“We were on the train to our destination. Mother told me to look out the window. I did.” Her eyes sparkled. “Past the nearby lake, the mountains rose, jagged, crowned with snow, and glistening in the sunshine. I felt like God reached out to me, saying that He—the maker of the mountains—was big enough to take care of me. I knew then everything would be fine.”
“You have such a strong faith,” he whispered.
“No, what I have is a faithful God.”
Their gazes connected, her eyes steady. He hoped his were as well, as they shared this moment with birds singing around them.
A splash jerked their attention to the lake, where a duck did a noisy landing.
“Come on.” He pulled her to her feet.
She readily followed him. “Where are we going?”
Did it matter where they went? Only that they walked hand in hand. “Let’s have a closer look at the lake.”
Grass bent before their feet. Flowers bowed out of the way. Near the shoreline, the vegetation grew rougher, darker in color. They reached a spot where water ran from a lively stream into the lake. They could go no further inthat direction. But they didn’t turn back. Instead, they looked out at the blue, blue lake.
“Shorty has a beautiful place to live,” she said.
“Yet, he’s talking about leaving.”
“You’d think he’d want to stay here.” She nudged aside a rock at her feet.
“Given the books in his storeroom, I think the man is running from something. Or trying to find peace from his past.” Nash knew that urging.
“Father Stone often says that a man will be forever restless until he finds peace with God.” She pushed her braid over her shoulder. “But can you think of a better place to find that peace than right here?”
“I do know a place equally suitable. My ranch.”
The moment hung between them, full of possibility. Would she recognize his invitation? And if she did, how would she respond?
A pebble rolled away from under her foot. She bent to pick it up and toss it into the water. It landed near the shore with barely a splash.
Her answer was not to answer? Was she being kind, not wanting to hurt his feelings?
Of course, he’d spoken out of turn. They didn’t know each other well enough for him to be speaking in that fashion. Practically inviting her to his ranch, which he’d already done. And she’d said she’d like to see his place. Only this time, he didn’t mean a quick visit but something more permanent.
She threw another rock. It went farther and plopped into the water, scaring away the duck, who gave a protesting quack. Shorebirds burst into the air with the rattle of reeds and rush of wings.
Pitching rocks seemed like a good way to relieve hisdisappointment. He grabbed a handful and tossed them into the water, one by one.
Addie threw with equal determination.
He scooped up another handful of stones. Several were flat, perfect for skipping, and he threw underhanded. The rock skipped twice.
Addie lowered her arms and watched him.
He skipped another rock.
She imitated his stance, drew back her arm, and let a rock fly. But it landed in the lake in a widening ripple of circles. “How do you do that?”
He illustrated by doing it again.
Her try failed. “What am I doing wrong?”
The appeal in her eyes brought him closer to her.
“Let me help.” He stood behind her and caught her arm to draw it back. “Flick your wrist.” He held her by the shoulders as she followed his instructions.
