Page 58 of A Cameo for a Cowgirl

“Near enough.”

She stroked the petals. If asked to describe her ideal bunch of flowers, it would look pretty similar to this. A mix of wildflowers, dusky apricot roses, Queen Anne’s lace, and stalks of lavender, it looked and smelled divine. Clearly the man had paid attention to what she might like. She shivered. Had any man ever gone to so much trouble for her before?

“He’s thoughtful, Cassie.”

“He’s still not a Christian, Mom.”

“Not yet.”

“What do you mean not yet?”

Mom smiled. “Your father might’ve talked with him some, might’ve explained about a few key passages to look up in the Bible.”

“Really?” The skepticism loading that word could sink a ship.

“Don’t take my word for it. Go find the young man yourself and ask him.”

But if she did that, and he said he was, that might crack open the door to a future she hadn’t dared imagine. Couldn’t dare imagine. Because even if a miracle occurred, and Harrison did find faith, how could a relationship work between two such opposites?

And while part of her was tempted to ride over there right now and demand answers, another part urged caution. She had lived a lot in her emotions lately, and didn’t want to keep doing the same. The sermon at church this morning had convicted her about whether she was walking by faith or walking by sight. She knew a lot of what she’d been doing in recent weeks had been because she’d been so busy she had focused on the wrong things. Focused on what she could say, on what she could do, while forgetting how extraordinary God was. God, her heavenly Father, who loved to bless His children with good things. Had busyness snarled her heart so much that she’d forgotten about God’s blessings? Maybe it was time to let go, to trust God to lead and guide her, to sink into the rhythms of God’s grace.

She exhaled. It was way past time to do so. Lord, forgive me for thinking I have to do and know it all. Help me follow You and Your leading. Whatever You want Lord, whoever You’ve got for my future, help me to trust You with it all.

She closed her eyes, glad for this moment of stillness, glad the clutter of past weeks was gone and she could more easily hear the inklings that just might be God’s whisper.

And she prayed again, knowing this next task would need God’s strength.

* * *

By the time she reached the western town the shadows were falling. The day’s heat still lay in the timbers and dust, and she was glad when she reached the barber’s. But her knock went unanswered, and she felt a degree of disappointment. Where was he?

“Hello?” she called cautiously. “Harrison?”

Still no answer. Huh.

She kicked at the dust. The ranch was so large he could be anywhere. The day had been warm, so maybe he was down at the creek. She didn’t want to go looking there, though. Maybe she should turn back.

A faint sound drew her down the side of the building to the front. Then to look down the main street. At the end, down at the chapel, there came the faint sound of…music?

She frowned. Nobody was supposed to be in the chapel; there was no filming scheduled there today. So who was there?

The singing got louder as she drew closer and her agitation rose as she mounted the steps and pushed open the white doors then—

“Oh!”

Harrison turned, then stabbed off his phone. Instantly the singing ceased. “Um, hi.”

“What are you doing in here?” Her gaze flicked down and she realized what he held. Her old Bible that she’d placed in his room. Her heart pounded. “What are you doing, Harrison?”

He straightened and looked at her. Offered a small smile. “I could ask you the same question.”

She blinked, her mind awhirl. “I heard you were looking for me.”

“Did you have a nice time in Calgary?”

Her chin dipped. “Did Mom tell you where I was?”

“Yes.”

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