Love Finds Faith

by Martha Rogers

  “I think Micah will come, and he’ll be surprised you’re here, but he’ll accept it and we’ll have a nice dinner for the four of us. Mama and Papa have already left for Gloria’s place. They’re always ready to see their grandson.”

  At first Hannah had worried about two women being alone in the house with two men without a proper chaperone, but Mrs. Bradshaw had assured her that in broad daylight, no one would think anything about it. Still, Hannah remembered how strict her parents were back in Mississippi and her grandparents in Louisiana. Even though she had scorned the idea of chaperones, she hesitated in breaking any rules. Maybe Texas could be more lenient because it was part of what her parents called “the Frontier.”

  Hannah lifted her skirt and stared down at her elevated shoe. “I’m worried Micah will be upset and won’t want to stay. I remember the expression on his face that day at the depot when he first saw my ugly boot.” She’d never forget it, and if it meant what it usually did, Micah would never look at her with anything but pity.

  “Things can change. Look at how he danced with you at your party. He seemed to be enjoying your company rather nicely.”

  “But he was simply being a gentleman and doing his duty with the guest of honor.” The kiss the other night hadn’t helped any either. He must think her to be rather brazen to do something like that when they weren’t even courting. She cringed inside. How many times had she said that to herself in the past few days?

  “Hannah, are you all right? You looked a little pained there for the moment.”

  Heat filled Hannah’s face. “I . . . I was remembering something that happened the other night when Micah brought me home from my visit out to see Rose.” Ellie said nothing but cocked her head to one side and raised her eyebrows. Maybe if Ellie knew, she’d help. “I . . . I kissed Micah. On the cheek, mind you, but it was still a kiss. I’m embarrassed even telling you about it.”

  Ellie laughed. “Oh, Hannah, that’s priceless. I bet Micah was surprised right out of his boots, and I bet he enjoyed every second of it.”

  “You don’t think he’ll think I was being too forward?” At least Ellie hadn’t disapproved, and it had been enjoyable. Her lips tingled every time she remembered the roughness of the stubble on his face.

  The door burst open, and Mr. Bradshaw appeared, out of breath and bent over.

  “Papa! What is it? Is Mama all right?”

  “Everything’s fine, my dear. We just heard the news that the bank robbers have been captured. The sheriff’s on his way over here to bring them back for trial. I thought you and Hannah would want to know.”

  Ellie threw her arms around her father in a hug. “Oh, that is great news. I imagine that’s what’s keeping Levi and Micah from being here before now. Thank you for letting us know.”

  What a blessing for Micah and his brother. Now they would see justice done for the men who had caused the death of their father. With so many witnesses, the trial should be swift and sure. Hannah breathed a prayer of gratitude for the capture of the men.

  After Mr. Bradshaw left, Ellie waved her hand. “Come on, let’s get things ready. Our men should be here shortly. And we have cause to truly celebrate now.”

  Hannah wasn’t sure they had cause for that yet. She’d save her celebration mood until Micah and Levi arrived. She’d be able to tell from their faces what tone would be set for the afternoon. She prayed it would be a time of happiness for all of them.

  The aroma of the roasting chicken and baking bread filled the room as Hannah finished setting the table. So much depended on the outcome of this dinner. Either Micah would be pleased and spend the afternoon with them, or he would be indifferent and leave without eating.

  A knock called her attention to the front door. Ellie tugged off her apron and tossed it toward a chair. “They’re here.”

  Hannah’s heart thumped and butterflies had a field day in her stomach. She gripped the back of a chair as Ellie opened the door.

  Levi stepped through the door first and wrapped his arms around Ellie. “We’ve had both wonderful news and some not so good, but we’re starving and ready for one of your meals.”

  Micah entered behind Levi. His eyes opened wide, and his brow furrowed. “Miss Dyer, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

  Hannah’s heart plummeted, and she wished she could disappear. This had been a really bad idea.

  CHAPTER 27

  BOTH DISMAY AND delight filled Micah when his gaze locked with Hannah’s. Delight to find her here, and dismay that he’d be close to her for the afternoon. How could he sit next to her and have any kind of conversation if he couldn’t control his heart and had to admit to himself his growing feelings for her?

  Hannah spoke up, breaking the awkward silence. “Ellie invited me to share time with you today. I hope you’re not displeased that I’m here.”

  He removed his hat, continuing to stare at her. Red tinged her cheeks. She must be as embarrassed by this as he was. Perhaps she remembered the other evening and the kiss she’d bestowed upon his cheek. Not to mention the little scene at the saloon last night. “No, I’m glad you’re able to join us.” And he had to admit that pleasure overrode the dismay.

  Levi grinned from ear to ear. “This has been a most productive morning, and I do believe it’s going to be an even better afternoon.”

  “Papa came and told us about the bank robbers being captured. I hope that’s not the only good news you have to share.” Ellie stood beside Levi and held his arm.

  They looked as natural together as Ma and Pa had when he was alive. What would it be like to have that kind of love from a woman? He glanced at Hannah, and something rumbled in his chest. Not hunger pangs, those would be in his stomach. This was different from anything he’d ever experienced, and it took all of his willpower not to touch his cheek where she’d planted that kiss.

  Levi squeezed Ellie’s hand. “No, we have some things to work out with Pa’s will, but Mr. Swenson is so delighted to be getting back almost all the money stolen, that he’s willing to work with us to take care of the bank loan.”

  Hannah clasped her hands and raised them to her lips. “That is good news, but what’s the bad?”

  They might as well tell the ladies the whole story, so they’d understand why the next month was so important. “If we don’t get our herd to market and make a good sale, we won’t have the money to pay the loan and the ranch will belong to the bank, not us. Right now, Levi has agreed to come back, and he’s to be in charge. I’ll handle the books and take care of finances.”

  “I know the two of you can make the drive and take care of the loan. Levi’s being home is what you really wanted, isn’t it?” Hannah’s eyes sparkled joy and excitement. He hoped some of that happened to be aimed at him and the fact that they would be together for the afternoon.

  Levi nodded and hugged Ellie close. “Yes, and now this young lady and I can get on with our plans for a wedding next year.”

  “That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you and Ellie.” Hannah paused, then asked, “It’s none of my business, but what did Mr. Hudson say when you told him you were leaving?”

  Laughter filled the room. Micah had heard this earlier today. “Mr. Hudson was delighted. He’d been trying to get Levi to come home ever since he arrived there looking for a job.”

  A spot of red crept into Levi’s face. “That’s right. He kept after me, but I was too stubborn to see the wisdom of his words. He even gave me a bonus with my pay when I left because he was so happy I’d seen the light.”

  “Oh, Levi, that’s wonderful. Sallie, the doctor, and I have been praying for you every day. We knew the Lord would someday open your eyes to what you needed to do.”

  There it was again. Hannah’s faith. How could she love him when he didn’t see God her way? Wait a minute. What did love have to do with it? Was that where this was headed? Even if he did love her, God didn’t love him, or was what had happened yesterday and today really an answer to prayer and God’s plan? That would
take time to digest and was not something he wanted to think about at the moment. Ellie had a dinner prepared.

  Micah patted his belly. “I smell good food, and it’s calling to me. Can we eat now?”

  “Of course; I’ll put it on the table. Hannah and I will be right back.”

  Micah and Levi found their places at the table and stood behind their chairs. A minute or so later Hannah and Ellie returned bearing food that looked fit for a king. Levi was one lucky young man to have a pretty woman like Ellie who could also cook.

  After the women set the platters and bowls on the table, Micah held out a chair for Hannah. “If this tastes as good as it looks, I might eat myself into oblivion.”

  “Hannah helped me. She fixed the potatoes and made the gravy, and she brought over the pie she made this morning.”

  So the nurse could cook too. “Then I’m more than ready to dig into this feast.” He sat down as the others clasped hands and Hannah and Ellie reached for his. He sucked in his breath and hoped Ellie would ask Levi to say grace. Micah would participate and hold hands, but he had no desire to pray aloud.

  Levi did offer the prayer, but Micah heard little of it. Why did God have to play such a big part in their lives? These three people had more faith than he had been able to muster in all twenty-four years of his life. No matter how much he wanted to forget God and enjoy life, the faith of those around him kept interfering.

  During the meal he and Levi explained to the girls about the cattle drive and the auction at the other end. Then Hannah served the dessert of custard pie that slid down his palate smooth as silk. Admiration for her stepped up another rung on the ladder to his heart.

  Ellie stood and began gathering dishes. “Levi will help me in the kitchen. Why don’t you two have a seat in the parlor and talk while we work.”

  Hannah protested, “No, Ellie, let me help you. After all, you did most of the cooking.”

  “Don’t be silly.” Then her eyes took on a mischievous gleam. “You’re a guest. Besides, I do want some time alone with this cowboy here.”

  “Oh, of course, I didn’t think.” Hannah turned to Micah and bit her lip. “I guess you’re stuck with me.”

  That wasn’t quite the word he’d use. Pleasure of her company would be more like it. Both Ma and Margaret had told him much about Hannah, but he wanted to know more, and now would be the perfect time.

  “Then let’s make the most of it. How about a walk? I think I need to do that or else fall asleep from being so full.” He held out his hand, and she reached over and took it. The warmth from her hand spread up his arm like butter on hot pancakes and melted away any doubts he might have about a relationship. This woman was special.

  Hannah picked up a parasol to shade her face from the afternoon sun. He hadn’t considered the heat at this time of day since he was so accustomed to being out in it. “Perhaps it would be better if we stayed inside where it’s a little cooler.”

  “What about sitting on the porch? It’s well shaded with the trees around the house, and the chairs there are quite comfortable.”

  “Then that’s what we shall do.” He opened the door and bowed. “After you, Miss Dyer.”

  “Oh, Mr. Gordon, aren’t we friends enough to call each other by our first names? Miss Dyer is much too formal for a place like Stoney Creek.”

  “All right. Hannah it is.” He waited until she was seated in one of the wicker chairs before he took the one next to her.

  His tongue planted itself against the roof of his mouth and refused to budge. Some company he’d turned out to be. Never had he been so at a loss for conversation with a woman than he was right now. Most of the time words of flattery and small talk flowed from his lips like honey and pleased whoever happened to be with him. But not now. With Hannah all pretense left his lips, but the truth of his growing attraction for her might be too much to reveal just yet.

  Finally she turned to him with a serious intent shimmering in her eyes. “I think I need to apologize for two things about my behavior the past week. I had no business kissing you like I did. That was most forward of me.”

  “I accept your apology, but there’s no need to. In fact, I wouldn’t be offended if you did it again anytime.” He almost choked on the words. What was he doing? Now she’d be embarrassed if not offended. Indeed, her cheeks already bloomed a bright rose pink.

  “Now it’s my turn to seek apology. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I meant that I enjoyed your company. Um . . . what was the other thing you wanted to apologize for?” Best to get away from the subject of that kiss, although he’d like nothing better than to lean over and place one on those pretty lips right now.

  Her throat moved up and down as she swallowed and licked her lips. “Well, I also owe you an apology for my behavior in the saloon. That was most unladylike, and I had no business accosting you the way I did.”

  “But it got the job done, Hannah. I left that place and went straight home where Levi was visiting with Ma.” That was another thing he’d never be sorry about her doing.

  “Then I’m glad I did. Seeing you and Levi laugh at dinner made me so happy. God has truly answered our prayers and brought the two of you back together.”

  There it was. That God thing again. “I don’t think God had much to do with it. We talked and worked things out between us.” Of course Ma had a big hand in it by making them obey her first, but he hadn’t seen God doing anything.

  She leaned toward him and shook her head. “But don’t you see, we all prayed for it to happen because we knew the split wasn’t what God wanted for you. He loves you too much for that.”

  He reached over and grasped her hands. “Hannah, God doesn’t love me. I’ve gone too far away, and nothing but pain and misery have come my way for it.”

  She pulled her shoulders back and got that set look about her like Ma had before she gave him a good scolding. He’d hear another one right now, and he most likely deserved it too.

  “Micah Gordon, God didn’t give you the pain and misery. You made bad choices and suffered as a result. God still loves you. He sent Jesus to die for you and forgive your sins. It doesn’t matter what you did in the past, God wants your heart for the future. He has a wonderful future planned for you and Levi if you’ll listen to Him.”

  The words repeated much of what Ma had said, but how could he believe them after all that had happened in his life? If Pa’s dying was part of God’s plan, then it wasn’t a very good plan. He stared at Hannah, and the peace that shone from her face stabbed him with guilt. Would he ever have peace like that?

  “That sounds good, Hannah, but how can it be? He let Pa die, and now we’re in danger of losing the ranch because he’s not here.”

  “But your pa is here. The knowledge and skills he gave you and Levi will never leave you. If you and Levi do what you’re capable of doing, you won’t lose the ranch.”

  If only he could believe that. “I don’t know, Hannah. It’s all so confusing right now. The only thing I’m sure of is that Levi and I must save the ranch.”

  “And you will. We’re all praying for you to do just that.”

  He moved his chair to be directly in front of her and held her hands. “Hannah, your faith is beautiful, but I have none. How could you or God care for someone like me?”

  Before she could respond, he leaned forward. “I’m falling in love with you, Miss Hannah Dyer, but I don’t deserve someone like you in my life, and you can certainly do better than me.” He reached up and pulled her face to his and kissed her. The emotion that washed over him in that kiss scared him, but he couldn’t stop, especially when Hannah responded, grasping the sides of his neck with her hands.

  He pulled back. “Good-bye, Hannah. Tell Levi I’ll see him at the ranch.” He reached for his hat then all but ran to Smokey. The sooner he got away from here, the sooner he could forget the young woman still seated on the porch and her God.

  Tears flooded Hannah’s eyes. Both joy and sorrow flowed down her cheeks as she touche
d her lips that had been covered by Micah’s. He had said he was falling in love with her, but he’d left her. He thought he didn’t deserve her love. How could she possibly do any better than to have a man like Micah in love with her?

  Somehow she had to make him see that God’s love extended to everyone regardless of where they were in life. Micah was not the same man who’d left Stoney Creek five years ago. The man she’d seen was caring and determined to do what was right. Yes, he’d had a few lapses with his drinking, but it hadn’t taken over his life again as it could have.

  God’s love for the prodigal had brought him home to make a better life for himself and his family. Her own love for Micah began to grow anew. He hadn’t even mentioned her bad foot. Maybe that meant her deformity didn’t matter, but her practical side took over. It could also mean that he had decided he didn’t deserve to be burdened down with her problem or her ugly body. Hannah wrapped her arms across her chest and bit her lip. Lord, please help me know the truth about Micah’s love, and bring him back to You. Whatever happens after that, I leave in Your hands.

  CHAPTER 28

  HANNAH WORKED AT her nursing duties with a heavy heart. Micah had not been at church Sunday, and now it had been almost a week since she’d last seen him at Ellie’s. When he had left last Saturday, she’d gone home and wept and spilled her heart to Sallie.

  No logical explanation for Micah’s sudden departure could be found by Hannah or her sister. Margaret could tell her nothing at church except that Micah had left the house early, before any of the rest of them had risen. He didn’t return until after dinner. Ma had saved him back a plate, but Margaret didn’t see him or talk with him.

  Manfred opened the door to the examining room a crack and poked his head through. “Mrs. Jarvis will be here shortly for a checkup. When you finish in here, come on over and take notes while I talk with her.”