Page 84 of Steadfast

Maeve gave her friend’s shoulder a tight squeeze. “Are you all okay after that weather?”

“Oh, it’s a mess.” June’s voice went an octave higher. “Just an absolute mess.”

“You let me know if there’s anything you need,” Maeve offered, pulling her into another side hug as they walked together into the living room.

“We’re just prayin’ that you find that little bull.” June glanced around the dim room. “Now, where is that big hunk of cowboy? I need to congratulate him, too.”

“Wherever Oakleigh is, you know Crew won’t be too far behind.” Maeve smiled in amusement at her own observation.

“Ah, young love.” June smiled knowingly as she went to find a placeto sit.

The very last guest that evening who stepped timidly through the front door was Tanya. Her hair dye was just as bad as it had ever been as she wobbled through the foyer in flashy, rhinestone high heels, low cut jeans, and a crop top. Stetson hadn’t been seen around town since Crew had so heartily beat him in the finals.

Oakleigh nabbed Mia’s arm, pulling her close to share the news. “That’s the one that pummeled me last spring,” Oakleigh whispered.

“Her?” Mia’s eyes went wide.

Tanya was visibly second guessing herself as Maeve approached. “I don’t know if I’m welcome. I just thought, well—” Tanya stuttered, realizing that showing her face back at the ranch may have been a bold miscalculation.

Maeve immediately diffused her uncertainty, sweeping the young woman into a warm embrace. “Tanya, I’ve known you since you were toddling around, knee high. You are always welcome at church and my home, for that matter.”

Tanya gave Crew and Oakleigh a polite yet awkward nod as she found a place in the far back of the room.

The room was full, with no places left to sit.

Crew gave Oakleigh’s arm a squeeze, and she knew exactly what he was about to suggest. They had the best seats in the house, and it was time to give up their cozy spot by the fire. Crew rose to his feet and offered Oakleigh his hand. They made their way to the back of the room, and Oakleigh noticed a look of approval from Maeve.

When everyone had taken their seats or found an open place to stand, Sawyer opened the service with a word of prayer. He strummed his guitar, and Bethany began to lead the congregation in reverent, soulful worship.

They felt like a large, mismatched family there, worshiping the Lord in the low glow of the fireplace. Oakleigh felt connected in a way she hadn’t for some time. Sensing a renewed peace, she recalled the long conversations over coffee where Maeve gently explained what it meant to follow Jesus. She was reminded that, despite all of her shortcomings, he would never let her slip away. Closing her eyes, she spoke to God as she had learned, drawing on him as though he were an ever present father and friend.

Lord, reach my mom.

The words came tumbling from her lips. She felt the sting of tears as she found herself praying earnestly for the one who had caused her so much pain.

It was as though Harper had heard her name as she sidled up to Oakleigh, interrupting her solemn moment with the Lord.

“Is this it?” Harper whispered loudly in a mocking tone. “You must be joking.”

Oakleigh responded with a quick nod. She still found herself unable to meet her mother’s eyes.

“Pitiful.” Harper shook her head. “Where is the pastor anyway? It’s going to be difficult for him to make a grand entrance in such a small venue.”

Almost on cue, Dallas swept past them with his Bible under his arm. He gave Oakleigh’s hand a squeeze, pausing as he noticed their seemingly out of place guest standing beside her.

“Dal, this is my mom,” Oakleigh said, throwing her hand out casually to present her.

Harper subtly posed in a way that said—

Surely you know who I am.

When no recognition swept over Dallas’ expression, she daintily extended her hand and introduced herself.

“Harper Davenport.”

“Nice to meet you. Welcome.” Dallas shook her hand.

The moment his back was turned, Harper hissed into Oakleigh’s ear.

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