He risked a glance over his shoulder.
Water rushed down the washout. He whipped his head forward and snapped the reins several times.
They were almost there.
“Come on, boys, you can do it!” He had to yell over the rumble behind them.
The team surged forward.God, give them traction.
They reached the grassy slope, and he leaned forward and whistled his encouragement.
Everything slowed around him as he watched the bobbing of the horses’ necks as they strained to get the wagon up to higher ground.
twenty-seven
“They went through wildernesses
Where no man’s feet had trod
To find out Nature’s secrets—
The unfound way to God.”
~Earl Douglass,
from his poemNature’s Noblemen
SUNDAY, JULY21
Julian looked out on the washed-out gulley. The waters were taking longer to recede this time. Which meant Anna wouldn’t be back to work on her dig for another day or two.
He didn’t like that.
Walking out to his garden, he placed his hands on his hips. Most of the blooms were gone. Many of the flowers had been pelted to the ground with the torrential rain. But as things dried out, some of them might perk back up as long as the stalks weren’t completely broken off.
He surveyed the damage and shook his head. Everything was still soaked. His boots were sucked into the mud with each step. Perhaps tomorrow things would be a bit drier andhe could work in the garden while he waited for Anna’s return.
The sound of horse’s hooves made him turn on his heel. “Anna?”
Out of instinct, the name slipped out. No one else came to visit him.
Except for his foreman.
Huh. It was the reverend, sitting atop his horse and smiling down at him.
“Good afternoon, Julian.” He got down, removed his hat, and strode toward him.
“Good afternoon.” What didhewant?
“I’m out checking on my parishioners after the storm. Wanted to see how you were doing.”
“I’m fine.” He stood stiff.
“It’s been a while since your father passed. Are you handling your grief okay? It’s normal to feel sad and unsure about things. You’ve got a lot to deal with out here.” The man’s concern seemed sincere.
What was expected of him? Should he invite the man in? “I’m adjusting.”
“Good to hear.” The man watched him for several seconds. “Your beautiful garden took quite a beating, didn’t it?”
