Page 30 of Mail-Order Bride Secret
But he could not deny the rising tightness in his chest. A tightness reminding him of how love-hungry he’d been as a child. How starved for affection he’d been when Mr. Shannon offered him a job.
Thanks to God he’d found what he needed—with the Shannons and even more by knowing God’s love.
God’s love had not faded, nor diminished. Nor would His promises or plans fail. God had said it wasn’t good for a man to be alone.
Wally would trust his loving God to achieve this goal.
7
The distant horizon beckoned Maddie. Promised freedom. Filled her with a yearning without end. She ached to be what Wally wanted. What he needed. What he deserved. She yearned to be able to freely accept his affection.
Her gaze shifted to the rocky trail behind them. Her past blocked her progress just as those rocks stopped the wagon. There was only one way through, and she was on that path.
Jonny let out a cry. He’d tumbled to his knees, providing her an excuse to turn from Wally’s disappointment.
Her son was already on his feet, racing after Otis and Ivy. Maddie followed at a slower pace.
Wally hung back where she’d left him.
Her steps slowed. Should she return to his side?
Then he trudged after her.
Regret welled up inside. She had to put her past where it belonged—in the depths of a raging ocean. She turned toward him. Meaning to say something. Explain her behavior. Provide an excuse that would satisfy him. But he stopped and studied something in the distance, his back to her.
She lowered her arm and followed the direction of his gaze. A tiny sliver of greenish blue flashed. A river or a lake, she supposed.
Otis ran up to them. “Are we going to eat here?”
Wally glanced to the sky. “We’ll have our picnic when the sun is overhead.”
Otis looked to the sky and groaned. “I’m hungry.” Before either adult could respond Ivy called for him and he raced away to see what she’d discovered.
“Let’s walk.” Wally smiled and nodded toward the trees.
She joined him as they made their way toward the grove. Sun dribbled through the leaves creating a gold and silver patchwork on the ground.
He stopped, leaning back on his heels. “What do you think of the countryside?”
Raising her arms in a wide sweep, much like the children had, she said, “It’s beautiful. So big.”
“Quite a difference from Philadelphia.”
She brought her arms around her chest, holding in a rush of emotions—shame andremorse twisted around homesickness. “Not so many people.”
“Does that concern you?”
She considered her feelings. She was here among strangers and yet it didn’t frighten her. If Wally meant to force himself on her, he’d had plenty of opportunity. Instead, he was helpful and patient. A truth as vivid as the sunlight brightened her insides. She felt safe with him. Trusted him.
“I feel confident here.”
Sunshine reflected in his eyes. “Good to know.”
The moment stalled. Heavy with promise for the future.
The bushes beside her rustled and she jumped back.
Wally chuckled. “It’s just a little sparrow. Probably wondering when we’re going to leave him alone so he can get about his business.”
