The Road to Love (27 page)

Kate shook her head.

Hatcher took her hand and held it between his.

She sensed he had to tell her, needed her to understand how he'd made the journey from guilt to this quiet joy she saw in his eyes. And she ached to understand.

“It says, ‘He was wounded for our transgression, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.' Peace is God's gift to us. There is nothing we need to do but accept it. The preacher said, if any of us carried a burden of guilt, God's word assured us we could be free. Free indeed.”

Hatcher shook his head. “It seemed too easy to me. I sought absolution for ten years but that man stood up there and declared on the authority of God's word that peace was mine for the taking. I just couldn't get my head around it.”

“You didn't want to believe maybe.”

“I think I didn't know how. So I went to see Gilead, the preacher. I went with a mixture of desperation and frustration and asked him how he could say we don't need to feel guilty when we are guilty.”

Hatcher chuckled. “I think I wanted to see the man cower and agree with me but he said, ‘Hatcher, all of us are guilty. That's what's so amazing about God's love.'”

Kate couldn't tear her gaze from the wonder and peace she saw in Hatcher's face. He'd found healing.
Thank you, God
.

“We had a sword fight.”

Kate blinked. “You dueled? What kind of preacher is he?”

“His weapon was the word of God. He quoted scriptures refuting every verse I gave to prove my belief in my guilt. God knew it was the one thing I couldn't argue against. He began with Romans five, verse eight, ‘While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.' And went on to John eight, verse thirty-six, ‘If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.'

“He said Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. Did I think I could add anything to what Jesus had done? Did punishing myself serve as a better sacrifice?”

Hatcher grinned. “He left me with nothing to do but face the truth about the last ten years. I'd been refusing God's forgiveness for this one thing because I didn't think I deserved forgiveness. I believe Jesus died for my sins. Just not my anger.”

Kate waited as he found the words to explain.

“I thought because it was something I used to hurt people, God couldn't forgive it. Gilead made me see the truth. My reason said he was right. My heart wasn't so easily convinced.”

Kate's heart tightened as she thought of his struggle to accept forgiveness. “But you're here. I can tell by looking at you that you found a way to prove it to your heart. What happened?”

“I remembered a time I had displeased my mother. I ran off to play with Lowell without watering the baby chicks and several of them died. She scolded me. I knew I deserved it but I felt as if I'd lost her love. She came to me after I'd gone to bed and told me how much she loved me and how she knew I'd grow into a good and honorable man. I realized that her love forgave my disobiedience. Just as God's love does. I knew God's love was more perfect than even a mother's love. I finally believed and accepted it.”

Kate laughed from pure joy. “God is so good.”

“Amen.” He trailed his fingers along her cheek. “I look forward to spending the rest of my life enjoying God's goodness with you at my side.”

Kate knew joy as she'd never before known as she leaned forward and received his gentle, promising kiss.

 

Kate wanted no fuss. She and Hatcher planned to go to the preacher and be pronounced man and wife. That's all they needed.

But Sally would have none of it. “At least let me serve tea. After all, it's a special occasion. How often do you plan to get married?”

“This will be twice but God willing, the last time.” She knew if Jeremiah watched from somewhere above, he'd be cheering her on.

“Then let me show my joy. Let me do this.”

Kate reluctantly agreed. “Just you and Frank and Tommy.”

“The preacher and his wife, too, of course.”

“Of course.” Sally and her husband were standing up with them, so Kate knew her friend would be forced to keep things simple.

The children also stood up with them. It had been Hatcher's idea. “I'm declaring my love for them, too,” he explained.

Kate helped Mary adjust the new pink dress. Hatcher insisted he would look after Dougie. He said he'd meet her at the church. Kate was pleased and surprised to discover he was a romantic traditionalist.

She smoothed her own dress, a soft dove-gray with gentle lines. Sally said it made her look serene. She hugged her secret. She felt serene. More settled than ever before in her life.

Kate studied her reflection in the mirror and admitted she looked extremely happy.
Thank you, God
.

“Come on, Mary. Hatcher and Dougie will be waiting.”

They got into the old truck and Kate covered their dresses with a sheet to keep them spotless.

Mary couldn't stop wriggling with excitement. Kate smiled, barely able to restrain her own body.

“Momma, can I call him Daddy?”

Kate pressed her lips together and held back tears. It wouldn't do to show up at her own wedding with her face streaked.

“I know he'd be pleased.”

Mary nodded. “Poppa won't mind, will he?”

Kate realized Mary had the same feeling of Jeremiah's closeness as she. “I think he'd like it. All he would want is for you to be happy.”

Mary bounced then clasped her hands in her lap. “I'm very happy. I love Hatcher.”

“Me, too.”

Mary giggled. “Suppose that's why you're marrying him.”

Kate chuckled. “You're beginning to sound like Hatcher—Daddy.”

“That's good, isn't it?”

“It's very very good.”

They pulled into the church parking area. Sally rushed toward them. “Hurry, everyone's waiting.”

“We're ready.” Kate took Mary's hand and squeezed it. Mary squeezed back.

At the church door, Sally stopped. “Mary and I will go first and then you follow. We're going to do this right.”

She and Sally hugged.

Sally had wanted so much for Kate to have a big wedding with the whole community in attendance. Kate explained Hatcher wasn't comfortable with meeting the whole community yet. He'd attended church with her, gone to the store, but he'd spent ten years avoiding people. It would take time.

She pushed open the door and gasped.

Every pew was filled. The church was decorated with wildflowers and greenery. The organist played the wedding march as Kate stared. Someone stuck a bouquet in her hands. Hatcher stood at the front waiting for her.

Their eyes locked and suddenly she didn't care if the President attended. She saw no one but Hatcher and slowly followed Sally and Mary down the aisle.

She reached his side, drank in his look of love and took his arm as they faced the preacher.

A few minutes later they were pronounced man and wife. “You may kiss your bride.”

Hatcher's smile sent fire into his eyes before he lowered his head and kissed her.

The congregation clapped. People reached for them, shaking hands and brushing their cheeks with quick kisses, as they marched down the aisle.

“I'm sorry,” Kate said as they rushed through the door.

“Sally must have done this.”

“I'm not sorry. It's just what I needed. To see everyone glad for us.”

“Then I'm glad she did it.”

Sally leaned over Kate's shoulder and whispered. “It's just the beginning.”

“What do you mean?”

“The community decided they wanted to do it right. See for yourself.”

Kate turned to see men setting up tables, women putting out food. To one side stood a smaller table piled with gifts.

“I can't believe it. I said small,” she scolded Sally.

But already people were filing by shaking hands, congratulating them. Many offered advice to Hatcher. “She's stubborn, best be careful.” “Don't let her rule the roost.” “We admire this little woman. She's had a hard time these past three years. Glad to see she has someone to share her load.” And all of them welcomed him to the community.

They were led to the place of honor, at the head of a small table and the women served them. The others grabbed chairs and gathered in a circle around them.

Kate turned to study her new husband. He smiled widely. How she loved that smile. He winked at her. “What is my wife thinking?”

“I'm hoping you're not finding this overwhelming.”

“I'm enjoying every minute of it. I intend to enjoy every minute of my life from now on. And make up for ten years I wasted. Are you ready for the fun?”

“I love you,” she whispered.

“And I love you.”

The children giggled. Hatcher laughed. The crowd cheered and clapped until he pulled Kate to her feet and kissed her soundly.

“To God be the glory,” he whispered for her ears alone.

“Great things He hath done,” she whispered back.

 

Dear Reader,

 

The Dirty Thirties were a unique time in history. Events occurred to upset people's lives in a way that challenged their livelihoods, their families and their faith. Some sought release from these problems through suicide. Others, especially unemployed men, took to the roads or the rails, hoping to find a sliver of hope somewhere down the line. Those left behind struggled with sorrow, worry and survival. The situation brought out the best in some people and the worst in others. In researching this story (and others like it that are to follow) I found it fascinating to see how people reacted and how their actions impacted others. I especially enjoyed thinking of how a person's faith would uphold them through such tremendous challenges.

I hope you find encouragement in reading about how my characters faced life in the thirties.

I love to hear from readers. Contact me through e-mail at [email protected]. Feel free to check for updates and bits about my research at my Web site, www.lindaford.org.

 

God bless,

 

Linda Ford

1. Kate Bradshaw was determined to keep her farm, come what may. Was she being smart or foolish in her desire to do so? Why or why not? What would you have done in her situation?
   
2. What challenges did Kate face that were unique to the time in which she lived? What challenges did she face that might be similar in our time?
   
3. For quite a while, Kate has kept company with the town lawyer, Doyle. Why does she accept his attentions? It would make her and her children's lives easier if she married him and moved to town. Why doesn't she do so?
   
4. Hatcher Jones was running from something. What was he running from? Was he running from God or to God? Have you ever felt like that?
   
5. Kate worries that because she has little time to spend with her children, she has caused her daughter Mary to be afraid of chickens, and her son Dougie to act recklessly. Have you ever felt that you were lacking as a parent? What would you say to Kate to allay her fears and concerns?
   
6. Hatcher seems to find a great deal of comfort in memorizing and reciting Scripture. Is there another reason he does this? What evidence is there in the story for thinking this?
   
7. Though Hatcher has never stayed in one place for very long, he decides to stay on Kate's farm to help her with her crops. What prompts him to do so?
   
8. For most of the book, Kate's friend Sally seems to be a bad friend, suggesting Kate marry someone she doesn't love. But when push comes to shove, Sally shows she is a true friend and helps Kate. What does she do? Do you have a friend you can rely on in good times and bad?
   
9. Framed and arrested, Hatcher doesn't make any attempt to defend himself. Do you think this was a good decision on his part? Why or why not? What would you have done if you were in his place?
   
10. To save Hatcher, Kate is willing to give up their love. Would you be willing to make such a sacrifice for a loved one? Discuss why or why not.
    
11. When Hatcher returns home to his family, he finds the love and forgiveness he needs to move forward with his life. Why do you think he resisted going home for so long?
    
12. What kind of future do you think lies ahead for Hatcher and Kate? Will they live happily ever after?