by Gay N. Lewis
“May I ask what’s wrong with your grandmother?”
“Heart condition—makes her weak and short of breath. She has to rest often.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. She’s a beautiful lady and looks strong.”
“She has a good specialist and the meds are helping. She’s looking forward to spring.” He gestured out the window. “That meadow will be covered in bluebonnets.”
“Glad to hear she’s got a good doctor. Want me to stir that for you?” Emily watched him mix the ingredients.
“If you don’t mind.”
Emily took her place at the stove while Josiah stepped into a pantry. “Vegetable soup or chicken noodle?”
“Hmmm. How about vegetable?”
Josiah brought out cans along with crackers. “I’m not sure hot chocolate and soup go together, but they’re both hot and filling.”
“Works for me.” Emily glanced up from the chocolate mixture.
“A woman easy to please.” Josiah winked and moved close to Emily to turn on a burner. “I see no ring. Boyfriend?”
Emily shook her head. “I was engaged but my fiancé called it off.”
“Ouch. That must’ve hurt.” Josiah glanced down at Emily and perused her face as if he’d find answers to his comment.
“It does.” Emily stared at the milk swirling in the pan.
Josiah raised his brows. “Does? Sounds recent.”
Emily turned soulful eyes up to meet Josiah’s. “Today, as a matter of fact.”
“Today? I’m sorry. I can’t imagine what would make a guy break up with you. You’re beautiful, charming, and kind. The way you take care of Estella, a total stranger, tells me a great deal about you. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was your grandmother.”
“Thanks. Estella stepped in at the right time and took my mind off things.”
Sarah looked skyward and hoped the Superiors were making notes concerning the beneficial comments about her. She’d brought the couple together, and the sparks between them were evident. At this moment, Emily and Josiah seemed to be doing just fine without her help.
She tuned back into the conversation.
“Would you believe Estella’s boyfriend dumped her today too?” Emily giggled. “We hit it off immediately—have so much in common, it seems.”
“You’re kidding about a boyfriend, right?”
“Nope. I’m not joking.”
Josiah frowned as if trying to make sense of a puzzle. “Did she tell you what happened?”
Emily’s lips spread into a huge grin. “He said she wasn’t sexy enough.”
Josiah raised his brows to his hairline. “Seriously?”
Emily resumed stirring the hot chocolate. “Yes, but at least she knows why he didn’t want to hang with her. I don’t know what I did to cause my fiancé to change his mind.”
“He gave you no reason?”
Emily squeezed her eyes shut for a few seconds and then gulped as if trying to prevent a shaky, verbal response. “I haven’t seen or heard from him these past two days. He wouldn’t return my calls, and then today, he served me with a restraining order.”
Josiah leaned against the counter and studied Emily with wide eyes and furrowed brow. “A restraining order? That’s unbelievable.” He cocked his head and his eyes sparkled with a devious glint. “Are you a stalker?”
Emily inhaled with obvious relief at his playful remark. “Not hardly.”
“Didn’t think so. Are you prone to violent outbursts? Have an uncontrollable jealous nature?”
Emily chuckled at Josiah’s teasing tone. “We never argued, and I’m not the jealous type. I don’t know why he ended our relationship the way he did.” She sighed. “My dad never liked him.”
“That’s usually a clue. Most parents are discerning.”
“I know that now.”
“I’m sorry he caused you pain.”
“It was awful at first. I thought there was something dreadfully wrong with me, but Estella has helped, and now you and your sweet grandmother are restoring my belief in the goodness of humanity.”
“This cowboy is glad to help.” He closed one eye as if in deep thought. “Is the fiancé the reason you decided to go to Austin today?”
Emily nodded. “One of the reasons. My parents had planned to be with me in Dallas for Christmas, but with all the changes in my life, I decided to spend the holiday with them. I’ve made up my mind to get through this and come out stronger. I don’t know why he did that to me, but I’m not accepting the blame.”
Emily let go of the spoon, and her hands flew to her cheeks. “Oh my! I just thought of something. I left Christmas gifts in the trunk of my car. Do you think they’ll be okay?”
“No one will be out in this weather, and besides, we have honest citizens in these parts. Don’t worry.”
“How long do you think this frozen mess will last?”
“In Texas? Not long. You’ll probably be stuck with me for a couple of days.” He wiggled his brows. “Would that be so bad?”
Emily resumed stirring the liquid, but she grinned like a delighted child. “You and your grandmother might get tired of us.”
“Not a chance. Tomorrow, you can help me decorate the tree. I cut one down last week, and it’s waiting in the garage to go near the hearth.” He placed a hand on Emily’s shoulder. “I’m gonna make you forget that lemon of a fiancé.”
Emily sucked in a breath and glanced down. “Hot chocolate is ready.”
They sat on island stools and ate.
Sarah looked on and drooled. She hadn’t eaten, either. She’d slip back to the kitchen while everyone slept and find something to nibble.
“This soup is the best thing I’ve tasted in a long time.” Emily blew on her spoon of broth to cool it.
“You’re just extra hungry. I’ll cook a country breakfast in the morning. Eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy—the whole works.”
Sarah’s stomach growled. Could she wait that long? Poopty doopty. She hoped Josiah was an early riser.
“I’ve never had a man cook for me before.” Emily bit into a cracker.
“What did your fiancé do for you? Anything thoughtful or romantic?”
Emily puckered her brow. “Now that I think about it, no, he didn’t.” A rosy blush crept into her cheeks. “I hate to say it, but I fear he was only interested in a physical relationship, and I wouldn’t give that to him until after marriage.” She rubbed her forehead as if she didn’t want to reveal more. “Maybe he grew tired of waiting.”
Josiah caught her hand and brought it down from her face. “Delaying sex for marriage is an admirable quality—one I admire.”
No wonder the Almighty intended this cowboy for Emily. He was a man after God’s own heart.
“Let’s take our chocolate to the sofa and sit by the fire. Want to?” Josiah pointed to the great room.
Emily stood with mug in hand. “That sounds lovely. By the way, with the storm raging, will your electricity go off?”
“If it does, I have a generator.”
“You’re a godsend.”
Josiah reached for Emily’s mug. “Anytime I can rescue a damsel in distress, I count myself one lucky man.”
Sarah blew Josiah a kiss. Actually, luck had nothing to do with it. God ordained a storm and an angel to make sure these two found each other on this very frosty night.
Amazing how the Almighty worked.
CHAPTER TEN
Josiah dimmed the lights and the couple sat together, sipping cocoa and watching the fire.
Sarah drifted to a corner. So far, these two didn’t need romantic kissing, and she reminded her brain not to make one happen. They should spend time getting to know each other. Josiah might fall in love at first sight, but Emily had to heal before love could enter her life once more. The attraction between them was obvious, but then, God had preordained and planted it there. Sarah had no doubt that even if Emily was still engaged to James, she’d end the relationship with him after me
eting Josiah. She would have seen the cowboy as Mr. Right and James as Mr. Wrong. Sarah was helping God bring that about, but she needed to remain careful as she did it.
“Do you think I’m some sort of weirdo because my fiancé broke our engagement?”
Josiah shook his head. “He sounds selfish and dumb—a guy who can’t see a virtuous and beautiful woman before him. To be honest with you, the more acquainted we become, the more I want to saddle up Pedro tomorrow and ride into Dallas, and I just might do it too.” His lips flatlined.
“Why?” Emily turned to face Josiah with eyebrows knitted together.
Sarah saw a vein in Josiah’s temple pulsating and wondered if Emily noticed it too.
“The only way to get out of here is by horseback. Roads are too dangerous, and I’d love to find this guy who hurt you and give him a lesson in Texas manners. I can understand why a woman acquires a restraining order. That happens all the time. A gal will fear for her life because of some violent man, but real Texas men don’t break engagements by issuing restraining orders. I see no reason for legal documents in your case.”
“He’s not a Texan.”
“Oh.” With a nod, Josiah relaxed his jaw. “That explains it. Where did you meet this dud of a dude?”
“At work. His firm contracts with the one where I worked.”
“Worked? As in past tense?”
Emily inhaled and ducked her head. “My boss called me into his office this morning and laid me off. The oil and gas markets aren’t what they once were.”
Josiah whistled. “Lady, you have had some kind of day.”
“As I left the office, an officer showed up with the restraining order. He issued it in front of the employees.” Emily hiccoughed and her voice cracked, but she gulped back tears.
Josiah slipped an arm behind Emily and rubbed between her shoulders.
“Incredible. Only a strong woman could survive that mess.”
“My faith helps, but boy! Did God ever throw stuff at me today.”
“God allows bad things to happen, but He always has something better in mind.” He grinned. “Now, would we have met if all that ugly junk hadn’t taken place today?”
Emily smiled and her cheeks grew rosy. “I suppose not.” She blinked to keep her eyes open and stifled a yawn.
Josiah glanced at his watch. “It’s after midnight, and you’re exhausted. Do you think you can sleep?”
“I think so.”
He stood and held his hand to Emily. She took it and he helped her up.
“My bedroom is on this side of the house. If you need anything, let me know. Okay?
“Thanks.”
“Come on. I’ll walk you to your door.”
Sarah trailed along behind them—almost dancing in the air above their heads. This was going well so far.
“Goodnight, Emily. Sleep as late as you want and I’ll see you in the morning.”
* * *
Sarah entered her designated room, opened the suitcase and instantly filled it with proper clothes. Taking out an ankle length nightgown, she slipped into it.
Now, how did humans get into bed? She looked at the covers—they weren’t too unlike her favorite blue blanket she used for cloud sleeping. Sarah pulled back the quilts slowly—not sure what to expect. She slipped between them. So! This is what a human bed feels like! Not bad. This is soft and almost as fluffy as a cloud and the crisp sheets feel heavenly themselves.
Snuggling down, she offered prayers to the Father and allowed sleep to claim her.
* * *
Hearing soft voices, Sarah opened her eyes. Where was she? Oh, yes. Josiah’s home. The sounds came from Edie’s room next door.
She whispered her prayer. “Thank you, Father, for giving me a nice sleep. These beds you gave humans are quite nice.”
Sarah arose, became invisible, and floated through the wall to the adjoining room.
“This is going to be another good day.” Edie smiled at Josiah. “I’m getting up to help you with breakfast for our guests.”
“You don’t need to. I can rustle up a pretty good breakfast.”
“I want to.” She scrutinized Josiah. “Emily is a looker, don’t you think? And she seems really nice.”
Josiah stuck his thumbs in his jean belt loops. Such an action seemed a habit with him. “She’s beautiful and she’s had a rough time lately. Lost her job yesterday and then her fiancé dumped her. Can you believe it? A job terminated and an engagement broken on the same day.”
“Oh the poor dear.” Edie grinned. “I’m sorry she has heartache, but I’m glad she’s available.”
“Now, Grandmother, no ideas, please.”
Edie waved her hands. “No. No. None from me.” She glanced at him sideways. “I’ve got a lot of faith in my grandson and I’m confident you can come up with notions all by yourself.”
Josiah winked as though he agreed. “Working on it.”
“After all, you know what it’s like to almost make a mistake.”
“No talk about Gretchen, Grandmother. That’s been over a long time.”
“Harrumph. Best thing that ever happened to you when she said her farewells.”
“I agree, and she was smart enough to see she wasn’t cut out for ranch life. It may take Emily longer to heal than it did me.”
“I have an idea it won’t. Now, skedaddle and I’ll get dressed and help you with breakfast.”
Sarah nodded with satisfaction. Edie would help her connect Josiah and Emily.
Returning to her room, she strode into the lavatory area. A hot shower would be welcome, but she took rain showers—never once had she experienced a human one. How in the world did mortals make these devices work?
After experimenting with two handles, she figured it out, showered, and then returned to wear another boring dress. Why did a few grandmother types think they needed to look dowdy? Some designer should fix that problem. Sarah shrugged. On the other hand, miniskirts would not look good on wrinkled, skinny legs. Too bad human women faced that sagging skin calamity.
Sarah knocked on Emily’s door. “Emily? Are you awake?”
A drowsy reply met Sarah’s ears. “Yes. Please come in.”
Sarah opened the door. “Sleep well?”
Emily covered her mouth as she sat up in bed and yawned. “I did. You?”
Sarah nodded. “Most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.” She sat on the side of the bed. “Edie and Josiah are Godly people.”
“How do you know?”
“My spirit identifies with theirs. Don’t you feel it too?”
Emily’s lips parted in a partial smile. “Yes, I guess I do.”
“Was James a spiritual person?”
Emily scratched her nose. “He’d never go to church with me or speak about faith. He said after we married, he wouldn’t want me to continue my church membership. I’d have to give up such things.”
“Pshaw! Didn’t that tell ya something?”
“Looking back on it, I guess it should have.”
“Was he good to you? Offer to protect you? Did you feel safe in his company?”
Emily’s eyes grew wide. “Now that you mention it, no, I didn’t feel safe. I always felt I had to be on pins and needles to please him.”
“Not a good way to spend a life, is it?”
“No, ma’am. It isn’t.”
“How do you feel about him this morning?”
Emily glanced at the ceiling as she paused. “I’m angry, and I want to know why he broke up with me the way he did, but truthfully, I’m relieved it’s over.”
“Dearie, that’s the best news I’ve heard. Now tell me, what do ya think of Josiah? Handsome, right?”
Emily’s cheeks fused with a faint, pink color. “He’s a thoughtful and caring person, too.”
Sarah winked. “He’d make two of James any day. I know it’s too soon to think of another fella in ya life, but don’t pass up a God-given opportunity, either.”
“I’m never going to
have another boyfriend. Too much work and too much anxiety.”
Sarah stood. “Not when the right one comes along, and I’m a thinking Josiah is right for you. Take it from an old lady who’s seen such things before. Why, pshaw! Even in the nursing home, we switch fellas as often as we change our underwear. All of us except Mavis. She forgets to put on clean drawers, but back to men. Women our age don’t want to waste time, and you shouldn’t, either.”
Emily chuckled and glanced at Sarah with fondness. “Estella, I’m glad we met. You brighten a situation and make me laugh.”
“Glad I can help, dearie. Josiah and Edie are cooking breakfast. Hurry and dress. I enjoy the way Josiah looks at ya. See ya in the kitchen.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Edie glanced up as she mixed dough for muffins. “Good morning, Estella. You’re looking nice this morning,”
“So do you. How’s the weather?” Sarah ambled over to the window to view the horizon as she spoke.
“News says the roads will be closed in our area for at least two more days. The entire country is talking about Texas and the storm we had. The highway department will clear the interstate first. Power lines are down, but we have the generator going.” Josiah spoke as he fried bacon. “Want a cup of coffee?”
“Yes, thank ya.”
Josiah handed a mug of steaming liquid. “Cream and sugar?”
“No, this is good, but thank ya. I stopped in to see Emily. She’ll be here soon.”
Josiah turned to Edie. “After breakfast, I’ll saddle Pedro. I’m itching to check the herd and other animals. I’m a little worried about them. I couldn’t get all of them into the barn yesterday. The cows in the south pasture will need hay.”
“The younger and weaker ones are in the barns, right?” Edie placed a pan into the oven.
Without raising his head, Josiah nodded. “Old Shep is keeping an eye on them in the pasture, and Tuesday is watching over the ones in the barn.”
“Who are Old Shep and Tuesday?” Sarah sipped her coffee.
Josiah removed bacon from the frying pan and placed it on paper towels. “Our dogs. They watch the cattle like mother hens.”
