Cross My Heart

by Robin Lee Hatcher

  “Choose this day whom ye will serve.”

  He drew in a long breath as he lifted his head and his eyes, then whispered, “‘But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’” With that he stood, somehow knowing that God would sustain them in their time of grief and through whatever else lay before them in their earthly journey.

  Epilogue

  It was one of those early March days in southwestern Idaho that said winter was truly over. The sky was blue, and the sun was warm upon Ashley’s head and back. Warm enough that she’d shucked off her jacket some time before.

  From where she stood, she saw Ben and a little girl named Isabella approaching Thunder in the round pen. Isabella, according to her mother, had stopped speaking almost a year before. Her mother had been in a long-term abusive relationship, and although they had escaped the nightmare many months earlier, the six-year-old girl still refused to speak. The referring counselor hoped equine therapy might do what other treatment had not.

  When the pair got close to the horse, they stopped. Ben hunkered down, making himself the same height as the girl. He talked to her for a while, then reached out an arm to Thunder. The big black horse sniffed Ben’s hand as he took a step closer. Isabella pressed herself against Ben’s side but didn’t back away. Her eyes widened as she mirrored her instructor’s action, reaching out her own arm. As if trained to do so, the gelding sniffed her hand too. Then he huffed and bobbed his head.

  Ashley was learning—everyone who worked or volunteered at the Harmony Barn was learning—that miracles could be found in little things such as the courage to let a horse sniff a hand. Miracles could be seen in that moment when a hurting child or confused adult let a horse get close in a way that no human being was allowed. She was learning that miracles came in different sizes, both large and small. Large, like the phone call Ben had received yesterday from Craig Foster—the one where he learned his old friend planned to visit the Harmony Barn tomorrow. Small, like a smile, the way Isabella was smiling at Thunder right now.

  After a long while Ben stood. Isabella slipped her hand into his, a trusting action on its own, and he walked her back to her mother. The two adults spoke briefly, then mother and child returned to their car, the session over.

  After watching them go, Ben turned toward Ashley. Her pulse quickened as their gazes met. His smile caused joy to spiral through her, a now-familiar reaction. That morning she’d read a Bible verse that she was certain would be her new favorite. “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.’” Her gaze lowered to the engagement ring on her finger. She was that suitable helper for Ben, and he was the same for her. God had made them for each other.

  She lifted her eyes again and saw that he had rapidly closed the distance between them. “Isabella’s getting better,” she said to him.

  “You saw?”

  “I saw.”

  “She’s started to trust me.”

  Ashley moved into his arms as naturally as the taking of her next breath. “It’s easy to trust you, Ben.”

  “Almost as easy as it is for me to love you.” His gaze lowered to her mouth.

  Her breath caught in anticipation of the kiss she knew would follow. As familiar as his kisses had become to her, she never tired of the thrill that moved through her at the first touch of his lips upon hers.

  When he drew back, just far enough that they could look into each other’s eyes again, he said, his voice husky, “I love you, Ashley. Forever.”

  “Cross your heart?” she whispered in return.

  His smile was slow and sexy. “Cross my heart.”

  This was one of those good plans God had promised in Jeremiah, she realized as another wave of warmth swirled through her. Good plans that gave them a future and a hope.

  “We have horses to feed, Henning,” she said, and it was her voice that sounded husky now.

  He grinned as he slipped an arm behind her back, and together they headed around the side of the barn, walking into their future side by side.

  A Note from the Author

  Dear Friends:

  My mother used to tell me that my first word was horse rather than mommy. Similar to Ashley, I didn’t come from a family who owned horses. I saved up and worked to buy my first horse at the age of fifteen. And although I haven’t been a horse owner for far too many years, I did pass my love of horses to my daughters and to at least one of my granddaughters.

  When the idea for Cross My Heart came to me, I knew I would be drawing on the experiences of my granddaughter Shayla, who has rescued a number of horses over the years as well as been involved in the training of wild mustangs so that they can find good homes.

  The best part of writing this book came with the research on equine therapy. I read a number of wonderful books on the subject and visited an amazing therapy program located in southwest Idaho. If you love horses and want to help people, I suggest you look into programs you might have in your area. Perhaps you’ll find yourself involved in something really worthwhile.

  As I write this note, I’m at work on the third book in the Legacy of Faith series. In it you will meet another of Ben’s (Cross My Heart) and Jessica’s (Who I Am with You) cousins, and you will enter a new stage in the lives of Andrew and Helen Henning. I look forward to sharing this story when the time arrives.

  Blessings,

  Robin Lee Hatcher

  Discussion Questions

  Which character did you most relate to and why?

  Ashley's experiences with her brother's addictions made her withdraw from many relationships. Have you ever allowed past experiences to keep you from living life fully?

  Despite being a strong Christian, Ben still carried a lot of guilt. Have you found it difficult to let go of guilt over past sins or mistakes? How did you overcome it?

  Wendy Henning was not a loving daughter or mother. Her family never understood why she behaved as she did. Have you been called to love someone who behaves in an unlovable way? Have you had someone behave in a less than kind manner toward you, but you never got answers about why they behaved that way? How have you dealt with it?

  Equine therapy plays an important role in Cross My Heart. Did you have knowledge of equine therapy in any form before reading this book? What has been your own experience with horses?

  Andrew's family was embroiled in World War II throughout this novel. Did you learn anything new about that war from these characters? Were you surprised by decisions made by Ben, Louisa, or Oscar? If so, what and why?

  Andrew found comfort in the book of Joshua during the war years. What passages of Scripture have helped you through difficult times in life? How has God used those verses to strengthen or comfort you?

  Andrew's Bible becomes a source of comfort and instruction for his descendants. Do you write in your Bible? What will your descendants find therein to encourage them even after you're gone?

  About the Author

  Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of eighty novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA Award, the Carol Award, the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. Robin is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat.

  For more information, visit robinleehatcher.com

  Facebook: robinleehatcher

  Twitter: @robinleehatcher

  Acclaim for Robin Lee Hatcher

  “In Cross My Heart, book two of her Legac
y of Faith series, author Robin Lee Hatcher continues to delve into the powerful influence of a spiritual family heritage. She weaves together two touching stories that examine life choices and their consequences. Utilizing a dual-time plot set against World War II and present day, Hatcher writes with realism and compassion about how hope and healing can grow from our deepest wounds.”

  —Beth K. Vogt, Christy Award–winning author

  “In this seamless time slip novel, Hatcher provides inspiration in each character’s growing relationship with the Lord, and prompts readers to reflect on their own journey. This story of loss and redemption is sure to win the hearts of contemporary and historic romance fans alike.”

  —Hope by the Book on Who I Am with You

  “This [is] a lovely story of love and loss and forgiveness.”

  —The Parkersburg News & Sentinel on Who I Am with You

  “Best-selling inspirational romance star Hatcher weaves a story of love and identity lost and found . . . The characters are authentic, the butterflies of anticipation are persistent, and the protagonists’ deferred attraction is thrillingly palpable; you cannot help but hold your breath until they realize it too.”

  —Booklist review on Who I Am with You

  “Hatcher’s moving novel is rich in healing and hope, and realistically portrays the tough introspection that sometimes comes with being hurt.”

  —Publishers Weekly on Who I Am with You

  “Tender and heartwarming, Robin Lee Hatcher’s Who I Am with You is a faith-filled story about the power of forgiveness, second chances, and unconditional love. A true delight for lovers of romantic inspirational fiction, this story will not only make you swoon, it will remind you of God’s goodness and grace.”

  —Courtney Walsh, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author

  “Whenever I want to fall in love again, I pick up a Robin Lee Hatcher novel.”

  —Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author

  “Hatcher’s richly layered novels pull me in like a warm embrace, and I never want to leave. I own and love every one of this master storyteller’s novels. Highly recommended!”

  —Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author

  “Engaging and humorous, Hatcher’s storytelling will warm readers’ hearts . . . A wonderfully delightful read.”

  —RT Book Reviews, 4 stars, on You’re Gonna Love Me

  “Hatcher has written a contemporary romance novel that is a heartwarming story about love, faith, regret, and second chances.”

  —CBA Market on You’re Gonna Love Me

  “Hatcher (Another Chance to Love You) creates a joyous, faith-infused tale of recovery and reconciliation.”

  —Publishers Weekly on You’re Gonna Love Me

  “You’re Gonna Love Me is a gentle romance that offers hope for second chances. Author Robin Lee Hatcher has a gift for welcoming readers into fictional close-knit communities fortified with love and trust. With each turn of the page, I relaxed into the quiet rhythm of Hatcher’s storytelling, where she deftly examines the heart’s desires of her characters set against the richly-detailed Idaho setting.”

  —Beth K. Vogt, Christy Award–winning author

  “You’re Gonna Love Me nourished my spirit as I read about a hero and heroine with realistic struggles, human responses, and honest growth. Robin Lee Hatcher makes me truly want to drive to Idaho and mingle with the locals.”

  —Hannah Alexander, author of The Wedding Kiss

  “I didn’t think You’ll Think of Me, the first book in Robin Lee Hatcher’s Thunder Creek, Idaho series, could be beat. But she did it again . . . This second chance story will melt your heart and serve as a parable for finding redemption through life’s lessons and God’s grace. Thunder Creek will always hold a special place in my heart.”

  —Lenora Worth, author of Her Lakeside Family, on You’re Gonna Love Me

  “With two strong, genuine characters that readers will feel compassion for and a heartwarming modern‐day plot that inspires, Hatcher’s romance is a wonderfully satisfying read.”

  —RT Book Reviews, 4 stars, on You’ll Think of Me

  “A heart-warming story of love, acceptance, and challenge. Highly recommended.”

  —CBA Market on You’ll Think of Me

  “You’ll Think of Me is like a vacation to small town Idaho where the present collides with the past and it’s not clear which will win. The shadows of the past threaten to trap Brooklyn in the past. Can she break free into the freedom to love and find love? The story kept me coming back for just one more page. A perfect read for those who love a romance that is much more as it explores important themes.”

  —Cara Putman, award-winning author of Shadowed by Grace and Beyond Justice

  “Hatcher is able to unravel emotions within her characters so brilliantly that we sense the transformation taking place within ourselves . . . readers will relish the warmth of . . . the ranchland.”

  —RT Book Reviews on Keeper of the Stars

  “Hatcher fans will be left smiling and eagerly awaiting her next novel.”

  —CBA Retailers + Resources on Keeper of the Stars

  “True to the contemporary romance genre, Robin Lee Hatcher’s Keeper of the Stars will satisfy romance fans and give them a joy ride as they travel the road of pain and forgiveness to reach the happily-ever-after.”

  —BookTalk at Fiction 411

  “Robin Lee Hatcher weaves a romance with heart that grabs readers and won’t let go. Whenever You Come Around pulled me in from the get-go. Charity Anderson, a beautiful, successful author with a deadline and a painful secret, runs into Buck Malone, a handsome, confirmed-bachelor cowboy from her past, and he needs her help. I was captivated, and I guarantee you’ll be rooting for them too.”

  —Sunni Jeffers, award-winning author of Heaven’s Strain

  “A heartwarming and engaging romance, Whenever You Come Around is a splendid read from start to finish!”

  —Tamera Alexander, USA TODAY bestselling author of To Whisper Her Name and From a Distance

  “A handsome cowboy, horses, and a hurting heroine make for a winning combination in this newest poignant story by Robin Lee Hatcher. A gently paced but delightful ride, Whenever You Come Around will take readers on a journey of healing right along with the characters. Readers will feel at home in Kings Meadow and won’t want to leave.”

  —Jody Hedlund, bestselling author of Love Unexpected

  “First loves find sweet second chances in Kings Meadow. Heartwarming, romantic, and filled with hope and faith, this is Hatcher at her best!”

  —Lisa Wingate, New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours, on Whenever You Come Around

  “In Whenever You Come Around Hatcher takes a look at the pain of secrets that kill the heart. But love indeed conquers all. Robin Lee Hatcher is the go-to classic romance author.”

  —Rachel Hauck, award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress

  “Robin Lee Hatcher has created an emotionally engaging romance, a story of healing and self-forgiveness wrapped up in a package about small-town life and a cowboy who lives a life honoring God. I want to live in Kings Meadow.”

  —Sharon Dunn, author of Cold Case Justice and Wilderness Target, on Whenever You Come Around

  “Whenever You Come Around draws you into the beauty and history of the horse country of Kings Meadow, Idaho. With every turn of the page, Robin Lee Hatcher woos readers with a love story of a modern-day cowboy and a city girl. Buck and Charity rescue each other from the lives they had planned—lives limited by fear. Instead, they discover their unexpected God-ordained happily ever after. A discerning writer, Hatcher handles Charity’s past heartbreak with sensitivity and grace.”

  —Beth K. Vogt, author of Somebody Like You, one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Books of 2014

  “Whenever You Come Around is one of Robin Lee Hatcher’s pure-romance best, with a heroine waiting for total redemption and a strong hero of
great worth. I find myself still smiling long after the final page has been read.”

  —Hannah Alexander, author of the Hallowed Halls series

  “Whenever You Come Around is a slow dance of letting go of the past and its very real pain to step into the light of love. It’s a story that will wrap around your soul with the hope that no past is so dark and haunted that it can’t be forgiven and overcome. It’s a love story filled with sweetness, tension, and slow fireworks. Bottom line, it was a romance I couldn’t—and didn’t want to—put down.”

  —Cara Putman, award-winning author of Shadowed by Grace and Where Treetops Glisten

  “In Love Without End, Robin Lee Hatcher once again takes us to Kings Meadow, Idaho, in a sweeping love story that captures the heart and soul of romance between two people who have every reason not to fall in love. With an interesting backstory interspersed among the contemporary chapters, and well-drawn, relatable secondary characters, Hatcher hits the mark with her warm and inviting love story.”

  —Martha Rogers, author of the series Winds Across the Prairie and The Homeward Journey

  “Love Without End, the first book in the new Kings Meadow Romance series, again intertwines two beautiful and heartfelt romances. One in the past and one in the future together make this a special read. I’m so glad Robin wrote a love story for Chet who suffered so much in A Promise Kept (January 2014). Kimberly, so wrong for him, becomes so right. Not your run-of-the-mill cowboy romance—enriched with deft writing and deep emotion.”

  —Lyn Cote, author of Honor, Quaker Brides, Book One

  “No one writes about the joys and challenges of family life better than Robin Lee Hatcher, and she’s at the top of her game with Love Without End. This beautiful and deeply moving story will capture your heart as it captured mine.”