Love's Abiding Joy (Love Comes Softly #4)(60)
"Come to Missie's," she called. "She'll want to hear all 'bout it, too."
Clark changed direction and headed for the big house as
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Marty ran down the rutted, snowpacked path to meet him there.
"Oh, I was hopin' thet you'd come right on over here," Missie called to them from the doorway. "I jest couldn't wait to hear all 'bout it."
Missie led the way to the open fire. "We're near bustin'," she spoke for both of them. "Tell us 'bout it quick." "Did Jedd know ya this time?" interposed Marty.
"Oh, he knew me all right. Was 'most as surprised to see
me as I was to see him the other night."
"What did he say?"
"He asked first thing 'bout the girls."
Marty's eyes misted. "I'm so glad thet he cares somethin' fer 'em," she said.
"He seemed right concerned. Said thet he had made up his mind to go on home. He was tryin' to reach town an' the train station when he got lost in the snow an' stranded out on the range."
"Did he mention Tina again?"
"We talked 'bout Tina quite a piece."
Marty could wait no longer. "Clark," she said, "were ya able to talk to 'im 'bout his need fer God?"
"I was. We went through the Bible 'most from cover to cover."
"Did he understand?"
"Seemed to."
"Did he . . . did he. . . ?"
Clark put his arm around his wife and pulled her close. His eyes blurred and his throat sounded hoarse. "Those girls of ours are gonna be happy to know thet their pa joined their ma today."
"Ya mean--?"
"Jedd Larson made his peace with his Savior."
"Oh, thank Ya, Father," prayed Marty, the tears spilling down her cheeks.
Clark cleared his throat.
"But he joined Tina in another way, too."
Marty and Missie waited, eyes wide.
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"Jedd didn't make it," Clark said quietly. "Juan had to do surgery. Jedd wasn't strong enough to stand it. The frozen fingers and toes had turned bad; there wasn't any way thet Juan could save 'im. He's been stayin' with him day an' night, fightin' to bring 'im through this but--"
"But he did, Clark. He did!" exclaimed Marty. "Because of Juan's fight to save 'im, Jedd not only has life--but everlastin' life."
"I'm afraid thet a doctor doesn't look at things thet way," said Clark soberly.
"But it's true. And, oh, Clark, iffen you hadn't been here, Jedd maybe wouldn't have decided to make his peace with God 'fore he died." Marty's eyes fell to Clark's pant leg, pinned up securely just below the knee. "Iffen it wouldn't have been fer the accident, ya wouldn't have been here, Clark. We would have been gone home long ago."
Clark pulled her closer to him and kissed her hair.
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Chapter Twenty-nine
Happenings
During the long winter days, Marty spent her time in the little soddy doing knitting, mending, or hand sewing for Missie and her family. She also had a basketful of socks to mend for the ranch hands, having made discreet inquiries after the Christmas sock-viewing. Clark used his hours to make things with his hands and his limited tools. In the long evenings, he spent hours with his Bible, studying for the Sunday lessons with the little congregation.
Each Sunday after the worshipers gathered together for their service, there were discussions concerning the materials and the progress of the church building. As the building committee continued planning and ordering supplies, the building was taking shape on paper and in the minds of the people, even though not a stake had been pounded or a nail driven. However, the materials were all being stockpiled at the Newtons' as they arrived by train, and a building bee was planned as soon as the weather would permit. Folks hoped for an early spring so that work might be started.
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As the weather improved, so did the Sunday attendance. Once again, the folks from the town ventured forth. It was a long drive, but they seemed anxious to be a part of the fellowship and to keep informed about progress on the church building. Besides, they reported, though they enjoyed the Bible studies at home and it had been a good idea, it was not the same as meeting with the group and hearing Clark's insights on the truths from the scripture portion.
During the week, when Marty felt too confined, she would toss her shawl about her shoulders and hurry down the snow-crusted path to Missie's house. On a few occasions, Missie came to visit her while the children slept. Missie loved to sit in the quiet, snug little soddy, sipping tea with her mother. She realized that the days would quickly pass and Marty would all too soon return back home.
As the winter days lengthened, their visits turned to garden plans and spring setting hens. It was hard to stay in the house with the drifts of snow shrinking daily.
Clark, too, had been planning ahead, only his thoughts had taken a different turn. He thought often about the small congregation. He had enjoyed the opportunity to lead them over the winter months. He knew that they were not likely to soon find a minister for the group. What would happen when he had to leave for home? Clark decided to ride over and see Henry. And so it was that Clark began to have study sessions with Henry to prepare him to take over leadership of the church. The people must know that when Clark left there would still be worship and Bible study. The building was only a small part of the requirements for a congregation.