Wild At Heart by Vickie McDonough

Author:Vickie McDonough [McDonough Vickie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-62029-134-4
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2008-08-02T16:00:00+00:00

nine

Adam paced from the dining table, into the parlor, and back. After Mariah’s fall into the nettle patch, she had stayed in her room the rest of the day and during this morning’s breakfast. He missed seeing her sweet smile across the table at mealtime and hoped that she was feeling better today. He flopped down on the settee, guilt eating at him for causing her pain.

He heard a shuffling sound and saw Mariah limping into the parlor. She rubbed her shoulder then noticed him and frowned.

He stood and hurried to her side, offering his good arm. “Here, lean on me.”

“That’s not necessary. My ankle is fine today.” As if proving her point, she limped to the settee.

“I’m really sorry, Mariah. I shouldn’t have shot my rifle without warning you.” He resumed his place at the other end of the settee.

Anna strode into the room, carrying a tray of coffee and cookies. “I still can’t believe you did that, Adam.” She set the tray on the table in front of the sofa.

He glared at his sister, feeling guilty enough without her lambasting him. “It was just a gut reaction. I saw game and knew we could use the meat. I didn’t stop to analyze my actions.”

Anna paced in front of them. Mariah scratched at the red welts on her nape.

“That’s right, you didn’t think. Mariah could have been badly injured.” She flung a glance at their guest. “She’s covered in nettle stings. Don’t rub them, Mariah. You’ll only make it hurt worse.”

Mariah gripped her hands together in her lap. “Leyna’s salve helped quite a bit, although the stings do still hurt some.” She studied the floor, as if the topic weren’t proper for mixed company.

“Can I do anything for you?” Adam ran his hand over the back of his neck, wishing he could take away her discomfort. He hopped up, and using his good hand, carefully poured a cup of coffee. He handed it to Mariah, spilling a bit onto the saucer.

“Thank you.” She accepted his gift with a shy smile and sipped the hot brew. Adam poured himself a cup and stuck a cookie into his mouth then reclaimed his spot on the settee. His injured arm tingled, as if wanting to be rid of the confining sling as much as he, but at least the sharp pain had subsided.

“I’ve been praying for Mariah and trust that God will ease the irritation.” Anna flopped into the chair next to the parlor window, sticking her legs out in front of her, and crossed her ankles like some cowpoke.

Adam had prayed, too, though the words hadn’t come easily. Lately, he’d felt as if God were calling him to come back to Him. After his father died, he hadn’t wanted to go to church, feeling unworthy for causing the accident that killed his pa. But Quinn said they needed to go whenever the weather cooperated and there was a parson in town. Adam had listened to the preacher’s word about forgiveness over the years until they were finally soaking in.

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