Love Inspired June 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: The Cowboy's Homecoming\The Amish Widow's Secret\Safe in the Fireman's Arms (19 page)

But the brim of his hat shadowed his dark eyes. His mouth was set in grim lines. He shifted his weight, lifted one broad shoulder in a shrug. “I kind of hoped you would be here.”

Not sure what to think, she felt her overworked heart do a slow flip.

They stood in silence, the wind soughing through the trees above, a mournful counterpoint to the moment, a complete reversal of the last time they had both stood here looking at each other.

“I just talked to your father,” Lee said gruffly.

Abby's head snapped up, dread snaking through her. But she still didn't dare speak.

“I needed to see him before I talked to you. That's why I didn't answer your calls. Then when I tried to call you, you didn't answer.”

“I...I left my phone in the car and I had a nap.” She stopped there, realizing how silly she sounded. They had so much hanging between them and she was babbling about her phone and sleeping.

“That's good. I could actually use one too. I didn't sleep well last night.”

“I can understand why.” Her throat was suddenly dry as her mind cast about for what to say. “I want to apologize again. To say I'm sorry, but those words seem too weak, too inadequate to try to make amends for...to erase...I mean, to reconcile...” Her voice trailed off as she shook her head. “But I am. Deeply sorry. So sorry.”

“I know exactly how you feel,” was Lee's soft reply. He took a few steps closer and then, to her surprise, put his knuckle under her chin and lifted her face to look at him. “Exactly.”

His single word was accompanied with a wry smile.

Abby could only stare at him, not sure what was happening. Not sure what she dared think or expect.

“I apologize for not taking your calls. I know how that must have looked to you, but I needed to settle things with your father first.”

“He's sorry for what he did too.”

“I know he is. I told him I've forgiven him.”

Abby's mouth fell open in shock and amazement. “Just like that?” It had taken her years to find her way to that place.

“I told him that because I'm hoping, in time and with God's help, I can mean it with my whole heart and soul.” Lee's smile faded and Abby's hopes faded with it. “And I want to forgive him,” he continued, letting his hand come to settle on her shoulder. “Because I don't want anything standing between us.
Anything
,” he said, putting heavy emphasis on that last word.

Her bones felt like rubber and her knees wobbled in reaction to words that she was trying to make sense of. “Are you saying...you're not...”

Then Lee pulled her close, supporting her. “I'm saying that I love you. I think you were always that important to me—it just took me a long time to grow up to deserve to be in a place to earn your love.” He drew her even closer and sealed his words with a tender kiss.

“You mean more to me than anyone ever could.” Lee kissed her again. “I'm sorry for how things went between us, but I have hopes for a future. If you'll have me.”

Abby stared up at him, still trying to grasp the extent of what had just happened and what he was saying.

“I've always loved you,” she whispered. “I think I still loved you when I saw you in that courtroom. I think that's why I was so angry with you.”

“I'm sorry—”

She put her finger on his lips. “Don't ever say that again. Not about this. I don't know how you've found the strength to forgive my father, to forgive me—”

“You've done nothing that needs forgiveness,” he said, lifting her hand and pressing a kiss to her fingertips. “You were a daughter who fought for her father. Given what you knew, you did the right thing. I wasn't a good person back then. I wasn't a kind person. I didn't come to this place on my own. It was only God's grace and forgiveness that helped me get here.” He gazed deep into her eyes. “And with God's love and wisdom guiding me, I hope I can become someone worthy of you. Worthy of your love.”

“You are more than worthy,” Abby breathed, hardly daring to believe that he stood in front of her saying what he did. “I have had to learn forgiveness. To learn grace. I can't say sorry enough—”

“Then don't,” Lee returned, kissing her again, pulling her close. “We're both sinners in need of grace and forgiveness. Let's simply acknowledge that and move on.” He bent down, pressing his cheek against her hair.

She closed her eyes, holding him close, his heart beating in tandem with hers. “I love you, Lee Bannister.”

“And I love you, Abby Newton. I want you to marry me. To come back to the ranch with me and to make a life with me.”

She pulled back, tears of joy gathering in her eyes, still unable to fathom the depths of his love and the depths of his character. “You are an amazing man, Lee. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Lee's smile lit up his face.

“So, do I get to sweep you up in my arms and carry you off into the sunset?” he teased, stroking a strand of hair away from her face. “I kind of wanted to do that when you hurt your ankle the first time we were here.”

“I hate to admit, but part of me kind of wanted you to do that too,” she said with a sheepish grin.

“Well, then, let's make both of our dreams come true,” he said, bending over, fitting his arm under her knees and in one easy motion lifting her off the ground.

She gave in to an impulse, grabbed his hat and dropped it on her head. “There. Now the movie cliché is complete.”

“One more kiss,” he drawled, following through on his promise. “And then we get to ride off to the ranch. We have people to talk to and plans to make.”

“Plans. I like the sound of that.”

Lee chuckled, turned and, still holding her, strode through the trees toward their vehicles.

And then home.

* * * * *

Keep reading for an excerpt from A MOTHER TO LOVE by Gail Gaymer Martin.

Dear Reader,

Abby and Lee's story is one of forgiveness. Each of them had to learn to forgive given what they knew and what they had learned over the course of the story. Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to grant and, sometimes, one of the hardest things to receive. But the reality is that forgiveness is the bedrock of our Christian faith. The forgiveness we receive from God is a gift and so, the forgiveness we receive from other and the forgiveness we grant others is also a gift.

While holding on to hurt and pain can feel good and right, ultimately it isolates us. Forgiveness brings us together again. It helps us to look ahead instead of behind us.

I hope that if you are struggling with forgiving someone that you will be able to find it in your heart to forgive for your sake as much as theirs.

Blessings,

Carolyne Aarsen

P.S. I love to hear from my readers. Check out my website at
www.carolyneaarsen.com
and sign up for my newsletter to be kept abreast of my latest news. You can also write to me at
[email protected]
.

We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

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Chapter One

A
ngie tripped over another box and suppressed a groan. Moving was the pits. She rubbed her shin and noticed another nick to her already bruised and scraped body. She couldn't forget she'd still be looking at her piled-high boxes without the help of her coworker's toting and lugging.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs, and she pulled away from her newest wound and planted a pleasant look on her face. “How are you doing?”

“I think that's the last one.” Rick Jameson came through the archway, a faint grin on his lips, nice lips she'd noticed recently. If they weren't such good friends, she could easily fall for him.

“You're the greatest.” She opened her arms and headed toward him.

He stepped in and joined the friendly hug.

The flex of his strong arms beneath his T-shirt made her sigh just a little. She drew in a breath, bedazzled by the exotic scent of his aftershave. “What are you wearing?”

He drew back. “A T-shirt and jeans?”

His questioning look and response made her laugh. “I meant your aftershave.”

His expression melted into a grin. He shrugged. “Jungle something. Why?”

“I love it. Flowers and foliage after rain.” She arched her brow. “Good choice.”

She didn't care what it was named. It smelled better than her cucumber melon moisturizer. She studied Rick's expression, wrapped in his scent, and winced. She knew she looked horrible, dressed in rags with only a swipe of lipstick and a comb run through her hair. “I'm grateful for your help, Rick.”

“Anytime, Angie.” He tweaked her cheek and tucked his hands into his pockets. “Anything else?”

She eyed the stacks of boxes along with another million things she needed to do, but she couldn't ask Rick for more help. She motioned to a stack. “I need to tackle these boxes myself. Most of it's for—”

Her leg vibrated before her cell phone's ringtone sounded. She drew it from her pocket and eyed the caller. “It's my sister. I'll call her back.”

He shook his head. “Answer. I can let myself out.”

She lifted a finger to stop him, wanting to enjoy his company just a little longer without using the time to work. She tapped the answer button and stepped into the kitchen. “Connie. Sorry, I'm busy. I have a man here helping me at the new house, and—”

“A man? What's he like?” her sister asked.

Angie cringed, realizing her mistake. “A friend. That's all.” She rolled her eyes. One more offer to fix her up on a blind date and she would scream.

“Nothing serious?”

“Connie, no.”

“Good, because I've found the perfect man. He's single, good-looking, a bit quiet, but—”

Her internal scream took flight. “But I'm not interested. I've told you a hundred times. Two hundred times.” Before her sister said another word, she darted back to the living room doorway, her gaze on Rick. “Anyway, I'm seeing someone right now.” Her eyes locked with his.

“You are.” The decibels ripped through her eardrum. “What's he like? Is he good-looking? You can't leave me hanging.”

The thought of hanging sounded good at the moment—preferably Connie. “I have to go, sis. Talk later.” She hit the end-call button before her sister resisted further.

She exhaled. As she gazed at Rick, her imagination soared. She wished they were... Impossible. They were friends. “Sorry.” She looked at his inquisitive face, and her heart skipped. “Can I offer you a cup of coffee or something before you go?” She glanced over her shoulder at the boxes piled in her kitchen. “If I can locate the coffeemaker.”

He chuckled, a sound she loved to hear. His smile and laugh always made her happy. She waited, hoping he would stay.

Rick eyed the boxes and grinned at her. “How many hours will it take?”

She managed a feeble smile, her mind still clinging to her sort-of lie. “I need the distraction.” She beckoned him into the kitchen and headed for the boxes.

“Let me help.” His voice came through the doorway before he did.

Rick's gaze followed her as she dug deep in a carton and, before she had a moment, he slipped the box from her hand while his eyes searched hers. She sensed he wanted to say something, yet couldn't, and it left her confused.

Without direction from her, Rick located the pot and the individual brewing cups and popped them into the machine and added water. “Mugs?”

She waved her hand at the boxes. “Your guess is as good as mine.”

He shrugged and in a moment gave her a victorious look. “Voilà!” He held the mugs in his hand, then placed a cup on the coffeemaker and hit the brew button.

She loved seeing him appear comfortable making coffee and being domestic. “You surprise me.”

“Why?” He glanced over his shoulder, then grasped the mug and brought it to her.

The scent of coffee eased her tension. “You look experienced in the kitchen.”

“It's that or starve.” He popped in another cup and turned back to her. “It's one of those things single men with a child have to do.” He looked at her again before smiling and turning back to the coffeemaker.

His daughter hadn't entered her mind. Though he'd mentioned Carly on occasion, Angie sensed he would rather not talk about his situation for some reason. “Coffee tastes good.”

He slipped onto a chair and set his drink on the table. “I hope you don't mind my saying this, but the phone call seemed to upset you.” He glanced away. “Sorry. It's none of my business.”

She flinched, facing the exaggeration she'd told her sister. “You're perceptive.”

His brow arched, and he waited.

“To be honest...” And this time she would be. “I'm tired of my mother and sister trying to fix me up with blind dates. I want to scream when they come to me with some trumped-up idea of this wonderful single man who's a bit quiet but he is very nice. Usually the guy's main fun is bird-watching or reading. Nothing wrong with either hobby, but it doesn't make dating them sound particularly enjoyable.”

Rick averted his eyes until a laugh burst from his chest. He gave her a one-shoulder shrug. “Are you telling me you're not into the nice quiet bird-watcher type?” His words splintered through his chuckle.

Finally, Rick seemed like the man she knew at the office, and she needed the usual. She'd been thrown by the unexpected emotion that had arisen earlier. “Laugh all you want.” She found the image funny, until the crux of the issue struck her. “Today, to stop her, I sort of lied.”

“How does one sort of lie?” He gave her a crooked grin.

“You can't. I'm not much of a churchgoer, but I know right from wrong, and I feel awful.” She pondered her comment.

“Explain. Now I'm curious.”

His expression took the edge off her guilt. “I told her I was seeing someone.”

“Seeing someone?” His face blanched and confused her. “Are you?”

She shook her head.

“Then it's not a sort-of lie.”

“But I was seeing someone.” She motioned to the doorway. “I stood right there and looked at you. Get it? I was seeing—”

“Right.” He blinked before he added a disbelieving grin. “Got it...more than once actually.”

She gave him a poke. “You know the old saying about web of lies, right?”

Questions still hung in his eyes.

“Now my sister wants details. What he looks like, his interests, everything. Next she'll want to meet him.” Her head spun with her concoction. “I have to tell her what I did.”

“But now she'll give you a little peace. No more blind dates.”

A blast of air shot from her lungs. “You're right. It was worth the exaggeration. That's what it was, right? Not a lie.”

“Whatever you want to call it.” He arched a brow again and took a long swig of his coffee. “I should get going.” He stood. “But don't forget, Ang. If you need help, I'm willing.” He gave her arm a shake. “I only have Carly on weekends. I hate the limited time with her, but that's our agreement, and I avoid tension with her mother. It doesn't help our relationship. For now I'm stuck with short visits.” He tilted his head with a half grin, but she noted sadness beneath it. “Guess that gives you a look into my life.”

“At least you've been married. Not me.” Her comment drew her back to unwanted places. “And you have your little girl. I know you love her more than anything. It shows.”

He responded with that proud-daddy nod. “You're right. I cherish her. And you saw how it was when my marriage ended.”

“Three years ago. That's how long we worked together.” She thought back. “Or was it more?”

“Four, I think. You came to the office when Carly was almost one. She's turned five and goes to kindergarten.”

“Really?” The years had flown past since they'd first met.

Rick stepped toward the doorway and waved. “I need to be on my way, but remember what I said.”

“I will.” She followed him through the living room.

When she stepped onto the porch behind him, he turned and gave her a hug. “I hope the rest of your unpacking goes well.” He added another squeeze, stepped down to the sidewalk and headed to his SUV in the driveway without looking back.

Her chest pressed against her lungs as she watched the SUV back out to the street. She still felt his strong arms around her. After she gave a final wave, she drew her gaze from his car and stepped toward the door feeling as if she'd lost something precious.

Pulling her mind back to her empty reality, she noticed a woman heading toward her from across the street.

Her curiosity rose as the neighbor stepped onto the sidewalk and strode up her driveway toward her with a grin. Angie smiled back, guessing the woman wanted to be the first to meet the new neighbor.

“Hi.” A container in one hand, the woman extended the other. “I'm your neighbor Rema.”

She grasped the woman's hand. “Angela Bursten. It's nice to meet you.” Her greeting stretched the truth again.

“Welcome to Lilac Circle.” Rema released her hand and motioned toward the driveway. “Sorry I missed your husband. I look forward to meeting him.”

“Husband?” Heat rose up her chest as she understood Rema's reference.

“I noticed him pulling away as I started across the street.” Rema eyed her and grimaced. “I assumed he was your husband.”

Angie drew back, managing a chuckle. “No. He's a coworker who volunteered to tote some boxes for me. No husband here.” The admission left an unwelcome reminder, yet Rick's smile hung in her thoughts.

A questioning look flashed across Rema's face, and Angie recalled Rick's hug on the porch. A sigh slipped from her. She didn't owe her an explanation and didn't have one. Warmth spread through her, and she recalled the wonderful sensation.

Rema gave her a sympathetic look.

“Speaking of boxes, I have them stacked all over inside, otherwise I'd...” Her discomfort grew as she sought an amiable goodbye. “But I appreciate your welcome, and—”

“I understand.” Rema extended the container. “I brought you a little welcome gift. Homemade.”

Angie's heart sank. Now she was on the spot. “That was very thoughtful.” As she pulled the container closer, a sweet scent wrapped around her. “And it smells delicious.” She glanced over her shoulder at the mess. “Rema, if you don't mind falling over boxes, you're welcome to come in.” She opened the screen door, motioning the other woman inside.

Without hesitation, Rema slipped past and stood inside the doorway.

“Have a seat, Rema.” She motioned to the living room.

Rema moved into the living room, and Angie placed the housewarming gift on a lamp table before also taking a seat, knowing what she should do but unable to deal with it today. Angie eyed the woman, trying to think of something to say, but Rema saved her from worry.

“Did you notice the house for sale on the corner?” Rema gestured to the head of the street. “We'll be having another new neighbor soon.”

“No. Sorry, I hadn't noticed.”

“A number of people have looked at the house. Spring seems a good time to sell.” Rema gazed into space as if she had something on her mind, and though uneasy, Angie waited before trying to end their conversation and the visit.

As if awakening, Rema patted her lips with a napkin while curiosity grew in her eyes. “So why aren't you married?” Her brow fluttered to an arch before lowering. “Divorced? Or are you widowed?”

Startled, Angie organized her thoughts. She could have said she was never asked, but that wasn't something to share with a stranger. No matter, she still had hopes. Serious hopes but... She dropped the thought and shrugged. “I never got around to it, I guess.”

“I'm surprised. You're very pretty.” Rema's admiring gaze shifted to the window as a scowl rose on her face. “But you've made a wise decision.”

Angie waited for the punch line, but Rema's expression underlined her seriousness. Not wanting to broach the sensitive topic, she manipulated the conversation back to Owosso. “Tell me about the town. I've seen a few of the lovely old buildings almost set back in time, and I spotted the Curwood Castle. It's a historic town, I know, but what else is interesting?”

Rema's face brightened, but then Angie realized she might have opened Pandora's box when she needed to finish unpacking. She waved her words away. “I'm sorry, but why don't we save this for another time? I'm sure you have things to do, and I need to get to work.” She rose and stacked the dishes. “Thanks so much for coming. And thanks for this wonderful treat. I'm sure it's as delicious as it smells.”

Rema took her unsubtle hint and rose. “You're welcome. It's nice to have a new neighbor so close. The last person living here was a crotchety old man who sat outside giving everyone the evil eye. You're a welcome relief.”