He answered gently, placing a hand over hers. “Safe journey, and enjoy your time with your family, Beth. I can only imagine how thrilled they’ll be to have you home again.” He glanced down at the slip of paper he still held, then tucked it carefully into the breast pocket of his red tunic. “I will give you an address when I first write.” And with a nod and a tip of his hat, he released her hand. Beth mounted the stairs and followed the porter waiting to usher her toward the sleeping compartment that would carry her home.
Upon entering the room, to her astonishment, she saw before her a long, open box containing red roses. Who could have . . . ? And then a smile played across her lips. The card read, “Affectionately, Jarrick.” What a lovely surprise. It must have been difficult for him to have made the arrangements. And he must have done it before he knew for sure my response. . . .
She hurried over to the window to look out on the platform. Among the many unknown faces milling about to wave their good-byes, she spied the bright red coat. Jarrick stood, his eyes sweeping over the windows of the train. He spotted her just as Beth felt the train begin to move. She lifted the flowers, mouthing her thank-you.
In reply he smiled, then patted his breast pocket that held her Toronto address. As the train drew away, Beth fixed her eyes on the man in the prominent jacket among those crowding the platform. Surrendering at last to the plush seat, she cradled the beautiful box of flowers on her lap.
“Father,” she prayed, “I know You are in charge of my future. I can see Your hand in everything that has happened over the past several months. Truly You have been my strength—just as my father said that You would.” Unconsciously her fingers clasped the locket that contained the small, cherished paper where her father had written the promise.
She continued her conversation with her God. “You know I feel . . . torn. I long to see my family again. To reconnect—or perhaps to finally connect—with Mother, to be held close again by Father, to put the compass safely back into his hands. To see how big JW has grown. And to be with Margret and Julie. Family.” She paused for a moment.
“But . . . but I love the people of Coal Valley too,” she continued. “They’ve become so, so precious to me—each of them.” Beth stopped again as a number of faces paraded through her memory. Dear Molly. Frank. Marnie and Teddy. Each child in her classroom. Their needy but courageous mothers. Paolo and the miners. Philip. Jarrick.
Jarrick? She felt her cheeks flush as her pulse quickened, her gaze returning to the gift of roses. She pressed cool hands against the warmth rising in her cheeks, then took another deep breath and continued her prayer. “So, dear Lord—if—if it fits Your plans, please—please, I would so love to come back here.” Home.
About the Authors
Bestselling author Janette Oke is celebrated for her significant contribution to the Christian book industry. Her novels have sold more than 30 million copies, and she is the recipient of the ECPA President’s Award, the CBA Life Impact Award, the Gold Medallion, and the Christy Award. Her novel When Calls the Heart, which introduces Elizabeth Thatcher and Wynn Delaney, was the basis for a Hallmark Channel film and television series of the same name, and Where Courage Calls tells even more of the Thatcher family’s story. Janette and her husband, Edward, live in Alberta, Canada.
Laurel Oke Logan, daughter of Edward and Janette Oke, is the author of Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie, as well as the novel Dana’s Valley, which she co-wrote with her mom. Laurel and her husband have six children and two sons-in-law and live near Indianapolis, Indiana.
Books by Janette Oke
* * *
Return to Harmony • Another Homecoming
Tomorrow’s Dream • Dana’s Valley**
ACTS OF FAITH*
The Centurion’s Wife • The Hidden Flame • The Damascus Way
CANADIAN WEST
When Calls the Heart • When Comes the Spring
When Breaks the Dawn • When Hope Springs New
Beyond the Gathering Storm
When Tomorrow Comes
LOVE COMES SOFTLY
Love Comes Softly • Love’s Enduring Promise
Love’s Long Journey • Love’s Abiding Joy
Love’s Unending Legacy • Love’s Unfolding Dream
Love Takes Wing • Love Finds a Home
The Tender Years • A Searching Heart
A Quiet Strength • Like Gold Refined
SEASONS OF THE HEART
Once Upon a Summer • The Winds of Autumn
Winter Is Not Forever • Spring’s Gentle Promise
SONG OF ACADIA*
The Meeting Place • The Sacred Shore • The Birthright
The Distant Beacon • The Beloved Land
WOMEN OF THE WEST
The Calling of Emily Evans • Julia’s Last Hope
Roses for Mama • A Woman Named Damaris
They Called Her Mrs. Doc • The Measure of a Heart
A Bride for Donnigan • Heart of the Wilderness
Too Long a Stranger • The Bluebird and the Sparrow
A Gown of Spanish Lace • Drums of Change
Also look for Janette Oke: A Heart for the Prairie by Laurel Oke Logan
*with Davis Bunn
**with Laurel Oke Logan
Resources: bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook
Website: www.bethanyhouse.com
Facebook: Bethany House