Page 467 of Conveniently Wed
Her eyes shimmered with tears. “You’re my husband, not Colby.”
He couldn’t seem to stop himself from spewing more bitter words. “This past year sure proved that, now didn’t it?”
She stood. “I can see I’ve upset you. I’ll leave you be.”
Against his will, his hand darted out to catch hers before she moved away. “What do you want from me?” He looked at her upswept hair, her glowing cheeks and her oh so kissable lips. He wanted nothing more than to forget everything but the moment and take all she offered.
“Would it be expecting too much to ask for a fresh start?” Her voice was almost a whisper, and she looked at him with so much sincerity he almost gave in.
But that meant trust, and he couldn’t give her that. If Colby returned for her, would she be gone in a flash?
He stood, pulling himself up to his full height so he towered over her. Emotion clawed at his gut. “I can’t.” He shook his head. “I just can’t.” He cursed under his breath and dropped her hand.
Tears swam in the depths of her hauntingly beautiful eyes. She turned and hurried from the room. He wanted to go to her, and he wanted to run from her, all at the same time.
31
“It hurts more than I can say that he keeps shutting me out.” Katie swallowed down the sting of tears as she peeled potatoes while Delilah prepared bread dough beside her. “That snow-covered Massanutten outside our door holds more warmth than he does.”
Delilah punched down the dough ball a little harder than usual. “Yes’um. I’d like to take that boy out behind the shed and give him a straightening out like I used to.” She picked up the ball of dough and smacked it hard.
They both chuckled.
“The one thing I’m learning,” Katie said, “is that I don’t need Josiah. I don’t need Colby. I don’t need anyone but Jesus to give me peace. I’m sad because of the state of my marriage, but yet at peace. And I’ve never felt more alive.”
Delilah’s black eyes sparkled as she turned her head to agree. “Wonderful, ain’t it?”
“I wish I could thank Colby for leaving, for it woke me up. I wish I could tell him I’m sorry for running to him and pulling him in like I did.”
“Katie girl, you be forgiven and free, and that’s all the good Lord remembers.”
“I sure know it. The Bible has come alive to me, and though I hurt, I heal all at the same time. It’s like it’s raining, but the sun is shining through. And the strangest thing”—Katie couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice—“the Spirit of God keeps telling me to choose love and, in being obedient to Him, I think I’ve found the path to real love. I truly love Josiah.”
“I knew this would happen.” Delilah dusted the flour off her hands and spread her fleshy arms wide.
Katie walked into her warmth with happy tears clotting her lashes. “I have to thank you for leading me to First Corinthians thirteen.
When they pulled apart, Katie pressed a hand to her heart. “That chapter hit me right here. I thought love was the fluttery feeling of physical attraction. True love is all that but so much more. The amazing thing is that when I put those verses into practice, both the physical attraction and my feelings deepened. But now I’m in a real pickle, because I really want him.” Heat flushed through her face.
“See, the good Lord knows best. He knew the work He would do inside of you before you got married.”
Katie frowned. “Never thought that far back.” An ache rose to her throat. “I’ve had to memorize that passage for the times Josiah snaps at me, which happens a lot these days.”
“He’s fighting against your love, he is. But like poking at a mama bear with cubs, he ain’t ever gonna win.”
Katie gave a weak smile. “I hope you’re right.”
“Of course, I’m right. You just wait and see.” Delilah waddled to the nearest chair and sat. “I’ll give this old back a rest, and you bless me with the Lord’s words you’ve memorized.” She closed her eyes.
“I like it to be personal.Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud. My love will not act rude or self-seeking, it will not be easily angered. I willkeep no record of wrongs, for love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. My love will always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere. Love never fails.
“Beautiful.” Delilah’s eyes blinked open. “That boy better get off his high horse soon, cause his grumping around will be no example for the child.”
Katie gasped. “You know?” What had she done to give away her secret? Maybe her dresses were pulling too tight.
“Of course. You don’t keep that from my eagle eyes. Nothing doing.”
She pressed a hand to her chest. “That is such a relief. I have so many questions, and Ma is not so good at these kinds of conversations.” Just being able to confide in her good friend would be such a blessing.
