Sarah's Choice

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Sammy jumped up, nearly knocking over his glass of milk. “That’s not fair! If Elias sold his boat and went away, we’ll never see him again!” Tears welled in his eyes, and he started pacing.

  “Calm down, Sammy. You’re getting yourself all worked up.” The truth was, Sarah felt pretty worked up herself, but she couldn’t let the children or Hortence know that. Oh, how she wished things could have worked out for her and Elias, but under the circumstances, it was probably for the best that he was gone. If he’d stayed any longer, she might have weakened and changed her mind about marrying him. For her children’s sake, she couldn’t allow that to happen—not with him being a boatman.

  Sammy stopped pacing and stomped his foot. “Wish I knew where Elias was. If I did, I’d go after him!”

  Sarah reached out and pulled him to her side. “Elias must have had a reason for leaving. We need to accept his decision.”

  “Maybe he went back to Easton to work in his father’s newspaper office,” Hortence said. “Hauling coal up the canal means long, hard days, and he probably got tired of it.”

  Sammy cast Sarah an imploring look. “Can we go to Easton and see if he’s there? Can we ask him to come back here, Mama?”

  Sarah blinked against the tears clouding her vision. “No, son. We need to let him go.”

  “But I love Elias, and was hopin’ he’d be our new papa someday.”

  Sarah’s heart felt as if it would break in two. “It’s not meant to be. Someday, if it’s God’s will, I might get married again.”

  At that moment, Sarah made a decision. As soon as she saw Patrick again she would give her answer to his proposal.

  As Patrick headed for Sarah’s place, he thought about what he was going to say to her. He’d given Sarah several months to make up her mind, and he was tired of waiting. Well, she’d better give him an answer today, or he might tell her to forget it. Sarah wasn’t the only fish in the canal, and if she didn’t want him, he was sure he could find someone who did.

  He stepped onto her porch and rapped on the door. When it opened, Willis stood there with that scruffy terrier, who immediately began to bark and growl.

  “Can I speak to your mama?” Patrick asked the boy, making sure he was talking loud enough to be heard.

  “I guess so. She’s in the house.”

  “Could you ask her to come outside? I’d like to speak to her in private.”

  Pulling the dog with him, Willis disappeared into the kitchen.

  A few minutes later, Sarah showed up. “Good morning, Patrick. I was just thinking about you.”

  He smiled. “You were?”

  “Yes, and I think we should talk.”

  He nodded. “That’s why I’m here. I have something I need to say to you.”

  “What’s that?”

  He motioned to a grassy spot near the canal. “Can we go over there and talk?”

  “Sure.” Sarah followed him across the grass, and they took seats on a couple of boulders.

  “What’d you want to say?” Sarah asked.

  He moistened his lips with the tip of his tongue. “Well, I’ve been thinkin’ about my marriage proposal.”

  “I’ve been thinking about it, too, and I’ve reached a decision.”

  “Before you tell me what you’ve decided, there’s something I need to say first.”

  “What’s that?”

  “If you agree to marry me, then it’ll have to be on one condition.”

  “What condition?”

  “You’ll have to get rid of that yappy dog.”

  Sarah’s face blanched. “That’s not going to happen, Patrick.”

  “You mean you won’t get rid of the dog?”

  “No, and I’m not going to marry you.”

  “Because the dog doesn’t like me? Is that the reason?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Then it’s the kids, isn’t it? I’m sure they don’t like me either.”

  Sarah nibbled on her bottom lip. “The thing is…my kids loved their papa, and I don’t think they’re ready for me to get married again. Especially not to someone—”

  “If the kids weren’t in the picture, then would you marry me?”

  Sarah scowled at him. “I’d never abandon my kids for any man!”

  His face heated. “I’m not askin’ you to leave your kids. I just wondered if things were different, and you didn’t have any kids, would you have said yes to my proposal?”

  Sarah slowly shook her head. “I don’t think so, Patrick. You’re a nice man, but you’re not a committed Christian, and—”

  “I’ve been goin’ to church almost every Sunday for the past few months. Doesn’t that show you something?”

  “I know you’ve been in church, and I’m glad you have, but attending church doesn’t make a person a Christian. You have to make a commitment to the Lord, and ask Him to forgive your sins and invite Him into your heart.”

  “I’ve been listening to the preacher’s sermons, and givin’ it some thought. Someday—maybe soon—I might be ready to take that step. Might even let the preacher baptize me in the canal next summer.”

  Sarah smiled. “I’m glad to hear you’re considering that, but please don’t do it for me. You have to want it in here.” She touched her chest. “You have to want it because you know you need to seek forgiveness for your sins.”

  He nodded. “I realize that, but once I do become a Christian, will that change your mind about marrying me?”

  “I’m sorry, Patrick, but I’m not in love with you, and without love, I’d never marry again.” She touched his arm gently. “If you wait and seek God’s will, I’m sure you’ll find the right woman someday.”

  Patrick stood, trying to absorb all she’d said. He’d been hoping to get Sarah’s answer, and he had. In one way, he felt disappointment. In another way, he felt relief. Maybe in time, he would find someone else, but when he went looking, he’d make sure that the woman he proposed to didn’t have a yappy dog.

  Chapter 36

  It’s sure gotten quiet around here since the canal closed for the winter,” Kelly said to Sarah as the two of them sat at Kelly’s kitchen table, drinking a cup of tea one Saturday morning in the middle of December.

  Sarah nodded and sighed. “It’s good not to have to run outside all the time to let boats through the lock, but I’m worried that I won’t have enough money to see us through until spring.”

  “But you don’t have to pay Hortence for helping you now that you’re here with the kids all day.”

  “True. ”

  “And you get to live here, rent free.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Have you been saving some of the money you’ve made from lock tending?”

  Sarah nodded. “Yes, but I’ve been saving most of it in the hope that someday—”

  A knock sounded on the door just then, and Sarah pushed away from the table. “I’d better see who that is.”

  When Sarah opened the door, her breath caught in her throat. “Elias! I…I thought you’d left the canal.”

  “I did, but I came back.” He leaned against the doorjamb as though needing some support.

  “We heard you sold your boat.”

  “That’s true. I sold it to someone who doesn’t have a home and wants to live on it all year.”

  “Oh, I see. What about Ned and your mule driver?”

  “Ned’s staying at the boardinghouse right now, and I sent Frank home with some money so his mother can feed her family while Frank goes to school.” He motioned to the horse and buckboard secured to a nearby tree. “If you’re not busy right now, I’d like to take you and the kids for a ride.”

  Sarah tipped her head. “Where would we go?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  Sarah wasn’t sure what to think of Elias’s sudden arrival or of the fact that he wanted them to take a ride with him on this cold, snowy day, but she nodded agreeably and said, “Let’s go inside and get the kids.”

  As soo
n as they entered the kitchen, the children left their seats at the table and swarmed around Elias.

  “It’s so good to see ya!” Sammy said, when Elias gave them all a hug. “Are ya back for good?”

  “I hope so, but it’ll depend on how things go.” Elias looked over at Kelly and winked. At least Sarah thought it was a wink. Maybe he just had a snowflake stuck to his lashes.

  “Elias wants to take us for a ride in his buckboard,” Sarah said to the children. “So if you want to go, you’d better hurry and get your coats.”

  The children let out a whoop and raced upstairs. They were back in a few minutes, bundled up and wearing excited expressions.

  Kelly rose from her seat. “I’d better get back to the store. I left the kids in Mike’s charge, and if things have gotten busy, he might need my help.” She smiled at Elias. “It’s nice seeing you, and I hope things work out just the way you want.”

  Sarah got her coat, and then everyone filed out the door. While Elias helped Sarah and the kids into the buggy, Kelly headed for home.

  “Where we goin’?” Willis asked, leaning over the seat back and tapping Elias’s shoulder.

  Elias grinned. “It’s a secret, but we’ll be there soon, and then you can tell me what you think.”

  “What we think about what?” Sarah asked.

  “You’ll see.”

  A short time later, Elias guided his horse and wagon into town and pulled up in front of a large, wooden building with two front doors facing the street.

  “Here we are,” he said, guiding the horse to the hitching rail.

  “What are we doing at Martha’s boardinghouse?” Sarah asked.

  “It’s not hers anymore,” Elias said. “Martha moved to Easton to live near Bobby and his folks, and I bought Martha’s place. Ned’s staying here right now, but eventually he’ll need to move.”

  Sarah stared at the building, then back at Elias. “Why would you buy a boardinghouse?”

  “Are ya gonna live in town and let folks stay with ya?” Sammy asked.

  Elias shook his head. “No, not at all.” He pointed to the first door. “That one’s the entrance to the newspaper office I’ll soon be opening.” He grinned at Sarah and then pointed to the other door. “That one’s for you.”

  “For me?” Sarah’s forehead wrinkled. “What are you talking about, Elias?”

  “The downstairs is for your new bakery, and the upstairs can be your home.”

  “My…my bakery? My home?” she murmured.

  He nodded. “Carolyn told me that she’d suggested the idea of a bakery to you, and that you seemed interested. She also explained that the reason you said no to my proposal wasn’t because of the ugly red mark on my face, but because I was a boatman.”

  “That’s true.” She leaned closer and touched the side of his face. “Your birthmark has never bothered me. All I’ve ever seen when I’ve looked at you is your kind, gentle spirit.”

  Elias took both of Sarah’s hands and held them in his. “Since I knew you wanted a fresh start, I used the money I got from the sale of my boat and bought this building.”

  Sarah sat in stunned silence. She’d never imagined that Elias would do such a thing.

  “Would you say something, Sarah? Will you take the gift I’m offering?”

  “Oh, Elias,” she finally squeaked. “I couldn’t accept such a generous gift.”

  “Why not?”

  “It wouldn’t look right for a widowed woman to accept an expensive gift from a man who’s not even a family member.”

  “I think we could remedy that,” Elias said with a twinkle in his eyes.

  “Oh?”

  He leaned close. So close that Sarah could feel his warm breath tickle the back of her neck. “Carolyn said you’d written and told her that you’re not going to marry Patrick.”

  “That’s correct. It wouldn’t be right for me to marry a man I don’t love.”

  Elias sat for several seconds; then he turned to her and said, “I love you, Sarah, and if you’ll agree to marry me, then no one can say anything about you accepting an expensive gift from your husband.”

  “Yes! Yes!” Sammy shouted from the rear seat. “Say yes, Mama. Tell Elias that you’ll marry him!”

  Tearfully, and with a heart full of joy, Sarah nodded her head. “I love you, too, Elias, and I’m more than willing to become your wife.”

  Elias smiled and then looked over his shoulder at the children. “Turn your heads for a minute, please.”

  “How come?” Helen wanted to know.

  “Because I’m going to kiss your mama.”

  Helen giggled and turned her head. The boys did the same. Then Elias slowly lowered his head and captured Sarah’s lips in a kiss so gentle and sweet that she thought she might swoon.

  Thunderous applause erupted behind them. Sarah, her cheeks growing warm, pulled slowly away from Elias and turned around. All three children wore wide smiles as they bobbed their heads in approval.

  “We’re gonna get a new pa!” Sammy shouted. “And we all love him so much!”

  “Yes, we certainly do,” Sarah said as she clasped Elias’s hand.

  Just then, Pastor William came running down the street, his eyes wide, as he waved his hands.

  Sarah’s heart gave a lurch. Had something terrible happened?

  “I knew you were going to be here showing Sarah the building you’d bought,” Pastor William said, stepping up to the buggy. “So I had to come and tell you the good news.”

  More good news? Sarah could hardly contain herself.

  “What is it?” Elias asked before Sarah could voice the question.

  “The doctor’s with Betsy, and she’s just given birth to a baby boy!” Pastor William’s smile widened. “We’ve decided to name him Hiram Abel Covington, after Betsy’s father. Betsy thinks we should call him Abe, though. He’ll probably like that better than Hiram.”

  Sarah smiled. “Congratulations! Tell Betsy I’ll be over to see her and the baby as soon as she’s had a chance to rest up.”

  “I will.” Pastor William looked at Elias. “How’s it going here?”

  “She’s agreed to become my wife.” Elias grinned and lifted Sarah’s hand. “We’ll soon be running our businesses side by side.”

  “I’m happy it’s all worked out. Congratulations to you both.” Pastor William motioned to the parsonage down the street. “I’d better get home. See you all in church on Sunday!”

  As Pastor William sprinted toward home, Sarah sat staring at the side of the building that would soon be her new home and place of business. Apparently Pastor William, and perhaps even Kelly, had been in on Elias’s little secret.

  Sarah’s heart overflowed with so much happiness that she thought it might burst. She reflected on the verse of scripture Pastor William had shared with the congregation the previous Sunday, Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” She knew with certainty that when God brought Elias Brooks into her life, He’d supplied all of her and the children’s needs.

  Epilogue

  Six months later

  As Sarah worked contentedly in her bakery, a deep sense of peace welled in her soul. Not only was her new business venture working out well, but it gave her such joy knowing that her husband was happily working in his newspaper office next door. She no longer had to worry about her children living too close to the canal, nor about them growing up and being forced to work on the canal.

  She grabbed a hunk of dough and began kneading it. So much had happened in the last six months. She and Elias had gotten married in the church here in Walnutport, and then Elias had taken her and the children to Easton to meet his family. Afterward, they’d gone to Roger and Mary’s house to see Maria. Sarah was pleased at how well Maria was doing. Even though her sight had gotten worse, she seemed happy, and Mary was obviously taking good care of her.

  Another thing that had happened after Sarah and Elias got married was tha
t Ned had moved into the lock tender’s house and taken over the responsibility of raising and lowering the lock. He seemed quite content with his new job, and often said he didn’t miss riding on the boat at all.

  Carolyn, too, had a new job. She’d left her old teaching position in Easton and moved to Walnutport to take over Mabel Clark’s position, because Mabel had gotten married and moved to New York. Carolyn seemed happy teaching here, and of course, second-grader Sammy and Willis, who was now in the first grade, were thrilled to have Elias’s sister as their new teacher.

  Hortence, who’d been sure that she would always be single, had married Sam Abernathy, one of the farmers who lived in the area, and she seemed very content.

  Two more surprising things had happened: Elias had made peace with his father, who was delighted when he heard that Elias had opened his own newspaper. Then there was Patrick, who’d recently given his heart to the Lord and had begun courting Carolyn.

  Sarah smiled. She’d never imagined Carolyn and Patrick together, but then a year ago, she’d never dreamed that she’d be married to Elias, or that she’d be living in town, doing something she enjoyed.

  “Umm…something smells awfully good in here,” Elias said as he stepped into the bakery. “Have you got anything I can sample this morning?”

  She swatted his hand playfully as he reached out to grab one of the oatmeal cookies cooling on a wire rack. “What are you doing over here? I thought you’d be hard at work in your office.”

  “I was, but I got hungry and knew you’d have something I could eat.”

  She chuckled and handed him a cookie.

  “Are you happy, Mrs. Brooks?” he murmured against her ear.

  “Oh yes, very much so.”

  Elias turned Sarah to face him and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’ve never been happier than I am being married to you, and I hope you have no regrets.”

  “None at all.” Sarah leaned into his embrace and closed her eyes. She knew without a doubt that she had made the right choice. Elias was everything she could want in a husband, and what a wonderful father he was to her children. Someday, Lord willing, they might have a child or two of their own. In the meantime, she was going to enjoy every day the Lord gave her as Mrs. Elias Brooks.