Page 75 of Montana Bride By Christmas
“Is it?” Her aunt’s quiet question blasted through her.
“Yes!” She almost shouted the word.
“Annie, dear child, you have been looking for something since your mama died. And now you are running from the very thing you want.”
“I wasn’t running when I was with Rudy.” She’d wanted so much for Rudy to give her the love and security she’d known as a child.
“Rudy was not the man for you. Too weak.”
“I’m not looking for a man to give me what I need.”
“Nor should you. It’s not fair to expect a man to give you what only God can give.”
“I know that.” Annie’s insides burned as she recalled the verse Hugh had quoted Sunday morning. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. “You’re right. I’ve been looking for security in all the wrong places. I won’t find it with someone else.” Her heart rent in two as she mentally walked away from Hugh. What would happen to Evan? “I don’t need marriage. I don’t need anything.” She could go back to the ranch where she would always be welcome, but she didn’t belong there. “There must be somewhere I belong, where I can take care of myself.”
“Annie, I believe God has prepared such a place for you. Just be careful you don’t walk away from what He has offered. There’s a verse in Revelation chapter three that I’d like you to look up and read. In part, it says, ‘Behold, I have set before theean open door.’ Be sure you don’t walk away from His open door, or close it in fear.”
“Fear? I’m not afraid.” Even as she said the words, she knew she was. Afraid of loss of security, loss of home, loss of anything. “Sometimes it’s hard to trust.”
“I can’t argue with that. Would you care for a cup of tea?”
“No, I need to get back. I’ll have to pack and arrange for Grandfather and me to return home.” She chuckled softly. “I think he quite liked living in town. Several people have stopped to visit him and he doesn’t have to go out in the cold longer than it takes to walk to the church on Sundays.”
“He’s capable of living wherever God places him. Just as you are.” Aunt Mary rose and kissed Annie on the cheek before Annie left the room.
“Feeling better?” Uncle George asked as she headed for the outer door.
“You have a very smart wife.”
“I know.” Her uncle’s laugh boomed.
Smiling, Annie left the store. Her smile faded as she reached the back door to the manse. She straightened her shoulders. What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee. Aunt Mary was right. God would guide her to the right place. She would trust Him despite the pain ripping through her.
She stepped inside and looked around. Hugh sat at the end of the table. No Miss Higgins. “When will she be back?” Grandfather’s chair was empty. “Where’s Grandfather? Is he packing? He doesn’t need to. I’ll take care of everything.”
“Your grandfather said he was going to have a nap.”
Evan sat in the corner, his arms about Happy’s neck. He seemed okay. Did that mean he had liked the woman? If so, she was grateful.
“He’s not going to pack,” Hugh said.
“Good. I’ll do it.”
“You’re not going to pack either.” He hesitated. “Unless you want to.”
“I don’t understand. What about Miss Higgins? Wasn’t she suitable?”
“She probably was, but she didn’t suit us.”
Annie shook her head, trying to make sense of this.
Hugh rose and held out his hand to her. She took it because it seemed the most natural thing to do.
“Let’s go to the other room where we can talk. Evan, you stay here with Happy. Okay?”
Evan nodded, his expression watchful.
Annie let Hugh lead her to the fireplace. There was no fire burning but she felt the warmth nevertheless.
