All That Glitters

by Lisa Prysock

  “Amy!” Nicole ran down the hill, nearly falling over headfirst before she reached her daughter’s side. When she arrived at the bank where Amy lay, she fell in a heap over her little girl, tears streaming down her face. Jack arrived seconds later, unable to keep up with legs propelled by a mother’s aching and fearful heart. She turned Amy’s face to the side and felt breathing, but her little girl was unconscious.

  “Don’t move her,” Jack instructed as he leaned down beside them, Logan and Buck on his heels. He felt for her pulse, and turning to Nicole, added, “She’s going to be fine, but look, there’s a knot and a bruise forming on her head. We need to get her on a sled, and into my truck, and then to the hospital, or we wait until an ambulance arrives with paramedics. It’s up to you. If we move her, we don’t know what we might be dealing with here.”

  Nicole looked at Jack and pushed aside her feelings of panic. She looked at Amy lying helplessly on the ground and mustered her courage. She felt her motherly instinct kick in and immediately gathered her child into her arms. “Jack, help me to your truck and send someone to my cabin for my purse. It has my insurance information inside and everything else I might need. The door isn’t locked. Drive us to the nearest hospital, please.”

  Jack looked up at Logan who nodded. “Colten, I’ll follow you in my truck. I’m going to try to get us a police escort to meet us on the way into town. Buck, will you take the kids to Jill and tell her what’s happened? I’ll call her later. Everybody, pray.”

  “Sure thing, boss,” Buck nodded as Jack helped Nicole to her feet with Amy in her arms. Those who’d been with them stood by helplessly until Casey gathered them together for prayer. Nicole couldn’t look behind her as she turned to go toward Jack’s truck with her daughter, but she heard the band leader praying for her daughter.

  As they trudged through the snow, Jack added, “Logan, call my brother-in-law if you need to. Edward Chapman. He’s on the Lander Police Force.”

  “Sure, I know Ed.” Logan nodded. “Keep praying everyone.”

  Logan’s words of wisdom to pray were a blessed comfort which kept her mind from racing as they scurried across the snowy fields towards the barns where Jack’s truck was parked near his RV and the bunkhouse. Dear Lord, I know I haven’t been very faithful, but please...please save my daughter.

  HOURS LATER, NICOLE sat in a chair beside a hospital bed holding her daughter’s hand, praying harder than she ever had before. The doctor in the emergency room had ordered a CT scan and admitted her immediately to the hospital since Amy hadn’t woken up since the accident. He wanted to rule out a fractured skull and bleeding first.

  The ride in Jack’s truck from the ranch to the hospital in Lander had been the longest ride of her life as she’d cradled a limp child in her arms. Somewhere along the highway, a police car had pulled out in front of them and put sirens on. Another pulled out behind Logan’s truck and they’d been able to drive faster then. When they pulled to a screeching halt at the hospital emergency room entrance, the officer driving the car ahead of them had stepped out of his vehicle and saluted them before driving off again to handle the next emergency.

  “That was my brother-in-law,” Jack had explained as they’d rushed inside, met by paramedics with a hospital bed at the entry. Logan must have arranged for the smooth admittance. She’d been so thankful.

  Jack stayed with her in the room, praying quietly with her, while Logan paced in the hallway, praying. Nicole had never been happier to have a preacher around and a wrangler who’d been with the Cowboys of the Cross.

  “Do you want me to call anyone for you?” Jack finally asked. “Your mom, maybe?”

  Nicole glanced at Jack and then back at her daughter again. She’d always managed everything on her own since she’d turned eighteen, but something told her she could use all the support she could get right now.

  “Yes, Jack, I would like it if you’d call my mom for me. I’ll call Brooke myself, later. She’s my best friend, but if you’d call my mom, that’d mean a lot to me. I don’t think I could handle that call myself.” She reached for her phone and texted her mom’s number to his cell.

  “I’ll step out in the hallway and make the call. You want any coffee or something to eat?” he asked, reading the number she sent him.

  “Sure, coffee with cream,” Nicole nodded. “Maybe something cold to drink, too, like an orange juice, water, or sweet tea. I don’t know if I can eat anything, though. Maybe something light. My stomach feels like it’s in knots.”

  Jack nodded and moving closer to her, he pulled her up and into his arms. She burst into tears and he held her for a long while. He let her cry, just holding her close. “It’s going to be all right. The Lord has heard our prayers.”

  “Oh, Jack, I need Him to come through for me right now. If anything happens to her...” Nicole hiccupped.

  “Shhh! None of that talk. Where’s your faith?” He reached for a tissue and handed it to her so she could blow her nose.

  “I left it behind somewhere, but you know, I do talk to Him. I’ve been talking to Him for a long time, for years. I believe in Him. I’m just not as strong a Christian as I should be.” She blew her nose and then he wiped a tear from her cheek.

  “He understands, but He wants to be closer to you and for you to be closer to Him, every single day. I also think He wants you to share about Him with the world, and use your acting skills to do more of that.”

  She nodded, looking at her hands. “I know you’re right. I’ve been sitting here renewing my faith in Him. Would you...would you pray for me? My heart is full with repentance,” she stammered. “This, this...is my wake up call. He’s showing me I can’t do this without Him and that I need more of Him than ever before.”

  “Of course I would.” He closed his eyes and held both of her hands in his as tears flowed down Nicole’s face in a steady stream. “Dear Lord, please see Nicole’s heart for You. She desires to serve You and live for You. She accepts Jesus as her Savior and believes in You. She’s Your daughter, Lord. Please comfort her, flood her with your peace, and heal precious Amy, guide Nicole and Amy every day, strengthen them in You, and protect them both, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

  JACK DELAYED DASHING off for coffee and momentarily settled into the chair not too far from the foot of the bed again. He stared at the hospital bed where little Amy looked so frail and still—barely breathing. The monitor connected to her body with all kinds of wires produced a steady sound, providing one of their only comforts. It was also comforting to have doctors, nurses, and trained medical staff checking on Amy from time to time. He kept hoping for any sign of movement, praying with all of his might. He thanked God for the ability to pray and that Logan was so compassionate, considering the needs of others above his own. His boss genuinely cared about the people visiting his dude ranch. Not many ranch owners would hang around at the hospital all day long.

  Standing up, Jack tried to gather his courage. “I’m going to get that coffee now and I might step outside for some fresh air.” Nicole nodded, barely taking her eyes off Amy. She was calm again since they’d prayed together. He couldn’t tell her how hard it was after losing his brother and his wife to be the strong one trying to help her through this crisis and stir her shattered faith. Did he even have the right when the Lord hadn’t answered some of his prayers for his loved ones?

  He told Logan he was going for coffee and allowed his long legs to carry him outside with quick strides where he could look up toward heaven where God reigned. Somehow, gazing at the amazing span of sky reminded him God was in charge. Then he heard the Holy Spirit whisper, don’t listen to the voice of Eliab, the voice of King David’s brother who’d said the shepherd boy wasn’t qualified to go up against Goliath.

  Even though the Lord had called some of his most beloved family home early, he was reminded of His presence and sovereignty. I am with you. Don’t be afraid. I’ll never forsake you.

  Okay, Lord. I’m doing my best. Please spare Amy this time. My he
art can’t lose another person I care about. Somehow, Amy and Nicole had wrapped their way around his heart in a short amount of time. His strength and purpose renewed, He took one last look at the sky and went back inside the hospital to find the coffee. The words he heard in his spirit from the Lord were the most comforting of all.

  Chapter 17

  “It often happens that when couples get their relationship to God straightened out, their relationships with one another begin to straighten out as well.”

  —Wayne Mack

  Jack returned with coffee, an orange soda, and salad with grilled chicken strips and plenty of ranch dressing, but it wasn’t the food or the beverage which brought her so much peace. Something had changed in her circumstance from the moment they’d prayed together. Nicole felt lighter, as if her burden had been lifted.

  Around midnight, Logan opened the door to Amy’s hospital room and her mom entered with her sister following close behind. She could hardly believe her eyes.

  “Mom, how’d you get here so fast, and with Mallory?” Nicole felt as though her body was glued to the chair beside her daughter’s bed, shocked that her family had been able to catch a flight to be with her so quickly. They cared. They genuinely cared, and after all she’d done, it seemed like the first of miracles to come.

  Nicole flew into her arms while Mallory hovered in the background. After a moment in her mother’s embrace, she turned to open her arms wide to her sister. Whatever had been the matter between them previously, it seemed forgotten, and Nicole burst into tears.

  When she’d recovered her composure, calmed by her mother’s embrace, she wiped her tears away, and turned to introduce them properly. “Logan, Jack, this is my mom, Marie Beaumont, and my sister, Mallory Forester. They’re from Wisconsin.”

  Logan stepped forward to shake their hands. “Pleased to meet you both; although I wish it was under better circumstances. I’m Reverend Haven and the owner of The Sweetwater Ranch where Nicole and Amy are visiting.”

  “We’re pleased to meet you and we’ve been praying,” Nicole’s mom replied. “We are also a family of faith. My husband is a retired minister and we’re believing for a miracle with you.”

  “That’s wonderful. Was your husband able to accompany you?” Logan asked, looking from Marie to Mallory.

  “As a matter of fact, Dad should be on his way up to the room any minute now. He had to call the hotel and let them know we’ve arrived,” Mallory answered, looking like a slightly older version of Nicole as she tucked a stray lock of her dark hair back in place.

  Jack stepped forward and introduced himself. “I’m Jack Colten, a wrangler on staff at The Sweetwater. I’m originally from the Lander area. My folks have a farm down near the Sweetwater River, south of here. Logan, uh, Reverend Haven, was kind enough to give me a chance to work on his ranch so I could be near the family.”

  “You’re the one I spoke to on the phone, I think.” Mrs. Beaumont raised an eyebrow. “Thank you for explaining what happened to Amy so calmly. We took the first flight possible.”

  “Yes ma’am.” Jack nodded and looked back at Amy. Nicole could see concern behind his dark brown eyes. She was so thankful for his presence.

  Marie Beaumont continued. “I’m so thankful you called us for Nicole. It’s very kind of you both to stay here with our daughter and granddaughter. You must be so tired. Perhaps we could all take shifts.”

  Logan leaned an outstretched arm against a wall near the door. “I think that’s a good idea, Mrs. Beaumont. I should be getting home to my wife, Jill. She’s almost nine months along and has her hands full with our other children, but only if you’ll be sure to alert me as soon as there are any changes.”

  “Absolutely,” Nicole inserted. “Thank you so much for praying and for all you’ve done today to be on hand for Amy and me.”

  Jack raked a hand through his dark hair. “I think I should stay with Nicole and Amy.”

  “Oh Jack, you’ve already done so much for me and you must be so exhausted,” Nicole said softly, but on the inside, she hoped he’d stay. She knew her eyes told a different story and contained mixed emotions.

  “I’m not leaving your side.” Jack shook his head as reached out and clasped her hand, his fingertips wrapping around hers gently.

  Nicole bit her lip and blushed. Turning to her mom and sister, she explained, “Amy’s really attached to Jack. She has a pet name for him, Cowboy Jack.”

  “Aw, that’s adorable.” Mallory smiled. “She looks so tiny in this hospital bed.”

  Mrs. Beaumont chuckled at the nickname and stepped closer to her granddaughter’s side. She began praying as she placed a hand over Amy’s small wrist, and soon, Lawrence Beaumont entered the room in time to meet Logan as he was leaving. After a brief introduction, Nicole flew into her father’s arms, unable to speak a word through the flood of tears starting again.

  THE NIGHT SHIFT NURSE checked Amy’s vitals several times, but there was little change. The efficient nurse mentioned her blood pressure was a little low, but for now she was still in the safe zone. With her family settled in and praying around her daughter’s room, Nicole felt more peace and faith flood her soul. Thankfully, the nurse didn’t seem to mind the extra visitors, knowing they’d flown in from Wisconsin, but she said they could only stay until the morning shift and then they would have to keep to visitation rules.

  Nicole had dozed off into a light sleep a few hours later. She rested her head against the mattress, still clasping her child’s hand. Around three o’clock in the morning, movement woke her when Amy’s hands stirred and her eyelids fluttered.

  “Amy?” Nicole whispered, breaking the quiet in the room. Everyone had dozed off in chairs, slumped in awkward positions, but now the room sprang to life.

  “Is she waking up?” Marie leaned over the hospital bed from the other side, praying softly under her breath. “Amy, can you hear us? It’s Grandma Beaumont.”

  “Yes, I think so. Her eyelids are moving and she’s turned her head several times a tiny bit.” Nicole squeezed her daughter’s hand and shook her arm gently. “Amy, it’s mom. Wake up honey.”

  Jack, her father, and Mallory gathered around the foot of the bed.

  “Cowboy Jack is here,” Nicole said in a louder voice, hoping to rouse Amy further.

  Amy’s eyes opened, but she squinted her eyes. “Mom? Cowboy Jack? Where am I?”

  “Oh, thank the Lord,” Nicole said, her hand preventing a gasp from releasing when she covered her mouth as tears began to well in her eyes. She was aware of Jack moving closer to talk to Amy. “Mommy’s right here.”

  “I’m here, Amy. It’s Cowboy Jack. You’re going to be all right. You bumped your head a little bit, so we drove you to the hospital, but you’re going to be good as new in a day or two.” Jack’s voice was comforting and made Amy smile. Then her eyes winced in obvious pain.

  “My head hurts and I can’t see very well. Everything’s a little, uh, blurry.” Amy’s voice was raspy and slightly above a whisper. “I’m really thirsty.”

  “We’ll ask the nurse to get you something,” her grandmother said as she gave her a warm, gentle pat on the hand.

  “Grandma Beaumont?” Amy turned her head and offered a weak smile to see her grandmother at her side.

  “Grandma and Grandpa are here, too. And your Aunt Mallory,” Nicole explained.

  “I’ll get the nurse.” Mallory darted out of the room. Nicole realized she was trying to be helpful.

  “Wow, I must’ve really bumped my head for everyone to be visiting me at the hospital. We were sled riding...” Amy’s words caused the room to erupt in laughter as she looked for Nicole’s eyes. Once they locked their eyes on each other, her daughter closed her eyes to rest. Amy’s memory appeared to be intact and she was finally awake from the trauma-induced coma. The second miracle and answer to their prayers was happening before their eyes.

  Mallory returned with the nurse. She finished checking Amy’s vitals, gave her a few sips of water,
and went to find the doctor, elated to see her little patient awake. Then her sister offered to drive to the ranch in case she needed anything to be more comfortable.

  Nicole looked at her pink boots and scarf. She was still wearing her jeans with the pink and purple plaid flannel shirt over the white tank top with lace trim. Her messy bun was still in place, only messier than ever. She still wore the wide pink headband. “You know, that’d be really awesome. Amy and I are going to need a change of clothing to wear home from the hospital. Some basics would be great, like maybe a sweatshirt, a pair of jeans, and a fresh pair of socks for both of us. I could shower in Amy’s private bathroom here in her room. I’m in cabin eight and the door’s still unlocked.”

  Chapter 18

  Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.

  Psalm 107:28-30, NIV

  By the following morning, the doctor had decided Amy’s vitals were stable enough to proceed with an MRI to check for any possible injuries to her brain. He also checked her motor skills, asked her questions, and tested a few of her reactions. She seemed to do all right with all of those things, but she’d thrown up twice and it had frightened Nicole. The doctor, however, explained it was quite normal for someone with a concussion or a traumatic head injury. The blurry vision she’d been experiencing had waned and he said her headache would eventually disappear.

  While she was being given the MRI, Nicole left Amy in the care of her mother. She stepped out into the hallway outside the testing area where her father, Mallory, and Jack waited.

  “I’m going to step away and call my best friend, Brooke for a moment,” she explained. “Be right back.”