Several bowls later, Gerald gobbled down oatmeal with raisins while Bethany told him about his days spent in the hospital. Meanwhile, August made arrangements for their trip home. He felt a lightheartedness he’d never known.
“Julie?” August spoke into the receiver of the phone. “It’s August.”
“August, how’s the little boy?” Julie questioned through a static-filled line.
“He’s fine. We got our miracle, Julie. Gerald rallied in a remarkable way,” August replied.
“Praise God,” Julie replied. “I knew He’d hear our prayers. How is Beth?”
“She’s exhausted, but otherwise great. You would like her, Jewels. She has a strong faith just like you. She never doubted that God could make a difference,” August said with pride.
“She sounds like the perfect woman for you,” Julie remarked. The static played havoc with the line. “I’m sorry about the connection. I don’t know if it has anything to do with it or not, but we’re in the middle of a fierce storm. High winds and snow. You know the type.”
“I do indeed. The temperatures dropped considerably here, but good weather is holding, which is another blessing. They’re still trying to finish up the highway. I think they’ll be done within a matter of a week or so,” August replied.
“Will you be coming home after that?” Julie asked hopefully.
“I’d just begun thinking about that,” August answered. “I want to come back, at least to get my things. I miss my dogs, and I want to teach the boys how to drive a sled.”
“We’ll look forward to seeing you,” Julie said enthusiastically. “Sam has missed you a great deal,” she added.
August thought of how much Sam would have enjoyed working on the highway. “I’ve missed him, too. Tell him hello and that I’ll see you both soon. I’ll talk to you again before I actually come back. Thanks again, Jewels.”
“I’m glad we could be a part of your miracle,” Julie replied. “It was good to hear your voice. Please take care of yourself.”
“I will. I love you, sis.”
“I love you, too. Good-bye.” Julie’s voice was barely audible through the static.
After another quick call to Ralph Greening, August was free to return to Beth and Gerald.
“It’s all set,” August said as he entered the room. “As soon as the doctor gives his approval, we’ll be on the first transport plane for Northway.”
Gerald had finished his breakfast and waited eagerly for his mother’s permission to get out of bed.
“Dr. Matthews said we could leave as soon as he has one of the other doctors take a look at Gerald,” Beth said with a smile.
August looked at her with appreciation. Now that his own bitterness toward God and Gerald’s serious illness no longer filled his mind, August was beginning to recognize the perfection of the woman before him. She was everything he’d ever needed or wanted.
“Did you hear what I said?” Beth questioned.
“Huh? No, sorry. What did you say?” August asked as he crossed the room.
Beth laughed. “It wasn’t important. I have you and Gerald, and soon we’ll go home to Phillip. That’s what matters.”
Dr. Matthews came into the room unannounced just then. With him was an elderly man Beth didn’t recognize.
“This is Dr. Barnes,” Gerald’s doctor announced. “I’ve asked him to evaluate our patient and give his opinion.”
“How nice to meet you, Dr. Barnes,” Beth said as she extended her hand. “So you’ve come to see our miracle boy.”
“Yes, Mrs. Hogan,” the man said, shaking her hand. “I must say, I was quite enthralled by the boy’s recovery. I understand your son was only two days on the experimental medicine from the States.”
“Yes, that’s true,” Beth said and added, “but I don’t believe that’s what cured him. After all, you folks had given him up for dead.”
Dr. Barnes picked up Gerald’s chart and studied it for a moment. Gerald finally broke the silence. “Are they going to let me go home, Momma?”
“I think so, Gerry, but you must be quiet and let the doctors do their job,” Beth replied, giving her son a hug.
Dr. Barnes continued his examination of Gerald and finally turned back to Beth with a smile. “I see no reason to keep this child here any longer. Your son is completely healed to the best of my knowledge.”
“Thank you,” Beth replied. She threw a knowing smile at August, who had held back in silence while the men examined Gerald.
August stepped forward and put an arm around Beth. “How soon can we leave?” he asked.
“As soon as you’re ready,” Dr. Barnes replied. “I release the boy as of now.”
Gerry let out an excited scream at the verdict, and August and Beth thanked the doctors once more for their help as the medical men turned to leave.
When the doctors had left, August turned to Beth. “Ready to go home, Mrs. Hogan?”
“Definitely,” she replied, taking his offered hand.
August and Beth hugged Gerald close. August silently thanked God for the loving family He’d provided.
“You know,” August began, “I think we should have a word of prayer and thank God for all He’s done for us. Then I think we should get out of this hospital and head home to Phillip and Mrs. Miller.”
“I agree,” Beth said, lifting her eyes to August. In that moment she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her days loving this man and her children.
“Father, we come to You with thankful hearts,” August began. “We praise You for the healing of Gerald’s body and for the mercies You showed me in bringing me back to the truth.”
Beth listened intently as August prayed, agreeing with his words and enjoying the blessings of God’s love. Silently, she added her own requests.
I love him, Lord, she prayed. I love him so very much, and if it is Your will, I pray You’ll see us married quickly so that we can be a whole and complete family.
August ended his prayer and Gerald joined in with a hearty “Amen.” Beth lifted her face to reveal tears that she’d not realized she had cried.
“Why are you crying, Mommy?” Gerald asked with a worried look on his face. “Is something wrong?”
August turned, seeing the tears for the first time. “I think your mommy is happy, Gerald. Sometimes folks have a hard time expressing the wonder of how happy they are.”
Beth dabbed her eyes with the corner of a handkerchief that August offered her. “I am happy, Gerry. I’m so very glad that God has made you well and that He brought August back to us.”
She turned to August, feeling confident for the first time that she could speak what was on her heart. “Please don’t leave us again. We need you. I need you.”
Beth’s blue eyes pierced deep into August’s heart. Years later he would remember the moment as one of the most precious in his life. She was so needy, yet so strong. Somehow, the two qualities balanced perfectly, creating one incredible woman.
“And I need you,” August whispered, his dark eyes shining with love. “I’ll always need you.”
Gerald refused to be left out of the conversation. He was bored with the adult seriousness. “Can we go home?” he asked, breaking the spell of the moment. “I want to play in my tree house.”
Beth laughed, and August lifted Gerald into his strong arms.
“Yes,” August said enthusiastically. “Let’s go home!”