Magnolia Sky by Angela Schmeling

Author:Angela Schmeling [Schmeling, Angela]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Angela Schmeling
Published: 2022-07-16T05:00:00+00:00

“Hey, Rachel!”

Rachel turned in the grocery store to see Noreen heading her way.

“Hi, Noreen.”

Noreen pulled her cart next to Rachel and smiled at her. Rachel looked at her expectantly. After their first meeting, she wasn't sure what to expect from her mother-in-law. Though Noreen had called her and apologized, they hadn’t seen each other since then and Rachel felt guarded.

Noreen could sense her apprehension and cleared her throat uncomfortably. “How are you?” she finally said.

“I’m doing just fine.”

Noreen nodded. “Must be a big change.”

“It is.”

“Must’ve been nice to have your friends come down a few weeks back and to get all your belongings settled in the house.”

Rachel smiled. “Yes. They are wonderful friends, and it was really good to see them.”

“Well, I should cut to the chase. I’ve been meaning to call you all day.” Noreen said. “I was wondering if you would be free to join us out at the ranch for dinner. You’ve haven’t gotten out yet to see our spread and I think you’d like it out in the country.”

“When are you thinking?” Rachel asked.

Noreen smiled, the tension leaving her face. “Tonight, if you are available.”

Rachel pursed her lips in thought. She knew Noreen was trying. She couldn’t blame her for the hurt feelings and insecurity Rachel had. “Sure” She agreed.

Noreen clapped her hands together. “Great! Do you like barbecue?”

“Truth be told, I’ve never had it.”

“Well, we will have to change that!” Noreen said with a smile. “My husband makes the best BBQ in the county.”

“Can I bring anything?”

Noreen shook her head. “Just yourself.” She glanced at her watch. “Around 6:30 work?”

Rachel glanced at her own watch. It was just past 5:15. “Where is the ranch?”

“Bout 20 minutes out of town.” Noreen looked apologetic. “It’s no pressure, Rachel. I know it’s short notice.” She paused. It’s my fault that I didn’t call you. I should have made a better effort. Truth is, I’ve been blaming you for some of my pain about losing George. Again. This time with no way to make amends. That wasn’t right or fair to do to you. I was just confessing that to the Lord that I need to be better when I saw you here.”

Rachel smiled at her, appreciating her honesty. “It’s okay Noreen. I’d love to come. I don’t have plans. I just need to get my groceries home first.”

An hour later, Rachel found herself driving along a stretch of road. Cattle dotted the hill country alongside her. Cows she was used to seeing when growing up in Ireland, but the Longhorns were something new.

As she pulled up to a magnificent stone ranch house at the end of the road, she saw some horses grazing by a large barn with the sun streaming breathtaking rays over it. Rachel sat in awe for a moment.

“Wow.” She climbed out of her car and looked around at the beautiful landscape before her.

Slowly, she walked up the stone steps leading to the front door, succulents and rocks artistically designed up the walkway. Rachel wished she had a paintbrush to capture the moment better.

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