“We definitely want to do what is best for all.”

Luke bid the judge good day and made his way outside. The wind was making the air feel even colder than it had before. Pulling the scarf tighter around his face and neck, Luke pushed on toward the post office. He would see if anything had come for him, despite the winter service being more sporadic, and then head home. The thought of ending his day with Gloriana and JT and the baby was more than enough to quicken his steps.

He thought of Gloriana and her frustration with God. Would he be any different if he’d suffered so much loss? Of course, he had lost his mother and stepmother and now his brother. They had quite a bit in common, if one looked at it that way. However, where Gloriana had adored her father, Luke felt as if he barely knew his. Martin Carson was all about business and making money. The time he had spent with his sons had also been about business and finance. Luke couldn’t remember a time when he and his father had just talked about life, about their desires or ambitions, unless it related back to work.

That was a void Luke had struggled to fill by inviting the friendship of other older men and advisors. He always gravitated toward mentoring relationships. His brother was the only person who was different. Luke was Scott’s mentor, and now Scott was gone, and Luke felt that void as well.

Perhaps that was what kept him wanting to be there for JT. The boy reminded him of Scott in many ways. Scott had always been more physical—more interested in things that went on outdoors rather than inside. College had bored Scott nearly to walking away. He’d been too young for the war but hung on Luke’s every word about battles and strategies. Their father had been appalled. His boys had been raised to follow in his footsteps, and nothing else would suffice. Scott had always felt he could never measure up to his father’s desires.

Luke thought again of Gloriana and her anger at God. God hadn’t lived up to her expectations. It seemed there were disappointments enough to go around. Luke only wanted to help her find her way back. Only that close bond with God would see her through this depth of pain.

“Father,” Luke whispered, lifting his gaze heavenward, “help her. I care for her so. I don’t want bitterness and anger to harden her heart. Help her to see You for the loving Father You are. Amen.”

He felt a calm come over him. No matter what, he knew that seeking God first was how peace would be found, and for now, he could rest in that.

Chapter 17