Rita smiled. “We sure are. We have a lot of lost time to make up for.”
“Does that mean you’ll move back home?” August asked.
“I don’t know. I want to get on with my nursing career, but I’ve come to realize after being home this last year that I don’t belong here in Anchorage. I think I’d like to settle down in Tok for a while. Of course, it will all depend on finding a job.”
“I’m sure you could work for one of the local doctors,” August suggested. “We’d love to have you back home, and that way you and your mom could spend more time together.”
“Mom isn’t my only concern,” Rita said gravely.
“What is it, Rita?” Beth asked in a worried tone.
Rita pulled away from her parents and went back to the table where she slumped into the chair. “It’s Mark.”
“What about him?” her parents asked in unison.
“I don’t know where to begin,” Rita said honestly.
August sat on the bed, while Beth joined her daughter at the table. “Just tell us what’s wrong,” August said.
“I’d love to,” Rita admitted. “But I’m not exactly sure what really is wrong.”
“Is Mark the reason you don’t want to move home?” Beth questioned.
“Yes and no,” Rita replied. “Mark told me he loved me and asked me to marry him.”
Beth and August exchanged a smile. They thought Mark would make a fine choice for their daughter and didn’t hide their obvious pleasure.
“How do you feel about Mark?” Beth asked.
“That’s my real dilemma. I know I love him. I just don’t know that I’m ready to get married. Allowing people to get close to me is something I’m not very good at. I’m not sure I could do justice to Mark’s love.” Rita’s voice was shaky as she continued. “I guess I’m afraid.”
Beth reached out and patted Rita’s hand. “Committing yourself in marriage is something you should be very sure of. I will tell you this much, however. Most everyone is afraid of the magnitude of marriage.”
“What am I supposed to do then?” Rita questioned. “I mean, I do love him and I don’t want to lose him—”
“Why not give Mark credit?” August interjected. “He knows his own heart and he’s a good solid thinker. Why not share your apprehension with him and take it one step at a time. I have a feeling Mark will know how to handle the situation.”
Rita raised her eyes to her father. “Do you think he will think less of me for my confusion?”
“I don’t think it’s possible for Mark to think less of you,” August answered with a laugh. “He’s got it bad for you, Rita. I think if you told him to walk to the moon and back, he’d do it.”
“But don’t take advantage of him,” Beth added. “He’s a good man and he deserves to be dealt with in an honest manner. Just talk to him, Rita. If you still have any doubts, work through them and take your time. And Rita,” Beth paused, almost fearful of her next suggestion. “Pray about it. Spend a great deal of time in prayer, and I will, too.”
Rita nodded. “Of course,” she whispered. “I should have thought of that, first thing. Trusting God is something else new to me. I guess I have a lot to learn.”
“Don’t worry,” August said. “God understands all of that and He’ll guide you through. Just trust Him for direction, Rita, and when you’re afraid, trust Him even more.”
Rita couldn’t help but smile. “Mark told me about the verse in Psalm 56 that says, ‘When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.’ It seems like a most appropriate verse for me.”
Chapter 17
Rita stayed with friends in Anchorage until May. She felt that she needed the time away from everyone in order to sort through her conflicting emotions. She had mailed Mark a brief, but poignant letter that offered no promises but allowed a glimpse of her true feelings for him.
She mostly spent the time in prayer and searching however. She had determined that it would be foolish to move to Tok without a job. Because of that, Rita gave it over to God and mailed her résumé to all of the area doctors in the small town.
“If God wants me in Tok,” Rita had proclaimed, “He will provide me the means to support myself.”
When a job offer came at the end of April, Rita was nearly stunned by her answered prayer.
“It was what I prayed for,” Rita admitted to her mother on the telephone. “I guess I’m still so new at this that I didn’t really expect an answer.”
“Well, I have another answer for you,” Beth replied. “Your father has built a small cabin for you about fifteen minutes away. It’s closer to Tok than our place, but close enough to home that you could just hike over if you were of a mind to.”
Rita shook her head. It seemed fairly obvious that God wanted her in Tok. “That would make it just under thirty minutes into town,” she surmised.
“That’s true,” Beth answered. “If you don’t mind, we’ll start fixing it up for you. You know, a few touches of home. We can take over your old bedroom stuff and put in some new touches as well.”
“I don’t know what to say, Mom.”
“Just say yes, and we’ll all get to work.” Beth’s words were Rita’s final straw. She knew God’s destiny for her would take her north.
“Yes,” she replied into the telephone receiver. “I’ll take the train to Fairbanks when the tracks are open for the tourist season. That will be May fifteenth. Can you meet me?”
“You bet,” Beth replied, not hiding the joy in her voice.
That left only one unspoken problem. Mark.
As if interpreting the silence, Beth braved a question. “Do you want me to tell Mark that you’re coming home?”
Rita started to say no and then changed her mind. It would be fairer to warn Mark of her impending arrival. “Yes,” she said softly. “Tell him my plans. I don’t know that he cares anymore. I sent him only one letter, and he never wrote back. But, I’d still feel better if he knew.”
“I understand, and I will let him know.” Her mother’s words offered a bit of solace.
“Mother?” Rita questioned. “Do you think he still cares for me?”
“Do you want him to?” Beth asked.
After a difficult pause, Rita spoke. “Yes, I do. I really want him to still love me.”
“Then give it over to God,” Beth suggested, “and trust Him for the rest.”
“You’re right, of course,” Rita murmured. “It’s really a matter of trust.”
Rita was glad for the long train ride home. The miles offered her twelve hours of contemplation time before she would arrive in Fairbanks. For most of the trip, Rita rode the train in the area between cars. She opened the upper portion of the door and allowed the chilled May air to assault her face. The cold felt good and the fresh air seemed to clear her mind.
As the scenery rushed past her, Rita found herself praying. “God, You know my heart even when I don’t. This time, I feel that I truly love Mark, but I don’t know if he still feels the same way about me or not. Father, I know I must leave this matter to You. Help me not to take it back and work it for my own will rather than Yours. Amen.”
The ride lasted from eight in the morning until eight at night, passing through miles of Denali National Park. It even afforded Rita a picturesque glimpse of Mt. McKinley before the clouds moved in and sheltered the summit from view.
From time to time the forest gave way to glimpses of small towns. Railroads always seemed to approach towns from the backside, Rita decided. It appeared to be just the opposite of the highway on which she’d driven north a year earlier.
When she caught sight of the DEW line, America’s Defense Early Warning system in case of Soviet attack, Rita knew that she was nearly to Fairbanks. She mentally calculated the plans from there. They would no doubt stay overnight, given her parents’ dislike of traveling the highways after dark. That would make it at least noon tomorrow before she’d actually make it home. How much longer after that before she could see Mark an
d talk to him?
When the train pulled into the station, Rita put her concerns of Mark aside and rushed to greet her parents.
“I’m so glad to see you both,” Rita exclaimed, throwing herself into their arms. “It’s good to be home.”
“Well, nearly home,” August laughed. “You don’t mind staying over tonight, do you?”
Rita laughed. “No, I already had that planned. Did you get the things I sent by air express?”
“They’re safe and sound in your new cabin,” August replied.
“My new cabin,” Rita repeated. “It seems so strange to know that I’m now a homeowner.”
Beth laughed and gave Rita a squeeze. “You’re going to love it. I just know it. You should have seen the way your father and Mark worked to finish it.”
“Mark helped?” Rita questioned. Was that an air of hope for something more in her tone?
“Mark nearly built it himself,” August answered honestly. “I can’t move like I used to. Gerald came over, and he and his older boys offered a hand as well. It was a real family affair once your mother started adding the homey touches.”
“Well, well.” Rita’s tone made her pleasure evident. “It’s going to be hard to stay over, knowing all that awaits me.”
“It’ll be just like Christmas,” August said with a smile. “You’ll have to wait until morning to unwrap your gifts.”
“Like Christmas, eh?” Rita questioned teasingly. “Then we can get started at four o’clock in the morning, right?”
August and Beth rolled their eyes. “Some things never change with kids,” August laughed. “Come on, we’d better get you fed and to bed if you plan to get started that early!”
Rita didn’t get her parents up at four. She relished the soft mattress of the hotel bed and lingered there until her mother announced that they were going down for breakfast without Rita if she didn’t get up.
She could hardly sit through breakfast while thoughts of Mark pressed her to hurry. When they were finally headed home, she couldn’t help but count the landmarks and towns. Minutes seemed to drag by, while Rita barely heard the things her parents had to say.
By the time August finally pulled down the dirt road that led to the Eriksson homestead, Rita was gripping the door handle in anticipation. Home had never looked so good to her.
“I drew you a map,” August said, coming to a stop beside Rita’s car. “I know you want to head right over, but you could stay a spell.”
“That’s true,” Beth added, getting out of the car. “I’d be happy to fix you lunch and—”
“Thanks anyway,” Rita interrupted.
Beth and August laughed. “Go on, then,” August said. He put his arm around Beth and, for the very first time, Rita felt the warmth of the love they shared. She’d once questioned what her father could have possibly seen in her mother. Now, however, Rita thought she was coming to understand.
Rita glanced around, wondering if Mark was working with the dogs. Beth read her daughter’s mind and shook her head.
“He’s not here, Rita. He’s getting your dogs settled at the new place.”
Now Rita was even more motivated to see her new home. “I’ll see you later,” she grinned and jumped into her car.
“Don’t speed,” August called out to his daughter. “Remember where that got you before.”
“I do,” Rita said, remembering it fondly. “It found me the man I intend to marry!”
August shook his head and waved her on. It was good to know that his youngest had finally found happiness. Better yet to know that she’d finally found peace of heart and soul.
Rita glanced only briefly at the map. From her father and mother’s earlier description and directions, she knew without the paper just where she was going. She crowded the speed limit as closely as she dared and finally found her turnoff just as her patience was wearing thin.
The dust sprayed out behind her car as Rita moved closer to her cabin. She rounded the final bend to face a huge banner with bright yellow letters strung across the road. As she approached the cabin, she found that banners were flying everywhere. WELCOME HOME, they read.
Across the front porch of the huge cabin, another banner in multiple colors reiterated the message. Rita felt her heart pound faster. Were the banners her parents’ idea or Mark’s?
Parking the car, Rita got out and stopped. She looked around her, just trying to take it all in for a moment. The clearing set out before her held not only the cabin, but a partially finished shed. From behind the house, Rita could hear the dogs raising a ruckus. They knew their mistress was finally home.
She searched the area for some sign of Mark’s motorcycle or truck. Surely he hadn’t tended the dogs and left. If he had, did that mean he no longer cared for Rita in the way he once had?
Rita felt a gripping despair come over her. Maybe her anticipated homecoming wasn’t what she’d hoped for. Maybe Mark’s kindness and work had been done out of his partnership status with her father. Maybe Mark wouldn’t want to see her. After all, he’d never even acknowledged her letter.
Rita swallowed hard. Whatever happened was in God’s hands. She had to trust Him and count on Him to make the way for her life. Breathing a little easier, Rita stepped forward to explore her new home.
She hadn’t taken more than two steps when the unmistakable sound of a screen door opening caught her ear. Looking up, Rita found Mark coming out of the cabin. He walked to the edge of the porch and stood at the top step.
Rita stopped and appraised him for a moment. His expression was masked from revealing whether their reunion was a welcomed one or something that he was merely tolerating. His brown eyes were serious, and Rita felt their warmth as his gaze penetrated her fears.
The wind in the trees broke her concentration and Rita turned momentarily. She looked back quickly, half expecting Mark to have moved or done something that would indicate how he felt. Instead, he said nothing, did nothing. What did it mean?
Chapter 18
Mark’s words came back to haunt Rita. She remembered in Nome when he told her, “Some day you’ll come to me and I’ll be there with open arms just for you.”
Here I am, Rita thought to herself. Now where is the open-armed welcome that he promised?
Mark had played his game long enough. When a grin spread across his face, he couldn’t help but fulfill his promise to Rita.
Rita ran across the yard and up the steps to where Mark’s open arms waited. “I’ve missed you so much!” she exclaimed as his arms tightened around her.
“You have no idea how hard it was for me to leave you in Anchorage and wait here,” Mark replied. “Thought you might have even headed off for Texas.”
“I was afraid you wouldn’t care anymore,” Rita said, lifting her face to Mark’s. She needed to see in his eyes that her fears were unfounded.
“I told you that I’m a very patient man,” Mark whispered. “Although you very nearly made me a liar. It’s a good thing your dad had this cabin project in mind, or I’d have never been able to get through the weeks.”
“Oh Mark,” Rita said, burying her face against his chest. “I love you and I’m so sorry for making you wait so long to hear me say it.”
Mark pressed his lips to the top of Rita’s head. Kissing her hair, he whispered, “The wait was worth it. All things in God’s timing are worth waiting for.”
Rita released Mark and stepped back. “The loneliness was incredible. I thought of you constantly and all I could imagine was that my foolishness had put you out of reach forever. I was truly afraid that I’d lost my dreams of happiness.”
“You’re the only dream that has ever mattered, Rita,” Mark said with a grin. “And let me tell you, my time up here alone has given me an awful lot of time to perfect that dream.”
Rita found Mark’s sense of humor contagious. “I did some dreaming of my own,” she admitted. “About a tall, broad-chested law officer, who saved my life and stole my heart. You’ve always been a par
t of my dreams, Mark. And you always will be.”
“Then you’ll marry me?” Mark asked for the second time.
Rita stepped forward and put her arms around his neck. “I would be most happy to marry you, Mr. Williams. Positively delighted!”
“Promise?” he said, raising a questioning brow. “You aren’t going to change your mind and replace me with another Iditarod dream, are you?”
Rita laughed out loud. “Not hardly, Mr. Williams. You are caught, hook, line, and harness. No Texas or race or cowboys or frozen wilderness is gonna stop me. You’re stuck with me, like it or not.”
“I like it,” Mark said, lowering his lips to Rita’s. “I like it very much.” He kissed her tenderly while Rita melted against him.
When he lifted his lips, Rita sighed. “I’m going to like this, too. I can tell.”
Mark surprised her by taking her hand and pulling her with him to sit on the porch step. “This is going to be new for both of us. We’ve both been used to independence and we’ve both lived our lives without real concern for the decisions we make. Now, however, we’ll have to consider each other in every choice we make.”
Rita nodded. “It won’t be easy to change our lifestyles overnight.”
“We’ll no doubt have our moments when we’re not very happy with one another,” Mark added.
“True,” Rita replied. “But if we’re honest with each other and careful to work through those times, maybe we won’t have to spend too much time in strife.”
“It’s going to be a lot of work,” Mark stated.
“You sound like you did when you were training me for the Iditarod.” Rita couldn’t help but laugh. She saw the amusement in Mark’s eyes.
“Marriage is going to be even more work than the race,” Mark answered. “And a whole lot more dangerous.”
Rita questioned his words. “Just what do you mean?”
“I hear you don’t cook too well,” he laughed. “I might be in for some strange cuisine. Then there’s mending and sewing.”
“Whoa!” Rita called out. “I’m a nurse, remember? I have a job that I hope to do and I enjoy working in medicine. You have the kennel and the dogs. I don’t see any reason why we can’t work together and trade off on the cooking and cleaning.”
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