In Golden Splendor by Michael K. Reynolds

Author:Michael K. Reynolds
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Christian Fiction
ISBN: 9781433678257
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
Published: 2013-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

Secrets We Keep

“And so it is with the fervent and most assured approval from our dear Lord and Savior Himself that this glorious endeavor and the building which holds it be consecrated.” The reverend spoke as those outside shuffled around for warmth as the snow flurried around them.

Annie leaned into Ashlyn and spoke loud enough for Seamus to overhear. “If the man don’t stops his talkin’ soon, we all gonna need funerals.”

Ashlyn elbowed the woman gently.

“And without further ado . . .”—the reverend paused as this statement brought out a spate of hoots and cheers—“we present to you, the new La Cuna.”

“Inside all, and quickly,” Ashlyn said, and the remnant who hadn’t already lost faith and gone home shuffled into the house.

The smell of fresh paint and potpourri filled the house, and set up against the walls of the small main room were a couple of tables crammed tight with hot apple cider, biscuits, fruit, and hot tea. The greatest draw was the fireplace, where most of the guests jockeyed for space to warm their hands.

There wasn’t any room for people to sit, and they were not at all surprised when the guests grabbed some refreshments, shared a congratulatory comment with Ashlyn, and then were on their way. Before long, the only ones left beside Priscilla and the children were Ashlyn, Annie, Seamus, and the reverend. Soon even he was at the front door fastening his hat and preparing for the chilling walk home.

“Reverend Sanders, there are not any words to describe our indebtedness to you.” Ashlyn helped the man put on his coat.

The reverend winked. “It is the people of this community who owe the debt to you, Ashlyn. Although I believe none may be more pleased than the brothers to be sleeping again in the parsonage.”

“That was so kind as well for you to be sharing your home. Oh, I do hope we cleaned up after ourselves adequately.”

“Well, I am certain the brothers have already undone any and all of your good efforts there.” Reverend Sanders put his arm on Seamus’s shoulder. “And on the subject of cleaning up, we are proud of this young man. We’ve had few who have progressed as fast in their studies of the Word as this one here. Why, I am sure we will have him in the pulpit before too long.”

Heat rushed to Seamus’s face, and he avoided Ashlyn’s adoring eyes. “Ah, Reverend, you won’t be getting me up on a box anytime soon. Surely, I’ll be the last one you’d ever want to be telling people how to live rightly.”

“There you are proving my point, son. A spirit of humility is the hardest lesson to learn and you have already mastered it well. Well, I will be on my way. You’ll be joining us soon, Seamus?” His large brows bore down on him.

“Yes, sir, I will.”

The door opened and the reverend departed as chilly gusts and a fluttering of snow invaded before they could close it.

Ashlyn rested her back against the door and sighed.

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