“‘Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praiseHim, all creatures here below.’”
Their voices blended in perfect harmony, his deep and sure, hers higher. She barely finished before her throat tightened. She had never known a more holy moment.
When he indicated they should sit on a nearby log, she didn’t hesitate.
This scene was too beautiful to leave. The company was sweeter than the flowers.
She pretended she hadn’t thought that and sat beside him with a sigh of contentment. “The mountains are so majestic.” They surrounded them, some purple in the distance. Others breathing down their backs.
“I remember the first time I saw them.”
At the deepness of his voice, she shifted to watch him. His gaze drifted to the distance.
“What did you think?” she prompted.
“Ma was taking us west to Gib’s ranch. I admit I’d been somewhat fearful. We were starting over without my pa. I couldn’t help but wonder what it meant.” He plucked a yellow blossom from near his boot. “When I saw the mountains, I knew everything would be all right.” He picked another yellow flower. “I don’t know why I thought that, but I did.” His gaze touched Addie’s.
When she realized he waited for her response, she spoke slowly, considering her words. “Perhaps the mountains remind us that we are so small and God is so big. Yet His love surrounds us like those mountains surround this lake.” She swept her arm across the scene.
“I doubt I thought anything so profound. After all, I was a callow youth.” His laugh carried a note of wryness. “But it’s certainly true.”
They sat side by side, soaking in the peace.
He continued to pick flowers and twist them together. “Life became so different for us after we moved.”
“How so?” Though losing one’s father and moving far away were big changes.
His voice rumbled in a chuckle. “I could say it was easier. And that would be true. But it was also tougher. Both Ma and I worked harder than we had before, but I don’t think either of us minded.” He concentrated on the flowers in his hands, his voice deep, his words full. “On more than one occasion, Ma said it felt good to be living a life where we reaped the benefits of our hard work.”
Hard work. Honest labor. They seemed to be themotto of his life. A good motto. One she admired. One that made her feel safe.
“Lean forward.” His words were a gentle invitation.
“Why?” She did so without an answer from him.
A wreath of yellow flowers hung from his hands. He lifted it and dropped it to her head.
“I crown you Lady of this Lake.”
She touched the flowers that lay on her head.
Lady of the Lake? Or was he crowning her Lady of his Heart? She had no reason to think that and yet…yet….
Nash driftedhis hand across her hair, resisting the urge to cup her head and pull her close. Every beat of his heart whispered her name. Every flower breathed her sweetness. The lake reflected sunlight that echoed in her eyes.
“Addie,” he whispered. His index finger trailed down her cheek.
Her eyes widened.
Had he shocked her with his boldness? He hadn’t meant to, and he withdrew his hands to his knees and sat back. He should say something, but not a single word came to his mind.
“I remember the first time I glimpsed the mountains.” She spoke slowly, softly, making it possible for him to bring his thoughts into submission. “It was only a few months ago. Preacher Stone had been invited to speak at a little church while their regular minister returned East to care for his dying father.” The words drifted off, carried to the placid blue water.
He waited as she grew silent, perhaps rememberingthat time. He was about to ask her to continue when she huffed out a breath.
“I should have been used to moving. It’s what we did. Always going where people needed help. But this time, I didn’t want to go.” Her eyes darkened. “I wanted to stay in one place long enough to decorate a house the way I’d like it and”—her voice lowered—“make friends.”
Her longings tugged at his heart, and he captured her hand and held it, offering sympathy and comfort. He smiled when she turned her palm to his and squeezed before she continued.
