Brides of Alaska Read Online Free PDF Page A

years.
    She brushed back her dark hair and decided to let it fall just below her shoulders. There’d be plenty of time to pin it up when she was back at work. For now, Julie was determined to enjoy being a civilian without any obligation to a uniform or dress code.
    She finished buttoning the cuffs on her sleeves as she made her way to the table. “Sorry to have kept you waiting,” she said, taking her place.
    â€œIt was well worth it,” Sam said with admiration in his eyes.
    â€œShall we say grace?” Vern asked and waited for everyone to bow their heads. “Father, we thank You for Julie’s safe return, and we praise You for bringing Sam and her through the storm. Thank You for the bounty You’ve placed before us. Bless this house and all who pass here. Amen.”
    Julie whispered, “Amen,” and lifted her head.
    Across the table, Sam lifted a plate of bread and handed it to Julie. When their eyes met, she swallowed uncomfortably and accepted the plate. Sam offered a broad grin before turning his attention to the reindeer steaks that Vern passed his way.
    â€œSo,” Sam began the conversation while Vern and August occupied their mouths with food, “your brother tells me that you’re about to embark on a new career. How soon will you have to report to work?”
    â€œI, uh,” Julie stammered, trying to think of what to say. “I told Dr. Welch that I needed a rest. I’ve been working almost nonstop since I left Nome in order to study nursing.”
    â€œThat’s true, Sam,” August said as he paused to take a drink. “My sister never does anything halfway. She completed her courses at the top of her class. She was suggested by none other than the hospital administrator for her position as a public health worker.”
    â€œI’m impressed,” Sam replied with growing admiration.
    It was exactly what Julie didn’t want. She tried desperately to steer the conversation in another direction. “I know the need of the people in the villages. My mother was a good example. A doctor can only do so much. As a nurse, I can travel from village to village, and as a native, I’m already known to many and related to a great many more.”
    â€œYour mother would be proud,” Julie’s father said with a smile.
    â€œI only wish I could have finished soon enough to help her.” Regret darkened Julie’s voice.
    â€œRegret will only grow bitterness, Jewels,” Vern said using his daughter’s nickname.
    Julie nodded. “I know. I’m not going to let it tarnish Mother’s dream for me. I want to share more than medicine with the natives.”
    â€œJust what did you have in mind?” Sam questioned.
    â€œWell,” Julie began slowly as she put her fork down, “I would like to share the Gospel with them. Mother and I talked many times about caring for more than wounded bodies. We felt that there was a need to care for their wounded spirits as well.”
    â€œDo you think folks in the villages will accept your ideas? They might not think too highly of a woman showing up to offer a cure for what ails them.”
    Sam’s voice was lighthearted, but Julie resented his interference in her dreams. Instead of answering, she turned her attention back to the meal.
    Vern realized Julie’s silence was her way of dealing with things that hurt her. “I believe if the Lord lays a ministry upon your heart, He’ll also open the necessary doors,” he stated quietly. “Julie’s felt this call for a long time. I have to believe that because she’s gotten this far, God has been in it from the start. She’ll do just fine.”
    Julie flashed a grateful look in her father’s direction before allowing herself to look at Sam’s face. She expected to find sarcastic laughing eyes staring back at her, but instead Sam’s face seemed sober, almost apologetic.
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