Page 34 of Montana Bride By Christmas
She swallowed hard, knowing he longed for her to offer him encouragement. “We can count on God’s faithfulness.” She meant he could but it was too late to change her words. The way his face relaxed made her not want to. “God answered our prayers in finding him. I know God’s not finished yet.”
“I know it too. Thanks for reminding me.”
Their gazes came together in a gentle melding of hope and faith.
“God is faithful,” he said.
Annie wondered why his voice sounded so distant. Why she couldn’t remember that she didn’t want to care about him. Why it mattered if she did.
Right now, it felt like the best thing she could dream of.
He shifted his attention away. “Are you done in here?” He looked around the kitchen.
She pulled her thoughts back into order. “I am.”
“Did you want to sit by the fire a spell?” He tilted his head toward the living room to indicate which fire he meant.
It sounded like a fine idea. A perfect way to end the day. Then her senses returned. It was the worst idea. She must guard her heart and her mind. “I think I’ll retire for the night.” She slipped away before he could say anything.
Before she could change her mind.
And she wouldn’t allow herself to think there was a sad note in his voice as he called, “Good night,” down the hall.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Hugh cradled his hands behind his head and stared at the darkened ceiling of his bedroom. Evan snuffled in his sleep. Hugh listed all the ways the boy had shown improvement. He could thank Annie for Evan’s progress. The book she’d given him lay on the table by his bed. He would turn on the lamp and read from it, except he didn’t want to awaken Evan.
Every one of Annie’s words trooped through his head. One statement stalled there. Every time I lose someone, I lose a part of my heart. How many times can a piece be torn off before I have nothing left? Those words explained why a beautiful young woman would be so insistent on a marriage of convenience. She feared love because of the risk of loss and pain. That Rudy fellow must have hurt her deeply.
It didn’t change anything. In time, her heart would heal, and she’d want more than Hugh could offer her. There were many things about her he admired—and he would not list them again—but it would not be fair to chain her to a man like him with a child like Evan.
Yet he fell asleep with a smile on his lips as he thought of the many little joys she’d brought into his life in only three days. And he woke with the same smile.
As he lay in the quiet stillness of morning, he reminded himself of all the reasons he must remain guarded for her sake, his sake, and the sake of a little boy. He turned his thoughts to what lay ahead for the day. Sunday services. His sermon. What about Evan? He couldn’t imagine dragging the little guy to church.
He heard pots rattle, and he bolted from his bed with the question hammering in his head. What was he going to do with Evan?
The boy stirred, opened his eyes, and sat up. He took one look at his papa and scurried to the kitchen.
Hugh took his time getting dressed and followed more slowly. At the smiling welcome on Annie’s face, his worries lifted. He realized he counted on her to help him find a solution regarding his son.
She poured him fresh, fragrant coffee, and he sat across from Grandfather, who held a half-empty cup.
“Today is Sunday,” he said quite needlessly.
“Uh-huh,” Grandfather grunted.
Annie hummed a tune he recognized as “Rock of Ages.” A good reminder that he could trust God for the details of his life.
She turned from the stove and squatted close to Evan. “Evan, today is Sunday. Your papa is the preacher. I’ve heard him. He’s a pretty fair speaker.”
He heard the approval in her voice. She was close enough that he had only to lift his hand to touch her, but, instead, he gripped his cup so hard it wouldn’t surprise him if the china shattered.
“Shall we go hear him preach?”
Evan drew back against the wall, pulling the mat and quilt around him like walls.
Annie rose and faced Hugh. “It’s too soon. I’ll stay home with him today.” She squeezed Hugh’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, but it will take time.”
