The Measure of Katie Calloway,: A Novel (33 page)

“Kind of.” Robert nodded.

Ned’s voice got all shy. “And maybe—that means you’d kind of be like—my father?”

“Absolutely, and I’ll do my best to be a good one—if you’ll let me,” Robert said. “I’d be proud to call a boy brave enough to take on a bully with nothing more than a pocketknife my son.”

Ned broke into a run toward them. At first she thought he was headed toward her, but then she realized he was running straight to Robert, who stooped and swept the little boy up into his arms.

The moonlight glinted off tears on Ned’s cheeks, and—were those tears on Robert’s as well? Then she realized her own cheeks were wet, and she wiped them off with her sleeve as Ned clung to Robert’s neck.

There would be time for kisses later. A lifetime of them. It was not every day that a person got to witness God putting so many broken pieces back together again. Betsy and Thomas needed a mother. Ned needed a father. She and Robert needed each other. By the grace of God, no matter what might come, they would make a safe harbor for the three children—and for each other.

Many years ago, while visiting a museum in Michigan, I saw an old photo of loggers gathered in front of a cook shanty. In the midst of these tough-looking men stood the camp cook—a sweet-faced young woman with her hands folded inside her apron. As my family wandered off, I stood mesmerized by the photo, wondering about the girl, wishing I knew her story, trying to imagine her life. That photo began my love affair with the history of Michigan lumbering and was the kernel from which this story grew.

As much as I personally grieve the destruction of the vast, ancient pine forests of Michigan, those brave old-time loggers, working with primitive tools, put their lives on the line to bring out the lumber with which our crippled country was rebuilt after the Civil War. I believe it’s nearly impossible for most of us to fully comprehend the hardships they endured.

Much gratitude to Gary Leftwich for introducing our family to Hartwick Pines, the last remaining stand of virgin white pine in lower Michigan. Rob Burg, historian, for sharing his in-depth knowledge of lumbering. John Berry, magistrate, for unearthing an 1867 divorce transcript of an abused Georgia plantation wife. Dr. Aaron Ellis for medical information—any mistakes made are entirely mine. Sandra Bishop, literary agent, for being so good at opening doors. Most of all—eternal thanks to all who prayed my family through a difficult year. I am humbled by your love, tenacity, and faith. To God be all the glory, forever.

Serena Miller
is the author of
Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio
, as well as numerous articles for periodicals such as
Woman’s World
,
Guideposts
,
Reader’s Digest
,
Focus on the Family
,
Christian Woman
, and more. She lives on a farm in southern Ohio.