Page 458 of Conveniently Wed
The preacher and another gentleman joined him, one on each side. As Jeb placed his arms across his chest and was lowered beneath the water, a jolt of awareness slipped through Josiah.
When Jeb was back on his feet, arms lifted toward the heavens in praise and a look of radiance on his face, a tremor slid through Josiah’s body. Something much greater than he was present, and Josiah could feel the power. Sweat trickled down his back, and his shirt stuck to his skin. The crowd started into a song. Perspiration dried cold on his neck, and he brushed his clammy palms on his trousers. He’d never felt so unclean.
One by one, men and women spoke a few heartfelt words and were dunked below the water’s surface, just as Jeb had been. Each time a person emerged with radiance on their face, an unspoken challenge called out to his lonely soul.
“For any of you out there”—the preacher scanned the crowd, then lifted his eyes up the bank to where the two of them sat in the shade—“who has a desire to know more about Jesus as your personal friend and Savior, come and we’ll talk.” His eyes, like live coals, burrowed into Josiah’s soul.
Josiah was battling the itch in his own feet when Colby jumped up and slipped down the bank. At the bottom, he sauntered forward. The crowd split to make room, and the preacher moved forward with an outstretched hand.
“What? No fire-and-brimstone speech?” Colby chuckled, but the sound came out a tad nervous.
Everyone laughed, including the preacher, who shook his hand. “I’m Marcus Booth, but I answer to most anything.”
Colby removed his hat, raked a hand through his hair, and shifted on his feet. “Colby Braddock.”
“Colby Braddock,” the preacher said. “Good strong name. And as for using scare tactics, I think that’s been done a time or two, don’t you?” A sparkle of amusement filled his kind eyes as he looked up to Josiah, as if to invite him too. He spoke in loud, clear tones. “Most people know that side of the story. I prefer to share how much God loves you. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you, and He awaits your decision.”
“What decision exactly?” Colby asked.
The preacher smiled. Crinkles formed, cupping both his mouth and eyes. “God is a gentleman. He gives everyone the ability to choose. I guess just like we humans want real love, so does God. It’s not something He demands we give to Him. Rather, it’s something wechooseto give to Him.”
Josiah’s heart pounded. Was that not what he desired from Katherine—spontaneous love, not something out of obligation.
“What do I need to do?” Colby asked.
The preacher circled Colby’s shoulders with his creek-dampened arm. “All it takes is a simple prayer of faith acknowledging your sin and accepting the gift of Jesus’s sacrifice for you. That begins the wonderful life with Christ.” He smiled, first at Colby and then up the bank at Josiah. “Then the Spirit of God comes and resides in you. Changes will begin to happen. Don’t worry though. God is gentle and won’t overwhelm you with a thousand dos and don’ts.
“Just like that oak you were leaning against up there”—he pointed toward Josiah—“was once a young sapling bending to the slightest breeze. The roots took hold and grew, and now, that old tree is powerful and strong with roots that spread far and wide beneath the earth. Your relationship with the Lord issimilar, and will take time to grow and mature. Just don’t forget to nourish your soul as you would your body.”
“I’m all for nourishment.” Now Colby’s voice came stronger as he patted his stomach. A few amused chuckles drifted through the crowd.
“You nourish your body by eating, and you nourish your soul by reading the Bible and talking to your Father daily. Also, surround yourself with others who can teach and encourage you.” He waved a hand toward the crowd. “These people are your neighbors and will embrace you like family.”
They nodded, hanging on the preacher’s every word. Josiah was not so easily misled. This God was doing him no favors these days, and he felt no need for allegiance.
The preacher looked at Colby. “My brother, I have the distinct feeling God has been calling you for some time now. Am I right?”
Colby nodded. “I think so.” He glanced up the bank at Josiah, then turned back to the preacher and spoke in a lower tone. “I know my sinfulness.”
The reverend clapped him on the back. “Well then Colby, let’s pray and baptize you right here, right now. There’s no better moment.”
Josiah couldn’t make out more than a murmur as Colby spoke a quiet prayer, but he could easily see the repentance on his friend’s face. Then he was dunked in the water, and when he came up, his face wore a broad grin. Jeb stepped forward and enveloped him in a big hug.
As everyone else gathered around them, Josiah had never felt more alone. He untied his horse, mounted, and lit out across the field. Yet no matter how far he ran, he couldn’t escape the longing in his soul.
Katie emerged from her dark bedroom, holding her lit candlestick as she padded down the hall. The soft glow cast wavering shadows on the wall. At well past midnight, she was safe to get a few bites to eat without running into anyone. Her stomach was giving her trouble, and the one thing that curbed the nausea were a few dry corn biscuits.
She entered the kitchen and started at the sight of Colby sitting at the table, his head bowed, his lips moving. He must have heard her gasp, for his head lifted. Her gown tangled around her ankles as she turned away.
“Katie, wait. I need to talk to you.” The plea in his voice drew her.
She breathed out a heavy sigh. She did not have the strength to handle this complication. Her pa’s words rang true. She wasn’t innocent in her friendship with Colby. Far too many times she had wished she were married to him instead of Josiah. She kept her back to him, but by the scrape of the chair on the floor, he must have stood.
She tightened her resolve and didn’t turn to him. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to be alone with you.”
“I have to talk to you before I leave.”
Leave? A pain pressed into her. Surely he didn’t mean for good. For a few days? Katie smoothed a trembling hand over her long hair, cringing at the tangled mess.
