Forever by Your Side (Willamette Brides #3) - Tracie Peterson Page 0,41
who God is and what we are to Him. I swear I could sit in classes the rest of my life, learning about the Bible and God, and I would never weary of it.”
A chuckle escaped her mother. “I’ve said as much to your father, even though I’ve never sat in formal Bible classes. Your father, however, is so good to teach me. We have always devoted time every week to study like that.”
“Maybe you’ll let me join in.”
“Of course.” She handed Connie a wet plate. “But please continue. How were you able to get over your feelings for Clint?”
“I’m not sure I did. Coming here has confused the issue. I was determined not to care about him. In fact, I’ve treated him quite poorly just to prove to myself that I don’t have romantic feelings for him. But I don’t know what I feel. Especially now.”
“Why especially now?”
“The way he keeps looking at me makes me wonder if . . . oh, never mind.”
“I hope you’ll be careful. I’ve always liked Clint well enough but have never been convinced he was meant for you.”
“You never told me that.” Connie paused and looked at her mother. “Why, if you felt that way, didn’t you say something?”
“I’ve always been a firm believer in letting love find its own way. I prayed plenty when you were younger and so infatuated with Clint, but I feared that if I spoke negatively, it would only drive you into his arms. And then, if it turned out to be a good thing, you’d always remember that I didn’t want you with him.”
“Did you actually feel that way? You didn’t want us together?”
Her mother went back to washing the dishes. “I prayed so much about it, but it just never felt right. It still doesn’t. You and Clint are worlds apart.”
“I’m back now to work with the Indians and don’t have any intention of leaving again—not even after this job is done. I don’t know exactly what God has planned for me, but I know the Indians will be a part of it.”
“I’m happy to think of you being close by, but I still feel no better about the idea of you and Clint being a couple. Maybe you should talk to your father about it. He always has sound counsel.”
Just then her father and Tom returned from their tour of the farm.
“A good number of the Indian houses collapsed in the high winds in January,” Papa was explaining. “They were never well-built. The government sent men to just slap them together. We’ve been trying to get each family at least some place to live, but they deserve so much better.”
Connie grabbed another plate and dried it quickly. She was still thinking about her mother’s comments. Mama had always been wise. She didn’t jump quickly to any conclusion but gathered the facts and reviewed them with care. Perhaps if Connie were more like Mama, she wouldn’t get into these confusing situations.
“We’ve saddled the horses, Connie,” her father said, smiling. “I thought you and Tom could go with me on my rounds. This way the people will get to know you both.”
“I hope many of them remember me.”
“I’m sure they will.” Her mother bumped her with her hip. “You just go on with your father. I’ll get these dishes finished up, and then I’ll have my sewing class. I’ll be busy until noon.”
Connie put the dried dish aside and pulled off her apron. “Let me get my hat, and I’ll be ready.”
“We’ll be waiting for you out front,” Papa replied.
She joined them in a matter of minutes. Her broad-brimmed straw hat was good for tucking up her hair. She was just tying it on as she came from the house and nearly tripped. Fortunately, Tom was there to keep her upright.
“You’re going to end up on your face if you aren’t careful.” He helped her mount the horse, folding his hands together for her to step into. Connie grabbed the horn as Tom lifted her upward. She took her seat in the saddle no worse for the wear.
It looked to be a beautiful day. In the east, the sun hung in a cloudless sky, and already its warmth was spreading across the valley. For several hours they rode leisurely through the reservation. Papa stopped from time to time to introduce Tom and Connie. Most remembered Connie and greeted her fondly.
Connie explained from time to time what they’d be doing. She spoke in Chinook Wawa, hoping to put