“I know that was important to her. If only I could have given that to her before she passed away. I just hate to think of her being sad or living with regret because of me. Maybe even wishing I’d never been born.”
“Your ma never felt that way. I can guarantee you that much.”
Emma sank onto the porch at his feet. “I want to live a better life and do what is pleasing to God and to you. I know if I please you and God, then maybe Mama will be happy too.”
He put his hand on her shoulder. “Emma, no matter your behavior, you were always loved. Your ma and I were blessed to have you as a daughter. Sure, there were some times whenyou were a little difficult, but it never stopped us from loving you. Seek to please God. That’s all that really matters. But just remember, it won’t guarantee an easy life. If anything, the devil will fight you all the harder and try to steal your attention and loyalty.”
Emma knew he was right. She reached up and grasped his hand. “I know, and it terrifies me.”
“Now, you don’t need to go being afraid of old Nick. He has no power over you that you don’t give him. When you belong to the Lord, He’ll help you to flee the devil. The Bible tells us that God didn’t give us a spirit of fear.”
“But of power and of love and of a sound mind,” Emma murmured. “I remember that Bible verse from Second Timothy, one.”
“Exactly so. It was a favorite of your mother’s when we first came to live in Cheyenne. She was so afraid.”
“I remember some of those times.” Emma looked up at her father. He seemed to be looking past her at nothing in particular.
“She tried to hide it. She didn’t want you children to know because she didn’t want you to be afraid like she was. She feared Indian attacks. She’d experienced such things when she was young, and it worried her that you’d go through that as well. Remember how nervous she was when we heard about Custer being killed by the Sioux?”
“I do remember. But everyone was afraid. We had no idea of what might come our way or where those Indians might show up next. I remember you and Mama told us where to hide if there was trouble, and you made that secret room up in the attic.”
“I did. I figured better safe than sorry. Still, the best thing we did was pray.”
“I remember. I wasn’t walking with the Lord, and I wished I could feel close to Him. But I figured that He’d given upon me. I was fifteen and should have known better than to act the way I did.”
“I recall you weren’t so critical of prayer time during those days,” her father said, giving a bit of a laugh. “Sometimes God has to let things go the way they do in order to get our attention.”
“Well, He’s got mine now. Colton’s too. I’m so glad he changed his mind toward God.”
“He’s a good man, Emma. Smart too. Just like you. I figure you two would work well together.”
Emma pulled back a bit. “What do you mean, Papa?”
“I think you know. The man is in love with you, and I think your feelings for him run in the same direction.”
She heaved a sigh. “They do. I never expected it.”
“Folks seldom expect love.” He chuckled. “I sure never figured to fall in love with a shy, pigtailed preacher’s daughter, but I’m mighty glad I did. When I lost her, the emptiness of our house liked to swallow me whole. Lucille was a healing balm to me. I know she’d tell you I did the same for her after she lost Frank. God just has a way of puttin’ folks together at the right time.”
Emma leaned her head on her father’s knee. “He does.”
“I’ve never been to a dance,” Rosie said as she and Rob took a moment to themselves. “I’m glad you taught me how to two-step. I’m not very good at it, but it was fun to try.”
“I was never all that interested in dancing. Seemed like most of the girls I knew were excited for it, though, and so I let my ma show me how.”
“Well, we don’t ever have to dance again if you don’t want to.”
“Tomorrow night is the firemen’s ball, and it’s fancy dress.I heard that you have a mighty pretty dress all ready for the affair. I can’t let that go to waste.”
Rosie shook her head and walked a few steps to distance herself even more from the others. “I’m afraid of that dance. I’m not very good at waltzing. You know that.”
Rob came up behind her and pulled her back against him, wrapping her in his embrace. “I don’t care if we dance or don’t. I’ve never been in love like this. You are all I’ve ever wanted in a wife, and I’ve planned to marry me a gal since I was a little fella. I’m not exactly sure why, but I always knew I wanted to marry and have a family.”
“I didn’t figure I could have that, and it was so lonely. It wasn’t until Emma came that I had a chance to do much of anything. I thank God for Emma.”
“I do too,” Rob whispered again in her ear before giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
Rosie had never known such happiness or excitement for the future. There had been so many bleak moments in her life when she had asked God why she was even alive. Why had He bothered to bring her back to life if she was only going to be a burden to everyone around her?
