Read Online Beyond the Quiet Hills by Aaron McCarver - Free Book Online

home.”
    Jacob stood listening as his father spoke, his eyes fixed on his face. A turmoil of conflicting emotions grew in him and tore at his heart. For years he had longed for a father, but this was eclipsed now by the bitterness that arose when he thought of all the lonely years that his father had left him, even though he was with his grandparents.
    Sensing that Jacob was uncomfortable, Hawk said quickly, “We’ll have plenty of time to talk, son. I’d like to tell you about Watauga.”
    â€œVery well, sir. That will be fine.”
    â€œYou can stay in the big room with the two windows, Josh,” Esther said. “And you’ll stay, too, Sequatchie.”
    â€œIf that would be all right.”
    Sequatchie had sensed the difficult situation he had stepped into. In his mind Hawk had made a terrible mistake leaving his son to be reared by others, but now that he knew God, Sequatchie was hopeful that things would be better. As the two men ascended the stairs, he said, “Your son has become a man.” He got no answer but saw a troubled look on Hawk’s face and knew that things were not well with his friend.
    ****
    â€œIt’s a new country over the mountains, Father,” he said. “Nothing at all like you have here.”
    â€œIt’s very primitive, isn’t it?” James asked, leaning forward. They were sitting in the smaller parlor where they had come after a lavish dinner that Esther had prepared. Now they were drinking tea, and Hawk was speaking of the events of the past year. He had told them of his struggles and how he had come to know the Lord, and Esther had not been able to keep the tears back. Finally James said, “I wish you could know Elizabeth and her children. She’s such a fine woman.”
    At the mention of her son’s new wife, Esther shot a glance at Jacob. He seemed paler than usual, and he had spoken very little. At the mention of Hawk’s family, she thought she saw a somber flicker in his eyes and wondered what it meant.
    As they talked, Sequatchie sat and observed, saying almost nothing. He had seen the happiness in James and Esther Spencer as Hawk told them of how God had healed his bitter and broken heart, but he was mostly concerned with the young man, for he was an astute student of human nature. He’s unhappy , he thought to himself. He doesn’t like the idea of his father being married—which is strange considering that it will mean more of a family to him .
    Finally the conversation turned to the Spencers, and once again they were thrilled as Hawk told them how Rhoda had been converted and how she had grown in the Lord so rapidly.
    â€œI hope Paul and Rhoda will come to see us while they’re here, son,” Esther said.
    â€œOh, I’m sure they will. Paul thinks the world of you two, and of you, too, Jacob.”
    Jacob started slightly. He remembered Paul Anderson well, and when he saw a reply was expected, he said, “I’d like to see him again.”
    Hawk was feeling as uncomfortable as he ever had in his life. He had tried to think of some way to express what he felt to Jacob, but everything he wanted to say sounded awkward and artificial. Now he cleared his throat and said tentatively, “I’ve been hoping, Jacob, now that I’ve got my life right with God and have a home, that you’d come and live with us.”
    â€œLive with you?” Amazement and shock ran across Jacob’s face.
    â€œWell, with me and Elizabeth. You’ll like her very much—and her children. Andrew is two years younger than you, but I’m very proud of him. He’s learned how to handle a rifle like a grown man. Brought down a ten-point buck just a few weeks ago.” Pride filled Hawk’s voice, and he did not see the lips of the young man tighten.
    Sequatchie saw it, however, and shook his head slightly, thinking, He should not be boasting about his stepson. It is not wise