Embraced by Love

Raven Crest, Idaho Friday, April 15, 1890 “Remember,” Ben scanned the jury, demanding their attention, “Mr. Welsh has to prove that Mr. Jurgens intended to steal the horse. Mr. Jurgens claims he lost track of time during the spring planting. We all know how easy it is to lose track of time while we are working the fields.” Ben offered a winning smile to the jury, reminding them of the farm boy they once knew. He allowed his smile to fade into a near frown, “Mr. Jurgens did pay the livery for two days. Two just turned into ten. And there was no written agreement between these two upstanding men about how the horse would be used. Now is not the time to think about other indiscretions of my client, only this incident.” Confidently, Ben walked back to his seat, Confident not cocky. They smiled back. Good. 1890 was promising to be a good year for Raven Crest. Statehood was a possibility, the town was growing slowly, and crime was staying low, which made jury trials few and far between. Ben enjoyed the challenge that trials brought but praised God for the peace in the town he loved so much. Benjamin flashed a smile at Mr. Jurgens, assuring his client. Paul O’Reilly, the sheriff, sat behind the accused, watching for any questionable actions. Paul grinned at Ben, shaking his head. The friends knew this would be a hard win. Mr. Jurgens often stretched or bent rules to his advantage. Now, he was being accused of stealing a horse from the livery to use for planting crops, instead of driving to fetch his wife in a nearby town. His gaze drifted past Paul to Erin, the judge’s daughter. Erin smiled sheepishly, her green eyes glistening brightly. Her auburn ringlets bounced softly as she motioned to the pan in her lap, a delicious aroma of ham casserole drifted through the air bragging of the tasty meal under the cloth. Catching his breath, Ben stumbled to his seat. His palms dampened, his heart pounded hard, breathing became difficult. How could he go from confident lawyer to fumbling boy with one glance at that beautiful woman? Judge Ashburn gave instructions to the court. “Sheriff, take the accused back and then I want to see you in my chambers. Mr. Welsh, Mr. Hammond, I would like to see you in my chambers also. Jury, you are dismissed for lunch. Court will resume at one o’clock.” **** Erin’s heart beat just a little faster, he would be tasting her casserole! She had noticed Ben a few weeks ago at church. He had been helping an elderly couple into the building and urging others to help the folks outside too. After that, she seemed to notice him all over town; at church, at the mercantile, and he was often helping someone… elderly, children, mothers. Whenever someone was in need, he was there and helping. Now, she was hoping to gain his attention. She dreamed of those bright blue eyes, and blond hair. Watching him in front of the jury, so confident, so willing to listen and help those accused added to the attraction. He was more than handsome; he was God-loving and caring. Once the jury left, Erin glided passed the courtroom doors and into her father’s office. The soft rustle of petticoats whispered quietly as she prepared a plate of casserole for each man. Nanna, the house cook, had finally declared her cooking good enough for others to try. Now, she could put her planning in place. After one bite of the casserole, Ben would notice her, then courtship could begin. She handed him a plate, her heart racing wildly. Ben took the plate and looked away. Her smile faded. I just want a look, a smile, anything! Just give me some hope. Some hint that you feel the same as I do. “Smells better than my attempts!” Paul laughed, entering the room. “Burn anything lately?’ Erin’s father, the judge, asked, chuckling at the bachelor. “Nope, Mrs. Simmons won’t let me near the stove after I torched the bread.” Paul gratefully accepted the plate of casserole, sniffing deeply. Jeremy Welsh finished his piece, declaring it better than his wife’s cooking but added, “I’ll deny ever saying that if she finds out.” Scraping the last bit into a small pile for one last bite, Ben mumbled, “It’s good,” and tried to set the plate on the table near him. His shaky hand caught the fork, flipping it into the air and onto the floor. Erin reached down to pick up the dropped fork. His hand wrapped over hers, forcing a glance up. Their eyes locked at the touch. Erin’s eyes widen and her breath quickened. He was looking at her! Ben pulled his hand back as if he had touched a hot kettle. “Sorry,” he apologized quickly. He stood to leave, and Paul rolled his eyes. Erin glanced in the mirror and saw Ben mouth the words, “hush up,” but why would he say that? Father came around and kissed the top of her head. “The best my baby has ever made,” he complimented. “Thank you Father.” Erin smiled weakly, trying to cover the disappointment. What will it take to get him to notice me? Lord, help me please!