Texas Roads (A Miller's Creek Novel)

by Bryant, Cathy

  He heaved a disgruntled sigh and parked himself on a large boulder. Dani was finally back in Miller’s Creek after several weeks in Dallas taking care of what Mama Beth called loose ends. At church yesterday, Dani had sent him a smile from the choir loft, but left church without saying so much as a word to him.

  How did you tell a woman you loved her so much you could taste it? Steve hurled a rock into the water. Why bother? Why should she trust him again after the way he’d treated her?

  A twig snapped behind him and he turned his head.

  Dressed in an old pair of blue jeans and a pullover sweater, Dani ambled toward him, smiling at him in a way that sent his heart on a journey to his throat. “Mind if I join you?”

  “Not at all.”

  She scooted onto the rock beside him, her arm brushing against his. Having her close twisted his insides.

  “Pretty day.” She flashed him the look that always made him feel like she knew him better than anyone else.

  “Yep.”

  Dani whistled then stopped in mid-tune. “In fact, it’s a good day for a barn cleaning, don’t you think?”

  He jerked his head toward her, frowning. “Huh?”

  A playful grin turned up the corners of her mouth. “Well, you should know what a barn cleaning is. Didn’t you grow up on a ranch?”

  Something told him her words had nothing to do with cleaning a barn.

  “Well, didn’t you?”

  “Look, I don’t know what kind of game your play—”

  Dani gave him a stern teacher look. “I’m not playing games, Mr. Miller. Answer the question. Did you or did you not grow up on a ranch?” The left corner of her lips twitched, but she maintained firm control.

  He sighed and shook his head, unable to keep the grin from his face. “Yes, teacher.”

  “Good. We’re making progress. Now, can you tell me what happens at a barn cleaning?”

  A chuckle erupted and rattled his chest. “Well, you, uh . . . get rid of some pretty smelly stuff.”

  “Precisely.”

  “So you’re saying we need to get rid of some smelly stuff?” He raised an eyebrow and gave her a sideways glance.

  She flashed a smile so bright his throat cinched up like a lasso. “You catch on quick, mister. Why don’t you go first?”

  He tipped his hat. “Yes ma’am.”

  Dani twisted around and sat crossed-legged facing him, her look suddenly serious.

  Steve took one look into her blue eyes and shot a quick plea to heaven for help. “I’m an arrogant old fool, Dani. When you first came here, I was jealous. The whole town fell in love with you, and your ideas for Miller’s Creek were so smart.” He grabbed one of her hands and sheltered it in his own. “I was torn in my feelings toward you. I saw one side of you I loved, but there were so many things that made me doubt you.” He let out a shuddering breath. Could she find it in her heart to forgive him? “I feel horrible for the way I’ve treated you and for having you investigated. I don’t deserve your forgiveness or your friendship, but I’m asking for them all the same.”

  She lowered her head for several minutes, her lips pursed. As the silence lengthened, his fear mounted.

  When Dani raised her gaze, a storm brewed behind her troubled eyes. “I don’t know how to say this other than to just say it. I’ve been hurt by every man I ever trusted, so I shied away from you, afraid you’d break my heart. I acted in secrecy to protect myself and I know that made you question my motives. I do forgive you, and I ask for your forgiveness in return.” Her eyes flooded with sorrow and her voice softened to a whisper. “But as for being your friend . . .”

  His heart plummeted at her silence, and he braced himself for the words to come, already feeling their sting. He couldn’t blame her for rejecting his friendship.

  “I think it’s only fair to tell you . . .” She paused again as if searching for courage.

  He closed his eyes and steeled himself against the prick of her daggered words.

  “. . . that my feelings go a little deeper than friendship.”

  His eyes and mouth flew open, the air around him suddenly thin as he took in her precious smile.

  A tender light shone from her face. She inched closer, touching her lips to his, their silky softness sending a tremble across his shoulders. How long had he waited for this moment? With a groan, he hugged her closer to him, the hurt, confusion and doubt melting away like a day-old Texas snow.

  When they pulled apart a minute later, her eyes glistened with tears. He moved fingers to her dampened cheeks, longing to erase the years of hurt she’d endured. Lord, help me to be the man she needs me to be.

  She giggled through the tears, pointing to his smile. “What’s that for?”

  Laughter spilled out of him. “I never knew barn cleaning could be so much fun.”

  ~~o~~

  In what felt like slow motion, Dani climbed from the car, her mouth hinging open. Paralyzed with delight, she stared out over the hordes of people in downtown Miller’s Creek for the First Annual Autumn Daze Festival. She moved to the middle of Main Street, brought both hands to her face, and circled around. Shoulder-to-shoulder they walked, the sounds of their laughter and chatter carried on the cool breeze.

  Around the town square, craft booths rested beneath brightly colored awnings, and the tempting aromas from the food vendors wafted through the air. “You won’t believe it ’til you see it, folks.” The radio announcer’s voice blared from his station in the gazebo. “Downtown Miller’s Creek is bustling once again, just like the good old days. These kind folks have rolled out the red carpet and let me tell you, they know how to throw a party.”

  “Hey Dani!” Coot yelled at her from across the street. He and the rest of the Old Geezers congregated outside of Granny’s Kitchen. She waved, gratefully remembering how they’d come to her in the past few weeks with their apologies.

  “Have y’all seen Steve?” She raised her hands to megaphone her mouth.

  “Sure have.” Ernie called back, but gave no further explanation. After a brief pause, all the men started laughing.

  Hands akimbo, she shook her head in mock exasperation. “Very funny. You know what I mean. Now where is he?”

  They laughed again and J. C. hollered. “He’s at the creek.”

  She sent them a happy wave and set out for the park, the cheerful sounds of the carnival reaching her ears from two blocks away. How was she supposed to find Steve in this throng of people?

  Her eyes came to rest on the bridge and her heartbeat settled into a rhythm of peace. She knew right where to look.

  Pushing her way through the crowd, she made her way to the depot. By next year, if all went according to plan, the passenger train would be restored, and Miller’s Creek could add an old-fashioned train ride to its list of growing attractions.

  She spied Steve’s lanky frame leaning against the old train station and stopped to watch him, amazed by the difference his love had made in her life. He stared across the full parking lot, a contented smile at rest on his face. Her heart danced knowing she’d helped bring his dreams to fruition.

  Resuming her walk, she reached calling distance within a few steps. “Hey, stranger.” He looked up, smiling his pleasure. She angled up next to him and threw her arms around his neck.

  A happy light shone from Steve’s cinnamon-colored eyes, his lazy grin accelerating her pulse as his arms encircled her waist.

  She smiled up at him, tilting her head to one side. “What are you doing over here? Don’t you know there’s a party going on?”

  He chuckled, a thrilling melodic sound that curled her toes. “Yeah, it’s kind of hard to miss. But I can’t help thinking that none of it would’ve happened had it not been for a certain woman I know.”

  “Oh really? And who might that be?”

  Steve’s lips brushed hers with a tender touch. “You know who.” He pulled her to his side, one arm still around her waist, and used his other hand to point. “See that spot right o
ver there? That’s when I first knew.”

  “First knew what?”

  “That I loved you.” His eyes took on a distant look. “The night of the fire I was so afraid something had happened to you.” A host of emotions traveled across his face.

  “You weren’t worried for Miller’s Creek?”

  “Of course I was, but I was more concerned about you. That’s how I knew. Any woman who made me care more about her than I cared about this town had to be a pretty special gal, even if she was a city woman.”

  She yanked on the brim of his cowboy hat, pulling it down over his eyes. That would teach him to call her a city woman.

  He laughed, readjusted his hat, and pulled her back in front of him, his hands resting lightly on her hips. For a moment he didn’t speak, just stared into her eyes. It was something he did frequently and she never tired of it. His expression softened. “You ever wonder where this road’s going to lead?”

  “Not any more.”

  His eyes filled with questions.

  Inexpressible joy started in her toes and worked its way to her face. “I used to wonder about what road I was on all the time. Now I don’t, because God is with me.”

  He scooped her up in his strong arms, her pink Ropers barely touching the ground, and gave her a kiss she wouldn’t soon forget.

  A road stretched out before both of them. A road that led home.

  ~~o~~

  Dear friends,

  Dani’s story was born from my own quest to find home. For years my husband, two sons, and I seemed destined to be wanderers, moving from one small Texas town to another. And just about the time we’d feel settled, God would move us again. I yearned to put down roots—to find a place that felt like home.

  God used that time in my life to grow me spiritually and help me realize that for His children, home will never be a place. Instead our home is Jesus. Only He can adequately fill that home-sized hole in our hearts.

  I don’t know where life’s road has taken you, but I pray you’ll discover the peace and joy of making Christ your home.

  At Home in Him,

  Cathy

  ~~o~~

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

  Cathy Bryant’s debut novel, TEXAS ROADS, was a 2009 finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis contest and is also available in print through Amazon.com. A Texas gal by birth, Cathy lives with her husband in a century-old Texas farmhouse, complete with picket fence, flowers, butterflies, and late summer mosquitoes the size of your fist. Learn more about Cathy at www.CatBryant.com.

  ~~o~~

  CONNECT WITH CATHY ONLINE:

  Texas Roads website: http://TexasRoadsbyCathyBryant.blogspot.com

  (Check here for Mama Beth’s recipes, Dani’s money-saving tips, and a Bible Study corresponding to the spiritual themes in the story.)

  Website: http://www.CatBryant.com

  Blog: http://WordVessel.blogspot.com

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  For free stories & devotionals, sign up for Cathy’s “Heart for Home” newsletter.

  ~~o~~

  BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR TEXAS ROADS:

  1. What was your first impression of Dani? How would you describe her to a friend? How do you relate to Dani, and how are you different? What is her worst character flaw? Her most admirable quality? Answer these same questions for Steve and Mama Beth.

  2. Which characters would you like to see in future books in the Miller's Creek series? Why?

  3. Which character in the book left you with the most unanswered questions? Which character do you think about the most? Why?

  4. What are the pros and cons of living in a close-knit community like Miller's Creek? How is city living different? How did Dani's expectations of small-town living meet the reality? Describe your community. Do they band together in times of crisis the way the people of Miller's Creek do?

  5. Steve struggled with his mother's illness and in knowing how to pray for the situation. Dani battled with trusting a God who allowed difficulty. In your opinion, what are some of the benefits of enduring hardship and suffering? How has hardship and suffering shaped Dani? Steve? Mama Beth? You?

  6. Because of the change in Dani's heart she gives Steve and others a second chance. What were the results of some situations in your own life when you chose to forgive and extend a second chance?

  7. Why do you think Dani doesn't put up more of a fight when people choose to believe the worst about her? Are her motives completely altruistic? Why or why not?

  8. Do you think Dani and Steve's differences served to attract them to one another or to drive a wedge between them?

  9. Dani and Mama Beth both harbor secrets. Why? How are their secrets different from one another? Their motives? How are their secrets alike? And their motives?

  10. Why does Dani struggle with believing God loves her? How have her relationships with her parents and husband affected how she sees herself? How does that play in with how she perceives God? How has your past affected your relationship with God?

  11. What was the main spiritual turning point for Dani in the story? Do you think the road to salvation is a quick or lengthy process for most people? What obstacles did the enemy put in Dani's way to hinder her from believing?

  12. What or who made the most impact or had the most influence on Dani's decision to trust in God? Or was it a combination of things? How is this alike or different from most people, in your opinion? What person or event most impacted you in your decision to follow Christ? Do you believe that you've influenced someone's life to the point that he or she accepted Christ?

  13. Steve believes that he is inadequate and ineffective in his efforts to help Dani know God. Have you ever felt that way? Is Steve actually ineffective? How can you apply this to your life?

  14. What do you see as the theme of this novel?

  15. What symbols do you see used in the story? What is the main symbol, and how does it intertwine with the theme?

  16. In the early scene with Dani and Mama Beth on the porch (Chapter 4), what symbols are used to represent how Dani sees her life? How are these symbols used to show the potential for change in Dani?

  17. How is Mama Beth's garden symbolic of Dani's life?

  18. How is the shattered glass in Chapter 28 symbolic of what is happening in Dani's life?

  19. Why is finding home so important to Dani? What do you suppose would have happened to her had she not found it? How would it affect Dani and the story?

  20. What characteristics in Mama Beth cause the people of Miller's Creek to view her as a mother figure?

  21. In the first part of the book, why do you think Steve is so antagonistic toward Dani?

  22. How would you describe Dani and Cecille's relationship? Why do you think their relationship is that way? How could their relationship have played out differently in the story? Do you think Cecille loves Dani? Does Dani love Cecille? How has wealth and social status influenced Cecille's character? How has it influenced Dani’s character?

  23. Why do you think Dani struggles so much with the decision to move to Miller's Creek? Have you ever faced a decision where you felt nothing but opposition? How did it affect you? How did it influence your decision?

  24. What is the significance of Dani finding the kitten?

  25. We are all quick to make assumptions about others. What are some of the assumptions Dani and Steve make about each other? What are some of the assumptions you made about the characters as they were introduced? Name several places in the story where characters made hasty and often incorrect judgments. Why did they make these assumptions and with what consequences? Have you ever been on the receiving end of incorrect assumptions? How did it make you feel? How did it change you?

  26. People of wealth are often perceived as not needing anything. What was Steve's initial perception of Dani and why was it wrong? Do you know some wealthy people that you m
ay have judged unfairly and incorrectly?

  27. What is the deeper meaning behind Steve's comment to Dani when he says: "I'll take care of the places you can't reach"?

  28. How do you think Dani's life would have differed had she not been given up for adoption? Would her life have been easier or more difficult? Why?

  29. Do you think Mama Beth made the right decision to give up her child? Why or why not?

  30. Dani often questions God and His goodness. What are your thoughts and feelings about people questioning God? Is it wrong? Why or why not?

  31. Dani wonders on more than one occasion about divine intervention. Can you recall a time in your life when you recognized God's hand at work? Was it during the process or afterward?

  32. What do you think was the turning point for Steve in his feelings of love for Dani? What brought on those feelings? Answer the same questions for Dani.

  33. How is the problem with Miller’s Creek symbolic of life?

  34. Miller’s creek is full of colorful secondary characters. Which one is your favorite, and why?

  ~~o~~

  SNEAK PEAK INTO BOOK TWO OF THE MILLER’S CREEK, TEXAS SERIES: Coming Soon! (Working Title: A Path Less Travelled)

  In spite of the thousands of winking lights that surrounded Trish James, weddings somehow lost their luster in the wake of death. She adjusted the tulle on the wedding arch, the soft netlike fabric billowing beneath her finger tips as she wrapped the twinkle lights. The church sanctuary had never looked better and she knew it.

  As if on cue, Dani’s next words echoed her thoughts. “This wedding must be hard on you after Doc’s death.”

  Trish swallowed the knot that bounded into her throat. “I’m fine. It’s not everyday that my brother marries the most wonderful woman in the world.” She sent Dani a sincere smile. “I’ve never seen Steve so happy.”