Jeremy's True Love Part Two
"Jeremy, is your food alright?" Candy asked.
"It's fine, sweetheart. Why do you ask?" Jeremy said distractedly.
"I'm asking because it's your favorite, fried chicken and you have hardly touched it." Candy told him. "Are you feeling okay?"
"I guess I'm not very hungry today. I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm not sick. I have something on my mind." Jeremy answered.
"I have noticed that you have been quiet today. Do you want to talk about it?" Candy asked.
"Yes, but not here. Would you like to walk up to the old home place?" Jeremy asked.
"Okay, that will be a nice way to spend Sunday afternoon. Jeremy, are you sure that you're alright? You can tell me anything. Nothing will ever change how I feel about you. I love you with all my heart." Candy said tearfully.
"Oh, sweetheart. Don't be upset. I promise I'm not sick or anything like that. There is just something I want to talk to you about." Jeremy told her.
"Do you want a divorce?" She whispered.
Jeremy looked at his wife for a moment. He got up from his chair and walked over to her. He squatted in front of her chair.
Taking her hand in his, he whispered, "No, Candy. I don't want a divorce. I love you dearly. Why would you think I would want a divorce?"
"I don't know. You have hardly spoken to me today. After church, I saw you talking to Reverend Adams, and you haven't mentioned it to me since we got home. Then you said you wanted to talk to me but not here. And you didn't eat your lunch even though it's fried chicken, your favorite food. I just put all that together and it added up to divorce!" Candy bawled.
Jeremy stood up and opened his arms to her. Candy left her chair and went into his arms. Jeremy hugged her tightly.
He whispered in her ear. "I love you with every fiber of my being. I do not want a divorce. Sweetheart, I'm sorry that my behavior upset you."
"I love you too. I'm glad you don't want a divorce. I suppose I just got carried away." Candy sniffed.
Jeremy gently dried her eyes with his handkerchief. "Let's put the food away and then walk up to the old cabin."
"Okay." Candy smiled.
A little while later, they were walking arm in arm to the old home place. Jeremy was quiet. Candy knew he was thinking about how to tell her what was on his mind.
When they reached the old cabin, they went to his parents' graves. Jeremy looked at the graves for a moment, then he sobbed and turned to Candy. She took him in her arms. He put his head on her shoulder sobbing heartbroken tears.
"I love you, Jeremy. I love you. I love you, sweetheart. So much." Candy whispered in his ear.
"I love you too." Jeremy sobbed.
When his tears ended, they went inside the old cabin. Jeremy walked to the fireplace and looked where Dad had written the names and ages of his three sons when he built the cabin. Jeremy, age two, Joshua, age six, and Jason, age thirteen.
Jeremy and Candy sat down on the sofa. Jeremy took a deep breath. He reached for Candy's hand.
"Candy, do you remember when Joshua and I went to Port Angeles three months ago to get that new equipment that Jason ordered?" Jeremy asked.
"Yes, I remember. I was worried because I knew that you and Joshua had to go down to the docks very late. I was afraid the crimpers might try to get both of you again." Candy answered.
"We didn't have any problems with the crimpers. But we had to go down to the docks at midnight to meet the ship. While Joshua was watching the crew unload our order, I went to make the payment. I had to go to the back entrance of one of those warehouses on the dock. I had to go through an alley to get to the door." Jeremy said.
Jeremy was quiet for a minute. He looked at Candy with a frown on his face.
"What, sweetheart?" She asked.
"When I got about halfway down the alley, a man stepped out in front of me. It was Rafe Holiday." Jeremy looked down at his boots.
"Jeremy!" Candy clutched his arm.
Jeremy looked at her.
"He said hello, Bolt. Then he made some crude remarks about you. I told him he couldn't speak that way about my wife. Holiday laughed and made comments about how I probably can't father children. Holiday went on to say that he ought to kill me and give you a chance to be married to a real man. Then he said he thought he would just do that, and he pulled his gun, cocked it, and aimed it at my head. I pulled my gun out of my pocket, fired and hit him in the chest. I had my finger on the trigger in my pocket." Jeremy told her.
"Why did you have a gun, Jeremy? I'm glad you did, but I've never known you to carry a gun before." Candy said.
"Jason demanded that Joshua and I carry guns on all of our trips after the crimpers kidnapped us. I should have told you before now. But this was the only time I have had to use it and I didn't want you to worry. Are you angry that I didn't tell you earlier?" Jeremy asked.
"No, I'm not angry, sweetheart. I'm just glad you had it when you needed it. Oh, Jeremy, did Holiday die?" Candy inquired.
"Yes, he died. But he wasn't killed instantly. Holiday lived for a few more minutes." Jeremy answered quietly.
"And you stayed with him." Candy held Jeremy's hand to her lips and kissed it. Then she put her arm around his shoulder giving him a squeeze.
"Yes, I stayed with him. I talked to him too." Jeremy whispered.
"Do you mind if I ask what you talked about?" Candy questioned.
"No, I don't mind. I want to tell you." Jeremy replied.
"I talked to him about Jesus and salvation. I felt led to do it, Candy. Right there in that alley at midnight to a man who had just threatened to kill me and who I had just fatally shot. Even though I felt guilty about ending his life, that wasn't the reason I felt led to talk to him. I realized that Holiday needs God just like everyone needs Him." Jeremy took a deep breath.
Tears were shining in Candy's eyes. "Jeremy Bolt, you amaze me more every day. You are the finest man I have ever known."
The young Bolt couple got up from the sofa. They wrapped their arms around each other. As they embraced, they said I love you to one another.
It began raining and thundering. The pair ended their embrace and moved to the window.
As they looked out, Candy asked, "How did Rafe respond to the message of salvation?"
"He laughed. But I don't think he was laughing about salvation or about Jesus. He was laughing at me. Rafe asked me if they taught kill them and convert them in preacher school now. I told him I didn't know anything about preacher school, but I know Jesus and I know about salvation. I explained about Jesus dying on the cross to pay for everyone's sins and how we have to believe in Him and repent of our sins and accept His forgiveness to be saved. I told him that it wasn't too late for him. I even said maybe that's why he wasn't killed instantly. Maybe God was giving him a little more time to be saved." Jeremy told her.
"What did he say, Jeremy?" Candy put her head on his shoulder.
"Rafe asked why Jesus would die for him. I told him because Jesus loves him. He asked if Jesus would forgive him for all the murders he committed. I said yes. Then Holiday sneered and said he could have killed me and been forgiven for it. I told him yes. Rafe laughed and said he was sorry he had missed the chance to kill me. I reminded him about repentance." Jeremy sighed as he looked out the window.
"Did Rafe accept The Lord, Jeremy?" Candy looked at her husband.
"Well, I told Rafe his time was running out and he needed to make a decision. He asked if I was doing this to ease my guilt about killing him. I told him no. I explained that I felt led by God to talk to him about salvation. That seemed to surprise him. Rafe said so all of this stuff about love and forgiveness is true. I said yes. Rafe asked what would happen if he didn't ask for forgiveness. I told him he would spend eternity in Hell." Jeremy paused for a minute.
"It must have been hard to say that even after all he's done." Candy said.
"It was. But I had to tell him." Jeremy replied.
"Yes, you had to. There's no doubt about that." Candy said.
"Rafe asked me how to pray. He said he had never prayed before. I explained that I would pray, and he could say the words after me. He asked if that would count for him. I told him that as long as he said the words and he really meant it, it would count. So, I led him in the sinner's prayer. Rafe repeated it and he truly seemed to mean it. After we said amen, Rafe said, thanks, Bolt. Then he died. Joshua and I arranged a funeral for him. It was the next morning. We were the only two there besides the preacher and the funeral people." Jeremy hugged Candy and sighed deeply.
As they let go of each other, Candy smiled at her husband. "Jeremy, The Lord used you in an astounding way. God used you to bring a murderer to His salvation. That is just wonderful!"
"Thank you, sweetheart. I feel sort of surprised that God would use an ordinary man like me." Jeremy said.
"If God didn't use ordinary people, who would He use? All of us are ordinary." Candy replied.
"That's a good point. Oh, sweetheart, I need to tell you that we are having supper with Lottie and my brothers tonight at their cabin. I have something that I want to talk to all of you about. Is that okay?" Jeremy inquired.
"Certainly, it's alright. But what else could you have to tell today? Now, Jeremy, please tell me if there is something wrong. You are worrying me." Candy was nervous.
Sweetheart, I promise nothing is wrong. This is important so I want to tell all of you together." Jeremy smiled.
"You promise you're not sick." Candy looked worried.
"I promise I'm not sick. I feel fine."Jeremy reassured her. "Why don't we go to Jason and Joshua's cabin now? By the time we get there, it will be time for supper."
"Alright, we can stop by our cabin on the way. I can take the fried chicken we had left from lunch and your chocolate cake." Candy replied.
They left the old cabin. They stopped by their cabin to get the food. Jeremy went into the washroom. Candy thought she heard him wretching.
"Jeremy! Are you okay? You promised me that you aren't sick." Candy was outside the washroom door.
"I'm not sick. I'm a little nervous." He answered.
"Nervous? What do you have to be nervous about?" asked Candy.
"You will find out soon." Jeremy came out of the washroom.
The couple went to the Bolt brother's cabin. Lottie was there preparing supper.
Candy helped Lottie finish cooking supper. Before too long, Lottie and the Bolt family were gathered around the table.
The three brothers laughed and talked enjoying their time together. Jeremy had a hearty appetite tonight.
After supper was over, everyone went outside and sat on the porch.
"Jeremy, are you ready to tell us the reason you wanted to talk to us together?" Jason asked.
"Yes, I am, Jason." Jeremy stood up. He stepped off the edge of the porch.
Jeremy looked up at the starry sky. He closed his eyes and whispered a prayer asking Jesus to help him to do His will.
Jeremy turned to face Lottie and his family. Tears were streaming down his face.
Lottie and the Bolts looked at each other. Candy began to cry softly.
"Jeremy, are you okay? Tell me please." Jason said calmly. "I'm worried about you, brother."
"So am I, Jeremy." Joshua told him.
"All of us are concerned, Jeremy." Lottie added.
Jeremy looked at them. "Don't worry, please. I'm alright."
Jeremy took a deep breath. "I believe that God is calling me to be a minister."
"Oh, Jeremy! That is wonderful!" Candy rushed to him.
Lottie put her face in her hands and sobbed. Seeing her cry caused Jeremy to sob again. Candy put her arm around him.
Jason and Joshua were astounded.
"Well, Jeremy, how did this come about?" Jason asked.
Jeremy took a ragged breath and said, "I went to see Rev. Adams because I kept having this feeling like God was tapping on my shoulder and telling me that He wants me to share His message with people. When I told Rev. Adams, he said I should pray and open my heart to The Lord, let Him know that I want to do His Will. I did as Rev. Adams said. After a few days of praying this prayer, I noticed something…" Jeremy took another ragged breath.
What was it that you noticed, Jeremy" Jason asked quietly.
"I noticed that I had a hunger for God. That I need Him just like I need air to breathe. I think hunger is the right word. It's like I am starving for God. I want Him and His Will so much. My heart aches for Him, Jason." Jeremy replied.
Jeremy leaned his head back as if he was going to look up at the sky, but he closed his eyes. Tears were streaming down his face. His body was trembling. Jason stepped off the porch. He looked at Candy pleading silently. She let go of Jeremy and stepped to the side. Jason put his arms around Jeremy. Jeremy clung to Jason with his head against his shoulder and sobbed loud gut-wrenching sobs.
"Jeremy it's alright," Jason told him in a soothing tone. He could feel Jeremy's heart pounding.
Josh walked over to his brothers and put an arm around each one's shoulder.
After a few minutes, Jeremy stopped crying. "I need to sit down" he said.
"Do you want to go inside"? Jason asked.
"Yes," Jeremy told him.
After they went in the cabin, everyone sat down at the table except Lottie and Jeremy.
Lottie enfolded Jeremy in her arms and told him, "I am so proud of you, and I love you. I know you will help so many people. You are so loving and compassionate, Jeremy. You will make a wonderful minister. Your parents would be so happy."
"Thank you, Lottie. I love you." Jeremy choked up a little.
Lottie and Jeremy joined the others at the table.
"Jeremy, I…." Jason tried to swallow the lump in his throat and failed.
Jason got up from the table and walked over to Jeremy. He held out his arms. Jeremy stood up and hugged his oldest brother. They shed tears together.
"I am so proud of you, Jeremy. I love you, brother." Jason said through his tears.
"Thank you, Jason. But this is God's doing not mine." Jeremy reminded him.
"That's right, but you are answering the call. Oh, how I wish Mom and Dad could see you now!" Jason beamed.
"I agree about Mama and Dad. I cried at their graves today thinking of what they would say if they were here." Jeremy told him.
"Jeremy, I have been trying to think of something to say to you. All I can think of is I love you and I'm proud that you are my brother." Joshua hugged Jeremy's back.
Jeremy turned to face Joshua. "Thank you, brother. I'm proud to have the two of you for brothers.
After all the well wishes were said, Jason asked Jeremy how he planned to become a minister. Jeremy said he was going to work with Reverend Adams and take theological classes in Olympia. After six months of training, Jeremy could be an Associate Pastor with Reverend Adams.
The next six months went by fast. Jeremy worked with Reverend Adams and took the classes. Reverend Adams found Jeremy to be a great help to him and the congregation. More young people began attending church to hear young Pastor Bolt preach.
Jeremy loved working with the people. He was a good listener when someone needed counseling. He took each person's concerns seriously and offered the best advice he could. The main part of his solution was to pray seeking God's guidance and help.
Jeremy thrived on helping the townspeople and the surrounding communities. Candy loved working with her husband in having food and clothing collections. She enlisted the help of the brides and others in Seattle.
One day Reverend Adams received a telegram from a friend of his, Reverend Aubrey in Olympia. There was a wagon train of orphans traveling to Seattle. Reverend Aubrey had found homes for some of the children in Olympia and the smaller towns in the area. Reverend Aubrey asked his friend to find homes for as many children as he could in Seattle and the close communities. Reverend Adams wired his friend telling him that every effort would be made to find homes for them.
When Jeremy heard about the wagon train of orphans, he was excited to help.
"How many children are on the wagon train, Reverend?" Jeremy asked.
"There are twelve children Jeremy." The preacher answered.
"If some folks could take more than one child, we wouldn't need a dozen homes. But if we need a dozen then we will find a dozen." Jeremy smiled.
"I love your enthusiasm, young man!" Pastor Adams grinned. "How do you maintain such exuberance?"
"Faith, sir! Faith!" Young Bolt exclaimed.
Jeremy told Candy about the orphans being on the way.
"Oh, the poor children! Imagine not having any family at all. How sad." Candy told him.
"Yeah, I've been thinking about that today. I was blessed to have Jason and Joshua after both of our parents died. It would have been hard for someone to find a home for an eight year old kid who was shy, overly sensitive and stuttered." He spoke.
"Oh, Jeremy! I know you are going to do your best to find good homes for all of the children." Candy replied.
When the wagon train arrived, Reverend Adams, Jeremy, Candy, Joshua, Jason, and Lottie were among the people there to meet them. The children were hot, tired, and dirty. Mrs. Cates, the director of the Spokane Orphanage, had accompanied the children. Jethro McKinnon was the wagon master.
Lottie invited everyone with the wagon train to lunch. She also said that the children could stay in some of her rooms until homes were found for them.
"Jeremy, if I wasn't too old, I would take in some of these precious kids." Lottie said as she went in the saloon to make the final preparations for lunch.
"Lottie, you are not old. Besides, you are doing a lot to help the children." Jeremy kissed her cheek.
"Jeremy, you're getting to be more like Jason every day." She said with a wink.
"Hey! I meant what I said. I'm not a fast talker like Jason!" Jeremy laughed.
Candy and Jeremy greeted all of the children as they went into Lottie's.
As the young couple started to go inside the saloon following the last child, they noticed a little boy hiding partially behind one of the wagons.
Jeremy walked over to him. "Hi, buddy! How are you? Do you want to come with us and eat lunch? I'll bet you're hungry, aren't you?" He held out his hand to the child.
The little boy looked at Jeremy's hand. He looked at Jeremy's face.
"I'm hungry" He said taking Jeremy's hand.
Jeremy started walking toward Lottie's with the boy. "What's your name?"
"Jonah. I'm four years old." Jonah had blue eyes and blond hair.
When Jeremy and Jonah got to Candy outside the door, she said, "Hello, Jonah. My name is Candy, and he is my husband, Jeremy.
"Hi, I used to have a mama and a daddy. They died." Jonah told them.
"I'm so sorry they died, Jonah." Candy said.
Jeremy squatted in front of Jonah. "What were their names?"
"Mama's name was Sara. Daddy's name was Rafe. Holiday was our last name." Jonah answered.