Page 52 of A Cameo for a Cowgirl

“Shh! Some of us still believe in Santa.” Ainsley’s teasing smile reminded him that she’d played Mrs. Claus in some Christmas movie not too long ago.

“You know, I’ve said this before,” her head tilted as she studied him seriously, “but Harrison, I believe God loves you, and wants you to know Him. He’s your heavenly Father.”

He tensed. “Don’t say that. I hate my father.”

The words hissed through space and time, as a kaleidoscope of images and words and remembered bruises begged for attention. Maybe people around here never admitted such things, but he couldn’t play pretend right now. He wasn’t that good an actor.

“Oh, Harrison.” Ainsley’s face was soft, and—was that a tear? “God isn’t like your dad. He’s perfect. He loves you. He wants your best.”

He shook his head. “I can’t believe that.”

She was silent, her posture slumped, then she straightened. “Well, I’m going to pray that one day you can.”

He rose to leave. She could pray all she liked. It didn’t mean prayer worked.

Eleven

A strange urgency to pray for Harrison chased Cassie home from the airport, accompanied her evening meal, followed her to sleep. The man needed God, anyone could see that, and it sounded like God was on his case.

The next day she didn’t see him, which was good, as she didn’t know what she’d say. But she did see Ainsley who looked at her in a way that suggested Harrison might’ve shared with her too.

“Cassie? I, um, hope you don’t mind, but Harrison mentioned some things you said the other day about dating—”

She tensed. Oh dear.

“—and we ended up having a really good conversation about God—”

What?

“—and anyway, I hope you don’t mind that I stepped in.”

Cassie blinked. “Are you serious? You talked to him about God?”

Ainsley nodded.

Wow. “You’ve done better than me.”

“I think it was your stance about not going out with a non-Christian that really got him thinking.”

Oh. Oh! “Well, that’s good.”

“I’m praying for him,” Ainsley said.

“Me too,” Cassie admitted.

Ainsley was called away, and Cassie’s phone rang with a query about an upcoming booking. She dealt with that, then checked with Lance about whether she was needed on set anymore. She’d really like more time before she was placed in a position where she might see Harrison and feel obliged to talk to him again. Fortunately, the crew were able to go on without her help, and she could help her dad with haying instead. Time with him was just what she needed instead of the constant tumult of questions and confusion.

“You know I employ others, Cassie,” her dad said. “You don’t have to put your hand up every time there’s a need. You deserve a rest after all your hard work last weekend.”

Maybe, but spending time with her godly father and his quiet nature allowed more time to pray, something she did as she refocused on tying down tarps over the stacks of hay.

Yes, she could admit it. Harrison attracted her. And no, it wasn’t just his smile or abs or anything like that. Something within her sparkled to life in his presence, their banter providing anticipation, and dare she say even some ease and joy, in their encounters. Maybe there was some truth to those rumors about opposites attracting, after all.

But while she could admit herself susceptible to the man’s charm, it didn’t mean anything more. It couldn’t, not while he wasn’t walking with God. And even then, the tangle of motives for wanting him saved added to the clutter in her heart. Lord, forgive me. Help me to want Harrison to find You for his sake, not my own. Touch his heart with Your love, Lord.

Her phone chimed—some parts of the ranch had excellent reception—and she dug it out to see her sister’s name lighting the screen. “Jess?”

“Hey, want to come and stay with me for a night or two in the city?”

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