“I wish there was something I could do to help,” Olivia mentioned and continued pacing the sitting room.
“You’ve done all you could, Olivia. We’ve taken it to the Lord in prayer, believing He will take control. That’s the only and best thing to do, given the situation.”
Olivia nodded and took a seat on one of the chintz-covered armchairs. “You’re right, Annie. I can’t help being worried, though.”
“I understand, dear. When he told me he and the other marshals would be heading into the forests to arrest the outlaws in the act, I was alarmed.”
“Alarmed? I nearly fainted.”
Annie giggled.
Olivia didn’t think it was funny the way she had reacted when Adam came to the orphanage to tell her he and some disguised marshals were going to finally put an end to the case by making arrests. It had pleased her he was still a marshal but going after outlaws had frightened her.
“You’ll just have to get used to it, Olivia. He’s a lawman.”
Olivia chewed on her bottom lip. She didn’t know if she would ever get used to it. She had been so worried at the orphanage she had taken permission from Mrs. Harrison to leave. She couldn’t wait there for news about Adam and his mission.
The kind woman had understood her fears and asked her to stay for as long as she wanted. Olivia had confided in her the day before about Adam’s feelings for her and hers for him.
Just then, she heard footsteps on the porch and her heart jumped in her chest. She rose from the chair and waited as the heavy steps sounded in the hallway toward the sitting room.
Disappointment flowed through her when Stephen entered the place with a frown on his face.
“He’s still not back?”
Crestfallen, Olivia dropped to her chair. She had been there all day and dusk was falling.
Annie shook her head.
“I’ve heard no word from anyone. I went into town earlier, hoping to hear what was going on. But as it’s a secret task, no one knew anything.” Stephen sat beside his wife.
Please keep him safe, lord, and all the others involved.Olivia prayed for the umpteenth time.
Olivia was assisting Annie in preparing dinner when she heard the front door open and shut. She didn’t bother lifting her head from the vegetables she was slicing as she assumed it was Stephen again. Adam’s brother had gone out twice to find out word about his brother but returned with no news.
“Olivia!”
Her head shot up, and she saw a tired-looking Adam standing by the door. Quickly, she dropped the knife and raced across the room to throw her arms around him.
“I went to the orphanage, and they told me you were here.” Adam smiled softly.
“I had to come here. I couldn’t stay there and worry alone about you all day.”
He grinned at her and kissed her cheek. “Where is everyone?”
“Annie is taking a rest and Stephen went out again a short while ago to see if he could get any word concerning the mission.”
Her eyes roamed his body. “You’re not hurt, are you?”
He shook his head. “God kept me.”
Those words had an instant reaction on Olivia. She never expected Adam to say it after weeks of thinking he wasn’t a Christian. She smiled brightly.
Adam drew her into his arms.
He returned her smile. “ I’m happy to be home, safe, and sound.”
“Come and sit down. I’ll heat the pie from lunch. Dinner isn’t ready yet. None of us felt like eating.”
