Page 54 of The Rancher's Second-Choice Wife

Chapter Twenty-Three

POPPY HAD BEEN LIVING in Hartland, Wyoming for over half a year when she received a package by post.

Her heart almost shuddered to a stop when she saw Heather's name on the box. But Poppy wasn't sure if this was out of distress or something worse...like hope.

Six months ago, Heather had asked Poppy if there was anything she could do for her. And so Poppy had asked, half-jokingly, if there was a way for her to start anew.

Valerian's half-sister, however, had been dead serious when she said 'yes'.

The rest was history, and as soon as she had set foot in this remote mountain-top town, Poppy had known she was where she was supposed to be.

The Internet might as well have been alien technology where Hartland was concerned. The signal here was that bad, but the lack of online access was exactly how Poppy needed.

Life in Hartland was life without any chance for her to hear any news about Valerian. But more importantly, life in this sleepy little town meant more time with Him, whom she needed the most.

The first few weeks, she had just cried and prayed for God to comfort her. She just wanted the sadness and pain to end. More days passed, and Poppy’s prayers gradually changed direction. All she wanted at that time was to understand. But when months went by, her prayers underwent another transformation, and she found herself just being thankful.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

It was that simple.

And it was how Poppy learned to let go of the questions, and to stop searching for the hows and whys.

God knew best.

That was all she knew for certain. And so she thanked Him even for the aches and tears. She thanked Him even when she was still hurting. She thanked Him with the full assurance that things would eventually work out.

Someday.

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SEVERAL DAYS CAME TO pass before Poppy mustered the courage to open Heather’s package. Inside was a letter...along with a data stick.

I know I have no right to ask anything of you.

I know how much my brother’s hurt you, and how you did nothing at all to deserve it.

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