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Chapter Twenty-Five

“Mandy, are you and Riley planning to go to the Bible Study tonight?” asked Beth.  It was the following Wednesday, and the women were cleaning the cabin.  Pastor Taylor had suggested having weekly Bible Study on Wednesday nights, and the first meeting would be held that evening.

“Yes, we are planning to go.  He said he would come by for us at seven.  I am looking forward to it.”  Amanda answered.

“Have you decided on your answer?” 

Amanda had confided in the younger girl earlier in the week about the decisions she was facing.  Beth had agreed to be in prayer that Amanda would make the correct decision. 

“Well. . . “  Amanda hesitated.  “I think I know what the Lord wishes.  I am not still completely sure that it is God’s plan, rather than my own, but I do feel led in this direction.  I think I should tell Riley before anyone else though.”

Beth nodded in agreement.  The two continued sweeping and dusting until they were interrupted by a knock at the front door.  Beth put down her dusting cloth and hurried to open the door and admit Rebecca.

Beth smiled and greeted Rebecca, and Amanda joined in.  They both had learned to care for the other women on the trip out to Seattle, and their friendship continued to flourish.

“Beth, I just left the general store, and Ben asked me to come by and give you a message.  The Pacific Queen came in this morning.  They are unloading now and he expects some of the new shipments he ordered.  He wanted to know if you would be able to come in and help with them.”

“Surely, I’ll be glad to.  I’ll have to change clothes and comb my hair.  He has been expecting those things for the past week.  I know he’ll be glad they finally arrived.”  Beth began taking off her apron and going to the bedroom to change.  Amanda asked Rebecca to stay for a visit.  Rebecca agreed, and the two were walking toward the kitchen in order to prepare a pot of tea when there was another knock on the front door.

“Now, I wonder who that could be,” said Amanda as she went to the door.

Amanda was speechless when she opened the door and saw the woman standing there.  She was not someone that Amanda recognized.  Indeed, Amanda was scarcely able to determine her age because of the filth that covered her.  Her hair hung in limp strands and was so dirty and oily that it was impossible to tell the color.  Her face was covered in dirt and her dress was tattered and torn as well as being filthy.  The odor of fish was strong, and it was obviously coming from the woman.  The woman looked down and said nothing.

“May I help you?”  Amanda was puzzled about why the women had come to their house, but she thought that she might be looking for Sarah. 

Beth and Rebecca came forward and looked at the woman but it was obvious from their expressions that neither of them recognized the woman.

          When the woman did not answer, Amanda asked her again if they could help her.  The women raised tired blue eyes to look at Amanda before dropping to the ground.

“Quick!  Help me get her inside!”  Amanda called to the other two women.  

The three women half-carried the woman into the examination room where Beth quickly took charge.

“Mandy, do you know where Sarah is?”

“Yes, I think she went over to check on Estelle Taylor.”

“Rebecca, Hannah is out back tending to the chickens.  Can you call her in? One of you needs to run over to the Taylors’ to fetch Sarah.  Amanda, help me get these clothes off of her.  We might as well cut them off.  They are filthy and torn.  We might be able to wash them and use them for rags but I don’t think we can mend this dress.” 

Rebecca ran to fetch Hannah, and Amanda brought water from the kitchen.  Beth had already cut the woman’s clothing from her body when Amanda returned with the water and the two worked together to begin washing the young woman.  They could see now that she was young, and she looked as if she had been beaten as her body was bruised in many places.

Rebecca returned to say that Hannah had gone for Sarah.  Beth was washing the woman’s face when Rebecca gasped.  Amanda and Beth looked to see her pointing at the woman’s arm. 

Holding her hand in front of her mouth, Rebecca said in horror, “It’s Emily.  See that scar there.  She cut it in a carriage accident when she was ten years old.  She always made sure that her sleeves covered it so no one would see, but I have known her for so long that I have seen it when we were younger.  I saw it again on the trip here as we dressed and bathed.  Oh, how could she have gotten into this state?”

Amanda and Beth could not believe that this dirty young woman could be the elegant Emily who cared so about her appearance, but upon looking at her face as they washed away the grime, they had to agree that it was indeed Emily.  She was thinner and quite pale under the dirt but it did seem that Emily had found her way to them.

The two women had washed Emily by the time that Sarah arrived.  She and Hannah were surprised to find out that the patient was Emily, but Sarah wasted no time asking questions and began examining her.  Amanda, Rebecca, and Hannah left Sarah and Beth to their work as they went into the kitchen to wait for the diagnosis.  Although they had many questions, they knew that Beth and Sarah knew no more than they did and that they would just have to wait for the answers.  Amanda made a pot of tea as they waited. 

About thirty minutes had passed when Beth called Amanda to the front.  Amanda hurried back into the kitchen after talking with Beth.

“Hannah, help me get some food.  Sarah wants her to have some broth and strong tea and perhaps a little bread.”

The two women gathered the meal together and Rebecca asked if she might take it in to her.  The others agreed but Rebecca was back in the kitchen in a matter of minutes.

Sadly shaking her head, she told them, “Sarah wouldn’t let me into the room.  Beth just took the tray and told me they would be in here as soon as they could.  Oh, I wish I knew how Emily got into such a way.  Her parents would be so upset.  I know you think she was so selfish, but if you knew how her parents had spoiled her, you would not be surprised at how she acted.  All she had to do was ask for anything, and they gave it to her.  I was surprised when they agreed to let her come out here.  She had wanted to marry a young man in town, but he fell in love with someone else.  I don’t think she wanted to face him or anyone else because others knew she had chased after him.  But she didn’t love him.  I know she didn’t.  She just wanted to marry a rich and handsome man.  Anyway, her parents gave in to her, like they always did, when she wanted to come out here.  I just hope she will be all right!”

Amanda went to Rebecca and hugged her.  “Let’s pray right now.  It will help us while we wait, and it will certainly help Emily too.”

The three women sat around the table and joined hands as they each prayed for Emily and that Sarah would be able to help her.

A short while later,, Sarah joined them in the kitchen.  She held up a hand as they all started to question her. 

“Let me get a cup of tea first and I will try to answer your questions as best as I can.”

Amanda quickly fetched a cup for Sarah and poured her some tea.  Sarah drank from the cup before putting it to one side.  Clasping her hands together, she looked around the table.

“I don’t usually discuss my patients with anyone, but I feel each of you has the right to know.  Rebecca, you have known Emily for a long time and probably are her closest friend.  Hannah and Amanda, you live here so I think you should be involved in this decision.”

“Emily fainted but she is awake now.  Beth is trying to get her to eat some food.  I don’t think she has had much to eat so we have to go slowly.  I don’t know all of the details but it seems that Mr. Burton was already married.”

She nodded as the others gasped.  They knew that Emily had planned to marry Mr. Burton when they left San Francisco.

Sarah continued, “Mr. Burton left Emily, and she soon ran out of money.  She had to sell most of her clothes and other personal items, but the money did not last for long.  She finally got a job washing dishes in an inn.  She was destitute by that time.  Evidently, the owner was abusive.  You probably saw the bruises.”

Sarah paused as if saying the next words were distasteful to her. “Unfortunately, he did more than hit her.  She is pregnant.”

The other women exchanged dismayed glances.

“She hasn’t told us everything yet, but she decided that she would be better off here than there so she asked the captain of the Pacific Queen if he would bring her here.  I think she had a little money, and he agreed to let her work in the kitchen.  Apparently, it was not a pleasant voyage.  I think she was ill and had to keep trying to work.”

“Mandy and Hannah, I want to let her stay her with us.  She has no money, and I don’t know how she will be treated once people find out about the pregnancy.  I think she is better off here with us, at least for awhile.  I hope neither of you has a problem with this.”

Amanda thought about how Emily had treated them on the trip west and her actions toward Riley but she knew that she had to forgive Emily just as Christ had forgiven her.

“I will be happy for her to stay here,” Amanda said.

“And I will be glad for her to stay but where will she sleep?” asked Hannah. 

“We will put her in the examination room for now, and later we will see about getting another bed.  She has indicated that she will sleep on the floor and do all of our work if we will let her stay. Of course, I would never allow her to do that.  I think we can have a positive influence on her.”

Sarah soon returned to the examination room. Beth left to go to the store to help with the stock, and Hannah went along to help.  Rebecca asked if she might stay in the hopes that she could speak with Emily later.

Later that evening, Riley arrived to walk with Amanda to the Bible Study.  Beth and Sarah stayed home to tend to Emily, and Hannah had accompanied Rebecca to the community home earlier.  Rebecca wanted to send some of her clothes for Emily.    They would join Amanda and Riley at the Bible study. 

“Mandy, are you making a box supper for the auction tomorrow night?” asked Riley. 

The town had decided to have a box supper where each  woman who was not married would prepare a box supper for two.  These would be auctioned, and the highest bidder for each box would share the supper with the woman who had brought that box.  The money raised would be used for school supplies for the new school.  There was excitement about the event as the men tried to find out who had brought each box.  Their identity was kept secret, but several of the women planned to decorate their boxes so their beaus would know which was theirs.

“No, I don’t think I am taking one,” Amanda replied.

Riley seemed surprised.  “I thought you were looking forward to it.”

Amanda smiled at Riley.  “Oh, I have been but I’m not sure that a woman who is engaged to be married should participate.  What do you think?”

Riley appeared stunned for a few seconds as he tried to decide what she meant. 

“Mandy, do you mean you are saying yes to my proposal?”  As Amanda nodded, Riley picked her up and gave her a big hug as he twirled her around.  She could not stop laughing at his antics even as he started yelling, “Yahoo!”

Putting her down, he grasped both hands, “Amanda Stone, you have made me the happiest man in the country!  I will do all I can to be the best husband to you that I can be!”

Amanda smiled as he took her into his arms, hugged her again and then she hugged him back, telling him, “Oh, Riley, I am so happy too!  I know we will have a wonderful life together with the Lord as our guide!”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Amanda and the others were ready when Riley and Ben arrived the next morning for the short walk to the new church.

“Oh, it is really exciting to have our own church building, isn’t it?” exclaimed Beth.  “It seems better to have a separate place to worship.  The community building was fine, but since it is used for so many of the town’s gatherings, I am glad we have the church building.  And Mandy, you will be teaching there in the fall!”

Amanda agreed that it was nice to have the separate building for the church and school.  She had been a little concerned about her supplies for school, but the men had planned a large storage area where she could store items over the weekends. 

Amanda was so happy that she felt she could almost fly at the thought that this morning Riley would make a public declaration for Christ.  And then she would be able to spend some time with him, getting to know him better.  She smiled broadly at Riley as he took her arm, never noticing the smiles the others shared. 

They were greeted by all as they neared the church and went in to take their seats.  Pastor Taylor began speaking shortly thereafter.

“Good morning!  And what a glorious morning it is here in our new place of worship!  I have been thanking God for His goodness in providing such a beautiful building for us.  I thank Him also for each of you.  Your presence here today is a joy to me.  I trust that you will receive a blessing from our service.  We are especially glad to have Miss Amanda Stone back with us this morning.  We are so thankful that she is recovered from her injuries and is able to be with us today.  We will continue to pray for Will Sloan as he continues to improve.”

Pastor Taylor went on to mention several others in the community who were in need of their prayers before making several announcements.  The congregation sang several hymns before settling back to listen to Pastor Taylor’s message for that morning.

“Today our message comes from the book of Matthew.  I will be reading in the fourteenth chapter, verses 25 – 33.”  He paused to allow those who wished to find the passage in their Bible and follow along as he read.

‘And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer, it is I; be not afraid.

And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.

And He said, Come.  And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid’ and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, Of a truth Thou art the Son of God.’

“Friends, too often I am like Peter here.  Remember that this happened soon after the Lord had fed the five thousand with five loaves and two fish.  You would think that a miracle like that would have convinced these men, these fishers of men, who had left everything in order to follow Jesus, that He was truly the Son of God.  But, just like some of us, as soon as the miracle had passed, they forgot about it.  When I imagine what it must have been like to be with Jesus every day, to actually be able to touch Him physically, to talk with Him and ask Him questions, why, it must have been so wonderful!  They heard His messages of eternal life and saw miracles every day as He healed the sick.  How could they doubt Him for even a second?  But they did. The minute things were not going exactly as they wanted, they were afraid and called for Him to save them.”

“Then when they did see Him, Peter asked Him to call for Peter to come to Him.  Yet when Christ did and Peter was walking on the water to Him, Peter looked away from Christ and looked at the wind and the water, and he doubted.  And don’t we do that too?  We take our eyes from Jesus and look instead at the world around us and then doubt slips in.  And the same thing happens to us that happened to Peter.  We began to sink and then we have to call out to the Lord to save us, when we would be so much better off just to keep our focus on Jesus.  Jesus did save Peter just as He will save each of us.”

“I think of how miraculous this was.  Here was Christ walking on the water, and then Peter, a mere human, did likewise!  You would think that they would all be praising His name, but it took a miracle for them to say, ‘ You are the Son of God.’  How could they doubt it when they saw Him everyday, lived with Him, heard Him preach, saw Him perform miracles?”

“You know, many times I speak with people about Jesus and giving their heart to Him and I hear all types of excuses.  People say, ‘ Oh, those are just nice stories.  Miracles like that don’t happen in real life.’  But, friends, they do happen!  Why, right here today, we have a miracle.  Miss Stone was lost, but the Lord led Riley and Will right to where she was.  Will was severely injured, but the Lord has seen fit to heal him, and he is well on his way to good health again.”

“But even with those miracles, they are nothing to the miracle of eternal life!  Just think of it.  We are sinners, every one of us.  And none of us can earn forgiveness.  We cannot earn our way into heaven!  Only God’s grace is sufficient to wash away our sin!  And all it takes is one simple thing!  You have to ask Him to forgive you.  So simple yet many refuse.  If people could only know what believers know, how wonderful is His perfect peace, I believe there would be no sinners left in this world.  For how could anyone turn away from something so wonderful?”

“We are going to sing a final hymn and I would ask anyone who is willing to take that step to come forward.  I will be glad to speak with anyone who has questions so I urge you to make that step now.”

The congregation stood and began to sing. They had only sung a few words when Riley stepped forward.  Beth, sitting next to Amanda, squeezed her hand, and they smiled happily at each other.  Amanda looked down as tears of joy rolled down her cheeks, and she praised God for answering their prayers. 

As the hymn ended, she looked up to see that there were several others at the front with Riley.  She was happy to see Jacques and Jane, along with two of the new women and Mack McDonald.   Pastor Taylor introduced each one and asked that the church family pray for these new Christians. 

Pastor Taylor led in prayer, and they were dismissed.  It had been decided that the lunch would continue to be served at the community building since it was larger, so most of the congregation walked or rode the short distance.  Amanda and the others stopped back by their home to pick up their basket of food before joining the group.

“Beth, do I look all right?”  Amanda turned to try to see herself in the small mirror in the bedroom.  She had changed her dress for a blouse and skirt and brushed her hair back and tied it with a ribbon. 

“Mandy, you look fine.   Why are you so nervous today?  You aren’t usually this worried about how you look?”  Beth teased Amanda, guessing at her close friend’s feelings for Riley. 

Amanda blushed as she turned to face Beth.  “Oh, I guess you are right.  I just . . .”  She broke off as Beth started laughing.

“Mandy, I was just teasing you.  I don’t think Riley cares about how your hair is arranged.  I am sure he will think you are lovely.  But remember what my mother used to tell me, ‘Pretty is as pretty does,’ so you should have no worries there!”

Amanda went into the front room to wait for Riley.  He had gone to borrow a wagon and horse so that they might ride up to look at his house.  Amanda had to admit to herself that she was nervous about what Riley wanted to discuss with her.  She would not even admit to herself what her hopes were as far as Riley was concerned.  She just prayed that God would be with her and give her the correct words, whatever happened.

Riley soon returned and, after helping Amanda into the wagon, they were on their way.  Amanda admired the beautiful scenery.  She breathed in the scent of the pine trees and smiled to herself as she thanked God once again for leading her to such a lovely area.

“Mandy,” Riley interrupted her thoughts. “Does it make you nervous to be out of the town?”

“Why, I hadn’t thought about it.  I guess I feel safe with you, although I don’t think I would feel as safe if I were by myself.  But I don’t plan to come out here by myself.”  Amanda smiled at Riley before realizing that her answer seemed to make Riley more nervous.

Amanda gasped when the trees cleared, and she caught the first glimpse of Riley’s house.

“Oh, Riley, it is beautiful!  I had no idea it was so large.  And look at the view of the Sound.  I know you will love living here!”

Riley helped Amanda from the wagon before saying, “Well, let’s look inside and see what you think.”

Riley led the way through the house, showing Amanda each of the rooms, as well as the loft, root cellar and shed for the animals. 

“Riley, you have thought of everything.  I can’t think of anything you have left out!  It is wonderful.  We will miss you in town, but I know you will love living out here.” 

“Mandy, can we go out front so we can talk?”

Amanda readily agreed, and they walked out to the fallen log in front where they both sat down.  Amanda admired the view once again before turning to Riley.

“Riley, I wanted to tell you how happy I am – all of us – that you gave your heart to the Lord.  We have been praying for you since the first night we met you at Sarah’s family’s home.  I am so glad that you came to see that you need Christ in your life.”

Riley smiled and nodded, “Yes, I know you have.  Sarah and Beth told me too.  I was too stubborn about it.  I thought I could make it fine on my own, but I was starting to listen and read God’s Word.  Then that day when you were missing, I knew I could not go on without Him in my life.  I just couldn’t make it any longer without His help.  And, Mandy, I truly believe He led me to you that day.  I had no idea where I was going, but somehow I ended up right where you were.  There was no sign of you but something – or rather Someone - told me to look in that crevice of the rock and there you were.  I had been praying and praying the whole time we were looking for you!  And God answered our prayers!  We found you and now you are well and healthy again!  And I thank God for that everyday!”  He took Amanda’s hands in his and gave them a squeeze.

Amanda had tears in her eyes as she remembered that day and the prayers she had sent up that she would be found. 

Riley continued, “Mandy, I want to thank you for witnessing to me, even when I was not receptive.  I know you probably wondered why I ignored you on the trip out here.  I told you a little on the ship, but I wanted to tell you the whole story.”

“When the first group of women came out here, there was one girl that I really liked.  I even thought I loved her.  She was beautiful to look at, blonde hair and blue eyes.  She looked something like you; but Mandy, she was not beautiful on the inside.  I was working at the logging camp then, so I could only come into town on weekends.  I thought she felt the same way about me, and I was planning to ask her to marry me as soon as I could get some land and build a house.  It was several months before I found out that she had been seeing several men, letting them all think that they were special to her.  When I finally found out, I went to her, and she just laughed at me!  She said I didn’t have enough money for her, and she married a farmer down in the Willamette Valley the very next week.  Well, I swore I would never be fooled by a pair of big blue eyes and curly blonde hair again.  In fact, I said I would never marry.  I fully planned to build a small cabin up here and live by myself.”

“Then I met you.  I was sure you were just like her, and that Emily was too.  I don’t know if you knew it, but every time I was around Emily, she kept asking me how much land I owned and if I had a big house.  I was convinced she was just looking for the richest husband she could find.  I guess, maybe I wasn’t too far off on that after the way she acted in San Francisco about that Mr. Burton!  I just figured you were the same way.  And I want to apologize for that.  After I saw the way you waited on the others on the ship, and the more I got to know you, the more I could see that you were nothing like Susan or Emily.  Now I realize that neither of them could be Christians.  I know neither of them ever witnessed to me.  And that was part of my problem, I was just looking at the outside and not the inside.”

Amanda could not take her eyes from Riley’s face as he spoke.  All this time she had wondered why Riley had ignored her, and now she knew. 

“Mandy, I know now that you are beautiful inside and out.  I have seen that you are a believer and that you put God first in your life.  That makes all of the difference!”

Riley paused, and his face reddened but he took a deep breath before continuing.  “Mandy, I know now that I never really loved Susan.  I guess you might call it a crush.  I didn’t know what love was then.  Now that I have felt the love of the Lord in my heart, I think I know what love is.  Because now I do love someone.  Mandy, . . . I need to tell you. . . . “  Riley did not take his eyes from Amanda’s, but he seemed to hesitate until Amanda smiled at him.  Then he went on, “Mandy, I love you.  I’m not sure when I fell in love with you but I knew it for sure that day when I was looking for you.  It was like I couldn’t stand it if something happened to you.  I just knew that I had to find you and when I did, I was not ever going to let you go away again.  Then, when I did find you, you were injured so I had to wait.  And now, I think that was a good thing.  Because as a Christian, I couldn’t make a decision like this without prayer.  And, believe me, I spent a lot of time on my knees during your recovery.  Mandy, I have prayed and prayed, and I feel that the Lord wants this for us as much as I do.  I want to marry you.  Will you consider becoming my wife?”

Tears ran down Amanda’s face as she tried to take in all that Riley had said.  She could not believe that Riley loved her!  Unable to speak, she simply nodded, and Riley took her in his arms. 

It was a short while later when Amanda had cried her tears and was able to speak once again.  She looked at Riley with loving eyes.

“Riley, I would be honored to be your wife.  I don’t think I have ever known a finer man.  But I do want to pray about it.  Please know that you have been in my prayers since the moment I met you.  But I had no idea that you felt this way.  In fact, I thought you might be falling for Beth for a while.  I knew I loved you that day when you brought Beth up here.  That’s why I was so upset that I didn’t realize that I was going into the woods. I don’t think I will ever forgive myself for doing something that put you and Will in danger.  I am so sorry for that.”

Riley was quick to reassure her that he and Will had both forgiven her for her actions that day. 

“I also knew that, even though I loved you, I could never marry a non-believer.  But even when you gave your heart to the Lord, I had no idea that you loved me!  I still can hardly believe it!   I would like to take a little time to pray about this before I give you my answer.  I want you to know that my heart is crying for me to say yes, but I don’t think I should make this important decision without spending some time in prayer with the Lord.  You do understand, don’t you?”  she asked worriedly.

“Mandy, I would be disappointed if you did not want to talk it over with the Lord.  That is part of why I love you.  I know that you are a strong Christian, and I felt that you would want to pray about your decision.  But I also wanted you to see the house.  I like it here, but I don’t want you to think we have to live here.  If it is too frightening for you, we can live in town.  And there is another decision we have to make if you decide to say yes.  The town has asked me to be the first sheriff.  I need to know how you feel about that.  I am praying about it, and I am not sure what the Lord would have me do about it.  I would like for you to pray as well.  If you feel that this is not God’s plan, then I will turn down the job.”

Amanda agreed that she would pray for the wisdom to seek God’s plan for their lives.  She knew she wanted to marry Riley, but she had to pray about where they would live and the job before she could make such a serious commitment.  They agreed that they both would continue to pray and would talk it over later in the week.  Riley assured Amanda that she could take all the time she felt she needed to make the decision.

“I want you to be completely sure, Mandy.  This is the second most important decision we will make, so it deserves all the time necessary to make the right choice.”

Amanda assured him that she would wait on the Lord as they rode back to town.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Amanda felt the blackness all around her.  She was afraid and did not know which way to go.  Her arms and legs felt like lead, and she tried to cry out but could not make a sound.  Feeling her heart pounding, she knew she had to get away but she did not know what to do.  Then out of the darkness, came a voice she recognized as being safe and she moved toward it.  She felt herself moving out of the darkness and moving toward the light.

Opening her eyes, she saw that she was still in the examination room with sheets hung around the room.  She must remember to ask Sarah why they were there.  She looked toward the window and saw that the sun was shining brightly.  She could feel the warmth on her arm.  Turning her head slightly, she was surprised to see Riley on his knees next to the bed.  He had his head down on his hands and appeared to be praying, and she realized that his was the voice that she had gone toward in her dream.  Gradually, she began to make out his words.

“Lord, I am trying to accept Your will for this.  I want so much for Mandy and Will to be all righ,t but I know I have to put this in Your hands.  I know it has to be Your plan, not mine.  Lord, I never thought that I needed You before, but now I know that I cannot live without You.  I thank You for Your help in finding Mandy up on that mountain. I know that You were with me that day and guided me to her.”

“Lord, I don’t want to go on any more without You in my life.  I want to know that You are with me always.  I do believe in You and that Jesus came to this earth as Your son and as my Savior.  I believe that He died for me, for my sins!  And I ask You now to forgive me for all of my wrong doings and to come into my heart now.  Lord, I don’t know what I will do if it is not Your plan for Mandy and Will to recover, but I know that I can face anything if You are with me.  I ask You for that peace that I see in Mandy and Beth and others that I know are Christians.  Help me to have what they have.  Lord, take away my worry about this and help me.”

Riley continued praying but Amanda did not hear his words.  She was overcome with gladness that Riley was asking the Lord into his heart.  This was what they all had been praying for.  She was so happy for Riley.  She moved her hand and placed it on top of Riley’s hand. 

Riley’s eyes flew open, and he grasped Amanda’s hand.

“Mandy, are you all right?  Let me go and get Sarah.  I … we have been praying and praying that you would be all right. “ Riley started to stand, but Amanda shook her head so that he stayed beside the bed.

“Oh, Riley, I am so happy that you have made the decision to follow Christ.  It is the most important decision you will ever make – and one we all have been praying for ever since we met you.”  Amanda smiled at Riley as she clasped his hand.

Suddenly remembering how Riley and Beth had gone to see his cabin on the day the Indian had taken her, she snatched her hand away from Riley’s. Her face burned with the thought that she had been holding the hand of the man that Beth was in love with and was going to marry.

Riley did not know the direction of her thoughts and smiled back at her before going to fetch Sarah and Beth. 

Within seconds both women were beside the bed, and Sarah was examining Amanda. 

“How do you feel, Mandy?  Does your head still hurt?  Are you dizzy?”

Amanda thought before she spoke.  “I have a slight headache, but nothing like before, and I don’t think I am dizzy.”

Sarah spoke to Beth while smiling at Amanda.  “Her vital signs are normal.  I think we might try to see if she could eat some soup.  Perhaps we could even let her get up and sit in the chair for a few minutes.” 

Beth propped pillows behind Amanda while straightening her covers.  Bringing water, she washed Amanda’s face and hands.  Hannah brought hot soup for Beth to feed to the patient. 

“I feel all right.  I probably can feed myself.  There’s no need for you to go to all of this trouble.”

Beth simply smiled at Amanda before saying, “Nothing is too much trouble if it helps you to get better.  We have all been so worried about you, and we are just so happy that you are feeling better.”

Hannah had gone out of the room, so Amanda began to talk with Beth.

“Beth, before when I woke up and Riley was here beside the bed – he was praying, and Beth, he asked Jesus into his heart!  Aren’t you happy?  Now you don’t have to worry about marrying a non-believer!  It is what we have been praying for so long.” 

Beth’s face was puzzled, as she listened to Amanda.  “Mandy, I am happy that Riley asked Christ into his life, but what do you mean about me marrying a non-believer?  I would not marry anyone who was not a Christian, but I am not going to marry Riley.  Where ever did you get that idea?”

Amanda’s face reddened.  “Well, that day that Riley came to get you and take you to see his house.  I heard him say he wanted you to see it and – “   Amanda looked down at the quilt covering her as her fingers pleated the material back and forth.  “I overheard you ask him if I could come, and he said he just wanted you.  I thought – well – I thought that he must be in love with you.”

Beth placed her finger under Amanda’s chin, forcing her to look into her eyes.  “Mandy,” she said seriously.  “I have told you before.  I don’t feel that way about Riley.  And he doesn’t feel that way about me.  I had given him a Bible – it was the one that Joe gave me before we left St. Louis.  Riley wanted to ask me some questions about becoming a Christian.  It had nothing to do with the type of relationship you are talking about.”

Beth smiled at Amanda.  “He did want to ask my opinion about his house but not because he wanted me to live there with him.  I have the feeling that he wanted my opinion because he has his eye on a very good friend of mine.”

“Who?” Amanda asked.

Beth laughed.  “I think that is for Riley to tell.”

Amanda wrinkled her brow as she thought about what else Riley had prayed.  “Beth, I think Riley said something about Will in his prayer.  Is Will all right?  What did he mean?”

Beth’s face was serious.  “Mandy, I don’t know if you are strong

enough . . .”

Alarmed, Amanda begged, “Oh, now you must tell me.  What has happened?”

“When Riley went to find you, Will went with him.  When they found you. . .  well, Maouk tried to shoot Riley.”

Amanda’s face was white and she clutched her hand to her throat.  “No, did he hurt Riley?  Or Will?”

“Will stepped in front of you and Riley, and the arrow went into Will’s arm.  Sarah was able to get it all out, and he is recovering.”

Tears ran down Amanda’s face at the thought that Will had been hurt because of her.  Beth held her as she sobbed, “Oh, this is all my fault!  If I had not gone into the woods that day, none of this would have happened!”

Beth soothed her friend, “It’s all right.  Sarah thinks that Will will make a full recovery.  His arm seems to be healing without any infection.  But, Mandy, why did you go into the woods that day?   You know that we had all asked you not to go out alone.”

Amanda was ashamed to tell Beth the truth, but she knew that she had to make this right and ask for Beth’s forgiveness.

“I was jealous of you and Riley.  I thought he was going to ask you to marry him.  I know that I should not have done it, but I was so upset that I didn’t really realize how far I had gone until it was too late.  I’m sorry.  Can you forgive me?”

“Of course, I’ll forgive you.  And I know the others will too.  And, Mandy, even though your actions that day had some bad consequences, don’t forget that this ordeal forced Riley to admit he needed the Lord in his life so some good has come from this as well.”

Amanda stretched her back to ease her sore muscles.  She was sitting on a chair in their back yard, watching Hannah and Rebecca work in the garden.  Amanda had wanted to help, but Sarah had said she was not yet strong enough.  Wanting to be of some help, she had brought a basket of mending outside with her.  She looked at the lush garden and felt the warm sunlight on her face and thanked God for her safety and their home.  It was now almost two weeks since her rescue, and she felt she was fully recovered.  Will had improved a great deal and just that morning, Riley and Mr. Parker had come to get him to move him to the Parker home.  The women would continue to nurse him, but several in the community felt that it was improper for a single man to stay in the house with four single women.  Sarah had argued that they should look on her home as a hospital and had kept him close until she felt the danger of infection had passed.

Hearing a noise behind her, Amanda turned to see Beth coming through the back door.

“Oh, my!  Is it lunch time already?”  Amanda started to get up, but Beth motioned for her to remain seated.

“I am a little early, but Ben wants me to work this afternoon.  He is closing the store tomorrow because of building the school.”

The town had decided to build a combination church – school and their plans were to build it in one day.  Everyone in the community would come together the next day and stay all day.  Lumber from the saw mill was already stacked at the site. 

          The two women were joined by Hannah and Rebecca who had stopped their work as soon as they saw Beth.  The four went inside where lunch was ready to be put on the table.  With all four working, they were soon sitting and enjoying their lunch.

“We have really been busy at the store,” said Beth.  “Many of the trappers and settlers who live up in the mountains have been coming in for winter supplies.  It’s hard to believe that winter will soon be here when it’s this hot, but Ben says winter comes early in the mountains.  He has placed a large order which should be coming in any day on the Pacific Queen.”

“I have something to tell all of you.  It really is funny, but Ben didn’t think so at all.  This morning a trapper came in.  I had never seen him before, and Ben told me later that he only comes to town a few times a year.  You should have seen him.  He was huge!  I would guess he was at least six foot six inches tall and all of his clothes were made from hides of animals.  He has a long beard and long hair too.  His name was Jake Rogers.  He talks really loud and has a booming laugh.  It was hard to tell his age, but I would guess that he was at least fifty years old.”

“As soon as he came in the store, he started talking to Ben, practically hollering out his order.  Then he saw me and came right over and asked me to marry him!  Ben rushed over and told him to leave me alone, but I couldn’t help but laugh.  I don’t think he was really serious.  Evidently, he had not heard about the new women settlers.  Ben says he asks every woman he sees to marry him!  Susan James came in later and said he had been over at the community building asking everyone there to marry him too!  Finally, Mrs. Miller chased him away with her broom!  He promised all of the women that he would be back soon!  I asked Riley about him, and he said that Jake was really harmless.  He just likes to have fun with the ladies.”

After lunch, Beth returned to the store and the others cleaned the dishes before continuing their work outdoors.  Having finished the mending, Amanda began working on a dress that Beth was helping her make.  While she was recovering from her injury, Sarah had not allowed her to do any chores so she had begun a dress.  Practically finished, she just had to finish the hem, and she was working on that now.  She planned to wear it to the party the next evening.  After the church – school was completed, there was to be a party in the community building.  Many of the settlers were coming into town and spending the entire day and evening.

Hearing a knock on the door, she went to see who had come to see them.  She was delighted to see Riley and her broad smile told him so even though she was sure that she hid her feelings about him.  She would have been quite surprised if she had known that the others all suspected how she felt about Riley.

“Riley!  Come in.  Hannah and Rebecca are working out in the back and I was sewing.  Would you like something to drink?”

“No, I just stopped by to see how you were.”

“Oh, I’m fine. I think I am completely recovered even if Sarah says I still have to take it easy for a while.  Come, sit down.  Or do you want to go out back?”

“No, this will be fine.  I wanted to talk with you for a moment.  You know that the inquest was held this morning.”  Riley noticed that Amanda’s face paled at the reminder of her ordeal.  He wished he did not have to even discuss the matter, but he knew that she needed to hear the facts.

“I am happy to tell you that the board agreed that I acted in self-defense.  If I had not shot at Maouk, there is a good chance that he would have killed both Will and me.  And you might still be under his control.”

Amanda breathed a sigh of relief.  She had worried far too much over the outcome of the inquest, and she was happy that the board concurred that Riley was not guilty of any wrongdoing. 

“There is something else I wanted to tell you too.  As you know, the board is made up of the town leaders and after the inquest, they decided that the town has grown enough that we need some type of law enforcement.”

Amanda agreed, saying, “It would make everyone feel safer, and we would not have to wait for the town meetings in order to do something.  We need someone who can take charge when something goes wrong.  Just like that day, when Maouk. . .  “  Amanda stammered a bit as she thought of her capture but bravely went on, “They did not want to go after him, but had to come back to town and meet before they were ready to come save me.  I am so thankful that you and Will did not wait but came right away to help me.  You saved my life!” 

Amanda’s feelings for Riley shone in her blue eyes.  This made it even more difficult for Riley to continue, but he made himself say,  “They asked me if I would be the new sheriff.  I told them I would have to think about it, and I would let them know.”

Amanda’s eyes widened at the thought of the danger that Riley could face as the town sheriff.  Not wanting to reveal her true feelings for Riley, she remained silent.

“What do you think I should do?  I had planned to continue working at the saw mill and farming.  But I am proud that they think enough of me to ask me to take the job.  It would be a steady income, and I think we do need someone to take care of trouble here in town.”

Amanda tried to be calm as she answered, “Riley, it scares me that you would be in danger in that job.  But I cannot make that decision for you.  I would suggest that you pray about this to see if the Lord is leading you in that direction.”

“I plan to do just that.  I want you to pray about it too.  As a new Christian, I am not sure that I will know what the Lord wants for me.”

“Riley, it doesn’t matter how long you have been a Christian.  I believe that God will make His way known to you.  Don’t rush into anything. Just take your time, and I feel sure you will know what is best.”

Riley smiled at Amanda.  “Thanks for talking with me about this.  I also wanted to ask if I could accompany you to the festivities tomorrow.  I hope you all are packing a large basket of food.  All of that work will make everyone hungry.”

“We have already baked four apple pies and we are going to take fried chicken and biscuits along with other dishes.   I am really looking forward to it.  It will be the first time Sarah has allowed me out of the house!  We will be glad for you to go with us – and join us for lunch!”

After Riley left, Amanda went back to her sewing.  The other two women finished in the garden, and all three began cooking in preparation for the building of the church - school the following day.  Amanda shared the outcome of the inquest and told them that Riley had asked if he could walk with them on the next day.  Busy making corn bread for supper, she did not see the smiles the other two exchanged, thinking that there was only one person that Riley wished to accompany.

The next morning dawned bright and clear, and there was a large crowd at the site of the new church – school.  It had been decided that the building would be right at the edge of town, near the Taylor home.  Amanda felt a little frightened because it was so near to the place where she had been abducted, but she knew that she was safe now.

Amanda was pleased to see that Estelle Taylor had been allowed to attend.  Sarah had said she could come as long as she did no work and remained seated for the whole time.  She was to go back to her house after lunch.  Amanda made time for a short visit.  She had not seen Estelle since the day Maouk had taken her. 

Estelle immediately apologized, “Mandy, I feel responsible for what happened to you that day.  If you had not been visiting me, you . . .

 “Nonsense!  I was the one who wandered off into the forest.  It had nothing to do with you.  Please don’t blame yourself,” Amanda reassured her.

Sarah had warned Amanda that she should not exert herself so she was happy to sit with Estelle and talk with her.  Estelle said that she felt stronger and was looking forward to the birth of the baby, which was due in October.

Plans for the building had already been discussed, and the work began.  It amazed Amanda how quickly the walls went up.  By lunchtime, all four walls were up, and the men were ready to start on the roof. 

The women placed the food on the tables that had been made of boards on top of sawhorses and the men began to eat.  All of the women were busy serving food and bringing drinks to the men.  It seemed to Amanda as if there were piles of food and, in a matter of minutes, much of it was eaten.  The men returned to their work while the women served their own plates and sat down to talk and eat.

By late afternoon, the building was complete.  Amanda looked on the building with pride, knowing that she would be teaching here in the fall.  Only one more month until classes began. 

Everyone was packing up their tools and belongings when Pastor Taylor called for their attention.  Amanda was curious to see what he had to say because the plans were for everyone to go to the community building for the party.  Supper would be served there.

“Please, may I have your attention!  I have an announcement!  First, I want to say thank you for this beautiful building!  It is a blessing to have friends and neighbors like you who will give of their time in order that our community would have a church and a school.  I thank God for you! “

“But, that is not the announcement.  We traveled here with a group of ladies and more women have joined our community.  I am happy to announce that the first wedding will take place tonight!”

Everyone gasped and looked around at each other, wondering who the couple would be.  No one had heard of anyone getting married and, for a moment, Amanda wondered if Jake Rogers had gotten someone to say yes.

Pastor Taylor went on, “I am happy to announce that the happy couple is Jane Walker and Jacques Dubois! They will be married right now!”

There was clapping as everyone turned to find the couple in the crowd.  Jane was blushing, and Jacques was smiling widely.  Amanda and the others were as surprised as everyone else.  Jane had not given them a clue of her feelings. Jane and Jacques made their way to Pastor Taylor who performed the ceremony. 

Amanda and Beth walked over to Jane and Jacques and waited their turn to speak with the couple.

“Jane, what a surprise!  Why didn’t you tell us?”

Jane looked down, hiding a shy smile.

“Oh, my Jane es so shy! I ask her and ask her and she would not agree but finally I convince her that Jacques loves her very much. When she says yes, I don’t want to wait.  I am afraid she change her mind again! We will be very happy, oui?”

Riley joined them and congratulated Jacques on his beautiful bride.  This made Jane blush even more, and Amanda thought that she did look beautiful.  Perhaps it was true that love made every bride beautiful. 

The group walked back to their house to dress for the party.  Riley and Ben were coming to walk with them to the community building.

The party that evening seemed to be the most festive since their arrival.  Everyone crowded around the happy couple to offer their congratulations, and many came to tell Amanda how happy they were to see her safe and unharmed after her capture. 

Amanda heard Jake before she actually saw him and at her first glimpse of him, she saw he was exactly as Beth had described.  He seemed to be having a wonderful time, dancing with one woman after another.  Riley had stayed close to Amanda’s side most of the night, and she had danced with him several times.  Sarah had advised her to sit out at least half of the dances, and Riley seemed determined to make sure that she followed doctor’s orders. 

The band had begun to play the last song of the evening when a disturbance was heard on the floor.  Amanda craned her neck in order to see what was causing the problem.  It seemed as if Jake Rogers and Leon Edwards both wanted to dance with the same partner.  Riley went over and, after talking with both of them, escorted them out of the building.  Amanda had to admit to herself that Riley would make a good sheriff.  He was calm and seemed to be able to settle problems easily.  She remembered the way he had handled Mr. Zimmerman in St. Louis.  Still afraid for Riley, she vowed to pray that Riley would know God’s plan for him.

Riley and Ben walked with Hannah, Beth, and Amanda on the way to their house after the party.  Hannah, Beth, and Ben were several yards in front of them when Riley took Amanda’s hand and tucked it into his arm.  Amanda was glad of the darkness that hid her blush.  For some reason, she seemed to be tongue tied tonight and was at a loss to think of a topic of conversation. 

“Mandy, were you surprised about Jacques and Jane?”

“Yes, I really was.  I had no idea they even knew each other that well.”

“Well, I think sometimes a person just knows that another person is right for him, but I think they grew closer when you and Will were sick.  All of you had been taking care of Jacques so when Hannah and Beth were busy with you and Will, Jane started helping Cora Parker with Jacques.  Jacques is a likable fellow, and I think he will make a good husband for Jane.  I know that he has talked with Will about renting a house.  I heard that they would stay at the boarding house until they can get a place.”

Amanda looked and saw that the others had gone on and she and Riley were a short distance behind them now.  She was a little surprised when Riley came to a stop, and she turned to see why.

Taking both of her hands in his, Riley looked down into her eyes. 

“Mandy, do you think you will feel like taking a ride up to my house tomorrow afternoon after lunch? I can get a horse and wagon from the livery stable.  I really would like to talk with you.”

“Yes, I would like that.  Beth has told me that your house is wonderful and that the view of the sound is beautiful.”  Amanda hoped her voice did not betray her nervousness.  She felt her heart began to beat faster and faster at the thought of spending time alone with Riley. 

“Is it all right if I come by in the morning to walk with you to church?”

“Of course.  That will be fine.”  Amanda nodded her agreement.

“I think you know that I have not made a public announcement of my decision to follow Christ.  I wanted to wait until both you and Beth could be there, because you both were good witnesses to me and helped me to see that I needed to follow Him.  I have already spoken to Pastor Taylor, and I plan to go forward after the service tomorrow.”

Amanda squeezed Riley’s hand.  “Riley, that is wonderful.  I believe that decision is a personal one, but I also believe that God would have us claim Him as our Savoir publicly.  I believe this is a good witness for others.  You did not have to wait for me, but thank you for doing so.”