“It’s so cold.” Her voice was shaky now.
He didn’t have a lot of time. Swinging the pick for all he was worth, he chipped at the wall of dirt and rock. Over and over and over.
Finally, the hole seemed big enough to get through. He peered into the expanse beyond, but it was all black. “Maddy? Where are you?”
“Over here. The lantern went out.”
“Can you see me? Can you climb up to me so I can pull you out?”
“I’ll try.”
He heard her movements but couldn’t see her in the pitch black. Until her hand grabbed onto his. Small and freezing cold, it was still a relief.
“I’ve got you. Now push with your legs up the wall while I pull, all right?”
“Okay.”
As he pulled, he reached down with his other hand to get a better hold. Rumbling began around them.
Maddy screamed.
Dirt rained down.
Chris yanked harder on his daughter. They couldn’t be buried alive––
There! She was through the hole. He held her in his arms and grabbed the lantern as the rumbling grew louder. They had to get out fast.
Running over the rough and debris-littered floor, Chris prayed for the first time in years. God, I know I’m not worthy of You listening to me, but if You help us out of this, I’ll turn my life around. I promise.
Light from the entrance of the tunnel grew in front of him. The ground shook and rolled around them.
Maddy ducked her head into his chest. Protectiveness and love poured through him. He’d have to follow through with his promise to God if they got out of this. And that wasn’t such a bad thing, was it?
But he was so thirsty.
Lungs pinching, Chris made it the last few steps out. As soon as he set Maddy down on the ground, a loud crashing made him turn back to the mine. A cloud of dirt and dust roared toward them. He ducked his head and covered Maddy.
His heart pumped. They almost didn’t make it.
Madysen started crying. Great big sobs. “Daddy . . . I was so scared.” She threw her little arms around his neck. “But I kept praying that God would send somebody to find me.”
He clenched his eyes tight. What would he have done if the mine had collapsed on his daughter? The thought was almost too much to bear.
“I love you, sweet girl. And I will always come to find you, no matter where you are. I’ll always be there for you.”
ONE
Thirteen years later
Nome, Alaska—September 12, 1904
The lively tune on the piano couldn’t keep up with the smile in Madysen’s heart. Too much heartache and grief had enveloped them for too long. But now boisterous laughter, off-key singing from some of the men, and plenty of lively conversation surrounded her as she surveyed the crowd. What a wonderful party. And it was all for her.
Her twenty-first birthday.
The sweet smell of baked goodies filled the air. Tables were packed with cakes, pies, and an array of other treats. How precious that these people cared for her so much.
The Roadhouse was full to the brim, and she would sing with her sisters in a little while to keep all the patrons happy. They were, after all, used to the Powell sisters entertaining them. Herb told them often that the crowds at his Roadhouse were all credit to them. The thought made her smile. Madysen loved every minute of their performances.
For a time they’d entertained every night but Sunday. It had been glorious. Singing and playing for hours.
The performing had gotten her through the toughest times. Financially, it helped the family during Granddad’s bouts with apoplexy . . . but for her? It was life giving. Which made her miss it even more.
But now that their financial worries were lessened, it only made sense to cut back on their performances since there were so many responsibilities at the farm. Granddad needed to recover fully from his illness, and Madysen had added an extra burden to everyone when she acquired the sheep. . . . But oh, how she missed performing every night.
She smoothed the skirt of her favorite green dress, smiled, and received more well wishes, but she couldn’t quite bring her thoughts into the present. Maybe she longed to perform every night because it reminded her of Mama. Helped her feel connected to her somehow. She missed their mother so much.
A burning sensation started at the back of her eyes. Not now. She couldn’t afford tears tonight. Even though grief was still fresh, she and her family desperately needed this bright bit of sunshine. It had been a hard summer.
Forcing her mind to the present, she tapped her toe to Whitney’s vivacious piano playing and closed her eyes, letting the glorious sounds of a room full of joyful people fill her senses.
This was how it should be. Everyone getting along. Laughter. Fun. Happiness. If only she could capture it all in a box and pull it out whenever she wanted.
“I can’t wait to hear you gals sing tonight.” Toothless Jim’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
Opening her eyes, she saw his familiar crooked smile. “Why, thank you, kind sir.” The old man never missed one of their concerts.
His face flushed pink. “Aww, you always know how to make me feel like a gentleman. Now don’t ya go leaving us to tour the world. You got lots of fans right here. And we tip pretty good.” He held up a bag and shook it. The clinking of coins accentuated his laugh.
Watching Toothless Jim walk away, Madysen tilted her head. Over the last few months, thoughts of performing beyond Nome had surfaced more often. A comment here or there from one of the newcomers to Nome surprised to find the Powell women’s musical talent in such a remote place . . . the memory of Mama encouraging them to use their musical talents because they were gifts from God and should be used for His glory . . . her constant dreaming of beautiful concert halls . . .
It all sent her thoughts in that direction.
Madysen had no problem imagining a life focused on her music, but could she actually think about leaving her family and Alaska? Obviously she couldn’t expect to perform full-time here at the Roadhouse. Nome wasn’t all that big . . . not like New York, Chicago, or London.
“Madysen?” The voice pulled her out of her thoughts, and she glanced up into her father’s hesitant eyes.
Clearing her throat, she blinked several times. Was she ready for this? “Hi, Dad.”
Some of the uncertainty left his face, and a slight smile lifted his lips. “I appreciate you inviting me.”
She sent him a return smile. But not a full one. Why on earth did she invite him? It didn’t feel like a good idea anymore. He hadn’t been a part of their lives for over thirteen years, and then he just showed up in Nome. Madysen still couldn’t make sense of it.
“I know this hasn’t been easy on any of you.” His voice cracked, then he looked around the room. Awkward couldn’t describe the interaction. “How’s Chuck?”
“Granddad is getting stronger every day. Thanks for asking.” Eyeing Whitney’s fierce glare from across the room as she exited the stage, Madysen gave a little shrug to her eldest sister. Turning back to their dad, she straightened her shoulders. “I’m sorry. Please, if you’ll excuse me.”
She wiped her hands on her skirt as she took a deep breath and headed toward her sisters, who were huddled in the corner near the stage.
“What is he doing here?” Whit hissed the words.