Marry Me for Real, Cowboy - Valerie Comer Page 0,56

in a corner, or because he’d done wrong? His conscience had been biting him for a while, but he’d been muzzling it. Shoving it aside. The ends would justify the means.

Only... they didn’t.

And his dream had materialized before his eyes but had proven to be only a mirage. He’d lived a lie. He’d convinced Riley to live a lie. And all he’d have to show for it would be his stepfather’s scorn and the bitterness of Noah and Nathaniel’s reproach. And his mother...

He didn’t want to think of what his actions would do to Mom. How Emma and Alexia would stop looking up to him.

“God, what do I do now? I’m sorry. I’m really, truly sorry. I didn’t think beyond Running Creek. Much as I love that place, it’s only real estate. It’s not worth losing respect. It’s not worth wrecking my relationship with You. Please, please forgive me.”

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

That was in First John somewhere. It didn’t say only some kinds of sin. It said all unrighteousness. That had to cover Adam’s lies, right?

He nudged Jupiter up the bank toward the meadow. Field grasses and wildflowers lay blanketed beneath a palette of snow, fresh and clean.

Wasn’t there something in the Bible about sins, red like scarlet, becoming white as snow?

Adam reined Jupiter in and stared at the unmarred surface in front of him. The sun angled over the trees now, pouring its bright white light across the snow. The meadow dazzled like a diamond mine. Like the jewelry he’d given Riley for Christmas... on steroids.

There was no out-giving God.

What was he going to do?

What could he do?

He had to confess his sin to his stepfather and set Riley free. Oh, how he was going to miss her when she was gone. He’d gotten so used to having her around Rockstead, to riding out with her, to playing cards with her. To kissing her as though he had a right.

It didn’t matter anymore that she’d started it.

He’d immediately kicked it to the next level and kept it there.

It didn’t matter anymore that she’d gone along.

Adam was the man. He was responsible to lead her to a closer walk with Jesus, not to encourage her to lie more convincingly every day.

Shame surged through his veins at what he’d become, all because he’d let his desire for his dad’s ranch overwhelm his good sense. He hadn’t prayed. Not really. He’d figured a resourceful guy could manage this on his own.

Showed how smart he was. Not very. He’d do better now. He’d spend some time seeking God and then head back.

A few hours later, he unsaddled Jupiter and reached for the curry comb. He looked up at the thudding of footsteps on the stone alley, but instead of Riley, the twins appeared.

Emma climbed up on the gate. “Where were you?”

“Riding.”

Alexia leaned against the gate, her arms crossed on the top rail, and rolled her eyes. “We looked everywhere for you.”

“Oh?” Adam kept the comb moving rhythmically down Jupiter’s flank.

“Riley had to go to Santa Fe,” Emma informed him. “Nathaniel drove her to the airport in Missoula, since you weren’t here.”

He froze, slowly raising his head to look at the twins. “What are you talking about?” Just last night she’d told him New Mexico was the last place she’d go. Now she up and went with only a moment’s notice? Didn’t add up.

Alexia shook her head. “Her dad was in a bad accident. They’re not sure if he’s going to make it.”

“No way.” How suddenly things changed.

“Yes way.”

“She couldn’t wait for me? I’d have gone with her.”

“You could call her. I don’t know what time her flight is. Do they even fly on Christmas Day?”

All those dazzling snow diamonds had moved in and frozen his gut solid. He’d been off feeling sorry for himself while Riley’d had to deal with news like that all on her own?

No. He’d needed the ride. Needed the clarity, the time of repentance and prayer. But he’d failed Riley for the millionth time. “Did she leave me a note or anything?” She must have. She wouldn’t just leave without saying goodbye. Or would she decide this was the best way to break things off?

Alexia shrugged. “She went into your cabin before she left. She was probably looking for you.”

“Adam?” Emma’s eyes were wide. “Riley’s coming back, isn’t she?”

“Of cour—” But he couldn’t say that with certainty. “I’ll have to call