Whispers of Moonlight (59 page)

It was a blessed mercy that they had a cool summer. The cattle drive to Denver had been a profitable venture with no casualties or injuries for the men, and construction of the houses was well under way.

Colin had asked Lavena to marry him, but she'd said no. She told him he could ask again, but she hadn't had a home of her own for over 13 years. After having come to terms with being out of the main ranch house, she realized she wanted to experience living on her own for a time.

"I can't do that if I have a husband, now, can I?" she said to Rebecca, and the younger woman had understood her view.

Personally, Rebecca enjoyed having a husband underfoot, but then she had kept him away for so long it was a relief to let herself love again. If she lived to be an old woman, she would never forget his words to her just two days after they'd returned back from roundup.

"Are your things all moved into our room?"

"I think so," she had smiled. "Does it have to be
everything?"

"Yes," he'd smiled back, "we need that room for the baby."

"Do you know something I don't know, Travis?"

"No," he returned, smile still in place. "Just wishful praying."

Rebecca had not commented on his words, but she had learned something in that moment. It wasn't all clear to her, but whatever it was Travis believed, he believed it with his whole heart. She was glad that she'd never tried to separate the man from his religion—it would never have worked. Although she did not agree with the teachings of his church, her respect for him grew. As the summer progressed she even attended church with him and the boys from time to time. Whenever she went she had questions. She was no longer attacking and angry but mildly curious.

"What did Pastor Henley mean when he said death entered the world through one man?"

"He was talking about Adam and Eve and the way they sinned in the garden."

"But Adam and Eve didn't die right then."

"Spiritual death, Rebecca, not physical death."

"So you believe a person can be spiritually dead his whole life, even if he lives to be 90?"

"Yes. It doesn't matter how good a person is or how hard he's tried. God has laid out the way to Himself."

"Maybe it's not for everyone, Travis," she said reasonably.

"The Bible says it is. Christ died for all. In the first chapter of John Christ is called the 'Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.' The world is
everyone,
Rebecca." He had stressed the word, but Rebecca was still not certain she agreed. She looked very thoughtful, however, and Travis always knew when to let the subject drop so she could think. There were moments when he felt utter despair over Rebecca's lost state, but God always reminded him that He was sovereign, and that Travis needed to remain faithful and obedient no matter what.

"Don't ever stop asking me, Rebecca," he now told her. "I love to talk to you about what I believe."

Rebecca thanked him and slipped her hand into his. They continued their tour of the houses, which were almost complete. Travis kept praying and knew great peace. He didn't think Rebecca was certain about what she believed, but she was showing interest. Indeed, God was at work in a powerful and wonderful way, and Travis believed that whatever the future held, it would be bright with the promise.

Late Summer

1877

off, "Travis shared with Robert during their regular study. "As soon as the subject of hell comes up, she backs right

"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 far-reaching 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.