He turned to see Dawn’s face, barely more than a foot away from his, her eyes closed in a peaceful sleep, with the light of the full moon washing over her beautiful features. How incredible that God had brought her back to him. That He had blessed Jacob with someone so wonderful, inside and out, as a wife. In contrast to the dark of night that shrouded them, his future seemed brighter than ever with her by his side.
He knew not exactly where they would abide besides near his family. And he knew not how he would provide for Dawn and Mary. But all of that would work itself out—Jacob was sure of it. And he no longer held any hesitation at doing whatever it took, even if it meant following his brothers into business or living in their shadows. For he would not be alone in that shadow.
Pulling a hand from where it had been tucked beneath his head, he pushed a stray lock of soft blond hair from Dawn’s face, which had regained its healthy glow. Then he did the same for Mary, who was nestled between them. Her white-blonde hair was even softer than Dawn’s, with more curl. In her sleep, it stuck out at all angles.
What a privilege it would be to watch her grow.
Thank You, God, for blessing me with these two. Thank You for bringing Dawn back into my life and keeping us safe and together through these past months.
“So precious.” Dawn’s whispered words floated to him on the night air.
Jacob opened his eyes and met her smile with one of his own. “Yes, she is,” he agreed before he reached across and took Dawn’s hand. “You have no idea how grateful I am for the opportunity to be her father. To be your husband.”
“I still cannot hardly believe God brought you back to me. You know, I never apologized for disappearing on you.”
He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Dawn, it is in the past. God brought us back together. And He will see us through whatever comes next. That is all I need to know. I see that now.”
“Me too. Though, I guess I should apologize for making us travel to Bryan’s Station at all. I thought things had to be a certain way, and I was wrong. I could have saved us from all of those dangers. All of those close calls.”
“We never would have made it here if we did not go through what we have. I believe I would have loved you and Mary, but I do not believe I would have seen how truly important you were to me without the battles we faced. Or have found the peace and contentment that I needed to be able to live this life with you. I am afraid I still would have done something drastic in the end.”
His wife shrugged a shoulder. “As hard as it was, God brought us on the journey we had to take, I suppose.”
“Yes. And it all started here. Do you remember?”
Dawn smiled. “That night, I knew I recognized your voice. Whatever were you doing in the woods then?”
“Following you. I did not want you to get hurt…even though I did not know it was you.”
She laughed. “You scared me instead.”
“I suppose I did. What took you into the forest that night?”
“I was foraging for dandelions so Mary and I did not starve.”
Jacob shook his head. “I still cannot understand how someone could be as vile as they were to you and Mary. But that was the best day of my life, you know. The day your stepfather cast you out. It was the day God brought you back to me.”
Dawn tilted her head with an affectionate smile. “It was a dream come true when He brought you back into my life.” Then she frowned. “Only, it was difficult for me to open my heart to that blessing. After the way my stepparents treated me, I no longer believed anyone except my parents, anyone except for blood family, could love me. That is why I was so adamant about taking Mary to her uncle.” She sighed. “If only I had known.”
Jacob rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. “I suppose we were both blind to what was right before us, to the blessing that had been handed to us.”
“In many ways, yes.”
“At least we were both wise enough to open our eyes.”
Dawn chuckled softly. “True.” Her gaze fell to Mary. “I could not imagine my life without either of you.”
“Me either.”
Mary rolled over, her flailing arm landing on top of his. Her little brow furrowed before blue eyes blinked open. “Time to wake?”
Jacob smiled down at her. “No, sweet one. Go back to sleep.”
She nodded and nestled closer, curling up against his chest. “Night, Pa,” she whispered, so quietly he thought he might have imagined it. But a little gasp came from Dawn’s direction, and when he met her gaze, she held a look of pure wonder.
Though Mary had seemed elated to have Jacob and Dawn as her parents, she had yet to call either of them as such. But now, here they were, less than a week into their travels and in her sleepy state, she had given him the best reward she ever could have. Finally, it did not matter what battles he had fought or what accomplishments he held to his name. All that mattered were these moments with the ones he loved, and all the firsts they would share. For nothing could be better than the sense of wholeness that to love and be loved offered.
August 29, 1782
