“No, I don’t think cookies are good for Jack. Let’s stick with giving Jack leftover meat and bread.”

JT frowned but didn’t argue. He brought Luke a sugar cookie. “So was the celebration a good one?” Jack danced at his feet.

“A lot of people came to see us start the new railroad,” Luke admitted. “But I don’t know if it was a good celebration. There are a lot of problems that we have to find answers for, and I don’t know where those answers are going to come from.”

“Did you pray?”

Luke smiled. “I should have, huh?”

“Yup.” JT shoved most of the cookie in his mouth and spoke around it. “That’s the only way to be sure you get the right answer.” He let a piece of cookie drop to the floor, and Jack quickly scooped it up. Luke pretended not to notice as JT continued. “Mama always said prayer should be our first resort, not our last.”

Out of the mouth of babes. Luke ruffled JT’s hair and handed him half of his uneaten cookie. “Here. You deserve this for pointing me back in the right direction.”

JT smiled. “Thanks, Luke.” He gave Luke a hug before dashing off down the hall. The puppy followed him like a shadow.

Luke sat thinking about the simplicity of JT’s suggestion.

He’s right, Lord. I’ve been way too caught up in trying to do things in my own power. My fears and concerns over the railroad and the baby and this family have caused me to lose focus on You. I am sorry for that. I know You will provide my answers. You will give me direction—if I let You—if I listen. Forgive me for trying to wrestle with this in my own strength.

Gloriana thought about what she intended to say. She needed Luke to understand that she had worked through her anger at God and that, while she still felt overwhelmed by the loss in her life, she was ready to move forward. She was in love with him, and she knew he cared for her as well. She felt he had made certain implied suggestions for their future, and she wanted them both to be frank with each other about what that future should be.

After supper she asked JT to play in his room so she could have time alone to talk to Luke. She put Sally to bed for the night and stopped a moment to pray.

“Father, I am sorry for the way I’ve acted, just as I told You earlier,” she whispered as she stood watching over Sally. “I want to change. I want my heart to be yielded to You in every way, but I need Your help. I know I’m willful and easily given to my own emotions. Help me, please. Help me tonight to say the right things. Let Luke understand. Amen.”