She got out of bed and pushed the curtains back. The heat of the sun warmed her face and she smiled.
It was going to be a delightful day.
Carter dressed for the day in his old bedroom at the farm. He’d spent Sunday night with his folks. He hadn’t originally planned to go back to the farm, but he also hadn’t really had much of a chance to talk to his mother or father about Ellie. He wanted their advice as to how he should conduct himself, what with her attitude toward the Lord changing. He was feeling drawn to her and kept praying to hear God’s clear voice on the matter. But he had to wait for her. Wait like Jacob waited for Rachel, even if it took years.
Whatever happened or didn’t happen between them, he continued to pray that God would draw her close and that she would stop fighting and pushing Him away.
At the same time, he had to stand back and let the Holy Spirit work. If he pushed her too hard, for the sake of his feelings, that wouldn’t be right. Not that he wouldn’t want to encourage her to make peace with God for her spirit’s sake. However, he knew his heart for her, and it would be far too easy to focus on that instead of what mattered most.
That was why he wanted to talk to his father and mother. Although maybe the Fourth of July wasn’t exactly the right time to do it. He chuckled and did up the buttons on his shirt. His mother would tell him that anytime he felt the need of their counsel was the right time.
He went to the mirror and brushed his hair into place and grabbed his lightweight tan jacket. The day promised to be warm, and he wasn’t looking forward to wearing a suit, but he didn’t want to appear shabby. After all, it was a celebration.
Making his way downstairs, his mother greeted him first. “Don’t you look nice.” She stretched up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
“And so do you.” He took her arm and gave her a twirl.
Mother laughed and fell into step when Carter led her in a little two-step. “You are certainly full of vim and vigor today. I suppose the holiday is worthy of excitement.”
“My delight in the day has more to do with something else.” He released his hold on her. “I hoped we might talk about Ellie.”
Mother nodded. “I’ve been expecting that. You love her, don’t you?”
The words hit him in the face. Did he?
With all the thoughts he’d had on the matter, he hadn’t admitted it. “I believe I do, or that I care for her a great deal.”
His mother’s expression sobered. “I’m glad you care for her. Your father and I adore her too. I’ve encouraged her to read the Bible. To remember those things she once knew to be true. Her mother trained her in the Word. She knows the truth, but she fears it at the same time. I’ve been praying for her. Your father has too.”
“I’ve prayed for her just about every day since meeting her.” He sat down at the table, where there was already a bevy of breakfast foods awaiting. “Where’s Dad? I’m starved.”
“He said to start without him. He had to help one of the workers with something on the number four combine.”
“He should have called me. I would have helped too.”
“We know that, but he said to let you sleep. He’s been gone for over an hour, and I expect him to be back almost anytime. But you go ahead and eat. You’ll be wanting to get into town, and we won’t be headed there until closer to noon.”
Carter snapped his napkin open and placed it on his lap. “Pray with me?”
“You know you don’t need to ask.” She took a seat beside him and extended her hand.
Taking hold of it, Carter bowed his head and prayed. “Lord, thank You for this day and for the bounty You have provided. Bless this meal to the nourishment of our bodies. Lord, please give me wisdom in dealing with my feelings. Continue to draw Ellie back to You, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
19
“What a glorious day. Just perfect for the Fourth of July festivities.”
Marvella swept into the dining room and joined Ellie at the table, where she’d just been seated by the Judge. Sir Theophilus padded along behind his mistress.
Judge Ashbury walked around the table and helped his wife to take her seat, then claimed his own. “It is indeed splendid. Shall I pray?”
“Oh, please do.” The older woman bowed her head.
Ellie did likewise, and for maybe the first time, really listened to what the Judge had to say.
“Father, we come to You today in gratitude of heart and joy of spirit. We thank You for our great nation and the freedom we enjoy here. We praise You for the beauty You have created and the hope we have in Christ Jesus. Please come with us as we go through the day and guide our hearts and minds. Bless this food, in Jesus’ name, Amen.” He looked up and smiled. “This day gives me great pleasure.”
Marvella nodded and tossed the pup a piece of bacon. “The celebratory spirit is upon us. Ellie, my dear, how did you make out with your reading?”
