Anika stares past him to her daughter staring solemnly back at her. “I want to, but I’m not sure how to do that.”
“That's easy, seek him first. Pray, and love your daughter. Feel the anger, but don't let it take root in your soul or it will blot out all the love you have. If that happens, you will isolate Delaney and leave her alone in this world.” Pastor Donegal watches his words sink in. “She needs you now to guide her, can you try to do that?”
Anika wipes a stray tear and nods her head. “I will try,” she whispers.
“That’s all I ask.” He pats her shoulder and walks away giving her a moment of privacy.
Dropping to her knees on the ground, she places a flower on Rosie’s mound of dirt. “Father, hold her close in your loving embrace.” Delaney runs to her mother and gently lays a flower beside hers. Anika takes her hand and pulls her to the ground next to her. “Pray with me Delaney,” she pleads, and she bows her little head and listens.
“Father, help us to understand that you are in control and trust in your plan for our lives. We give ourselves completely to you. Guide us, protect us, and help us to forgive him.” Delaney stiffens beside her and tries to pull away, but Anika will not budge. “I will not let hatred plant a seed in our souls. Today we are free in our love for you and each other, knowing that your son paid the ultimate price to wash away our sins.” Turning to Delaney she clasps her face in her hands, “Only God is perfect, Delaney.”
“I hate Daddy, Mama!” Hazel eyes glare at her in defiance.
“It is okay to hate what he did to our family and us, but not the man. He was good once, Delaney. He was sick and lost… and now he is home. We will cry together, be angry together and then you know what?”
“What?” She whispers with tears running down her cheeks.
“We will heal together, I promise.” Delaney throws her arms around her neck and sobs.
Pastor Donegal watches with Mr. and Mrs. Parker and smiles softly. “God is good, it may not feel like it today, but we must trust in his plan.” Guilt rides all the members of the church on this day. The law did fail to protect them, and the church tried to counsel him many times, but war stains a soul. If one does not have strong faith, it is hard to survive the scars. He nods goodbye and returns to his wagon.
Clara wipes a tear as she watches Mother and child. She turns to look at her husband, “We have to help them.” He nods in a silent agreement, turning around at the sound of a horse riding fast in their direction and a familiar voice calls out for help.
“Dr. Parker, we need your help.” The rider pulls up short but doesn’t bother to dismount. “It’s Sue Ward, she’s taken a turn for the worse.”
Josiah glances worriedly at his wife. Anika and Delaney rode with them in their wagon, and he can't abandon them. Unfortunately, it isn't safe for the women to travel back to town alone. Sue Ward lives in Mt. Joy ten miles away, and that is a fast ride on horseback. In the wagon, it will take a longer.
Clara rushes to explain, and Anika calls out, “We will go with you, Dr. Parker. It isn't a problem.”
Relief rushes across his face, “Are you sure you can handle the trip?” Anika and Delaney follow Clara’s lead and quickly enter the wagon.
“I won't keep you from helping someone in need. You're my doctor, I will defer to your judgment.” Josiah looks over the young woman's swollen face and decides to chance it. Sue may not have much time, and he wants to be there to help.
“Right then. Let's go.” Climbing up next to his wife he turns to the young man. “William, ride ahead and tell them I'm on my way.” He doesn't wait he kicks the horse into a run, while they follow at a safe pace.
Josiah does his best to avoid the rough patches of the road as Clara explains the situation to Danika. “Glenn and Sue Ward own a farm in Mt. Joy, called Ward Farm and Orchards. She has always had a weak heart, but the stress of the war and pregnancy took a toll on her body. The twins were delivered two weeks ago.”
“Did they?” Anika can’t finish the sentence as she bounces along holding Delaney close.
“Yes, twins born a month early. Sue is not faring as well as the infants,” Josiah responds.
“That’s sad,” Delaney murmurs turning her face into her Mother’s embrace.
“What can you do Josiah, to help her?” Clara asks her husband.
“In truth, I've done all I can do. Now it is a matter of treating the symptoms and try to make Sue comfortable. Frankly, I'm surprised she has lived this long. It has been two weeks, but a mother's love makes one capable of amazing feats.” He says thinking of Anika and Delaney.
Clara blinks back tears and murmurs a prayer for the Ward family. Anika bows her head and lifts a prayer for them as well. Everyone has a burden to bare she thinks, pulling Delaney close for a hug.
The noon sun climbs high into the sky and the
