A few minutes later Benjamin and Pearl returned to the kitchen. “I can’t believe Ma is resting so well.” Pearl kept her voice low. “After the way she was acting so sick before, I can’t believe it, either. Let’s just hope she stays that way. Restful and feeling better.” Benjamin took his usual seat at the table and then looked at the entrance to the sickroom. “God sure acted fast, didn’t He?”
Pearl joined him at the table. “He sure did. Not that He always works that quickly. But I’m glad He did this time. Ma was suffering.”
Benjamin looked back at Pearl. “So you think our prayers had something to do with your ma’s fever breaking?”
“What else could it be? She begged us to pray for relief. As soon as we did, the fever broke.”
“We’ve been here awhile now. Wonder why she picked that moment in time to ask us?”
“I think she was too sick and desperate not to.”
Benjamin was thoughtful. “Maybe God does help people, after all.”
“Of course He does.” Pearl remembered Benjamin’s bitterness over how his brothers had deserted him at Sadie’s. “Just because you had a tough childhood doesn’t mean God wasn’t there.”
“But how could He expect me to find Him at Sadie’s? I didn’t go there on my own. But when I ended up there, I naturally fell into the gambling life. What else could I have done? If I’d had my druthers, I’d have done something else with my life if God hadn’t abandoned me.”
“Like what?” Pearl kept her voice gentle. She wanted to challenge him to think, not to alienate the only man she had ever loved.
Benjamin shrugged. “I don’t know. I might have been a blacksmith’s apprentice. Or worked at a shop in town. Or maybe even been a rancher.”
“You’re a rancher now. Of sorts.”
“I suppose I am.” Benjamin crossed his arms. “But it’s taken me an awful long time to get here.”
“Maybe God had a reason for you to take the long way around.”
“You took the long way around, too,” he pointed out.
“I’d like to think of my time in Denmark as a mistake. I learned a lot from straying off the path. I never will stray again.”
“I’m glad,” Benjamin said. “I don’t mean any disrespect against your ma, but I can see by the way she talks to you that you haven’t always had it easy. You never have had it easy, really.”
“Maybe not. But I haven’t had it as hard as some people. At least I do have a ma, and she does love me enough not to want me to suffer for an eternity out of the presence of God. I don’t want you to suffer, either,” Pearl said. “I want you to know God, but not because you’ve made some sort of bargain or deal with Him. You must seek His face because you want to know the Lord and because you want the Lord to be part of your life through all times, not just bad times.”
“Things have gotten better since I stopped gambling and cheating people out of their money. I feel much better now in my heart. I can see now, by the way things have turned out in my life, that God never abandoned me while I was at Sadie’s. But I sure can see a difference in my life now compared to then.”
“I can see the difference in you. And I can feel the difference in me, too. That was no life for me. Or you,” Pearl added.
“I do want a new life, Pearl. Pastor Giles said I can get baptized. I think I want to do that.”
Pearl gasped and touched Benjamin’s arm. “You do! Oh, Benjamin, I’m so glad to hear you say that. You’ve made me so happy!”
Ma called from the next room. “Pearl!” Her voice sounded strong.
“Ma!” Pearl jumped from her seat and rushed into her mother’s room. “How are you—?” She stopped. “Ma!”
The older woman was sitting upright in her bed without her back touching the pillow. Sickness had melted from her being. A smile decorated her face.
Pearl gasped. “Ma! What happened?”
“I—I feel better than I have in weeks. Why, I do believe the Lord cured me! Hallelujah!” Ma lifted her arms in praise. “Thank You, God, and thank you both for your prayers.” She threw back the covers and started to exit the bed.
Pearl hastened to stop her. “Don’t leap out of bed just yet. You might not be as strong as you think.”
“What do you mean? I should be able to get up and fix supper. Remember Peter’s mother-in-law in Matthew, how Jesus healed her of a fever? ‘And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.’ ” She shook her head at the young couple. “And if there’s anybody who needs ministering to, it’s the two of you.”
Pearl let out an exasperated sigh and watched her mother try to bound out of bed. As soon as she did, she sat back down.
“I’m a bit dizzy. Must be the vertigo,” Ma conceded.
Pearl helped Ma position herself back into a reclining position. “I’m not sure it’s vertigo. What I am sure of is that you’ve been in bed a long time, and you’re still weak. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. You’ll be as well as Peter’s mother-in-law was soon enough. Then you can minister to us all you want. And cook supper, too.”
“I’d like that.”
“Let me bring you some hot soup in the meantime.”
“I’d like that, too.” Ma’s voice sounded gentler than usual. She placed her hand on Pearl’s. “Thank you, Pearl. And thank you, Benjamin.”
Pearl nodded, unwilling to say anything that might discourage Ma’s gentleness. Perhaps her healing marked the beginning of a new era. A new era for them all.
“Now won’t you have another helping of chicken, Benjamin?” Ma asked him two weeks later as she served supper.
Benjamin set a clean drumstick bone on his plate. “Don’t mind if I do, Ma.” She’d asked him to call her by that name, but it still sounded strange to his ears. “It’s mighty good chicken.”
“I know I’ll never cook chicken as good as Ma can,” Pearl conceded, though she declined a second piece.
“Sure you can fry up a bird as good as I can,” Ma protested. “I’ll show you how. Again.”
Benjamin cut Pearl a look and tried to withhold a grin. Ma’s acerbic tongue would outlive her, most likely. “Pearl cooks just fine, Ma. No husband of hers would ever starve to death.”
“Is that so? Well, then, why don’t you find out?”
“What do you mean?” Benjamin knew exactly what she meant, but he wanted to hear her put her feelings into words.
“I mean, what are you waitin’ for, boy? Do you think a woman as pretty as my Pearl is goin’ to sit around here forever and wait for you?”
“Now, Ma,” Pearl protested, “you’re embarrassing me!” Reddened cheeks confirmed her statement.
“I thought you were long past the point where anything could embarrass you, Pearl. Although I must say, you do seem more modest than you used to.”
“I reckon I should thank you?”
“That’s a compliment. But if you’re lookin’ for an insult, I can give you plenty of those, too.”
“Ain’t that the truth?” Pearl asked no one in particular.
“Now, if you keep on talkin’ that way, I’ll tell Benjamin here that he can forget about asking you to marry him. He can go on about his business, and I’ll get Zeke Callihan to work for us in his place.”
“Zeke?” Pearl scoffed. “Now, Ma, I know you mean well, but I don’t want Benjamin to ask me to marry him just because you say he should. You wouldn’t do that, would you, Benjamin?”
He grinned. “I think you know the answer to that.”
With her fork, Pearl played with her mashed potatoes and didn’t look up. Benjamin had delivered the quip without the least bit of hesitation. Maybe he wasn’t planning to ask her hand in marriage after all. Not that she could blame him. She had asked an awful lot of him, that he come to a saving knowledge of the Lord and change his ways. From all appearances, he had done both.
Lord, You know what’s best. If Benjamin isn’t the one for me, let me know quick. I can’t stand the idea of waiting and wondering. But if he’s the one You have picked for me, please let him ask me real soon.
“What are you daydreamin’ about, Pearl?” Ma asked. “Never mind. You’d best get goin’ on your chores. You took on a powerful lot more work while I was sick, and now you’ve got to be sure it all gets done.”
Leaving the general store in Rope A Steer, Benjamin reached into his pocket and fingered the little ring he’d bought for Pearl. He wouldn’t rest until he got it safely on her beautiful finger.
Walking to the inn, he contemplated his life. Never would he have guessed that he’d marry Pearl, the woman who once helped him cheat at cards. But now he expected she’d help him in a better way—God’s way. She would be the person who walked beside him, making a go of the ranch with him, bringing it up to its full potential. He imagined a full herd of dairy cattle in his future and plenty of money from the milk, cheese, and butter he could sell. He’d earn every penny. The hard work of farming already told him that. But each fiber of his muscles pulsated with energy and vigor. Sunshine hit the part of his face not sheltered by his brimmed hat, tickling his skin. After the harvest, Pearl would put up their food for the winter, and fall would begin in full force.
He could only hope the river wouldn’t be too cold on the day of his baptism. After he broached the topic with Pearl the day Ma was healed, he hadn’t mentioned baptism again. Thoughts of such a momentous event left him ecstatic and fearful. A new life of walking in the Lord’s path presented a challenge for the reformed gambler, but the rewards of an honest living and a clear conscience seemed worth it all.
Not to mention the best prize. Pearl. She would be his forever. And not in the shadows, but in the full light of day, as his wife.
If she’ll have me.
Crossing the inn’s threshold, he fingered the ring again. He’d ask when the time was right. He knew when that would be. The day he proclaimed once and for all that his life belonged to the Lord.
On the day of the baptism, Pearl fanned herself more than she usually did during church. Nervousness, not just the heat, spurred her to take such action. She had a surprise for Benjamin. Today that surprise would come to fruition. She tried to restrain herself from looking out the window too much, but self-control wasn’t easy. Every once in a while she cut her gaze to the sunshine outdoors without moving her head.
Ma knew about the surprise. And, though Pearl could feel nervous energy emanating from her, too, Ma watched Pearl and poked her in the ribs so she’d pay attention to the sermon on new beginnings. Meanwhile, Benjamin appeared to keep a close and anxious eye on Pearl, as well. No doubt in his own excitement he didn’t realize they had something planned. A good thing, too, because any other time he would have caught on to their nervousness and wormed the information out of them.
Noon approached, and the last hymn was sung. Pearl didn’t linger to talk with her friends. Instead, she hurried Benjamin outside. She couldn’t wait any longer for what was to transpire.
In the churchyard, as planned, three men awaited. Pearl didn’t have to ask who they were. She would have known them anywhere because she could see traces of her beloved Benjamin in them all.
“What? What are they doing here?” Benjamin stopped in his tracks and studied his brothers.
Pearl could hear murmurings from the other congregants behind her, but she wasn’t about to answer questions. She wanted to savor the reunion she had planned for Benjamin.
He let out a whoop and ran to each brother, embracing him in turn. Slaps on the back and happy greetings resulted.
“Do you know what’s happening today?” Benjamin asked them.
Reuben nodded. “Pearl told us.”
“Pearl?” Benjamin gasped and turned toward her. “I guess I’m not surprised.” He strode over to her, then took her by the arm so he could guide her closer to his brothers.
Since they were outlaws, Pearl half expected lusty looks and whistles, but each man, while looking at her approvingly, took off his hat and greeted her with respect. The love they had for their youngest brother showed in their eyes, even though their demeanor was stiff since the reunion had been a long time in coming.
Preacher Giles joined them. “Are these the brothers you’ve talked about before, Benjamin?”
“Sure are, preacher.” Benjamin introduced Colt, Caleb, and Reuben.
The pastor nodded and shook hands with each brother. He knew all about their past, but no judgment expressed itself on his face or in his demeanor. “I’m looking forward to knowing you all, but we have a baptism to get to now.”
“That’s a fact,” Pearl agreed.
Preacher Giles grinned. “You ready, Benjamin?”
“I sure am. Now more than ever.”
Benjamin squeezed Pearl’s hand, and then they walked back to church together. Benjamin needed a few moments to change out of his Sunday suit and into attire more suitable for being drenched in water. After the baptism, a churchwide picnic was planned as a celebration.
Before he left her side, Benjamin embraced Pearl. “You kept your promise. I never doubted you would try, but I can’t believe you found them all. And you never said a word.”
“It wasn’t easy, but I tracked them down with a little persistence and a whole lot of prayer.”
“I didn’t think this day could get any better, but it sure has.” Benjamin’s eyes misted. “Thank you, Pearl.”
Later Pearl watched Benjamin rise from the water. Drenched in water and prayer, he’d never looked better.
People in church congratulated him. Many had developed a genuine fondness for Benjamin. He glowed amid their friendship and support. Time with Benjamin’s brothers had been brief, but Pearl knew they would have a few days to get to know them before they returned home. After that, she planned to be instrumental in never letting Benjamin lose touch with them again. She made this resolution with no fear or trepidation.
Instead of the outlaws Benjamin had described to her, the three men had changed. Caleb was a sheriff out in Arizona and happily married with a baby on the way. Reuben stood with quiet confidence, unlike the outward bravado she had expected because of what Benjamin had told her about him. Pearl wished she could have met his wife, but she had stayed behind in Wyoming because she, too, was in a family way. Colt had a beautiful wife and two daughters who adored him, plus a little one. Pearl could see the baby was the spittin’ image of his daddy. Surely the Lord had touched them all, even as He had touched her Benjamin.
Pearl waited for everyone, including Ma, to convey kind words to Benjamin before she took her turn. By the time she approached, the sun had almost dried him. “Oh, Benjamin, I’m so glad you got baptized.”
“Me, too, Pearl. I never thought the day would come.” He set his gaze on the ground and spoke softly. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Why, sure, Benjamin.” She could tell by the excitement in his eyes that something was urgent. But what?
He led her underneath a tree outside, where they had sought shade many a time. His expression conveyed tenseness, but he didn’t seem unhappy.
Pearl couldn’t stand the suspense. “What is it, Benjamin?”
He cleared his throat. “I have something to tell you. Or to ask you, that is.”
Her heart beat faster. Was it finally time?
Benjamin reached into his trousers pocket and pulled out a little box. “I—I was hoping you might take this as a gift. You’ve been so good to me.” He opened the box and showed her a brilliant garnet ring.
She gasped. “Oh, Benjamin! It’s beautiful! But I—I can’t accept something so expensive!”
“Sure you can.”
“But where did you get so much money? Surely not from what I’m paying you.”
“I had some left from my gambling days. In fact, I spent all that money on this ring for you. I want you to think of it as a symbol of what God did for us—protecting us through our dark times and staying with us until we found Him again. So please accept it.” He paused and looked into her eyes. “If you’re planning to be my wife.”
“Your wife!” The phrase sounded so good falling from her lips.
He smiled shyly. “If you’ll have me.”
“Have you? Why, I’d be a fool not to say yes!”
Benjamin chuckled and placed the ring on her finger. “I don’t know about that, but I do know I’ve loved you ever since I first set eyes on you.”
Pearl looked into his eyes, which shone brighter even than the stunning garnet. “And I’ve always loved you, too. Isn’t it something how God used that awful detour I took to bring me to you, and you to Him?”
“He sure can do a lot of things, Pearl.”
“Yes. Yes, He can.”
Benjamin took her in his arms. “I’ll always be grateful to Him till the day I die, for giving me you.”
As his lips touched hers, affirming the true love they shared, the love that would last a lifetime, Pearl knew Benjamin meant every word.