Page 54 of Relentless

“I mean,” Harper emphasized. “Oakleigh was raised to expect a certain lifestyle — despite all thissimple lifenonsense, I know she still wants finer things.”

His words quickened again, going on the defense. “I’m not sure if you’ve seen me ride, but I’m kind of a big deal in rodeo,” he explained. “I can give her any kind of life she wants.” Therewas an earnestness in his eyes that begged for Harper to believe him.

“If you’re still here in a few days, you can see me compete,” he rambled. “It’s for charity and all — but you can see me in action.”

“I’m sure I won’t be,” Harper paused, knowing the silence was further eroding his confidence. “Tell me, what happens if you get hurt? Do you think you’ll be abig dealthen?”

“I’ll take care of her, Mrs. —” he shook his head, correcting himself. “Harper.”

Harper leaned forward, clasping her hands on the tabletop. “This whole cowgirl farm thing is a phase,” she shrugged, giving him a sad smile. “Granted, a longer one than I expected, but before you know it,” she said, snapping her fingers and causing him to flinch. “Oakleigh will get bored, and she’ll be back to chasing tan surfers before you can sayyeehaw— that is what your people say, right?”

Crew fumbled for his next words as Oakleigh stepped in to interrupt the conversation, setting a mug of coffee down on the table with a loud bang.

“Everything okay over here?”

Taking his opportunity, Crew pushed his chair back from the table with a squeal on the concrete floors. Harper shuddered at the shrill noise, which reminded her of the crowing from that confounded rooster.

“I’m going to take my coffee to go.”

He gave Harper one last apprehensive glance before leaning in and kissing Oakleigh goodbye. “I’d rather take my chances with Big Slim any day,” he whispered. “I’ll see you back at the ranch.”

He swung the door open, causing an aggressive jingle.

Now that they were alone, Oakleigh faced Harper with her hands on her hips. “Did you say something mean to my boyfriend?”

Harper calmly raised her eyes to meet hers.

“Just telling him the truth.”

Oakleigh pursed her lips as though she were holding back a million things she wanted to say. She crossed her arms and looked away, taking a deep breath before she spoke. “The shop is pretty busy today, Mom. I could really use this table.

“If you’re throwing me out, then say it,” Harper challenged, running her tongue over her smooth white veneers. “I never taught you to be a coward.”

Oakleigh’s eyes met hers with a coldness that fed Harper’s self-loathing.

“I’m throwing you out.”

Harper stood, lifting the mug to her lips for one last gulp of coffee before setting it down hard on the table.

“There she is,” Harper observed with a smug smile. She stepped past Oakleigh and went to the door, pushing it open and allowing the blustery winter snow to swirl into the shop.

“That’s the girl I raised.”

Chapter 16

Ammunition

Maeve opened the sturdy, alderwood door and stepped into the brand-new church. Inhaling deeply, she enjoyed the clean scent of fresh paint, fabric, and wood varnish as she ran her fingertips down the smooth wooden pews. Rays of sunlight poured through the colorful stained glass window behind the pulpit, illuminating the darkened sanctuary.

Although worshiping in the church building would significantly contrast the years they had packed into the snug coffee shop, she felt confident the family bond they had built as a community would remain the same, no matter where the church gathered.

She took a seat in the farthest back row pew. Enjoying the quiet moment, she prayed over the future of their ministry in the little town of White Bridge.

Ever since the mistakes of her youth, Maeve had long since abandoned her desire to be in any formal ministry. She had learned from Ruth Callaway that loving others like Jesus could be as simple as lending a patient ear to a burdened soul.

In Ruth’s case, it meant taking in a shivering stranger from the cold, providing a warm breakfast, and a hot cup of coffee. Her act of kindness changed the trajectory of Maeve’s life.

Despite every twist and turn of her journey, the Lord wasn’t done with her yet.

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