Chapter 22
Jessica hovered at the edge of Walt's grave and stared down at the plain pine casket. It wasn't what he deserved—he deserved a tomb of gold—but it was what he would want. Walt wholeheartedly believed life on earth was short, to be lived for God and others; and then when life was done, to be laid to rest in a plain box next to others who'd called Harper ranch their home. No frills. No accolades. This was not Walt's home. He was home now.
But, knowing that didn't ease Jessica's hollowed out, crushed soul.
She raised her tear-streaked face, and through glassy eyes, gazed at the people Walt had held dear. Not biological family. No, the ranch had been everything. The ranch hands, her, Uncle Roy.
Jessica opened her fist palm up. A cold rain splattered down from a blustery sky and dotted the dirt in her hand. She dropped the fist-full onto the casket before the rain could turn it to mud. Mud. Exactly what her heart must resemble.
When the service was over and the preacher said a final 'Amen', Uncle Roy led her back down the path of the small knoll.
All grieved. None knew what to do with themselves—except for Jessica. She had berated herself so much, and wept so much since Walt's death, that her tears had dried up.
She wouldn't waste any more time on her own aspirations for a man who clearly didn't want her. If she'd only faced that sooner, she might have been able to help Walt with his crucial mission while he was still alive.
Now she must go forward, follow her new resolve.
Please forgive me, Lord, and help me to bring Your love to the souls around me. For Your Kingdom . . . and for Walt.