Free The Captive Within (A Prairie Heritage, Book 4) by Vikki Kestell Page B

More and more silver strands seemed to find their
way into her hairbrush to mix with dark blonde ones.
    The rest of the household was also up early that morning.
They were anxious to receive the furniture that the women from Emily’s Bible
study group had collected for them.
    “I have never appreciated a real bed as much as I will this
evening,” Rose confessed at breakfast. Her comments elicited a generous chorus
of agreement.
    David, Uli, their children, and Flinty arrived first, coming
down the mountain on the morning train. They brought the household’s remaining
personal belongings and more donations from their Corinth church family.
    They also brought young Will back to his mama and Blackie to
Joy. Once in Marit’s arms, Will refused to let her set him down or anyone else
to take him. He clung to her neck refusing even Billy’s outstretched arms,
although he peeped at Billy long enough to exchange happy grins.
    Blackie ran ecstatic circles about Joy. Although not puppy
sized any longer, Grant picked Blackie up and held him between himself and Joy
while Joy rubbed Blackie’s ears and under his chin. Rose greeted them all with
heartfelt embraces, and Mr. Wheatley grinned unabashedly when he saw his old
checkers partner.
    Flinty, too was delighted to see them all and kept
repeating, “Yep. Sight fer sore eyes, fer certain!” and “Jest what th’ doctor
ordered, I’m thinkin’!”
    Breona, however, looked him over, her sharp eyes missing
nothing. She sidled up to Uli and, out of the side of her mouth, asked, “Whist?
’Tis off his feed he’s lookin’ t’ me eyes!”
    Uli, still smiling and watching everyone hugging and
talking, whispered back, “We’re a little concerned. I don’t think he’s taking
very good care of himself. He misses all of you terribly.”
    David and Uli walked over every inch of the house, praising
God for the space and the progress they had made. Flinty, eyes bright, slowly
followed Mr. Wheatley around, commenting and grinning the entire time.
    Before the real work of the day began, the household and
their guests, still chattering happily, gathered in the great room.
    Grant smiled at their swelled ranks and asked for their
attention. “Before we truly make this house our home, and while we have many
more family and friends gathered here with us, let us take time to thank God
for his provision and ask him to bless this house and all we will do here in
his name.”
    He turned to David Kalbørg. “Pastor, will you lead us in
prayer?”
    “What will you name this house?” David asked first.
    Rose, Joy, and Grant looked at each other and then at the
others. “We have been so busy cleaning and repairing, I don’t believe we even
considered giving the house a name,” Joy confessed. “Does anyone have a
suggestion?”
    All were quiet, thinking on Joy’s question. Finally Marit
offered softly, “Mrs. Palmer gave us this vonderful house. Could ve not call it
Palmer House?”
    Her suggestion drew several thoughtful nods. Finally Breona
replied, “Aye. ’Tis fittin’, I’m thinkin’.”
    As simply as that, the name Palmer House was adopted.
    Every head bowed as David prayed, “Lord, we consecrate this
house, Palmer House, to your service. Every room, every hall, every nook and
cranny, we dedicate to your purposes. We ask your Holy Spirit to be present and
active in this place. We ask that you lead in every decision made here. And
especially, Mighty God, we purpose to glorify you with every word spoken and
deed accomplished within these walls. We pledge these things in Jesus’ name.”
    Amens sounded across the circle, and then the work began.
    The women from Emily’s Bible study group, true to their
word, had arranged for two wagons and a few strong young men to haul the
donated furnishings to the house. The first loads arrived mid-day, and chaos
reigned as everyone from the house swarmed out to the street, chattering and
laughing, to unload the bounty.
    “Mama, don’t look