Brides of Alaska

by Peterson, Tracie;

  Chapter 15

  Several bowls later, Gerald gobbled down oatmeal with raisins while Bethany told him about his days spent in the hospital. Meanwhile, August made arrangements for their trip home. He felt a lightheartedness he’d never known.

  “Julie?” August spoke into the receiver of the phone. “It’s August.”

  “August, how’s the little boy?” Julie questioned through a static-filled line.

  “He’s fine. We got our miracle, Julie. Gerald rallied in a remarkable way,” August replied.

  “Praise God,” Julie replied. “I knew He’d hear our prayers. How is Beth?”

  “She’s exhausted, but otherwise great. You would like her, Jewels. She has a strong faith just like you. She never doubted that God could make a difference,” August said with pride.

  “She sounds like the perfect woman for you,” Julie remarked. The static played havoc with the line. “I’m sorry about the connection. I don’t know if it has anything to do with it or not, but we’re in the middle of a fierce storm. High winds and snow. You know the type.”

  “I do indeed. The temperatures dropped considerably here, but good weather is holding, which is another blessing. They’re still trying to finish up the highway. I think they’ll be done within a matter of a week or so,” August replied.

  “Will you be coming home after that?” Julie asked hopefully.

  “I’d just begun thinking about that,” August answered. “I want to come back, at least to get my things. I miss my dogs, and I want to teach the boys how to drive a sled.”

  “We’ll look forward to seeing you,” Julie said enthusiastically. “Sam has missed you a great deal,” she added.

  August thought of how much Sam would have enjoyed working on the highway. “I’ve missed him, too. Tell him hello and that I’ll see you both soon. I’ll talk to you again before I actually come back. Thanks again, Jewels.”

  “I’m glad we could be a part of your miracle,” Julie replied. “It was good to hear your voice. Please take care of yourself.”

  “I will. I love you, sis.”

  “I love you, too. Good-bye.” Julie’s voice was barely audible through the static.

  After another quick call to Ralph Greening, August was free to return to Beth and Gerald.

  “It’s all set,” August said as he entered the room. “As soon as the doctor gives his approval, we’ll be on the first transport plane for Northway.”

  Gerald had finished his breakfast and waited eagerly for his mother’s permission to get out of bed.

  “Dr. Matthews said we could leave as soon as he has one of the other doctors take a look at Gerald,” Beth said with a smile.

  August looked at her with appreciation. Now that his own bitterness toward God and Gerald’s serious illness no longer filled his mind, August was beginning to recognize the perfection of the woman before him. She was everything he’d ever needed or wanted.

  “Did you hear what I said?” Beth questioned.

  “Huh? No, sorry. What did you say?” August asked as he crossed the room.

  Beth laughed. “It wasn’t important. I have you and Gerald, and soon we’ll go home to Phillip. That’s what matters.”

  Dr. Matthews came into the room unannounced just then. With him was an elderly man Beth didn’t recognize.

  “This is Dr. Barnes,” Gerald’s doctor announced. “I’ve asked him to evaluate our patient and give his opinion.”

  “How nice to meet you, Dr. Barnes,” Beth said as she extended her hand. “So you’ve come to see our miracle boy.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Hogan,” the man said, shaking her hand. “I must say, I was quite enthralled by the boy’s recovery. I understand your son was only two days on the experimental medicine from the States.”

  “Yes, that’s true,” Beth said and added, “but I don’t believe that’s what cured him. After all, you folks had given him up for dead.”

  Dr. Barnes picked up Gerald’s chart and studied it for a moment. Gerald finally broke the silence. “Are they going to let me go home, Momma?”

  “I think so, Gerry, but you must be quiet and let the doctors do their job,” Beth replied, giving her son a hug.

  Dr. Barnes continued his examination of Gerald and finally turned back to Beth with a smile. “I see no reason to keep this child here any longer. Your son is completely healed to the best of my knowledge.”

  “Thank you,” Beth replied. She threw a knowing smile at August, who had held back in silence while the men examined Gerald.

  August stepped forward and put an arm around Beth. “How soon can we leave?” he asked.

  “As soon as you’re ready,” Dr. Barnes replied. “I release the boy as of now.”

  Gerry let out an excited scream at the verdict, and August and Beth thanked the doctors once more for their help as the medical men turned to leave.

  When the doctors had left, August turned to Beth. “Ready to go home, Mrs. Hogan?”

  “Definitely,” she replied, taking his offered hand.

  August and Beth hugged Gerald close. August silently thanked God for the loving family He’d provided.

  “You know,” August began, “I think we should have a word of prayer and thank God for all He’s done for us. Then I think we should get out of this hospital and head home to Phillip and Mrs. Miller.”

  “I agree,” Beth said, lifting her eyes to August. In that moment she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her days loving this man and her children.

  “Father, we come to You with thankful hearts,” August began. “We praise You for the healing of Gerald’s body and for the mercies You showed me in bringing me back to the truth.”

  Beth listened intently as August prayed, agreeing with his words and enjoying the blessings of God’s love. Silently, she added her own requests.

  I love him, Lord, she prayed. I love him so very much, and if it is Your will, I pray You’ll see us married quickly so that we can be a whole and complete family.

  August ended his prayer and Gerald joined in with a hearty “Amen.” Beth lifted her face to reveal tears that she’d not realized she had cried.

  “Why are you crying, Mommy?” Gerald asked with a worried look on his face. “Is something wrong?”

  August turned, seeing the tears for the first time. “I think your mommy is happy, Gerald. Sometimes folks have a hard time expressing the wonder of how happy they are.”

  Beth dabbed her eyes with the corner of a handkerchief that August offered her. “I am happy, Gerry. I’m so very glad that God has made you well and that He brought August back to us.”

  She turned to August, feeling confident for the first time that she could speak what was on her heart. “Please don’t leave us again. We need you. I need you.”

  Beth’s blue eyes pierced deep into August’s heart. Years later he would remember the moment as one of the most precious in his life. She was so needy, yet so strong. Somehow, the two qualities balanced perfectly, creating one incredible woman.

  “And I need you,” August whispered, his dark eyes shining with love. “I’ll always need you.”

  Gerald refused to be left out of the conversation. He was bored with the adult seriousness. “Can we go home?” he asked, breaking the spell of the moment. “I want to play in my tree house.”

  Beth laughed, and August lifted Gerald into his strong arms.

  “Yes,” August said enthusiastically. “Let’s go home!”

  Chapter 16

  From Fairbanks to Northway, Gerald chattered about the plane and the view. August pointed out the highway below and explained to the boy about the work involved in building such a road.

  Gerald listened in awe as August spoke of the powerful machinery that helped clear the way. “I’d like to do that, too,” Gerald said in animated excitement. “I want to do work just like you.”

  “I thought you wanted to be a pilot,” August replied, shifting Gerald so he could get a better view.

  “That was what my
old daddy did. Now I want to do work like my new daddy. You are going to be my new daddy, aren’t you?” Gerald questioned sincerely.

  “Would you like that?” August asked with a grin.

  “I sure would,” Gerald answered. “Phillip would, too. He told me so.”

  “Well, then,” August said with a glance at Beth, “we’ll just have to see what the good Lord works out.”

  Beth felt a twinge of disappointment at August’s words. She’d held her breath, waiting for his reply, and then she’d only heard a “wait and see” answer. Hiding her frustration, Beth was relieved that Gerald seemed satisfied with August’s answer.

  Folding her hands in her lap, Beth thought about the situation and glanced up to find August watching her. She offered the briefest smile, and when August winked and grinned back, Beth felt relieved. There was no way of knowing exactly what August had in mind, but Beth was certain he loved her and the boys. Wait and see wasn’t an easy thing to accept, but it did offer the possibility of more, and Beth clung to that for reassurance.

  The plane touched down shortly before dinnertime with Gerald already complaining that his stomach was growling. Stepping off the plane, August offered a hand to Beth.

  “It’s good to be home,” Beth declared and breathed deeply of the crisp air. “I’ve missed it so much and Phillip, too.”

  August easily lifted Gerald into his arms and swung in step behind Beth. “I suggest we get your things, and I’ll see about securing us a ride home. After all, this little boy is about to starve to death.”

  “I’ll square getting the suitcase,” Beth offered with a laugh. She watched as August hoisted Gerald over his head and onto his shoulders. What a great father he would be for her sons!

  August waited until Beth was deep in conversation with the pilot before going off in search of a ride to the roadhouse. It was hard to believe that autumn had come in their absence. The fireweed was snowy with its cotton plumes floating through the air, and aspen shimmered with their hues of gold and orange.

  In the distance, August could see that the Wrangell Mountains were already glistening with thick layers of snow. It wouldn’t be long before snow would hug the ground in a white, insulating blanket. Thoughts of cold weather made August think of his dogs and sled travel. He’d have to find a way to bring them here from Nome and teach the boys to drive a team.

  It wasn’t hard to find a ride to Gantry Roadhouse; most everyone had heard of Gerald’s illness and were anxious, even pleased, to lend a hand to the little boy.

  The driver of the jeep turned out to be Private Ronnie Jacobs, one of the soldiers Beth had baked sweet potato pies for.

  “It’s mighty good to see that your boy is healthy and strong again,” Ronnie said as he helped Beth into the seat.

  “Thank you, Private,” Beth returned. “Have they kept you well fed in my absence?”

  The young man laughed. “Not on this army’s food. I missed coming down to the roadhouse to buy the extras. I guess pretty soon we’ll be out of here altogether. It’ll sure be good to go back where it’s warm. I miss Georgia.”

  “Who’s she?” Gerald asked as August handed him to Beth.

  Ronnie laughed. “That’s not a girl. It’s the state I live in.”

  “Is it as pretty as Alaska?” Gerald asked.

  “I think so,” the private responded, taking the driver’s seat while August jumped in the back. “Now, if everybody’s set, I’ll get y’all home.”

  The drive to the roadhouse was over quickly. August had barely put a foot out of the jeep when Phillip came bursting out the doorway.

  “Mommy! Daddy!” he called out. Running down the dirt pathway, he held out open arms for August’s embrace. August tossed him high in the air. Phillip’s giggles sounded like music to Beth and August’s ears.

  “Phillip, you must have grown six inches since I last saw you. Come give Mommy some love,” Beth said, reaching out to take her son from August.

  “I missed you, Mommy. I missed you whole bunches.” Phillip’s muffled voice fell in kisses against his mother’s neck.

  “Oh, and I missed you, pumpkin. I missed you so much,” Beth replied. “And look here,” she said as she put Phillip down. “Gerry’s back, and he’s all better.”

  “I helped take care of him, didn’t I, Mommy?” Phillip questioned, catching sight of his brother. “Gerry!” he squealed as he rushed to hug his sibling. The boys were great friends and had missed each other terribly. Soon they were laughing and talking at once as they shared their adventures with each other.

  Mrs. Miller came outside to join the reunion. “Gerald!” she called out and waved. As the foursome approached the older woman, Beth could see there were tears in Hazel Miller’s eyes.

  “Praise be to God!” she exclaimed, embracing Gerald.

  “I was real sick,” Gerald explained seriously.

  “You sure were,” the older woman agreed. “But God made you well, and I’ve made a celebration dinner to thank Him.”

  “Hazel, how nice!” Beth remarked. She was weary to the bone and anxious to drop into bed, but she wouldn’t have spoiled Hazel’s celebration for all the world.

  “I could eat a moose,” August declared with a grin.

  “Well, I just might have some of that, too,” Mrs. Miller said, laughing. “You’ll just have to wash up and set yourself down to see.”

  The boys and August hurried in the direction of the washroom while Beth lingered a moment with Hazel.

  “Hazel, I’m indebted to you for life,” Beth said as she hugged her friend. “Without you I would have worried constantly about Phillip and the property.”

  “I’m happy to have helped. I finally felt useful, and I think it taught me something else,” Hazel said, taking a step back.

  “And what’s that, Hazel?” Beth questioned.

  “I’ve just been wasting myself and the talents the good Lord gave me. I’ve been hiding myself away, picking and choosing what I’ll be a part of and what I won’t. I hadn’t realized how cloistered away I’d become.”

  “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Hazel,” Beth interjected. “You have done much to live for God. You teach Sunday school at the church and sing in the choir. Everyone who knows you or has had an opportunity to speak with you knows your heart.”

  “That may be, but I know I can do more and I intend to,” Hazel replied. “But enough about me. What about you and Mr. Eriksson?”

  “Oh Hazel,” Beth said, smiling broadly. “God has renewed August’s heart. He’s found his way back to the truth, and he loves me.”

  “How wonderful!” Hazel exclaimed. “God truly has answered our prayers. Has the man asked you to marry him?”

  “Not in those words, but I am certain it’s his intention. I can hardly wait until we’re a family,” Beth said happily.

  “I believe you already are,” Hazel stated and pulled open the door. “Now come along. My fine supper is getting cold, and those men of yours looked mighty hungry.” Beth nodded with a smile and followed Hazel to the kitchen.

  Dinner was as fine an affair as any Beth or August had ever known. Hazel had prepared so many specialties that Beth lost track of what she’d sampled.

  Smoked reindeer sausages lay in long, steaming strips atop a bed of seasoned rice, while another pot held sliced moose in a tantalizing barbecue sauce.

  Sourdough bread from a starter Mrs. Miller claimed was over seventy years old was quickly devoured with huge spoonfuls of homemade blueberry jelly.

  Accompanying all this richness was an array of vegetables and fruit that bowed the table under its weight. On top of the stove sat strawberry-rhubarb pies and a fresh pot of coffee. There was decidedly more food than five people could eat, but no one seemed to mind.

  “I know you’ll want to put those boys to bed,” Hazel said as she began to clear the table. “Why don’t you run on ahead and take care of them? I’ll clean up this mess.”

  “I can’t let you go on taking care of us,” Beth
said, stacking the boys’ dishes together and reaching for August’s.

  “Now, I’ll be gone in an hour or two and you’ll have yourself and your family to take care of. Let me do this for you while you enjoy getting back to your routine,” Hazel insisted.

  “I think that’s mighty fine of you, Mrs. Miller,” August said. He got to his feet and patted his stuffed stomach. “I can’t remember the last time I had anything quite that good. After they get done with rationing, you ought to open up a restaurant.”

  “I think that would be a grand idea, Hazel. Maybe that’s the purpose you’ve been looking to fill,” Beth remarked. “Better yet, maybe we could add it to the roadhouse. I know my boarders would be a lot happier if I offered meals with their rooms.”

  “And if you were careful with the things you served, you could probably get started before the war is over,” August said, contemplating the possibilities. “We could build on to the kitchen, maybe over here.” August walked to the south wall of the kitchen where the stove stood. “I don’t think it would be all that difficult.”

  “I don’t expect you to alter your roadhouse for me,” Hazel replied evenly, but in her heart was born the first ray of excitement.

  “It would be beneficial to both of us,” Beth replied. “Besides, I don’t expect to run a roadhouse all of my life. Maybe you could eventually buy me out.”

  Beth’s revelation was news to August. He wondered what her plans were for the future.

  “Well, you’ve certainly given an old woman a great deal to think about,” Hazel murmured, moving the hot food back to the stove. “But right now, you have two boys who are nearly asleep as they stand,” she said and motioned to where Gerald and Phillip were swaying on their feet.

  “Come on, boys,” August said, scooping a child into each arm. “I think it’s time to tuck you in.”

  The boys needed little in the way of tucking in. They were both asleep almost before their heads hit the pillows. Beth stood for a moment at the door of their bedroom. She took a deep breath and sighed. The boys slept healthy and comfortable in their beds, and in the kitchen, August waited for her to join him. What more could she possibly want?