Free The Heavenly Fugitive by Gilbert Morris Page A

Winslow stopped her attacker. Lola later learned that Mark had been arrested for a shooting and was sentenced to a long term in a Texas prison. Grateful to him for saving her, she had helped himbreak jail, disguising herself as a young Mexican man and Mark as an old Mexican. The two had fled together, only to be trapped by a blizzard.
    Lola’s voice grew soft as she continued. “Mark was sick when we got him out of jail, and when we got shut in by that blizzard, the fever took him. I thought he would die. It was so cold, I couldn’t believe it. It was all I could do to keep a small fire going and keep us both alive.”
    “When did you fall in love with him, Grandmother?”
    “I think it was there in that little deserted cabin. I took care of him like he was a baby.” She smiled suddenly and said, “That’s a good way to fall in love. Baby a man.”
    “You’ve had such an exciting life, Grandmother.”
    “Too exciting at times, I’m afraid.”
    For a moment Amelia hesitated, then said, “It must be terrible for you to have lost Grandfather.”
    Lola did not seem to hear for a moment. She sat very still, her fine old hands cradling the teacup. She took a sip and then put the cup down. Turning to Amelia, she said gently, “We lose things a little bit at a time, I think. I haven’t really lost Mark. Something’s lost when you don’t know where it is, but I know where Mark is. He loved Jesus so fervently, and now he’s with Him. And soon I’ll be with them. I’ll see him very soon.”
    “No, not for a long time, Grandmother!” Amelia protested.
    “I can’t help feeling it won’t be long. You’re young and don’t want to think about such things, but I’ve got more to look forward to on the other side of death than I have on this side.” She reached out and took Amelia’s hand and said, “It would be hard to leave, though, not being around to help you.”
    Tears came to Amelia’s eyes. “I’ve made such a mess of my life, Grandmother, and I’m so unhappy. I know I’ve broken Mom’s and Dad’s hearts. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’ve disappointed every one of you and done awful things.”
    Lola took both of Amelia’s hands in between hers. “You haven’t dealt blackjack in a saloon like I did.”
    Amelia bowed her head so that her grandmother would not see the tears, but Lola knew what was in her heart. She stood up and pulled Amelia’s head over against her. “You don’t know, Granddaughter, how often Mark and I prayed for you. Especially during his last days. He loved you so very much.”
    Amelia threw her arms around her grandmother. She felt so helpless and alone and confused. Two things pulled at her. She wanted to give up all ideas of being independent and just be what her parents and what everyone else seemed to want her to be. But there was a side of her that would not give in, and as she clung to her grandmother, she thought, What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I be like Phil?
    ****
    Very early on Christmas morning Andrew and Dorothy rose, dressed, and went downstairs. They found Barney and Katie had arrived early and had let themselves in. After exchanging greetings, the women had made a quick breakfast while the rest of the house slept. Katie explained that Erin and Quaid were visiting old friends and planned to come in time for Christmas dinner. As the four sat around the table eating lightly—knowing that the big dinner was to come—the conversation turned to the condition of the country.
    “It’s been a bad year for America,” Andrew said, stirring his coffee and then sipping it. “I never admired President Harding much, but I hated that he had to be taken away at this time.”
    “Well, he looked like a president,” Barney said. Barney Winslow was a big man with some battle damage. He had been a prizefighter as a young man, and his years in Africa had left their mark. Still, he looked strong and virile as he sat slouched back in his chair. “I think his