Josie grinned, still bouncing the now-quieted Nathan as he pressed against her shoulder. “That’s why I named him Nathan. It means ‘gift of God,’ and that is what he is to me.”
Rose placed her hand on Nathan’s back and studied his face. “Children are a heritage from the Lord. You have been exceedingly blessed.”
“I’ll be honest, the children are more of a handful now. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“How about their schooling?” Rose asked. “I know you mentioned you started teaching them at home.”
Josie sighed, pulling Nathan’s bear-fur quilt over his face. “I’m afraid their studies have been neglected these past weeks. I’m still trying to adjust to caring for Nathan and Gideon, but I hope to start again soon. I don’t care if there isn’t a school—they need to learn.”
Rose nodded. “I agree with you. I understood how hard it would be to come here with two boys and teach them from home, but it isn’t the same.” Rose took a pause and observed the children playing. There had to be at least twenty-five children under the age of sixteen. “I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while about something that has been on my heart, but I’ve been pulling back until the baby was born. Your children have said in my Sunday School class that you’re a good teacher. It’s not official yet, but I want to start the school again. I was hoping . . . that is when Nathan is a little older . . . if you’d like to teach.”
Josie’s eyes widened, her pulse drumming. Her? Teach? She had dreamed for years of becoming a schoolteacher, imagining the joy of shaping young minds. But now, as a wife and mother, that dream seemed distant, almost like it belonged to another version of herself. The thought of pursuing it as a career hadn’t crossed her mind—until now. What would Travis think? On one hand, she could make a difference in children’s lives, fulfilling the passion she once held so dearly. Yet on the other, it would mean neglecting her duties at home—the harvest, chores, the children.
“I . . . I don’t know. I’d have to speak with Travis first.”
“I knew you’d say that,” Rose said. “You two should discuss it and pray over this decision. If it isn’t the Lord’s will, we’ll work something else out.”
“Josie!” Josie looked down to see Jonas tugging on the hem of her wool skirt. “Come on! Come on! Pa’s leavin’!”
Josie let out a soft sigh, followed by a light giggle while Rose’s lips curled into a grin. “I don’t want to be left behind.”
Rose reached out and embraced Josie. “Congratulations, Josie. He’s a wonderful boy.”
Josie pulled away and trailed after Jonas. Her heart soared with delight, unable to wipe away her grin. The Lord had been so good the past two weeks, but what laid on her heart was which path He’d allow her to take.
It seemed as though new chapters were unfolding at every corner. Would she remain at home, or would she help make a difference in the community—the community that accepted her and welcomed her despite everything they could hold against her?
The children were quiet, bundled in the back of the wagon. Josie couldn’t tell if the rattles from the rocky road drowned out their whispers or if they were simply worn out from playing after the service. Travis drove slower than usual, mindful of Josie, the newborn in her arms, and the thick ice beneath them. So many changes were happening, but the one that Rose placed on her heart was another.
“You’ve been quiet,” Travis said, his focus ahead.
“I have a lot on my mind.”
“Andwhatis that?”
A knot of nerves tightened in her stomach. Josie couldn’t quite pinpoint the source of her apprehension—whether it was fear of rejection or doubt about the idea of teaching itself. But she knew she needed to inform Travis about this decision. It wasn’t just about her; it concerned the town’s future and the children who needed an education. Education would be the key to the children’s future success. Every child needed to know history, science, arithmetic, and literature.
“I spoke to Rose after service.”
Travis chuckled. “I noticed. We were already loaded up by the time you finished.”
“Rose brought to my attention how many children lack proper schooling at home.”
Travis sighed, rubbing his forehead. “It’s hard finding someone willing to come out here, especially when you expect them to adjust to a whole new way of life without offering a decent wage. We kept the same teacher my whole life, but she passed away six years ago. She was a sweet lady.”
Josie looked down at Nathan, who stirred in her arms. He drifted off to sleep after she changed him. “I wanted to ask . . . Would you let me fill in until a teacher can be found?”
Travis cocked his head sharply and faced her. “You? Teach?”
“Only when Nathan and Gideon are older,” Josie added. “Our children are blessed with my skills, but I think about the others in the town. Do they have the same privilege at home? I think I can make a difference. I’ve always felt like my purpose was to be a teacher one day. That was until . . .”
“Until you married Marcus.”
Josie nodded. “Yes.”
Travis rubbed his pinkened face. “The council won’t be able to pay a decent salary. There’s no one here who has the money to invest.”
“I’m fine with that,” Josie answered. “I don’t care if I don’t get paid a cent. Helping these children in the valley have access to an education is all I need. If I can make a difference in even one child’s life, then it will be worth it.”
