A Basket Brigade Christmas (28 page)

The young man wiped away his tears while Jacob continued to explain his assignment on the hospital trains and describe the injury that had caused him to become a patient at the hospital.

“I can’t believe Sarah is working with the wounded. I’ve received only a letter or two from her since leaving Decatur. The mail doesn’t keep up when you’re on the march as often as we were. In her last letter, she wrote about the women helping on the trains, but I was sure she said she couldn’t bear the thought of seeing the wounded men so she wasn’t going to help.”

“She had a change of heart and is in charge of organizing the distributions each evening. Most of the ladies think she’s an excellent leader. She did have a bit of trouble being accepted by a couple of the ladies, but they’ve come around and accepted her as a leader.”

The young soldier chuckled. “I’m guessing one of those ladies would be Emma Wilhoite. She’s not a woman who’s quick to take orders from anyone, especially by someone Sarah’s age. The Wilhoite sisters are very active in church and community events. Maggie is rather quiet and unassuming, but Emma prefers to take charge whenever possible.”

A faraway look shone in the soldier’s eyes, and Jacob guessed that he was attempting to picture the scene with Miss Wilhoite. Then again, perhaps he was simply remembering Sarah’s beauty and sweet spirit. The thought pained Jacob. Though his decision to rely upon God was firm, his wound remained deep. He’d had to suffer through this same agony with Laura and had determined that he’d never allow another woman to steal his heart. He marveled at how easily he’d broken that personal vow when he met Sarah. Yet if he didn’t forgive, he’d remain bitter and never move forward—his life would be worthless.

“Don’t you agree?” The soldier lightly nudged Jacob’s arm.

Jacob’s brow creased. He’d been lost in thought and hadn’t even heard the young man’s question. “Agree?”

“That the ladies of Decatur are quite fine to come up with their Basket Brigade?”

Jacob gave a firm nod. “Absolutely. You can’t imagine the excitement on the train once the men learn there will be home-cooked food as well as personal items to help keep them warm. When the train comes to a stop in Decatur, you see a spark of hope return to their eyes.”

“You are a fortunate man to have had the privilege of serving them.”

Jacob nodded as he recalled the anger he’d harbored when he’d first been assigned to the trains. How much had changed in such a short time. “You’re right. It is an honor to serve them, though I must admit that wasn’t my initial reaction to the assignment, and my request to be permanently assigned to the trains wasn’t completely noble.”

“How’s that?” The soldier leaned forward and rested his arms across his knees.

Jacob revealed how he’d initially railed against the assignment with his commander. “I wanted to go to the front and fight. I knew I would never receive my father’s praise unless I was off in the middle of a skirmish.”

The young soldier arched his brows. “Sad to hear that a father would wish his son assigned to a position of danger. I’m glad to hear you had the courage to go against his wishes and request the permanent assignment. What was it that caused you to make that decision?”

Jacob inwardly winced. “As I said—it wasn’t completely honorable. I met a young woman, and I didn’t want to miss out on seeing her when I was traveling back and forth between Cairo and Chicago.”

“So you met a nice young lady on one of the stops along the way. I can see how that would influence your decision, but I think you were placed in your position because you truly have the heart of a caring person who is willing to serve others. Have you considered the fact that the nice young lady might be a special gift from God? Perhaps the Lord saw a change in your heart and sent the girl into your life because you have willingly been serving others.”

Jacob shook his head. “No. I didn’t willingly serve until after I met the young lady. It turns out she wasn’t such a special gift—at least not for me.” He pointed toward the locket the soldier still grasped in his hand. “Seems we both love the same woman.”

The soldier’s jaw dropped, and his eyes shone with surprise. “Sarah? You’re in love with my sister?”

“S–s–sister?” Jacob gestured back and forth between the soldier and the locket. “Sarah McHenry is your sister and not your sweetheart?”

A boisterous laugh escaped Samuel’s lips. “She’s my twin sister and I love her dearly, but what caused you to think …” His gaze drifted to the locket. “Oh, I understand. You read the inscription and thought it was from her beau. I can see how that happened, but Sarah really is the sweetest girl I’ve ever known, so that’s why I chose to have it engraved in the locket. One day I may meet and fall in love with a woman I find as sweet as Sarah, but that hasn’t happened yet.”

“So you’re Samuel.” Jacob looked away as a rush of heat infused his cheeks. His heart pounded inside his chest with such force that he thought it might explode. After the despair of believing Sarah had betrayed him, he could barely comprehend the depth of what Samuel had just now told him. His mind reeled as he attempted to grasp the truth. If he revealed that he’d ever doubted Sarah, Samuel would likely think him unworthy of her affection.

The thought caused Jacob to scoot to the edge of the bench. “Unfortunately, I sometimes tend to jump to conclusions, especially when it comes to young ladies.”

While Samuel quietly listened, Jacob detailed the overwhelming sense of loss and betrayal he’d experienced when Laura had broken their engagement and soon married another man.

“I can understand how such an experience would cause a man to view the actions of other women with a lack of trust, but that’s unfair, don’t you think? You can’t expect Sarah to step in and take the punishment for the misdeeds of another woman. When you falsely accuse her and believe she’s lied to you before you’ve even talked to her, that’s what you’re doing—you’re shifting your anger and loss from that other woman onto Sarah.”

“I know you’re right. After you spoke in the service this morning, I prayed and asked God to help me overcome my ill feelings so that I could move forward with my life without bitterness and doubts. Your words made me realize how wrong I’d been.”

“I believe it is God’s providence that we met today, don’t you?” He patted Jacob on the shoulder.

Jacob choked back the emotion that flooded over him. If it hadn’t been for that accident at the train station, he would have already returned to Decatur and likely would have falsely accused Sarah. Would he have even given her a chance to explain? If he’d given her an opportunity, would he have believed her without affirmation from someone else? The thought that a severely sprained ankle had given him the opportunity to save his future with Sarah was a gift beyond measure.

Jacob met Samuel’s gaze. “Yes, I do believe God intervened and saved me from making a complete fool of myself and ruining my future with Sarah. Who would ever think a person could be thankful for taking a spill on a train platform.”

Samuel chuckled. “Just proves that God can use even painful circumstances to change our lives.”

The two men stood, and Jacob positioned the crutches beneath his arms. “Has the doctor said when you’ll be released from the hospital? I know your parents and Sarah have been worried about you. Have you written to them?”

Samuel shook his head. “I was unconscious until day before yesterday, and the doctor said he’s sending me home, so I figured I’d get there before the mail. Unless something changes, I’m leaving on the hospital train that passes through Decatur tomorrow. I’ll have two weeks at home before I report back to duty. I’m looking forward to surprising them.”

“You know your mother’s been ill? Sarah said she wrote and told you.”

Samuel’s eyes widened. “If she wrote, I never got the letter. What’s wrong? Nothing serious, is it?”

“I’m not sure. Sarah tells me there’s some improvement for a short time and then she worsens again. I’m sure that seeing you will have a good effect on her.”

Samuel appeared lost in thought, but shouts from one of the rooms brought him back to the present. “How about you, Jacob? The doc ever going to let you get off those crutches and return to duty?”

“He says a few more days and he’ll let me get out of here. Wish I could return on the train with you, but I think one surprise at a time is enough.”

Samuel frowned. “I’m not sure I understand. Why would Sarah be surprised to see you?”

“I never sent word back to Sarah after I was injured. In the past, whenever I had a change of orders, I made sure I sent a message with one of the other soldiers, but this time I didn’t.”

“Because you were confused and hurt about the locket?”

Jacob bowed his head. “I didn’t know what to say to her. Maybe I could write a letter and you could take it when you go back.”

Samuel shook his head. “I think some things are better said in person. I’ll tell Sarah that you’re in the hospital and, once you’re released, you’ll explain things to her.”

Jacob hesitated. “That’s fine, but I’m not sure exactly what I’m going to tell her. If I reveal my doubts, she may not want to have anything more to do with me.”

Samuel sighed. “I won’t tell her what we’ve discussed—that’s up to you to decide. But good relationships aren’t built on lies or deceit. They’re built on trust, and love and truth. Why don’t you pray about what you should do when you return to Decatur?”

Jacob agreed he needed to do his part to build a strong foundation. But if he told Sarah of his misconception that she cared for another, would she reject him? The risk seemed far too great.

S
ince Jacob’s absence, Sarah had met all the trains that returned from Chicago. Matthew had been reticent to give her the schedule, but he’d finally relented. He now appeared pleased he’d done so. Each time the trains arrived, he took pleasure in pointing out Jacob’s absence. This afternoon had been no different.

When Jacob didn’t appear, Matthew came alongside Sarah. “I see Jacob is still nowhere to be found.”

“It’s unkind to take pleasure in my unhappiness.”

He shrugged and several strands of dark hair dropped across his forehead. “I’m sorry you’re sad, but I’m not surprised by what has happened. I knew you couldn’t trust him.”

“That’s your opinion, Matthew, but I know I’ll hear from Jacob, and I don’t believe he requested a change of orders.”

Sarah turned to leave, but as she looked out the window and across the platform, she caught sight of a man in uniform. “Samuel!” She ran toward the doors, and as he entered, she flung herself into his arms.

Her brother hugged her in a tight embrace. “I’m glad I saw you coming and had a good footing. Otherwise, we would have both landed on the floor. You are as wonderful as I remember.”

“We’ve been so worried. Your friend sent the letter you’d written, and we’ve all been fervently praying.” She stepped away and let her gaze linger on him. “You don’t appear to be injured. Tell me what happened.”

“Let’s go home and I’ll tell you everything. I want to see Mama and Papa as soon as possible.”

Matthew stepped forward and clapped Samuel on the shoulder. “Good to have you home, Samuel. We’ve all been worried about you. Care for a cup of coffee?”

“Thanks, Matthew, but I’ll have coffee with you tomorrow or the following day. Right now, I want to see my parents.” Samuel placed his arm around Sarah’s shoulder. “Let’s go and see if Mama and Papa are pleased to have another mouth to feed for a couple of weeks.”

After their joyful but exhausted parents had gone to bed, Samuel and Sarah remained in the small parlor enjoying the warmth of the crackling fire.

Samuel stretched his hands toward the heat. “I’d forgotten how nice it was always to have a fire burning in the hearth. When the enemy was close, we weren’t allowed to light fires, and the cold became unbearable at times. It’s good to be home.”

She reached forward and patted his shoulder. “We’re so thankful to have you here and to know that you are safe. Your presence is the best Christmas present we could have. God has truly answered our prayers.”

“There’s something else I wanted to talk to you about now that Mama and Papa have gone to bed.”