“I agree.” Mr. Stanton, their guide, tossed the remainder of his coffee on the fire. “We’ll want to get an early start in the morning. We won’t travel as far tomorrow since we will be steadily increasing our altitude. We’ll also pass through Columbia Falls so we can pick up any additional supplies we’ve forgotten.”
Father pursed his lips. “I still think it would have beeneasier to take the train to Columbia Falls and start out from there.”
Grinnell chuckled. “Yes, but you would have missed out on all the things we saw today. Not only that, but I was able to show you some of the various farms and ranches in the area. You told me you wanted to know more about that.”
“It was certainly an informative ride. Tiring, however. I’m not getting any younger.” Father’s voice was edged with humor. “I think Ellie’s suggestion that I settle down and write my book is becoming more and more appealing.”
Eleanor glanced away and frowned.Hersuggestion? What was going on with him? And why had he asked to see the farms and ranches?
“We’ve long been awaiting a book from you, Stewart. I think your daughter is right. The world has need to hear from you.”
She looked at her father once again. He caught her gaze, then looked away. She chewed on the inside of her lip. They needed to talk. Maybe not tonight, but soon.
Clearing his throat, he stood. “Well, Ellie girl, are you ready to retire? Looks like the fire is dying down.”
“You go ahead. I’ll help with the dishes and clean up. We don’t want to attract any wild animals.”
“Very well. I’ll head to our tent and see you later. I’ll probably read for just a bit.”
The dishes were all gathered and put into a tub of soapy water that one of the men had prepared. Mr. Stanton stopped her as she reached for a towel.
“You don’t need to help. We’re well paid to provide these services. Feel free to just head on to bed.” He took the towelfrom Eleanor. “Slim and Dusty can manage. They’ve been running bigger camps than this for some time. They know what to do.”
Eleanor let her hands fall to her sides. “I just felt like I should do my part.”
“You’re doing your part. Enjoy the trip as best you can. Tomorrow night we’ll camp near a hot spring. I think you’ll enjoy the opportunity to have a nice long soak.”
“That does sound pleasant, thank you.” The hot springs might benefit Father as well. “Well, good-night, Mr. Stanton.”
“Good-night, little lady.” He tipped his felt hat and turned to say something to one of the men.
The tent was just a little way across the camp and when Eleanor reached it, she gazed heavenward before going inside. The inky black sky was dotted with thousands upon thousands of stars. Once, when she was a little girl, they’d traveled away from New York City and had stayed with friends who lived out in the country. The utter darkness there was so very impressive, but even more so was Mother pointing out that God had once compared the stars to the heirs Abraham would have.
What must Abraham have felt when God told him that?
Mother’s voice enfolded her.“We’rerepresented up there, Ellie. One of those stars is setin place just for you. And just as God knowseach star by name, He knows you by name as well. He will never forget you.”
Her throat tightened and tears burned at her eyes. If only she could believe that the God of the universe knew she existed. Cared about her. But how could that be? How could an all-powerful God even begin to care about a littlegirl staring at the stars with her mother? Or a young woman staring at the stars alone?
Ellie pressed a fist against her tears. For so long, she’d told herself that believing in God wasn’t important, and yet ...
Mother had said it was the foundation of everything.
As Ellie released a shuddering sigh, Marvella’s words before they left came back to her.
Howcouldshe look at all this and not see the fingerprints of the Creator?
Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up at the vastness of the sky above her. Each star seemed to dance, almost as if inviting her to join them in their celebration. Her mind swirled as she was overwhelmed with an undeniable truth.
Therewasa God.
Yes, she believed that.
Mama said He truly cared about each one of His children.
Tears blurred her vision. “Oh, Mama...” How could Eleanor believe that? When Mama loved Him so much and yet He let her suffer and die?
“Mama, I wish I understood,” she whispered to the sky. “I wish I could believe like you did. Have the faith that you had. You weren’t afraid to die because you believed in God’s mercy and love.”
