Days that he dreaded and looked forward to all at the same time.
Holding Eliza as she’d cried, being able to comfort her simply by being with her, had stirred his heart as never before. Though helpless to do anything for her, he’d wanted to gather her in his arms again the moment she’d left them.
He sighed and looked back at his letter, folded it, and slid it in an envelope. He would seal it and mail it later. Right now, he needed to get to bed. He was accompanying Eliza to a new church tomorrow morning.
She’d been so wounded and angered by those women’s words that she wanted nothing to do with a church out here. But he’d finally convinced her to go again, that not all churches out West would be like that one. They both knew how much she needed the fellowship of other believers and hearing the Word preached. They both needed it.
If she neglected it now, it would be far too easy to continue down that path.
So Devin had asked around in the little town this morning and had met with the pastor of a small country church. Theman had been knowledgeable and kind. Not a hint of judgment against those who worked out at the quarry. Which was a good first step.
Perhaps while Eliza gathered her strength to go back to church, he could gain his own strength to be Eliza’s friend.Justher friend.
That would be a miracle in and of itself.
SUNDAY, JULY9, 1916•JENSEN
The jitters seemed to have invaded Eliza as she walked up to the sprawling, ornate ranch house. “I thought you said we were going to visit another church?”
“We are.” Devin stopped in the path and smiled down at her. “They are meeting in one of the family’s homes while they save up money for their building. They were meeting in the barn, but with the warm temperatures, the smell is not all that conducive to a church service.”
She met his gaze. The sparkle in his blue eyes calmed her quaking spirit. “I can imagine. I’m glad we will meet inside the house.” The way he looked at her made her feel like she knew who she was. She’d felt so protected and safe in his arms, even as she’d shed ridiculous tears over the words of those women. He hadn’t scolded her. Hadn’t ridiculed her. Hadn’t said a word. Just let her cry. How was it possible he’d become evenmorewonderful in the weeks they’d been apart?
“What?” His brow crinkled. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I’m just thankful for you. And nervous.” She clasped her hands over her Bible and stared at the house. “What if they are like the last one?”
“Come on. Have you ever—in all your travels—met another church group like that last one?”
“Well no, I’veheardof them but have never experienced it. Let’s also remember, it only tookonegroup to make me feel like this.”
He tugged at her elbow. Eliza let him turn her toward him. “Eliza”—his voice was low and gentle—“you can’t let their words control your actions. You aren’t responsible for their behavior. Only for yours. Don’t let the cruel behavior of a few women shake your whole faith.”
Conviction pricked her heart. He was right. “All right.” She bolstered herself with a deep breath. “I’m ready.”
When they walked into the home, several people were milling about, trying to find their seats. But they all turned and greeted Devin and Eliza with smiles. Eliza let out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Already the atmosphere felt different. Less stiff. More hospitable.
“Welcome! We were just about to get started.” A woman in a light yellow dress rushed over to them. “Here’s a hymnal.” And she led them to a comfortable settee near the front. A man brought a couple more chairs from another room of the house and placed them behind the settee.
Wooden chairs filled every available space around the several couches that filled the massive room. A large stone fireplace was the focal point of the room. Children sat on the floor at the front with several older young people behind them. In the corner sat a lovely grand piano, and a young woman—probably not more than twenty—began to play.
A man in a vest, tie, denims, and worn boots stepped to the front of the fireplace. “Open to page fifty-seven, if you will, and join in.”
Devin held the book open and flipped to the correct page.
The man up front sang out in a strong baritone voice:
Be kind to each other,
The night’s coming on,
When friend and when brother,
Will surely be gone!
Then, ’midst our dejection,
How sweet to have earned,
