Love Longed For
Written by Holly M. Custer
Copyright 2001
 

Heather gazed speculatively out of the window. It had been a long, hard winter. Spring

was just around the corner and she was stuck inside teaching fifteen restless children who wanted to be outside enjoying the sunshine.

Suddenly, Heather stood up and smiled down at her students.

“All right, children. School is dismissed. Let’s go enjoy the beautiful sunshine.” A cheer went up from the children. Excited as they were, the children filed orderly to the back of the small building and pulled on winter coats, scarves, mittens and boots. It was still quite chilly and there was snow still on the ground.

Heather waited until the children had left, then she hurriedly cleaned the blackboards and swept the wood floor. She eagerly pulled on her coat, mittens and boots and headed outside. After locking the door, she stood and breathed in the fresh, clean air. With almost a skip, Heather headed towards her sister’s home.

She was very appreciative of her sister and brother-in-law’s hospitality. She could never really call Halie and Chad’s home her own even though she had lived there for over three years.

Heather yearned for a home of her own. She wanted all the things that Halie and Chad had together. She wanted to stay at home and wait eagerly for her husband to come home. She wanted the love and warmth of a wonderful and happy marriage. She wanted children. She loved her niece and nephew, but they weren’t her own. Heather sighed and knew that someday God would provide a husband and family for her.

Curiously, at the mention of God, her thoughts turned to the young minister who had come to their town several months ago. His name was Kent Mathison. What a handsome man he was! Wavy, brown hair that refused to be tamed by water and a comb. Beautiful, hazel eyes that seemed to warm her whenever he looked at her.

Heather’s thoughts turned to the sermon that Kent had preached the Sunday before. It had been about Jesus dying on the cross to save everyone from their sins. Kent had said that the only way to heaven was by accepting Jesus into their hearts and lives.

Chad and Halie had both gone forward to accept this man called Jesus. Their home had been filled with more love and joy then ever before. They read their Bible daily and they prayed before meals. Heather wanted to have this Jesus in her life, but she wanted to do it for herself and not because she thought Kent was good-looking or because Chad and Halie had done so.

Looking up, Heather saw that she was standing in front of the church. Slowly, she turned and walked up the front steps and stepped inside. It was dark, so Heather waited for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. She walked slowly up the aisle and sat down on the front pew. She wanted so desperately to find the happiness and joy her sister and brother-in-law had, but she didn’t know how to pray. She bowed her head and closed her eyes hoping something might come to her.

“May I be of service to you this afternoon, Miss Lockerbie?” Startled, Heather jumped and looked up. There stood Kent Mathison.

Heather stood to her feet.

“I-I was wondering if you could tell me more about Jesus? I would like to know him.” Heather whispered shyly.

“I would love to tell you more about my Savior.” Kent answered with a smile. “It would be more appropriate if we went to a more public place. May I buy you a cup of coffee?”

“Yes, thank you.” Heather answered with a smile.

At the small restaurant, Heather and Kent sat down with two mugs of steaming coffee. Looking up, Kent smiled warmly at Heather putting her at her ease.

“What would you like to know, Miss Lockerbie?” Kent asked quietly as he stared into her lovely, blue eyes.

“Anything and everything.” Heather answered with a mischievous smile. Kent chuckled.

“All right, Miss Lockerbie. Let me tell you about a long ago night in the little town of Bethlehem. A young man and his espoused (that means they were engaged) wife came to an inn on the edge of the town. It was a very busy time of year for this area because they were being taxed by the emperor of Rome. Anyways, Joseph and Mary, the young couple, stopped at an inn to find a place to rest. They were told that there was no room. They heard this over and over that evening. Finally, at the very last inn, the innkeeper took pity on them and said they could stay in the stable behind the inn. By this time, Mary and Joseph were willing to sleep anywhere. You see, Mary was going to have a baby. This baby was the Savior of the world. He was the One who would lay down His life for all who have sinned. A wonderful gift for us to take advantage of. All we have to do, Heather, is accept that gift from Jesus. We need to accept him into our lives and ask his forgiveness of our sins. It’s that simple.”

“The Savior of the world was born in a stable?” Heather was incredulous. How could these people let their Savior be born in a stable?

“It does seem rather cruel, doesn’t it? That’s not the important part, Heather. The important part is to realize that we are sinners........”

"I’m not a sinner! I haven’t killed anyone. I don’t steal.”

“Have you lied, Heather? That’s a sin. Getting angry at someone is a sin. There are so many different ways to sin.” Kent answered quietly. “I am a sinner.”

“You?”

“Yes, me.” Kent replied with a smile.

“Could you show me in your Bible?” She asked.

“Of course.” Kent answered with a gentle smile for the beautiful, young woman sitting next to him. How he wanted to get to know her and court her, but he knew it would be wrong for him to be associated with a young woman of different beliefs. It didn’t make for a very happy or healthy relationship.. He prayed fervently that she would accept his Savior.

Two hours later, the owner of the restaurant asked that they leave because they were closing.

“Oh, dear, I didn’t realize what time it was.” Heather exclaimed apologetically.

“I enjoyed myself, Miss Lockerbie. I hope we can discuss this more later on?” Kent said with a question in his hazel eyes.

“It’s only seven o’clock, Pastor Mathison. I am sure my sister and brother-in-law would love to have you over for dinner.” Heather said shyly.

“I would love to come for dinner.” At that, they walked to the small house Chad had built for his bride.

“Halie, I’m home. I’m sorry I was gone so long.” Heather called from the door. “I brought home a guest for dinner. I hope that was all right.”

“I really wish you would let us know.......Pastor Kent! How lovely to see you.” Halie greeted with a genuine smile on her face when she saw the young minister. “Please come in and sit down. Chad should be in soon. He is just finishing up the chores. Heather, dear, could you please check on Katie and Adam? The good Lord only knows what they are into now.” Halie sighed.

“Of course, Halie.” Heather took off her outer garments and went into the youngsters’ room to find them playing quietly with Adam’s building blocks.

Katie was a happy, bubbly three-year-old. She had vibrant, green eyes and auburn curls Adam was a sturdy eighteen-month old. He had blue eyes and dark hair.

“Auntie Heather!” Katie squealed with delight as she saw the young woman enter the room.

“Hello, sweetie.” Heather answered hugging the child close to her heart. Heather’s own baby would have been a few months older than Katie. Heather’s heart still yearned to hold her miscarried child. The tears started to fall as she thought of her lost child. Quickly, she got a hold of herself and proceeded to play with the children for a few minutes.

After dinner, Heather and Kent went out on to the porch while Chad and Halie put the children to bed.

“Heather, I sense there is something keeping you from accepting Jesus as your Savior. I would like to help if I could.” Kent said with a warm smile towards the young woman.

“Well, I was married for about a year over three years ago to a man who didn’t love me. I was also expecting his child.” Heather said with a blush on her cheeks. She was not used to speaking so frankly to a young man. “I can’t remember why he got angry, but he did and he hit me. Then, he ran out and was run over by a freight wagon. I ran out when I heard the commotion and slipped on the stairs. I fell and lost the baby. How can God allow that to happen?” Heather answered with tears streaming down her cheeks. “I wanted that baby so much. I was so upset when I lost it.”

“Heather, I am so sorry that you lost that baby. But, did you know that Jesus is taking care of your child as we speak?” Kent said softly. He clasped her hand in comfort.

“Really?” She answered wiping the tears from her face.

“Really.” Kent said with a smile. “I know that God had a special reason for taking your baby home before you ever got to know him. It’s not a nice thing to think about but maybe the baby had something wrong with it and it would have suffered terribly if it had been born. Maybe, God didn’t feel you were ready to care for a baby yet. We just don’t know what God’s thoughts and plans are. We DO know that He sent His Son to die for the sins of the world. All we have to do is accept that precious gift and ask Jesus into our hearts. It’s really not hard. Would you like to do this, Heather?”

“I don’t know. You make it sound so simple.” Heather said hesitantly.

“It is simple.”

“I need to think about it.” Heather answered. She wanted this so desperately, but it sounded too good to be true.

“All right, Miss Lockerbie. I will see you in church on Sunday?” Kent unconsciously reverted to his minister attitude. To Heather, it seemed like a slap in the face. She knew he liked her. She didn’t understand what was going on. Maybe Chad and Halie could answer her questions. “I really must leave now. it’s getting late. Please tell your sister and brother-in-law I said ‘good-night’.” Kent left without another word.

Heather went into the house. She sat down in the rocking chair and puzzled over Kent’s change of behavior.

“Heather, dear, is there something wrong?” Halie said with a concerned look for her younger sister.

“I’m not sure. I thought Kent liked me, but he totally changed after we talked tonight. It was like we were strangers.”

“Did you discuss accepting Jesus tonight, Heather?” Halie asked straightforwardly.

“Yes. I told him I needed to think about it.”

“Oh, Heather. Kent still likes you, dear, but unfortunately, according to the Bible he is not allowed to court or marry you.”

“But why not?” Heather exclaimed.

“The Bible talks about being ‘unequally yoked’. This means that a Christian should not court or marry a non-Christian.. It would cause too many problems in the marriage. A husband and wife should be of one mind and one spirit. Since Kent believes the way he does and you don’t believe his way...at this point, he feels he cannot court you and be true to his beliefs.”

“Oh. Well, I guess there are other men who want to court me. Kent Mathison isn’t all that wonderful.” Heather said flippantly. Deep down inside, Heather knew that Kent Mathison was everything she ever wanted in a man.

“Oh, Honey, don’t talk that way.”

“Well, maybe I will just let Colin Ward court me. He is very good-looking.” Heather said. “Good-night, Halie.”

Halie sat in shock. Heather was not herself. The young man, Colin Ward, was a gambler and an alcoholic. He also had tried to make several advances at Halie herself. In fact, he had gotten as far as kissing her before Chad had shown up and punched him.. Halie shuddered at the thought of sweet Heather going out with that terrible man.

Halie put her crocheting down and ran to find Chad. They needed to do some heavy praying for Heather.

Two days later, Kent was distressed when Chad and Halie came to him about Heather’s “new” attitude. He couldn’t believe she would do this to herself and her family. The three of them knelt and prayed fervently for Heather’s salvation and well-being as she kept the company of the unsavory men of Tucson.

In the meantime, Heather was sitting in a smoke-filled saloon laughing and talking to Colin Ward who was in the process of losing a bundle of money. She held a drink in her hand and was dressed in the most immodest dress she could find in Tucson.

Heather’s rebellion seemed to last an eternity. In reality, it was only six weeks. She would come home in the wee hours of the morning. Chad and Halie would lay awake and listen as Heather laughed loudly at something Colin Ward had to say. She stopped attending church and spent more time in Colin’s company. She could be seen waltzing down the middle of the street in her scanty dress draped all over Colin Ward like a scarf.

All Chad and Halie could do was pray. Many times, Kent prayed right along next to them. This situation was breaking all of their hearts. All they knew to do was keep the faith and continually pray for the young woman.

It was six weeks later, when an answer to prayer came along in the form of Halie and Heather’s father. They knew if anyone could touch Heather’s cold, hard heart it was her father. When Heather awoke and came into the living area, Chad and Halie sat waiting for her.

“The welcome committee I see.” Heather said saucily.

“No, Heather, we have someone who wants to speak to you for a moment.” At that point, Halie and Heather’s father, Douglas Lockerbie, entered the room.

“D-daddy?” Heather was stunned.

“Hello, Daughter. Are you well?”

“Yes, I suppose so.” She answered nervously.

“Please sit down, dear.” Douglass said gently. he turned to Halie and Chad. “Would you please excuse us?”

“Of course, sir, we will be with the children.” Chad answered taking Halie gently by the arm and steering her towards the children’s room.

“Why are you here, Daddy?” Heather asked trying to regain her composure.

“Well, sweetheart, I was on my way here for a visit and was rather taken aback to hear when I got here that my youngest daughter is socializing with the gamblers and drinkers. What is going on, my sweet?”

Heather started to be belligerent, then she crumbled and started to sob. She covered her face with her hands and wept bitterly. Douglas took her into his arms and held her close as she cried. Finally, the tears subsided and he sat back from her handing her his handkerchief.

“All right, daughter, now would you tell me what is going on?” Heather spilled out the story. She spilled out the struggle she was having about her decision to accept Jesus, her attraction for the young Pastor and his apparent indifference to her.

“First of all, Heather, I just recently accepted Jesus as my Savior.” Heather stared up at him in surprise. “Secondly, if you truly want Him in your life why not just accept Him? He loves you and wants you for His own. It doesn’t matter what your reasoning may be. If you truly and sincerely accept Him into your heart, that is all that matters. If you take this step, I believe, your problems with Pastor Kent may be over.”

“Do you really think so, Daddy?” Heather murmured.

“I know so.”

“I’m ready to accept Jesus, honestly and sincerely.” Heather answered softly. With great joy, the father and daughter held hands and knelt in prayer before their Father in Heaven. Heather became a child of the God of the Universe.

Heather stood to her feet and smiled. She flung her arms around her father and hugged him tight. “Thank you, Daddy.” She said.

“Can we come out now?” Chad said poking his head through the door.

Douglas and Heather both laughed and motioned him out.

Heather walked over to her brother-in-law. She took his hand and spoke quietly and serenely.

“Chad, I apologize for the circumstances I put you and Halie through. You have been nothing but kind to me. I also haven’t been the best example for my niece and nephew.”
Heather was crying, healing tears this time.

“I forgive you, Heather. All we ever wanted for you was the best.” He answered hugging her close.

“I forgive you, too.” Halie said with rears running down her cheeks. Chad drew her into his embrace and they all hugged.

“I really should go and speak to Pastor Kent.” Heather said.

“You go ahead, Heather. Invite him for dinner this evening.” Halie said with a smile.

Heather pulled on her warm coat, mittens and boots. She pulled on her scarf and headed out the door. She closed it quietly and stood breathing in the fresh, crisp air. “Thank you for this lovely day, Jesus.” She whispered.

Heather walked quickly to the small, white church. She entered the building and saw Kent kneeling at the altar. She started to walk forward, but stopped when she heard him praying aloud.

“.....Please be with Heather, Father, she is a lost lamb that needs to find you. I pray that you be with me as I wait for her acceptance of you as her Savior. You know how I feel about her, Lord. You know the love I have in my heart for this lady.” Kent paused. “I pray this all n your precious Son’s name. Amen.” Kent stood to is feet and turned around. He was startled to see Heather standing there.

Heather lowered her eyes and blushed. She walked slowly forward. “I-I didn’t mean to walk in on your prayer, Pastor Kent.”

“That’s all right, Miss Lockerbie. I assume you heard most of my prayer?” he said straightforwardly.

Heather started to deny it, but decided lying was not a good way to start a relationship with Jesus or Kent.

“I wanted to come and tell you that I accepted Jesus this morning.” Heather said softly keeping her eyes on Kent’s face. She saw his eyes light up and a small smile curve his full lips.

“Oh, Heather! That is wonderful news!” Kent exclaimed stepping forward and taking her hands in his.

“Kent, did you mean what you said in your prayer about me?” Heather asked hesitantly and shyly.

“I meant everything I said, Heather.” Kent said softly. “I would never lie to God.” He smiled and took her hand. “I would like to court you, Heather. I would like to ask your father first if that’s all right with you.”

“I would like that. “ Heather answered shyly.

Of course Heather’s father readily agreed to having the young pastor court his daughter. He liked the young man and knew that Kent was perfect for his daughter.

Several weeks later, Heather was walking home late from teaching school. She had to stay after to grade some test papers. It was dark, but the way was lit up with the brightness of the moon and stars. Heather hummed as she strolled along enjoying the evening.

Unfortunately, she did not hear or see the men who came up behind her and grabbed her and chloroformed her.

“Shouldn’t Heather be home soon?” Douglas Lockerbie asked pulling our his pocket watch and checking the time.

“She should have been home about fifteen minutes ago.” Halie answered putting her crocheting down to check on the pot simmering on the back of the stove.

“Do you think she stopped in to see Pastor Kent?” The concerned father asked.

Before Chad or Halie could answer, there was a knock on the door. Chad got up and answered it. Standing there was Kent.

“Hey, Pastor Kent! Is Heather with you?” Chad asked ushering the young man into the small house.

“No, she’s not. I thought she would be home already.”

“She’s not home yet.” Chad said thoughtfully. “Shall we go see if we can find her, Kent?” He looked to the younger man with a grim smile. He didn’t say it, but something was not right. he could feel it in his bones.

“I think that would be a good idea.” Kent answered with a whispered prayer up to his Heavenly Father.

“I’m going with you.” Douglas said firmly. Neither of the younger men argued.

Halie stood back as they prepared to go. They were being overly cautious. I hope. Halie thought watching as they loaded their six-shooters and made sure they were in good, working order.

When they were ready, Halie went and hugged her father close, then she turned to Chad and threw her arms around his neck. Chad drew back and kissed her passionately on the lips.

“We’ll find her, sweetheart. Don’t worry.”

“I know you will.” Halie whispered brushing his cheek with gentle fingers. “I love you Chad.”

“I love you, too, my love.” He answered with a quick kiss.

The three men left. The children were in bed, so Halie went to her room and knelt down by the bed and began a long night of prayer.

Outside the house, the three men stopped and said a prayer before setting out to find the young woman. They followed the path that Heather would have taken to get home. Halfway to the schoolhouse, Kent spotted something.

“Look!” Kent pointed to a small, white object on the side of the road. They rushed over and Kent bent down and picked the object up. “Oh, dear God!” He breathed prayerfully.

“What is it, Kent?”

“It’s the bag I had Halie crochet for Heather’s birthday last month.” He murmured holding the bag gently in his large, roughened hands.

“She wouldn’t drop it for any reason, unless........” Chad’s voice trailed off as he remembered a conversation he had overheard between Colin Ward and his best friend, Malcolm Finney.

“Colin Ward has her.” He stated firmly.

“How do you know?” Kent and Douglas both asked.

“From a conversation I heard between him and his friend, Malcolm Finney.” We need to go back to the house and get horses.” The men turned and hurried back to the Rogue homestead.

“Chad? Did you find her? What’s going on?” Halie asked standing to her feet her crocheting dropping with out her notice.

“Honey, we haven’t found her. We think we know what has happened. We, uh, we found her bag on the side of the road coming from town. We think she’s been kidnapped. Be strong, Halie. Jesus will protect her.” Chad said simply. He pulled her to him for a long moment, then left to go find his sister-in-law.

The three worried men rode silently out to Colin Ward’s ranch. They knew they would have to be quiet and quick.

They left their horses in the woods west of Ward’s ranch house. Douglas stayed with the horses somewhat reluctantly. Chad and Kent crept stealthily towards the adobe house. They watched the two guards circle the house and timed their rounds. If they timed it just right, they could take out each guard separately and quietly.

Kent clutched his rope in one hand and his six-shooter in the other. He rushed the first guard and knocked him cold before he could call out. He quickly tied and gagged him and dragged him back behind the brush where Chad was.

Chad repeated Kent’s process just as quickly and efficiently as Kent had. They snuck to the front west corner of the house and stopped. Chad motioned that he would come through the back while Kent came through the front. Kent was to give Chad five minutes and then charge through the door.

Inside the house, Heather was tied to a chair. She was gagged and very scared. She was also not feeling well along with the fact that Colin Ward had threatened to kill her more than once. She realized the man was not stable. She prayed fervently that someone would save her.

As she sat there, Colin gloated over the fact that he had poisoned her water. She was stunned. She couldn’t believe he would be so ruthless.

Suddenly, she saw Kent come charging through the front door with his gun up and ready to fire. Then she heard Chad from behind her yell. “Hold it! You’re under arrest!”

Colin Ward froze for just a second and then shot himself. He was dead before he hit the floor. Heather screamed and started to cry.

Kent went to her and untied her. He pulled her into his arms and held her close as she sobbed from fright and shock and relief. Chad knelt over the body of the young gambler. He bowed his head at the sadness of it all. Chad got up and took a blanket and covered the dead man up. He would send the coroner out to get the body when he got back to town.

He turned to Kent and Heather to make sure she was all right and was relieved to see that she seemed to be considering everything she had gone through.

He went outside and whistled to his father-in-law. Douglas brought the horses to the house and he and Chad loaded the captured guards on two of the horses.

Kent and Heather came out of the house. He lifted her on to his horse and swung up behind her. He waited for Chad and Douglas, but they motioned him on.

Kent kept his arm securely around the young woman in front of him. He wanted to get her home as soon as possible.

“Kent, stop the horse, please.” Heather asked placing her hand on the reins. Kent stopped the mare and slid down. He turned and Heather slid into his arms.

“What is it, sweetheart?” Kent murmured.

“I just wanted to tell you how I feel about you.” She answered looking up into his face. It was dark out, but she could just see his face by the light of the moon.

“Honey, we need to get you home. We have time for that later.” He answered with a gentle smile.

“No, we don’t, Kent. Colin put poison in my water when I was thirsty this afternoon just before you came in. I don’t know how long we have before I.....die.” She said.

”No....NO!!!” Kent cried not wanting to believe her tragic words.

“I just want to tell you I love you and I want more than anything to be your wife. Oh.......” She moaned and collapsed against Kent. Somehow, he managed to get both of them up into the saddle. He kicked the mare into a gallop and reached the Rogue homestead within minutes.

“Kent! What’s wrong?!” Halie exclaimed as Kent slammed through the door carrying an unconscious Heather in his arms.

Without waiting for an answer, Halie led him to Heather’s room and he laid her on the bed. “Halie, Heather said that Ward poisoned her this afternoon. I need to get the doctor.” Halie gasped and almost fainted, but she prayed for strength. She didn’t dare try to speak, so she pushed Kent towards the door and turned back to her sister.

She undressed her and put on a warm, frilly nightgown. The tears rolled down her cheeks as she cared tenderly for her dying sister. When she was done, she went to the living area and saw Kent was just riding up with the doctor from town. Chad and Douglas were coming from the stable where they had put their horses. The two criminals had been taken to the jail in town where the deputy was watching over them diligently.

Halie led the doctor to Heather’s room. She reluctantly left him and went straight to Chad. He drew her into his arms and Halie cried. She came back to her senses when she felt Chad’s tears mingling with hers on her cheeks.

Halie turned to her father and saw that he and Kent were kneeling on the floor praying. Halie could see the tears rolling down her father’s and pastor’s faces.

At that moment, the doctor stepped from Heather’s room. He closed the door quietly and turned to the waiting family.

“I am sorry, but there is nothing I can do. I can tell you that she doesn’t have much time. Pastor, she also asked me to get your assistant pastor to come and marry you if it was acceptable to you. You may go and see her. I am so very sorry.” The doctor looked upset that he couldn’t help the girl live.

The family traipsed into the sickroom. They gathered around Heather’s bed as she smiled up at them.

“Daddy, I love you.” Heather said simply with a warm smile for her father. He leaned over and held her close. He didn’t have the words to tell her of his love for her, but he knew she knew how he felt.

“Chad, my dear friend and brother, take care of Halie and the children. They all love you and worship you.” She whispered as he bent over and hugged her close.

“Halie, my dearest sister. I will miss you so, but you know, you all know, I will be with Jesus. I can hardly wait to see his face.” Heather stated with a glow on her pale face.

“Kent.....” Heather started to cry. Kent came over and pulled her into his arms. Heather slid her arms around him and held him tight. “You are the love of my life, my darling. I hope you don’t mind that I asked Jeremy over to marry us.”

“I am so glad you did, my love.” Kent murmured brushing her soft hair back from her face.

“Kent, Jeremy’s here.” Chad said with a hand on Kent’s shoulder.

“I want to stand for my wedding ceremony.” Heather murmured. Kent helped her to her feet. Halie placed a warm, crocheted shawl over Heather’s shoulders. Kent supported Heather with an arm around her waist.

Kent and Heather stood in front of Jeremy who was standing in front of the fireplace. Chad was best man and Halie was matron of honor. Douglas, of course, was father of the bride.

The ceremony was beautiful. Kent and Heather kissed for the first time as man and wife.

Suddenly, Heather collapsed against Kent. He picked her up and laid her on her bed. At her bedside, they all stood quietly waiting for the inevitable.

Heather looked around.

“Don’t you all understand? I’m going to see Jesus! We should all be rejoicing!” She exclaimed.

“We all will miss you, daughter.” Douglas said softly.

“I know, Daddy. I don’t want to say ‘good-bye’, but ‘see you later.’ I love you all very much! Could I speak to Kent alone?” Heather asked reaching out a hand to her husband.

With a hug for Heather, they all filed out.

“Oh, my darling husband, I am so tired.” Heather murmured as Kent sat on the bed and lifted her into his arms. She nestled against him, her head pressed against his strong shoulder.

“I know, sweetheart. I love you, Heather, and I’m glad we married.”

“Please, take care of yourself, Kent. I want you strong and healthy for the work Jesus has for you down here. I love you so very much, my love.” Slowly, Heather’s eyes closed and her breathing stopped.

With a sob, Kent laid his wife’s body back down on the bed. He then slid to the floor and bowed before his God praying for strength and the will to do as his wife wished.

After about an hour, Kent exited the room and stood before his family calmly and quietly.

“She’s gone home.” Was all that he said. He turned and left the small house. He needed time alone to deal with his loss.

Heather Anne Lockerbie Mathison was laid to rest quietly and unassumingly. Her family and friends were all there celebrating the life of a beautiful, young woman. The children of her school sang “Amazing Grace”.

Later that week, Kent drove up to the house in a wagon with a tarp on the bed of the wagon.

“Kent, come in and have some breakfast.” Chad called from the doorway.

“I would like to, but I need to get going.” Kent fidgeted with his hat. “Can I talk to you and Halie, Chad?”

“Of course. I’ll bring Halie out.” Chad went back into the house. A few seconds later, Chad and Halie came out closing the door behind them. Halie hugged her brother-in-law.

“You’re leaving, Kent?” Halie asked quietly.

“Yes, I’m going to California. I am sure a good preacher is needed out there. I think-I think Heather would want me to.” He answered swallowing hard.

“You know you always have a home with us if you ever need it.” Chad said holding out his hand to the young man.

“Thanks, Chad. I will remember. Halie, take care of that beautiful niece and nephew.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Well, I’m going to do the Lord’s work. I know he will keep me strong. I love you both Good-bye.” Chad and Halie watched as Kent climbed up into the wagon. He smiled at them and then set his horses to the west. They watched as he drove out of sight.

Several weeks later, Chad came home with a letter. Halie watched as he sat down heavily in his chair. He bowed his head and the letter floated to the floor. Halie walked over and picked it up.

Mr. & Mrs. Rogue
My name is Arnold Weiss. I am the minister of a church
over here in San Francisco. I found your name and address
in Kent’s belongings. Kent was killed saving three small
children from a terrible fire their father had started in his
drunkenness. The children are safe because of the kindness
and love of a young man who loved God. I am sorry to have
to tell you this sad news, but Kent is in Heaven with his beloved
Heather now.

Sincerely,
Arnold Weiss.

Halie knelt down and put her arms around her grieving husband. “It’s all right, my love. He’s home with Jesus and Heather.”

“I know, love. It’s our loss I am grieving. I will miss him.” He brushed his hands over his eyes and smiled at his wife.

“Chad, I have something I need to tell you.” Halie said hesitatingly.

“What is it, sweetheart?”

“I’m pregnant.” She answered.

“Really?” Chad pulled Halie to her feet and embraced her warmly. “I am so happy. I guess that life does go on even when we lose loved ones.” He kissed Halie passionately and they sat down to supper with their two children.

The End