

  Inside her something released. For the first time since that awful day at his house her spirit lifted and she knew, she knew God was giving her the go-ahead. But just to be certain it wasn’t her own will, she closed her eyes.

  Are You saying yes, God?

  Cassie felt Heaven’s nod with every fiber of her being.

  “Cassie?” Rick set her on her feet. His hand cupped her chin, his breath caressed her cheek. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing’s wrong. For once everything is perfect. I love you, Rick. You’re the man of my heart. I thought I’d never trust anyone again. I thought if I put my trust only in myself that I’d be safe, but God is teaching me that trust is an integral part of any relationship. I trust Him completely and that’s because of you, because of what you’ve taught me about Him.”

  She had to stop, catch her breath. But she couldn’t because Rick was kissing her. He started with her forehead, then her cheek, then the corner of her lips. Their breaths mingled in a cloud of vapor and then his lips met hers. He clasped her tightly to him and for a timeless moment the world stood still. Cassie reveled in the sweetness of his kisses, the rightness of being in his arms.

  “I’m sorry for hurting you,” he whispered. “Please forgive me.”

  “Of course.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “I need your forgiveness, too, for misjudging you.”

  “Done.” He sighed, pulling her closer. “Forgiveness. How is it I got so totally confused about that word? It means ‘remembering no more.’ And yet I kept dragging the past back, focusing on it instead of on what God has done. It took me a long time but I finally see what God’s been trying to show me.”

  He drew back enough to see into her face. Cassie tensed with worry for a moment before she remembered that God was in charge. I will trust Him.

  “I come with baggage, Cassie,” Rick told her. “Maybe that’s the wrong word, but you must know that I am dedicated to doing God’s work. There’s no fame, no glory and not much money.”

  How she loved him, loved his dedication to his Lord.

  “Look around, Rick. We live in the most beautiful place in the world. Fresh, untouched, with God’s handiwork all around. How could fame and glory ever compare to this?” She smiled. “Besides, you’re laying up treasure in Heaven with your work. God honors that.”

  “So that means you’ll stay in Churchill? You’ll help me, share my work here?” He paused. “Will you marry me, Cassie?”

  “I’d be honored to,” she said. “Because I love you.”

  He kissed her back with heartfelt abandon. Cassie’s soul sang with joy she’d once thought lost forever.

  “Perhaps together we can use our mistakes to help others heal, as you’ve done with Noah and the boys,” she murmured and pressed a kiss against his cheek. “I can never thank you enough for Noah, Rick. You reached past his angry heart and helped him begin to heal. Because of you I have my son and my dad back. And I’m building a better relationship with God.”

  “So am I,” he said with a cheeky grin. “Isn’t this a happy Easter?”

  “The happiest.” She turned in his arms and together they stood and admired God’s handiwork. “We’re going to be very happy,” she said with certainty.

  “I already am,” Rick replied.

  Epilogue

  In Churchill the ice melted, the snow disappeared and the tundra bloomed as Rick’s church grew, in part thanks to John’s help. He’d moved to Churchill to be near his daughter and grandson, and had worked with Rick through the summer on a book for kids about getting rich with God.

  In early autumn Churchill’s splendor changed again to vivid red berry bushes, golden moss and bright yellow grasses. The air grew crisp, the sun blazed in the richest blue of the sky. Geese honked overhead as the land prepared for winter.

  On the brightest of these days, Rick’s little church teemed with activity as the boys from Lives Under Construction joined with local kids to ready themselves for the wedding of Cassie Crockett to Rick Salinger. Everything had to be perfect so they arrived well before the first guest to practice their part in the wedding.

  Thus it was that when Cassie arrived at the church with Laurel, Alicia and new-mom Sara, the band welcomed her inside. She followed her two bridesmaids down the aisle as Michael played a solo on his saxophone. Her eyes rested for a moment on Kyle, who stood tall as best man, then moved to Noah. She smiled and her son smiled back, his blue eyes twinkling. Then her gaze locked on Rick, the man who filled her world and her heart.

  Her father led them in their vows to each other.

  “I love you, Cassie. I love the promise I see in you, the heart you lavish on those in need, the joy you bring to my days. I look forward to our future because I know God has great plans for us. I’ll be by your side always as we place our faith and our trust in Him.” His gaze holding hers, Rick slid the wide gold band onto her finger, then kissed it in place.

  Cassie smiled through a gloss of tears, her heart lifting. God had brought her so far.

  “I love you, Rick. I love your joy in people. I love your God-centered life and your dedication to do His will. I love you for loving me, for moving beyond the past to embrace our future. I will love you until eternity.” She smiled into his eyes as she slid a matching circle of gold onto his ring finger.

  “As much as these two have pledged their love to each other, by the power of God I declare Rick and Cassie to be husband and wife.” John grinned at them. “You may kiss your bride.”

  A hush fell inside the little church as Rick and Cassie kissed. Then Noah’s voice rose in a joyful a cappella solo giving praise to God for His gifts of love. Cassie’s heart almost burst with pride.

  What a long way they’d come. All of them.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Rick Salinger.”

  Her arm looped in her husband’s, Cassie took her first steps as Rick’s wife while the band played the Hallelujah Chorus.

  “They aren’t perfect,” Rick murmured in her ear as they made their way down the aisle to stand in the receiving line outside.

  “None of us are. But love covers mistakes, don’t you think?” Cassie shared her husband’s smile.

  “Love and forgiveness,” he agreed.

  Love and forgiveness. The two could change the world. That was the message Cassie and Rick would share with Churchill for as long as God wanted them here.

  *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from SEASIDE ROMANCE by Mia Ross.

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you’ve enjoyed this second book in my Northern Lights series. Cassie and Rick each came to Churchill with heart problems that only God could repair. Each needed to find forgiveness but in different ways. Stay tuned for Alicia Featherstone’s story in North Country Mom, coming in May.

  In the meantime, here are my wishes for you. May you know that all your experiences are a gift, even when they aren’t pleasant. May you not burden yourself by needing to find a reason for everything. May you live each moment of your day, free of worry about the fut
ure and regret about the past. And may you know the rich, abiding, uncompromising love of God that refuses to let go no matter how far we stray.

  Blessings,

  Questions for Discussion

  Cassie married very young to get away from her father’s neglect and hopefully find the love she craved. Do you know someone who’s done the same thing and regretted it? Or someone who stayed in a bad situation and regretted it?

  How could Cassie have dealt with her situation after Eric’s death differently without becoming defensive? Should she have done things differently? Why or why not?

  Rick got stuck on mistakes he made in the past that seriously affected his faith. Discuss ways we all struggle with accepting forgiveness and the issues that sometimes keep us trapped in our guilt.

  Noah’s bitterness stemmed from feelings of abandonment after his father died. Think of ways that people can be more inclusive to kids whose parents are going through separation, divorce or other troubling issues that often divide families.

  Cassie felt very strongly that she needed to improve her financial situation and build a cushion. This meant she took on a lot of extra work. Talk about stages in your own life when you had to balance your family’s need for more income with the time you spent away from them. Is there a way for us to balance these needs?

  Rick took great pride in ministering to his community and pushed himself to meet their needs. Suggest ways a church family can minister to their pastor to help him avoid getting overtaxed and make sure he has quality time with those he loves.

  The boys at Lives Under Construction came from homes where they often felt insecure. Think of troubled kids in your church or community. Discuss ways you could help them before their problems turn into legal issues that send them to jail. How do you feel about ministering to them?

  During his years on the street, Rick dreamed of a family of his own and love. Do you have a dream you long for and are working toward?

  Cassie gave up her hard-won nest egg to buy back Rick’s guitar. Discuss sacrifices you would make to help someone you felt was gifted increase their ministry.