Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska

by Tricia Goyer

  As for me. Well, sir, I’d sure like to marry your granddaughter. I don’t know if she’ll have me. Truth is, I’ve been offered a position as a missionary in Africa. As much as I love Glacier Bay, I intend to take it. That is, unless Ellie would be willing to come on back to us.

  I don’t want to pressure her. It’s been a year, and she may have moved on. But if you think there is a hope, would you be so kind as to let me know? In that case I’ll come chasing after her to the ends of the earth. If not, Africa will be a new life for us.

  I need to know soon, seeing as the last ship’s going to be leaving out of here in a month.

  I thank you, Brother Peter, for everything. It’s all in God’s hands, and I trust that with all my heart.

  Clay

  Ginny turned the letter over in her hand. “What?” she mumbled out loud. “That was it?”

  There were no more letters.

  She put the envelope in the box and slammed the lid shut. What was the point of that? How could Grandma Ethel just leave things hanging like that? Did Ellie ever return? Did Clay find her? Did they marry? And what was it with Africa?

  Ten minutes later, Brett pulled up, and she called to him through the open window. “You have to tell me, where’s the last letter?”

  He stepped out of the truck, pulled her into his arms, and kissed the top of her head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about…but you’re sure cute when you’re anxious.”

  Ginny stepped back and playfully slugged his arm. “Brett, I’m serious here.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I called your grandma at Dove’s house, interrupting her pinochle game and everything. I could hear the smile in her voice when she told me that you held the answer—that I’d never be able to read the rest of Ellie’s story without your help…and without being in Glacier Bay.” Ginny laughed. The humor of Grandma Ethel’s plan was striking her, even in her anxiety. “She knew all along I’d have to come back and get your help.”

  Brett scratched the top of his head. “What does that mean? Did she say anything else?”

  Ginny closed her eyes, trying to remember. Then she opened them and focused on him once again. “She said there was a secret hiding spot. She’d hide treats there for you as a boy.”

  Laughter poured from Brett’s lips. “Yes, I remember now.” He motioned for her to get in the truck. “It’s at Great-grandpa Clay’s cabin. Get in my truck, Ginny. I know what she’s talking about.”

  It only took a few minutes to get to the cabin. When they entered, Clay eyed the pile of boxes stacked against the wall. “It’s back there—where the woodstove used to be. One of the stones behind the stove was loose. Grandma said her father used to hide matches there to keep them out of the hands of the little ones, but she’d always hide treats for me there.”

  They moved the boxes out of the way, and Ginny held her breath as Brett reached for the stone. Sure enough, it came out easily. And inside there wasn’t only another letter, but something else that caused Ginny’s heart to jump in her chest.

  Brett pulled out two pieces of rock and placed them in Ginny’s hand. A smile filled her face. They were the two parts of the stone heart. “Grandfather Peter’s heart—Ellie’s too. They had to have come back here, to Clay’s home.”

  Brett brushed his thumb on her cheek, wiping away a stray tear. “Why don’t you read the rest, Ginny. I think you’ll like how Ellie’s story ends.”

  Chapter Forty

  .......................

  December 24, 1933

  Dear Janey,

  How many times have I seen you rummage through the letter box, piecing together the story of your parents’ romance? Don’t think I haven’t noticed your frustration over the missing last episode, but you were there, dear! Doesn’t your young memory serve you?

  In answer to your requests to explain, “for future generations,” how everything worked out, I am writing this letter…to you. Consider it your Christmas gift. You’ve heard this story a million times, as I’ve told it to you, Zach, Penny, Elias, and Rose, but regardless, here it is.

  How clearly I remember that journey back to Alaska! Grandfather, Nurse Schroeder, and I had traveled from San Francisco to Juneau. We took the same route James and I had, but backward this time—airplane to Seattle, then steamer. You should’ve seen Grandfather on the airplane. He pestered the flight crew with question after question, translated by Nurse S., who had gotten used to his garbled speech. Sometimes they couldn’t understand her strong German accent either, so I had to step in. What an adventure!

  I loved how his frail body didn’t slow him down. He kept looking out the window at icy mountains, lush forests, the white-capped ocean, and saying, “Amen and amen!”

  When we got to Juneau, Grandfather was so excited to be out of the hospital, he kept wheeling his chair away from us, like a child wanting to see everything.

  “It’s my first trip to Alaska, ladies,” he said. “Give a man a second to look!”

  I was back on our Yosemite explorations again, experiencing the world through his wonder-filled eyes. What a gift he gave me, to perceive the glories of creation.

  We arrived in Juneau, exhausted, and spent the night at The Alaskan. There weren’t many inns to choose from. What a night! When Nurse S. realized the nature of the place, she nearly packed us up and marched us out into the cold night, but knowing Grandfather wasn’t as strong as he let on, she settled for second best.

  With a steely jaw and a steady brow, she stomped downstairs and told the proprietor that no “business” would be done while Herr Barnett was on the premises. I watched from the balcony as the man, his slight build camouflaged by the best suit I’d ever seen in the Territory of Alaska, glared at Nurse S. I thought he was going to give her a knuckle sandwich, but her iron gaze must’ve done him in, because he backed down. In minutes, “customers” were shooed out the door, and only we and the ladies were left.

  If it had been up to Grandfather, he’d have set up a pulpit, unpacked his hymnal, and held a church service right there, but instead, he vowed to get his friends at the Gideons to place Bibles in every room. And as you, know, Janey, the next summer we all journeyed over and assisted with just that.

  The next morning, a stellar pink sky dappled with swashes of white greeted us, but my stomach roiled. I longed to move back to Glacier Bay, to embrace Edith, Nell, and the others, to claim my homestead and create a life for the three of us, but I didn’t want to see your father. I still loved him, but I had no reason to hope for reconciliation. I couldn’t bear the thought of being near him, his strong eyes, his handsome build.

  I wandered into Grandfather’s room. He still slept, and Nurse S. was out making sure this place was “up to snuff.” I stood next to his window, its coolness fresh against my cheeks, and watched the birds along the shoreline. Such a variety, I didn’t know all their names back then. Soon, a bald eagle caught my eye, its majestic wingspan cutting through the air as it dove for fish.

  “An amazing bird God made, isn’t it?” Grandfather said.

  I pivoted around to see his crooked smile, his hand reaching out to me.

  “What brings you in here? Have I overslept? You can blame that on Nurse S. She’s supposed to wake me.” He chuckled.

  I shook my head. “Grandfather. Be nice to her. She takes wonderful care of you.”

  “You’re no fun.” He mocked a frown.

  What comfort just being in his presence gave to me, but still my fears grappled in my stomach, like an otter playing with a ball. Grandfather must’ve seen angst reflected in my face. He rubbed my hand with his wrinkled one.

  “Tell me, dear. Are you afraid?”

  I sank onto the side of his bed, tried to smile. “I’m trying not to be, Grandfather. But what was I thinking? How can I possibly live out at Strawberry Point and not be with Clay?”

  The Alaskan wildlife, even here in the state capital, brought back a familiarity I longed for but had no right to. I felt more out of place in that moment t
han I ever had before. I glanced back out the window at the ferry being loaded. I needed to get on it. Go far, far away from here.

  I grasped Grandfather’s arm. “I can’t go back there, as much as I love it. I’m so sorry to have brought you this far, but I think we should go back. I can’t stay.”

  “Yes, perhaps you’re right.”

  He caught me off guard. I certainly didn’t expect him to agree. “What?”

  “If that’s what you want, dear.” His twinkling eyes grew serious, compassionate. “Is it?”

  The sunrise tinted the sky from pink to orange, brightening with day’s awakening. God’s grandeur dripped from the scenery there like nowhere else, I was sure. I relished it, yet it wasn’t mine.

  “No, Grandfather, I don’t want to turn back, but…”

  “You don’t want the life you’ve been planning, either.”

  “I do want to live in Strawberry Point.” I couldn’t say the rest. That I only wanted it if I could be with Clay.

  Ginny paused and looked up at Brett. This was his family, his heritage. It still did something to her to realize that. He’d gone to the truck while she’d been reading and returned holding something behind his back.

  “Does she end up with him? Did Ellie marry your great-grandfather?”

  “Why don’t you keep reading and find out?”

  She tilted her head and brushed her hair over her shoulder. “What’s behind your back?”

  “I’ll tell you, beautiful girl, but when the time is right.” He pointed to the letter. “Keep reading.”

  “And you’ll know the right time?”

  Brett nodded. “Yes, I’ll know.”

  After breakfast, we set out to the ferry dock. We would go home, back to San Francisco. It was the only decision. I knew Grandfather was disappointed not to see Glacier Bay, but he and Nurse S. showed abundant kindness for my last-minute reversal. I hated myself for giving up, but life at Glacier Bay without Clay crystallized each moment. I wasn’t strong enough to live with that heartache every day.

  The ferry dock sat aside the one for smaller boats, like those to Strawberry Point. How odd I felt, following that same path I’d traveled two years before, by myself, not knowing what the future held. I wasn’t alone this time, but I still had no idea how my future life would unfold.

  When I approached the ticket counter, a woman in a short-sleeved cotton dress (it was sixty degrees after all) informed me they were sold out to Seattle, the last boat of the season! She suggested I charter a smaller boat and pick up the ferry at Sitka where they’d drop some travelers. Grandfather was overjoyed by this. An adventure!

  Well, I knew the drill. I had Grandfather and Nurse S. hang back while I traipsed down the wobbly dock as before, seeking a charter—this time to Sitka. Gratefully, I wore more appropriate shoes and didn’t have to lug a huge chest.

  About six boats were moored there. None heading to Sitka. We’d have to check back tomorrow, see if anyone else showed up. My stomach clenched even tighter than it had all morning. Would we be stuck here till spring? Discouraged, I was heading back to Grandfather and Nurse S. when I noticed a boat creeping toward the dock. My heart pumped. Please, Lord, let this one be going to Sitka today.

  The small, white fishing boat easily jumped over the waves. Crates lined the deck. Children perched on them, watching the dock come into view. My eyes focused on the boat, still small in the distance.

  “Hey, lady?” a mate on the boat next to me asked. “You the one going to Sitka?”

  I pulled my gaze away from that boat and looked at the scruffy sailor. “Yes. I thought you said you weren’t going.”

  “Well, I was thinkin’. How much you payin’?”

  “We have three passengers and a bit of luggage. How much would you charge?”

  “You real desperate to make tracks outta here, aren’t ya? Winter comin’.”

  Before I answered, the sounds of children laughing rolled along the wind from the distant fishing boat, snatching my attention. I could hear their voices, but they seemed to be gathering their things for mooring. I couldn’t see them. The white boat looked familiar, but then they all seemed the same to me.

  “Lady? Whaddya say? I’ll give you a real good deal.”

  “Of course.” I gave the man a smile. I learned to never judge folks by their appearances here. Great men live beneath the rugged Alaska persona. “I’d appreciate it.”

  He reached out to shake my hand, but I heard a squeal as that white boat approached. I stepped toward where it would dock. That looks a lot like Clay’s, I thought. But it can’t be.

  It was you, Janey, who saw me first. You were standing next to a mound of crates marked To Uganda, gripping your satchel. “Miss Ellie!”

  How my pulse beat, slammed against my chest. My palms started to drip an icy-cold sweat. I didn’t know what to do. Should I just wait there? Should I get Grandfather? Should I be afraid? Excited? Everything swirled in me until I almost fell over.

  The sailor was persistent, eager as he was to be on his way, but he finally agreed to give me “just a few minutes.”

  A huge smile took over my face, despite my fear. My eyes fought back tears. “Janey!” I called.

  Soon Zach spotted me, Linc, and even little Penny, whom you held in your arms. You all raced to the railing, waving at me, calling my name.

  Within minutes, the boat slid up next to the dock. You all stayed back, waiting for your papa. Then Joseph came out of the engine room, his blond hair cut neatly though tousled by the wind. A knot formed in my chest. I feared catching his gaze. Feared the dark glare, the disappointment at seeing me. But no. His eyes sparkled, and he smiled!

  “Miss Ellie?” Joseph quickly tied the boat to the dock and jumped off. “Is that you?” He ran to me and grabbed me in a two-armed hug. “I’m so sorry,” he blurted out. “I was so wrong.”

  I didn’t understand where this change sprang from, but how it filled me with joy. “Joseph. I forgive you. Of course.” I soaked up that hug.

  “I’m better now,” he said, as we parted. “Working on getting better.”

  “That’s wonderful. I know how hard it is.”

  And then I saw your father.

  Clay strode onto the boat deck, halting my words, but he hadn’t seen me yet. Zach raced to him. “Miss Ellie! Miss Ellie’s here.”

  Then you grabbed his hand and led him to the railing, so he could see me. He stared my direction, confused. I knew the moment he saw me, because his eyes widened and his hand flew to his chest. “Ellie?”

  Oh, Janey, I didn’t know if he was happy to see me or not. In fact, his lips drooped downward, like a frown. I wanted to run back to the hotel, hide away and never return. But I didn’t. I had to face him now, even if it meant another rejection.

  He slowly (far too slowly) sauntered off the boat, telling Joseph to tend the children, and then stepped up to me.

  “Ellie.”

  “We want to see her, Papa!” Zach blurted out.

  You shushed him.

  “C’mon.” Clay placed his hand on my back and led me to the end of the dock. A chill bounced through every ounce of my body.

  The water lapped against the wooden planks that jutted out, making me feel like we were suspended out there, together.

  We stood, silently sizing each other up.

  “Ellie? What are you doing here?”

  “I was going to move back, but then…” I tried to explain but fumbled over my words.

  “It doesn’t matter. You’re here now. But you—you didn’t write back. I thought you—”

  “Write?”

  “I sent a letter to Brother Peter, saying… Didn’t he get it?”

  I shook my head. “I’ve seen all his mail. I would’ve noticed something from you.” I gave a smile. I wanted to give so much more. “What did it say?”

  “Well, it said, uh, Joseph’s doing well.”

  “I see! I’m so happy to hear that.”

  “He’s going to colleg
e in Juneau. Came to Strawberry Point to help us move.”

  “Move?”

  “I’m taking a call to Africa. Uganda.”

  “You are?” My heart plummeted to my shoes. “You want to leave Alaska?”

  “No.” He took a step closer. “I want you.”

  I gasped out loud when he said that. “You want…me?”

  He touched my cheek with the back of his fingers.

  “Clay.” I closed my eyes, relishing his touch.

  “That’s what the letter said.” His voice was soft, close. “That I was wrong to shut you out, and that if you’ll have me, I’d sure like to marry you.” His strong hands cupped my chin, then moved to my hair. “I love you, Ellie.”

  My hands slid to his hips.

  He leaned close, and I waited for a kiss, but he stopped. I almost fainted.

  “I’ve a notion to kiss you,” he said. “That all right?”

  I didn’t answer, and we… Well, Janey, you know the rest. You were watching!

  After, he held me to his broad chest. “I’ll never let you go again.”

  “I won’t let you.”

  Then you children, having waited long enough apparently, rushed to us.

  Nurse Schroeder and Grandfather, in his wheelchair, arrived next.

  “We can’t wait forever,” Nurse S. said.

  “Does this mean you’re getting married?” Janey, you asked, unfazed by the new arrivals.

  “Yes, I’d like to know that too!” Grandfather piped in.

  Your papa rustled your hair. “Well, she hasn’t answered that yet.” He cupped my cheek in his hand. “Will you marry me, Miss Ellie McKinley?”

  “Of course I will.” He kissed me again, and you all howled and hooted.

  “Are we still going to Africa, Uncle Clay?” Linc asked after he received an embrace from me.

  “Yes, I’d like to know that too,” I said.

  Clay eyed me. “Do you want to?”

  “I’ll go anywhere with you.”

  He gazed at each one of our loved ones, standing there, then shook his head. “Nah. Glacier Bay is our home. I’d never want to live anywhere else.”