A thread of hopelessness wove its way through her. "I've prayed. Mostly for Eric, but also for me. I can't hear Him saying anything, though."
Certainty changed Dinah's expression, and she reached for Naomi's hands. "Let's pray now."
Naomi let her hands be enveloped by her twin’s, and theybowed their heads, the warmth from their clasped fingers spreading through her like a balm.
"Heavenly Father," Dinah began, her voice steady like a beacon in the storm that raged within Naomi's soul. "We come before You with troubled hearts. You know Naomi's dreams, her fears for Eric and for their future. We ask now for Your wisdom to guide her. Lord, show us the path she should take and calm her spirit with Your unending grace."
The words washed over Naomi, soothing the jagged edges of her fear. They stood like that for several moments in silence, and she sank into the peace from Dinah’s prayer. Peace from God, actually.
Finally, Dinah opened her eyes and gave Naomi's hands a squeeze. "Sometimes, clarity comes in unexpected moments."
Naomi nodded, then turned back to her work. "The men will be here soon. I'd rather not face them without food and coffee ready."
If Dinah hadn't been here, Naomi’s absent mind would have scorched the coffee and all the johnny cakes, but together they got the food ready and all the family around the table. Though Dinah's prayer had brought a measure of peace, the unrest inside her wouldn't settle. It wasn't so much worry now, but an awful churning in her middle.
Something was wrong, and she couldn't let it rest.
Finally, the others finished eating, and the men filed out to finish the morning’s outside chores and saddle their horses for the day's work. Dinah and Lillian started on the dishes, and Angela offered to take Mary Ellen and Anna outside for a few minutes.
Naomi should offer to go with them. Angela could handle the children fine on her own, but the kitchen wasn't large enough for three bodies at the wash bucket, and she should do something useful. Maybe the children could distract her.
But her gaze wandered to the window, and herfeet followed along. Through the small square, she studied the activity near the barn. Miles throwing hay to the horses who would stay in the corral today.
Two riders appeared at the edge of the woods, riding toward the barn. The moment Naomi recognized them, her heart quickened.
She must have gasped, for Dinah called from behind. "What is it?"
"Two Stones and Heidi. I wonder what they're doing out so early." And why did their appearance make her pulse race? Was she simply on edge?
"Invite them in for coffee and food." The scrape of metal sounded as Dinah moved the pot to the warm part of the stove.
Naomi headed for the door. When she pulled it open, several of the men had gathered around the couple.
Naomi waved to catch their attention.
Heidi turned her horse toward the house. They must be riding through, not planning to dismount. Where were they going?
As Heidi neared, Naomi lifted her voice. "Can you come in for coffee and food?"
Heidi gave a polite shake of her head as she reined in beside the stoop. "We need to keep moving. Just stopped in to let you all know we're headed to Fort Benton. Two Stones wanted to do one more supply run before winter sets in. Is there anything you need?"
Naomi’s heart lurched, her pulse racing. "Fort Benton?" This was it. This was her chance to do as Jonah had said in the dream. She gripped the door frame for support. "Can I come with you?"
Heidi pulled back in surprise. "Really? Why?" She shook her head. "I mean, are you sure? It won't be an easy journey. Two Stones thinks it might snow in the next few days."
"I'm certain." She would brave a couple weeks in the snow and cold to stop whatever awful thing was happening with Eric.
But Mary Ellen...
She spun to find her sister, but Dinah was already right behind her. "Dinah, can you watch Mary Ellen and Anna while I'm gone? I know it's a lot to ask, but Ihaveto find Eric. Something isn't right, and I really think God is telling me to go—especially since He brought Two Stones and Heidi here for me to travel with."
Concern etched across her sister's face, her eyes dark and troubled. She looked outside, maybe for Jericho, then met Naomi's gaze. "Of course, I'll take care of the children. But..."
Naomi waited, her middle churning so much she worried that bile might force its way up her throat soon.
At last, Dinah said, "Let's talk to Jericho. He might have some wisdom about how best to proceed."
Naomi eased out a breath. "All right. But let's hurry."
