PROLOGUE

 

Bo King stood on his sweeping porch, gazing out at his fields as he had each morning, a mug of freshly brewed black coffee securely between his hands. He breathed in the delicious aroma of this new blend of coffee beans, as the steam danced before his face and now mingled with the crisp scent of a spring morning.

Der Herr had been so gut to him. He had more blessings than any man could ask for. Yet, he lacked one thing. He didn't want to ask God for more—He already knew his heart.

"Gott, thank You for Your bountiful blessings. You have given me much. You know my heart and what it longs for, but I will trust You to do what You think is best. Please be by my side on this day which You have created, let me rejoice and be glad in it. Help me to dwell on the blessings that I do have and not on that which I don’t. Guide my steps and use me to bring joy to others and glory to You. You are my all. Thy will be done. Amen."

He inhaled another breath, sipping on his morning delight. Why had Gott allowed him to have that dream last night? What had it meant? It seemed so real. He thought on it now. The images flashed vividly through his mind, his heart...

A woman smiled down at a newborn boppli in her arms, and gazed into his innocent eyes, as his tiny hand fisted around her loose kapp string.

“I see he has his mamm’s strength,” he’d said.

She looked up into his eyes. The joy and love radiating from her countenance told him this was his wife. Mei fraa.

She surveyed the room, as though searching for someone. “Has the midwife gone?”

“Yes, she left a while ago but she should return shortly. Do you need something? I could get it for you. She ordered me to make sure you get some rest.” He lightly massaged her shoulder.

“No, I’m fine.”

“Has the little one eaten?” He stared down in wonder at the precious blessing she held.

“He should have a full tummy.” She kissed the boppli’s head.

“In that case, he’s all mine. You take a nap now, lieb. You know visitors will be stopping by and you’ll need all the energy you can get. Not to mention, this little one will no doubt keep us up at night.” He leaned over and kissed her lips, as though it were the most natural thing in the world, before securing the baby in his arms. Their young son seemed extra tiny next to his own bulky frame.

He’d been grinning so much, the muscles in his face ached.

Even now. Surely he’d been smiling in his sleep.

If only it hadn’t been a dream.

Oh, how his heart ached. He understood how Adam must've felt when Creation was nearly complete and he looked around for his perfect match. Only to find none—no one for Adam. Until the Good Lord intervened on his behalf.

Gott, if there's any way possible...