Hope Kenner shook her head and cupped her daughter’s face. “You’ve been a constant reminder of God’s blessings and His mercy. What happened at the Whitman Mission hauntedme for a long time, but when you came back to me, I was finally able to let go of the memory of evil and focus instead on the beautiful child God had given me. I was so sure nothing good could come out of what had happened, but you did. Your presence was healing. I don’t think I’d be the joyful woman I am now had you not returned to me.” She kissed Faith’s cheek, mingling her tears with those of her daughter.
Faith hugged her mother close. “I love you so, Mama.”
And then it was time to march down the aisle to Andrew. Faith was so nervous that she feared she’d faint, but her father gave her a wink.
“Before you know it, it will be over, and then you can watch Clementine and Gabe get married.”
Faith nodded and drew a deep breath. “I’m ready.”
Later, as she sat twisting the gold band on her finger and accepting the well-wishes of family and friends, a sense of peace settled over her. All of her dreams had come to fruition in such a short time. She looked across the sea of people and saw Gabe and Clementine. They were so happy. They had already purchased a small house in Portland, and Gabe had taken over managing the family sawmill there. Clementine promised she’d make regular visits to the boardinghouse since, as a married woman, she could no longer teach school.
“Did you get some of this? I made it special for you,” Remli said, coming toward her with a piece of wedding cake and a fork.
“I didn’t. I’m so delighted that all of you came to the wedding that I haven’t yet sampled any of the food.”
“Well, you can now.” He handed her the cake.
Faith knew he wouldn’t let her refuse and took a bite. It was one of the best fruitcakes she’d ever had. “This is delicious. Is it your recipe?”
He gave her a proud smile. “It is, Miss—Missus—Well, I’ll be. Dr. Gratton.”
She laughed and took another bite. “You shall have to teach me how to make it. Although I must warn you, I’m not very good in the kitchen.”
“You don’t need to be. You got me.” He laughed and made his way through the crowd to join his shipmates.
“He’s happy you’re joining us. I’m happy too. You’ve made my spirit glad,” Benjamin said in Nez Perce.
Faith replied in the same. “Thank you, Grandfather.” She touched his hand. “You are my family now, and I am yours.”
The old man smiled, knowing this was a pledge of her willingness to always care for him. “I’m gonna go eat Remli’s cake. It also makes my spirit glad.”
Faith laughed and sent him on his way. She looked forward to getting to know him and hearing the stories he could tell.
“You had a very lovely wedding,” Bedelia Clifton said, taking a seat beside Faith. “The day is perfect for this outdoor reception.”
“It is. I was so happy to see the rain clouds had disappeared.” Faith looked around. “Where is Miss Cornelia?”
“Where else? She’s with Nancy. She’ll scarcely leave her side for fear of missing a chance to be useful with the baby.”
“She’s quite good with little Jack. He seems to prefer her over me.”
Bedelia nodded. “And me.”
“Everyone has a purpose in life, my mother always says.” Faith could almost hear her saying it now. “Cornelia just had to wait a little longer for hers.”
“Just like you had to wait for Captain Gratton.”
“Yes.”
“What are you two ladies discussing? Or do I even want to know?” Andrew asked, joining them.
“We were just saying how sometimes you must wait a very long time for blessings.” Faith patted the bench beside her.
Instead of sitting, he reached down to pull her to her feet. “We’re leaving.”
“Leaving?” Faith gazed into his dark eyes. “And where are we going, Captain Gratton?”
“To theMorning Star, Dr. Gratton. The crew cleaned her from top to bottom, and Remli left us food in the galley. They’re taking the night off, away from the boat, so we can be alone until tomorrow morning.”
