Linda Ford by Cranes Bride

Author:Cranes Bride
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Seven

Crane wrapped his arms around her, promising himself he would do his best to see nothing ever hurt her. He rubbed her back, feeling her leanness, her toughness, and her softness.

“Everything will be fine,” he murmured.

No sooner had he spoken the words than he wished for them back. He couldn’t be making promises he didn’t know if he could keep. The feel of her in his arms had turned his mind to mush.

He cupped a hand over her hair. It was so silky. Like nothing he could remember feeling before. He lowered his head, letting his lips caress her hair. He was drowning in the scent of her, the feel of her, the pound of his heart against her slight form.

“God took care of us today,” she murmured, her voice muffled against his chest.

Her breath was sweet and tempting, and he lowered his head a fraction more, willing her to lift her face and offer her lips.

Instead she pushed away.

Crane’s hands lingered on her waist until she dropped to her knees. He crossed his arms, striving to still the wild emotions raging inside him. She knelt beside him, her hands clasped before her. “Thank You, God, for taking care of Ted today. Thank You for sending Crane to help him.” She paused. “Thank You for sending Crane to help us all.”

He squirmed. She must think I’m was something I’m not. Yet it made him think of something his mother used to say when he did something she appreciated.

“Why, bless you, Byler,” she’d say. That was the feeling he got listening to Maggie thank God for him. A sense of being blessed.

Maggie got to her feet and stood close to him. A flash from the fire threw sharp angles across her face, then her features disappeared in the darkness.

He could feel her breath against his chin. She was watching him. But he didn’t know what she wanted. Then she grabbed his hand, sending a wave of warmth up his arm.

“Let’s go have coffee.” He could hear the smile in her voice.

Her hand felt small and soft, and he let her pull him toward the fire, a smug smile widening his mouth.

They stepped into the circle of light, and she dropped hold of his hand, rushing toward the coffeepot. His arms hung at his sides, and his stare followed her movements. Had their touching affected her the same way it did him?

After they’d settled the children in bed, Crane handed Maggie the Bible. Betsy leaned across his legs, her focus on Maggie, while Ted sat cross-legged at his other side.

Maggie began to read, but her voice faded before she finished the story. Crane watched over his lowered cup. Her thoughts seemed to be far away as she stared at the fire, then slowly closed the book.

“I can’t read tonight,” she murmured. “My thoughts are too full.” The golden light danced across her face. “Seems like a door in my mind has come open, and I can remember all kinds of stuff. Things Ma used to tell me.

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