Hawaii 1879
The half-moon cast a faint glow on Charlie as she waded into the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sean was already splashing in the light surf, but he stopped to watch her. She had on a light shift that she was again able to use for their private nighttime swims.
It had taken longer after her second pregnancy to fit into that shift, but now that little Callie was three months old, Charlie was slim as a girl once again.
They swam, as was their Sunday night ritual, for the better part of an hour before stopping to talk and play in the waves. Grandpa Patrick was home with the baby and a now two-year-old Ricky, both of whom were asleep, or so their parents hoped.
“What did you think of your father’s announcement this morning?”
“I think he did a good job, and I’m certainly glad he warned the two of us about his plans a few days ago.”
“But you weren’t surprised, were you—not even when he shared with us in private?”
“No, I guess I wasn’t.”
“I can’t imagine being here without your father, but I’m certainly excited about where he’s going and the possible impact he could have on Sadie.”
“I can’t imagine him gone either, but it’s time—I can see that. He has been praying about it for the better part of a year. Taking the pulpit for Pastor Miller in Visalia is perfect for his needs right now. It’s not a large body of believers, and there are several good leaders.”
“To hear you, Sean, you’d think he was an old man.”
“No, I know he’s not an old man, and he assures me that his health is good, but the work here is so widespread now and he just can’t stop himself from putting too much on his plate. Did he show you Marcail’s letter?”
“Yes, I read it and I really admire her decision, Sean. She’s at the end of her schooling, and her home has been with Rigg and Katie for years. As hard as this will be for her, I have to agree that her place is with your father.”
“I think so too. I would guess that she’s doing this out of love and respect for Father, since she doesn’t know him very well after all these years, but I believe that God will bless her for her actions. Plus, it’s always been Marcail’s dream to teach school. Father will help her to that end.”
“Do you really think he will want her to go to work?”
“I think when he sees how badly she wants to teach, he will. He might be protective of her, but he’ll do the right thing.”
They continued to discuss Sean’s family, Sadie’s last letter and need for salvation, the mission work, and a myriad of other subjects during their swim. When it was time to head home, they found their towels on the beach and stood wrapped in the cloths and each other’s arms, staring up at the crescent moon.
“I love knowing that no matter what happens, God is in His heaven and loves unfailingly.”
“You sound a little worried about the days ahead,” Sean whispered.
“Not worried really, just aware that there will be changes in the future.”
“The changes will be necessary, including some that will cause pain and take adjustment. But as you said, God is in His heaven, and His sovereign will is always at work. By the way, have I told you lately that you’re beautiful?”
Charlie turned her head to stare at Sean, who was still looking at the sky. “Where in the world did that come from?”
He looked down at her then. “I was thinking about it when you stepped into the water and realized I don’t tell you often enough.”
“Oh, Sean,” was all Charlie was able to say before his lips covered her own.
As they walked hand in hand toward their house, Charlie wondered if there was anything more beautiful than being married to the man God has chosen for your life.
Charlie let her mind dwell on the hand that held hers. A hand that swung a hammer with strength and surety, a hand that grasped the Bible with confidence during a sermon, a hand that held their children with tenderness, and a hand that would claim her own with loving care every day of their lives.
Charlie didn’t have to speculate for very long as to whether or not there was anything more beautiful. With her hand engulfed within Sean Donovan’s, she knew she had her answer.