Bonnie laughed, that glorious infectious sound that always made Casey smile. “Oh yes. We told them before we left. Morgan acted strange. Are you two having another spat?”
“I’m not so sure that’s a question you should be asking Shawne,” Jocelyn said.
How do I answer this? “I don’t mind.” Casey offered a faint smile. “Maybe he and I will have time to mend our differences. Time has a way of making the past not so important.”
“I hope so. The idea of you and me someday being sisters sounds wonderful.”
But you have no idea who I am. “Only God knows what He can do with two stubborn people like your brother and me.” Casey adored Bonnie, her treasured friend who’d never known the ugliness that could strip a heart and mind of all hope and goodness.
“Let me save Shawne from any other unnecessary questions here.” Jocelyn nodded at Bonnie. “How is Sarah really doing?”
She deliberated her response. She wanted to sound optimistic despite Sarah’s failing health. “Her spirits are good, especially with her family here to visit.”
“Every time I ask the reverend about her, he says ‘much better’ and thanks me for asking. She doesn’t seem to be getting any better,” Jocelyn said.
“I do hope the doctor from Dallas comes soon. The reverend hopes he may have more knowledge about her condition than Kahlerville’s doctor.”
Bonnie sighed. “I wonder why God lets terrible things happen to such good people?”
“Many folks have asked the same question. I suppose that’s something we’ll have to ask the Lord one day,” Jocelyn said.
Bonnie frowned. “Life can be so hard. Makes me wonder if you believe in God and care for other people, then you’re certain to die a painful death. If that’s true, then it would be better to live an outlaw’s life.”
Casey felt her knees weaken and the familiar sick churning in the pit of her stomach. Shame and the lies she’d told hung over her like a storm-filled cloud. She had no right not telling them the truth.
*****
“I thought you were courtin’ Shawne?” Grant said to Morgan the afternoon following Casey’s arrival. They stood by the corral while Jesse and some of the other ranch hands worked on breaking horses.
Morgan winced as Jesse fell from the horse—the third time since he’d decided to take on a high-spirited mare.
“Did I hit a sore subject?” Grant said.
More than you know. Morgan motioned toward Jesse. “I was watching that mare toss Jesse again. In answer to your question, things could be better.”
“Thought so. I talk to her more than you do lately.”
Morgan tossed his brother a sideways glance. It was obvious Grant more than liked Casey, and the idea of his younger brother falling for her needled him worse than a bee sting. “She’s a little older than you.”
“Not by much, and besides, she’s your girl, not mine.” Grant kept his eyes on Jesse, who’d dusted himself off and was ready to mount the mare again. “Does she know?”
“What do you think?” Morgan’s reply snapped a little harder than he intended.
“Thought so.” Grant kept his attention on Jesse and the mare. “Don’t chase her away. She doesn’t deserve that.”
Those words repeated in Morgan’s mind until he had to do something about them. “I’ll tell her after I get back from taking Mama to town.”
Grant nodded. Strange how a seventeen-year-old perceived so much. But he was right. The ache and the longing inside kept Morgan awake at night and surly during the day.
He couldn’t blame Casey. His pledge to the Lord looked like pig slop, and it seemed his love for her bordered on conditional—when he felt like being generous. He hadn’t always been this way. The past four years had changed him, and he didn’t know if he’d ever be a good man again. He needed God’s help for every breath he took.
Chapter 20
“What did you think of my brother when you first met him?” Bonnie said with girlish interest. They’d seated themselves around the kitchen table in the lull of the early afternoon. Morgan and Jocelyn had left sometime earlier for town, and the two girls had talked all morning.
“I didn’t care for him much.”
“That’s understandable considering his moods. I will say he’s done so much better since he’s come home for good.”
“I’m real glad for all of you.”
“When did you two start being friends?”
Casey hesitated. Perhaps she should tell her friend now. “After Morgan and Jocelyn return, I’ll tell you everything.”
Bonnie looked at her thoughtfully, as though questioning herself before speaking. “Shawne.” She folded her hands