He stepped away from the pulpit with the Bible in his hand. “But with God, all things are possible, and we must remember that. Deserts and death are but a momentary obstacle to us, and certainly no obstacle to God. We may wander for a time in the desert, but God will never leave nor forsake us there. He asks us to trust Him, even when He seems aloof, distant, or unreachable. The Hebrew children had to learn this, and we must learn it as well. Let us pray.”

Luke bowed his head, wondering if Gloriana had found any comfort at all in the words. She hadn’t wanted to come to church, pointing out that the bitter cold was hard on the baby, but Luke reminded her that the carriage would be warm and protect them all. He had arranged extra blankets and even some warmers with hot coals to keep their feet toasty. It was hard to argue against such things.

When the service concluded, Luke talked to several of the men and finally to the pastor. He thanked Sedgwick for the thoughtful and well-delivered sermon, then once again made his way to Gloriana.

“I’ll bring the carriage around,” he said.

“Can I help?” JT asked. He was fascinated by the team and wanted to learn to handle the carriage. Such things were oddities to fishermen’s sons.

“Of course. If it’s all right with Gloriana.”

She nodded as she wrapped the sleeping baby for the journey home. “Just be sure to do everything Luke tells you to. Horses are dangerous beasts.”

Luke smiled and ruffled JT’s hair. “So are little boys, if they aren’t properly handled.”

JT grinned and looped his arm through Luke’s. “I’m not dangerous, just busy. That’s what Papa used to say. He told me that he’d never known anyone who was busier than me, but Papa never met Jack.”

Gloriana laughed, and Luke thought it was the nicest sound he could hear. “He’s right. Papa did say that.”

“Then come along, you busy bee. Let me show you the right way to bring the carriage around.”

Gloriana watched Luke and JT disappear through the congregation and out the door. She didn’t relish being left alone to deal with the women of the church, but she squared her shoulders and continued her preparations for going outside.

“Oh, Gloriana,” Mrs. Sedgwick said, coming to her side. “Let me see that precious babe.”

Gloriana handed Sally over, grateful for the opportunity. She pulled her fine wool coat on as the pastor’s wife fussed over the sleeping child.

“She’s grown so much. I can scarcely believe it. She’s doubled in size since Christmas.”

“She has, and she’s such a happy baby. She’s a delight. She keeps me from ever being too sad. JT has his puppy, and I have Sally. They have gotten us through our deepest sorrows.”