The Bounty Hunter's Bride by Janis Jakes

Author:Janis Jakes [Jakes, Janis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fiction, inspirational fiction, Clean and Wholesome Novels, Religion and Spirituality
ISBN: 9781522303497
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2021-04-29T00:00:00+00:00

13

Billie stood outside of Luke’s aunt’s home.

“You’re welcomed here anytime.” The attractive older woman ran her hand familiarly down Luke’s shoulder. One gray brow lifted, and a dimple appeared in her chin. “And your pretty friend, too.”

“Billie, this is my aunt.”

Still pink-cheeked, Billie extended her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“You may call me Louise.”

“Louise runs a stagecoach stop,” Luke explained. “She almost always has a spare bed or two for a driver and passengers.”

Morning light had begun to shine through the windows, but Billie was exhausted.

“We just need a few hours of rest. Then we’ll be on our way.” Luke told his aunt.

“On our way to where?” Louise asked, welcoming them both inside.

Buttered cornbread sat on the oven. Bacon lay across a skillet.

The delicious smell permeated the air, causing Billie’s insides to churn. “Arkansas,” she answered. “To stay with my family.”

“Well, before your naps, why not enjoy a quick bite to eat? I just whipped up some breakfast. I’m expecting several visitors today, but there’s plenty to go around.”

Later, with a full belly and a comfortable mattress, Billie slept for several hours. She awakened at the tap on the door and Luke’s voice from the other side.

“Time to ride.”

She groaned and sat up, legs dangling over the side of the bed. It would be three weeks before they arrived at her Arkansas destination. It could not come soon enough. With a deep stretch, Billie reached her arms over her head then dropped them in her lap. She straightened the collar on her dress and smoothed out the wrinkles from the hard sleep.

“Now take some cornbread and bacon with you,” Louise said as she gave Luke a hard squeeze. “It’ll be a good supper later in the evening. And you remember what your momma always said. Look twice, for the night has a thousand eyes.”

He chuckled. “That’s what my father always said, not my mother.”

“Oh, well, I knew it was one of them. But your momma always said to say your prayers, that I’m sure of.”

“I can’t remember the last time I prayed. Guess it was before—“

“That’s not your fault, Luke.” Her voice turned stern though love still lingered in her gaze. “Think how it’d make your momma feel, knowing you were blaming yourself or worse, blaming God for what happened. No one could know the girl was sick in the head. No one.”

“The Comanche knew,” he said, his words laced with bitterness. “That’s why they sent her away.”

“They’ve always had their ways. Our people lock them up in a sanitarium and throw away the key. The Comanches send them outside the village to make it on their own or die. Which way is better and which way is worse? I can’t say. I only know that your momma is with the Lord, and she’d take a switch to your legs if she knew you hadn’t talked to Him.”

A fleeting expression flickered on Luke’s face. “I know. I’m getting straight. But I need a little time, and God has seen fit to give it to me.

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