understand without you explaining more. Any woman would be afraid of what marriage requires after an experience like that. Has Morgan given you reasons to doubt him?” Sarah reached for her hand.
“No. Since he told me what happened to his wife, he hasn’t lost his temper or done anything to make me think otherwise. But I keep waiting for his temper to flare up, and I’m afraid of marriage. So I’m always . . . prepared for the worst. Sometimes I want to touch him or tell him how much I do love him, but I’m afraid. I hate those awful moments.”
“You’re protecting yourself,” Sarah concluded and closed her eyes.
“Let’s not talk of this. You need your strength.”
With her eyes still closed, Sarah offered a weak laugh. “I will soon be dancing in heaven, but I can’t leave until I feel you’re going to be all right.”
“You are such a loving, beautiful lady,” Casey said. “I don’t know what to do but pray about the situation with Morgan. I can’t marry him with unsure feelings, and I’ve put him off until the legal matters are settled. I could insist Jenkins be found. But what then?”
“You’re right in not marrying him until you’re certain. If the Lord wants you to marry, He will tell you if Morgan is the right man. Just listen for the quiet voice of God. Sometimes we are so busy praying that we forget to hush and simply let Him speak.” Sarah moistened her lips and took a labored breath.
Casey fussed with the quilt around Sarah’s neck. “Please just rest now. You can talk to me later.”
Sarah shook her head. “There may not be a later. Sweet girl, remember this. It’s our nature to fail. Morgan will disappoint you from time to time, as you will him. He cannot be perfect, but will he try? There lies your answer, and only you can know his heart.” The last of her words came between gasps.
Casey leaned over and tearfully kissed her pale cheek. “I love you, Sarah, and I will miss you. You’ve been my mother and my friend. If I live a hundred years, I’ll never be able to replace you.”
The day progressed slowly, and the older woman’s anguish heightened. She refused to suppress the incessant pain, and her strength wavered. When the supper hour approached, she asked for the reverend. Before the parlor clock struck seven, Sarah died, cradled in the arms of her husband.
Kahlerville had lost a fine woman of God.
The day of Sarah’s funeral dawned cool and sunny, just as Sarah would have wanted. The church and yard were filled with people who loved her and were not ready to let her go. Many folks had stories to tell of her goodness, and the accountings were told well into the night.
Casey wanted to save her grieving for the quiet solitude of her room. She needed to be strong and help comfort those who mourned Sarah’s death. But in spite of her resolve, she felt a flood of her own tears. The death had been inevitable. Since the moment Casey agreed to nurse Sarah, the outcome had never been in doubt. Yet reality rarely found folks prepared.
She stepped into the kitchen and rearranged the mounds of food that appeared each time someone paid a call. Repeatedly she swallowed hard to keep from weeping.
“My sweet lady.” Morgan eased up beside her. “You can cry. There’s no reason to be brave.”
“But someone might need something.” Her voice quivered, and she took in a breath. “I’ve changed so much since I started my life over. I can remember moments of sadness from before, but never the grief I feel today.”
“You have God’s Spirit in you, honey.” He turned her to face him, and the tears slipped from her eyes and down her cheeks. Morgan pulled her to his chest. And as she gave in to the comfort of his arms, she heard his heartbeat, firm and strong.
“You loved her and have every right to grieve,” he whispered.
“She was like a mother to me. I miss her so.”
“Go ahead and cry. I’m here. I’ll always be here.”
And she did until his shirt was soaked and not a single tear remained.
She’d learned the true meaning of humility and selfless love. She vowed never to forget Sarah’s wisdom and her striving always to put others first. Casey prayed for the same characteristics to show in her life, especially in her relationship with Morgan. She truly loved him. There had to be