He’d lost his second love—the woman who’d led him back to God and away from the bottle—long before he should have. But in her short life, she’d taught him much. Then he’d lost his first love before he could make things right. He hadn’t even gotten a chance to tell her he was still alive. To apologize for everything he’d done wrong.
How many times had he cried out to God that it should have been him?Heshould have been the one to die. Not Esther. Not Melissa.
But then he thought of his children. The good Lord still had him here for a reason. And most likely, it was to make things right with his children.
Bethany and Eli were still young enough that they had forgiven him easily. But Melly’s girls—Whitney in particular—had a tough time coming to forgiveness. And Matthew, his eldest with Esther, had treated him differently ever since finding out the truth that he’d been married to Melissa when he began his relationship with Esther.
Was his connection with his son salvageable? He wasn’t sure.
Some days it seemed it would be easier to go back to the bottle and disappear. His children would be better off without him. The pain and grief he had to endure would be gone. At least momentarily.
But then he was reminded of what Jesus did for him on the cross. How incredible to be forgiven and made a new man! He wanted to share with the world that if God could changehim, He could change anyone. That theyallhad the opportunity to be redeemed.
Redemption. What a beautiful word. The one word that motivated him each and every day.
Thank You, Father for Your redemption. For loving a sinner such as me.
As he poured out his heart to the Lord, a strong sense came over him to pray for Whitney. Hard.
I don’t know what she’s going through, God, but You do. Show me how to help her. Even if she never speaks to me again, Father, I don’t care. But my heart is awful burdened for her right now. Keep her from danger. Protect her. Show her how much You love her. Thank You.
The sense of urgency didn’t leave him, but peace settledaround his shoulders. Opening his eyes, he looked around the room. Every man here needed to know about Christ’s sacrifice and the love of the Father. No better time than the present to tell them.
At the moment, he had a captive audience.
The driver had quite a time keeping the sleigh from getting buried in the drifts. Judas glanced at his watch for the fourth time.
“My apologies, Mr. Reynolds. But I had a feeling it would be a longer trip than usual.”
“Just get me there, and everything will be fine.” He peered over his shoulder. The storm had brought a lot more snow than any of them expected. But this was Nome in the dead of winter. He tugged his gloves on a little tighter. He should have instructed the man to put more heated bricks in the sleigh. The one at his feet was already cold.
But it would be worth it when he made it out to the Bundrant farm and saw Whitney.
Thirty minutes later, they finally pulled up to the familiar home. Judas made quick work of climbing down. “I shouldn’t be too long.”
“Yes, sir.”
Havyn and Madysen came out to greet him. “Mr. Reynolds, how good to see you! What made you come out after such a storm?”
Their warm greetings always made him smile. These ladies adored him. Pretty soon their older sister would as well. “I’m simply checking on all of you, of course.”
“That’s very kind.” Havyn waved him in. “Won’t you come in for a cup of tea? It’s awfully chilly out here.”
He nodded and removed his hat. “I would love that. Thank you.” Once inside, they led him to the parlor. “Where’s Whitney?”
Madysen took a seat across from him. “Dr. Cameron needed her help to get out to one of the villages.”
So she was still gone. With the doctor.
“I saw them on their way out. I thought they’d be back by now.”
Curse that Cameron! Ever since he’d arrived, he’d all but thumbed his nose at Judas. He’d refused help––and medications––from Judas. Even went so far as to purchase his little storefront outright so he wouldn’t have to rent. The man was a thorn in his side.
“We heard there were many sick, and you know Dr. Cameron. He’ll stay and make sure that everyone is on the mend. It’s only accessible by dog sled this time of year, as I’m sure you are aware.” Madysen placed a napkin on her lap.
“Yes, and it’s a treacherous journey to be sure. Whitney is an expert with those dogs, though, isn’t she?” Judas accepted a cup of tea from Havyn. “Thank you, my dear.” He blew on it and put it up to his lips, shaking his head. Cameron was getting in the way. Again. “I’m shocked your sister would be foolish enough to travel alone with a stranger after everything that happened to her reputation last fall.”
Madysen dismissed his comment with a wave of her hand. “You’ve always been so protective of us, but there’s no reason to worry. We know Peter quite well. Besides, Dad and Amka went with them—they took two teams—so she was hardly alone.”
