Love's Long Journey by Janette Oke

Author:Janette Oke [Oke, Janette]
Format: epub
Tags: ebook
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2010-10-25T16:00:00+00:00

FOURTEEN

Sunday

On Sunday morning Willie and Missie prepared themselves and headed for the church spire they had seen. The building looked bare and drab on the outside, but inside the clean-swept wooden floor and carefully dusted benches showed that someone did indeed care for this simple house of worship in this frontier town. Henry, Mr. Weiss and Kathy, Melinda Emory, and the LaHayes added considerably to the small congregation, and they were welcomed from the platform at the beginning of the service.

The pastor, getting on in years, seemed rather weary, Missie thought. But when he rose to preach, fire was in his voice, and his face came alive with passion for the truth he was presenting. Missie was overjoyed to be in a real church service and hear a true sermon once again. She had appreciated the Sunday services of the wagon train, but she had missed having a pastor speak from the Word of God.

The reverend greeted each one kindly at the door and personally invited the newcomers to return. Willie explained that he would not be around for another Sunday, but he was sure Missie would be there faithfully.

“We shall welcome you,” the old gentleman said with warmth. “And if you should ever need a friend, my wife and I would be happy to have you to our home, as well.”

Missie thanked him for his generosity and stepped out into the shining day.

“Anything you’d be carin’ to do today?” Willie asked as they walked through the dust and heat back to the Taylorsons’ and their rented room.

“Oh yes,” said Missie with a sigh, “I’d like to go for a long walk among some cool trees, or picnic beside a stream, or maybe just lie beside a spring and watch the water gurgle.”

“Missie”—Willie shook his head—“don’t, please don’t say things like that....”

“I’m sorry,” Missie whispered quickly. She tried hard to think of something that could actually be done and enjoyed in the heat of this drab town.

“We could call on the Weisses,” she finally suggested.

“All right,” Willie agreed enthusiastically, no doubt relieved she had thought of something. “I sure do hope Henry won’t think I’m spyin’ on ’im.” He caught her hand in his with a chuckle.

That afternoon at the Weisses, they received such a hearty welcome Missie’s spirits lifted even without green grass or a stream. Henry was there, also, though he didn’t seem one bit put out to have his boss appear. Melinda Emory was there, too, so the six of them settled in for a good visit. Kathy served them all cold tea, declaring the day far too warm for hot tea or coffee.

Missie was surprised at the time when Kathy asked if they could all stay for supper.

“Oh, I don’t think we can,” Missie said. “We didn’t say anything to Mrs. Taylorson, and supper is served at six.”

She and Willie exchanged smiles.

“How ’bout I run over an’ inform yer good landlady?” Henry asked.

“Oh, but—”

“Please stay,” Kathy begged. “The men will be gone by next Sunday.”

“Well, I’m not sure what she’ll think,” Missie said uncertainly, “but.

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