But would that be true? Dinah was being obedient to God's calling, to the direction He'd given her. But so much of her was praying, hoping, longing—maybe even counting on—Jericho's heart changing. Was she going to Missoula Mills simply because it was the nearest town to the Coulter ranch? The place Jericho went for supplies, where she might run in to him occasionally.
Was this really obedience? Or was she feigning submission to God's direction while secretly hoping Jericho would come after her, admit he was wrong, and promise to change so she could escape back to the ranch with him?
The latter settled like an ill-fitting boot, rubbing at the blisters of her aching heart. If she truly intended to follow God's leading, she had to devote herself to the place He put her, not search for the first escape she could find.
If God intended for her and Jericho to be together one day, He would make the way when they were both fully ready. When they'd grown into the son and daughter their Heavenly Father was developing them to be. Only then could they build the strong marriage God planned.
Her chest ached. If that wasn't God's plan, the last thing she wanted was to be faced with the possibility of running into Jericho at any moment.
She needed to put him behind her. Fully immerse herself in the life God called her to. And that meant not turning left when they reached the Mullan Road. Should they go right, back to Helena?Guide us, Lord.
By the end of two long hours in the saddle, they reached the Mullan Road, and her heart knew for certain what she had to do. Naomi's eyes held that weary look again as Dinah reined in her gelding. "Let's stop and rest a minute. And I've been thinking about where we should go. I feel God nudging us toward Helena. I think we need a fresh start, and I have no doubt they're in need of a doctor there."
Naomi gave a weary nod. " Wherever you think best."
Maybe her sister was trying to be agreeable, but the words settled a weight on Dinah's shoulders. She had to get this right. Had to succeed. More lives than her own depended on her.
CHAPTER26
If Jericho had to spend another day at the house, he might break the last fraying thread of his restraint.
He saddled Pinto and rode to the lower valley to work cantankerous colts with Sampson, Sean, and Lillian. Jude, Miles, and Gil were moving cows to the west pasture, but they didn’t need his help, and would think it strange if he tagged along with them.
Besides, he was hoping seeing the foals would boost Lillian’s spirits. This was the first time he'd required her to come help with the animals since Dinah and Naomi arrived.
She’d so enjoyed working at the house with them. In truth, the place had never looked better, and Lillian…well, her red puffy eyes today showed just how hard this turn of events was on her. She might have done better if he'd let her stay at the cabin with Jonah, but he'd been worried about leaving her alone in such an emotional state. Jonah would have trouble helping her if something went wrong.
Not that Jericho was any good at consoling her.
Especially with this thundercloud nearly smothering him. He needed work. Good hard sweaty labor, like cutting down trees. These foals were just ornery enough to press on his last nerve.
Maybe he should grab the ax they kept here to break the ice on the creek in winter and start felling trees. He could have enough logs cut by nightfall to raise a barn.
The colt he was grooming lifted its head, pulling tight against the lead rope tied to a tree.
"Easy there." Jericho stroked its back to settle the animal.
But whatever the colt sensed still had it on alert, and the small body tensed beneath his hand.
"What's wrong with him, Uncle—"
At Sean's call from behind, the foal jerked backward, flinging itself on its haunches and straining against the rope with all its might.
"Hey, boy. Easy." Jericho braced a hand behind its rump to stop the colt from pulling back.
The animal struggled harder, but the tree held firm. In its panic, the colt threw itself to the ground.
Jericho’s heart raced as he pulled out the knife strapped at his side. The knot in the rope would be too tight to untie. He'd have to cut it.
As soon as he sliced through the cord, Sean and Sampson moved in to catch the colt and calm him.
Jericho let them handle the youngster, turning away from the scene. The colt was probably on edge from his own frustrations. He needed to get himself away where he couldn't hurt anyone else. "Make sure he's not injured, then turn him loose," he called over his shoulder, striding to the little shed where they kept the ax.
They'd been talking about adding a lean-to off the back side of the building for the animals to take shelter. This would be a good time to start on that project.
By the time the sun passed its zenith, he was felling his eighth tree. He'd stripped off his shirt but hadn't let himself stop to rest.
The sound of footsteps tramping through the woods made him pause. He slid a glance backward to see that it was Gilead, then heaved the ax up and swung another blow into the tree.
