Journey to Riverbend by Henry McLaughlin

Author:Henry McLaughlin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FICTION / Christian / Historical, FICTION / Historical
ISBN: 9781414350851
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Published: 2011-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

36

Dusk wrapped its light gray cloak around the town as Rachel closed and locked her store. She rested her fingers on the doorframe and bowed her head. Thank You, Father, for blessing my business. I hope it brings You glory and honor.

She walked to the post office to see if a letter Luke was expecting had arrived. As she walked, several townspeople greeted her with nods. Others ignored her, and still others stared and frowned. She squeezed her fingers while doing her best to keep a smile on her face. Would it always be like this? How long would people hold her past against her?

The letter hadn’t arrived yet. As she left, Mayor Meriweather entered. He held the door for her.

“Thank you, Mr. Mayor.”

He touched the brim of his hat. “You’re welcome, Miss Stone.”

She moved to step past him. He moved also as if to give her more room. Then he stumbled toward her, hands reaching out. She turned slightly so that he grabbed her arm. She knew that look in his eye.

He released his grip, one hand moving toward her chest. She took it in her hands as if shaking hands with him.

She smiled. “Watch your step, Mayor. Some of these floorboards can trip you up.” Then she leaned forward, lowering her voice to a whisper, watching the pain register in his eyes as she squeezed his bread-dough hand. “I’m making dresses for your wife. I can make her look like a laughingstock while convincing her she looks like Queen Victoria.”

She straightened and spoke in her normal volume. “Please thank your wife for ordering two more dresses. I’m sure she’ll be pleased with them. And I hope you like them too.”

She smiled as she left him standing there. But the surge of victory quickly drained away. It will never stop. I’ll be fighting this battle the rest of my life.

Was it worth it? Would it be easier to give up and go back into the business? It seemed like it sometimes. She cursed. Out loud. God, why is this so hard?

Before she reached the church, she turned down a path that led to the river, the same path that had brought her to Michael yesterday morning. Was it only yesterday? She sat by the cottonwood where he had been, wrapped her arms around her knees, and lowered her head. She wanted to pray. She cried instead.

After several minutes, she lifted her head to look at the patches of sky beyond the leaves. White clouds hung motionless. She prayed a halting, stammering prayer asking for release and strength to go on.

She waited. Michael’s face came into view, his hazel eyes warm, his smile gentle. No leering. No demand for what she no longer sold. A face she could trust. Really? I can trust him? She remembered his boldness in trying to kiss her on the mouth. Then she remembered his acceptance of her refusal.

He seemed willing to accept what she could offer. Which wasn’t much. She was willing, even eager, to see him again.

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