Epilogue
Late Summer
1877
“As soon as the subject of hell comes up, she backs right off,” Travis shared with Robert during their regular study.
“Is it fear?”
“I’m sure that’s part of it. If she admits there’s a hell, then she’ll have to face where her loved ones might be if they chose to trust in themselves over God. Even her own eternity would be in jeopardy.”
The men fell silent for a time. As always Travis’ heart was serious about his wife’s salvation, but not heavy. Their relationship had become sweeter and more precious than he ever dreamed it could be. Travis had much to be thankful for and didn’t hesitate to share with Robert.
“I’m also thankful for Margo,” Travis added.
“Are they all settled?” Robert wished to know.
“Yes, and Rebecca honestly enjoys her company. Sarah Beth and the boys are having the time of their lives, and Rebecca adores Mary Ann. All three of the older kids start school next week, so I’m glad the women will have each other. I just wish I could do more.”
“Be careful with that attitude, Travis. Do not take Rebecca’s sin on yourself. Morgan Fontaine has been surrounded by the truth for years, but he still believes he can do it his way. Addy writes and tells us that he seems more sensitive at times, but it may take years.”
Travis nodded, his face sober.
“Don’t let that discourage you, Travis. I just want you to see that it’s her choice. You stay faithful, you keep giving out the truth, and God will take care of the rest. Don’t ever forget, my friend, that God loves Rebecca much more than you do.”
The words were precious to Travis, and he carried them in his heart for the rest of the day. Indeed, he was awake in the night, not able to get comfortable on the mattress, and the words were still on his mind.
The moon was shining off their balcony, and Travis rose, opened the glass door, and slipped out. Feeling the cool night air, he stood in awe as his eyes roamed the majestic shape of the mountains. He was praying, his skin growing cold, when he heard his wife stir.
“Travis?”
“Out here,” he said softly and came to the door. “Come and stand with me in the moonlight.”
She rose and went into his arms.
“You’re cold,” she said as she wrapped her arms around him.
“Not anymore,” he assured her, and thanked the Lord again for this wonderful woman in his life. She was so dear to him, and he praised God that He had restored their marriage.
“I love you, Reba.”
“I love you, Travis.”
And it was so true. They did love each other.
Being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. The verse came suddenly to Travis’ mind, and he saw how farreaching his confidence in God could be. His heavenly Father had started a work in him that He was still completing. And because it had begun in the first place, Lucky, Margo, Yvonne, and even his dear Garrett and Wyatt all believed in Christ.
Travis pulled the woman in his arms a little bit tighter against him. The moonlight reminded him of the way “heaven shine” might be if there were such a thing. It made him feel special, like the cherished child of God that he was. He led Rebecca back to bed with a prayer in his heart. Continue the work in me, so we will be set apart for Your glory alone. Set us apart, holy Father—not just me, but both of us. Amen.
Books by Lori Wick
A Place Called Home Series
A Place Called Home
A Song for Silas
The Long Road Home
A Gathering of Memories
The Californians
Whatever Tomorrow Brings
As Time Goes By
Sean Donovan
Donovan’s Daughter
Kensington Chronicles
The Hawk and the Jewel
Wings of the Morning
Who Brings Forth the Wind
The Knight and the Dove
Rocky Mountain Memories
Where the Wild Rose Blooms
Whispers of Moonlight
To Know Her by Name
Promise Me Tomorrow
The Yellow Rose Trilogy
Every Little Thing About You
A Texas Sky
English Garden Series
The Proposal
The Rescue
The Visitor
The Pursuit
The Tucker Mills Trilogy
Moonlight on the Millpond
Just Above a Whisper
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Beyond the Picket Fence
Pretense
The Princess
Bamboo & Lace
Every Storm
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