The Proposal by Lori Wick

right back.
    “Why wouldn’t they wish to be found?” James asked in real confusion.
    “Well, James,” Palmer began, “they’re a few years older and may wish for some time for their own pursuits. Does that make sense?”
    “Yes.”
    “Is there something we can do for you?” Jennings offered, not realizing he was already making strides in dealing with the children.
    “We want to play croquet and need four to make it interesting.”
    “You could try the girls,” Palmer suggested. Walt’s look became comical.
    “Why don’t you keep looking for Frank and Thomas?” Jennings recommended, honestly not wanting to go outside just then.
    “What if we still can’t find them?” Walt asked.
    “Choose another game,” his father said with just enough emphasis to close the matter.
    “We head to church tomorrow morning, Jennings,” Palmer mentioned when the boys had gone on their way. “Will you and the children be joining us?”
    Jennings looked across at his brother-in-law. His hospitality and help had been beyond value, but Jennings wasn’t sure he could sit through a sermon from a man who he believed to be totally in error.
    “Have I put you on the spot?”
    “No, I’m just thinking through some things.”
    “And coming up with what?”
    “Questions.”
    “Try asking me.”
    Jennings stared at the other man, knowing he could be honest, before saying, “How do I sit and listen to a man I think is foolish?”
    “Why do you think he’s foolish?”
    “His ideas, Palmer! They’re outrageous.”
    “Tell me something, Jennings. Do you honestly think they’re his ideas?”
    “Yes. He’s taken some of the verses in the Bible and completely twisted them around.”
    “So you’ve studied the verses for yourself?” Palmer asked.
    Jennings’ eyes narrowed dangerously at that point, and Palmer put his hand up.
    “Before you grow cross, Jennings, hear me out.”
    The other man nodded, so Palmer tried again.
    “You’re nearly an expert with maps and charts. Why? Because you’ve studied and been taught on the subject. Pastor Hurst’s area of expertise is God’s Word. For years he has spent long hours studying Scripture and interacting with other men in the congregation, such as myself, who have studied to make sure his interpretation and application are biblical.”
    Jennings’ face had relaxed during this explanation, and he now admitted that Palmer had a point.
    “We’ll probably go with you,” Jennings said after a moment’s quiet.
    “I’m glad.”
    “I sense the children would wish it.”
    “I think you must be right.”
    Jennings nodded, glad it was settled, but still asked himself what he was in for.
    Subtly observing the other man’s face, Palmer had all he could do not to smile. He found himself praying for his brother-in-law, hoping he would soon see how much God loved him, knowing that God was well accustomed to dealing with skeptics and doubters.

    Lydia stood very still, listening intently. Something was wrong. The girls had been playing, but it had grown very quiet. From the distance, Lydia thought she heard a small cry. She didn’t think it was one of her girls, which left only one choice: Penny. She hurried in the direction of the small salon and was nearly at the door when her own Emma came rushing out.
    “Oh, Mama! We can’t find Mr Pat, and Penny is terribly upset!”
    “All right, I’m coming.”
    “Do you need me, mum?” Judith asked; she had also come at the sound of Emma’s distressed tone.
    “We’ve a small crisis, Judith. Penny—” Lydia began as soon as she was in the room. “It’s all right, dear. Don’t cry,” she said as she took her in her arms. “We’ll find Mr Pat.”
    But it wasn’t that simple. Penny wasn’t sobbing or even crying loudly. Indeed she was nearly frozen with her distress, the occasional tear falling from her eyes.
    “Do you know where you last had him?”
    “I don’t know. I need Mr Pat.”
    “We’ll find him,” Lydia said