A Heart's Blessing - Linda Ford Page 0,62

at odds with the lessons she had learned?

Ryder had left the door to the little entranceway open so the kitten could go in and out and the children could play with it. She saw nothing of Ryder but heard the door to his shop open and close numerous times and guessed he was getting the business he needed. Good for him. She didn’t resent the fact he was too busy to come and speak to her. Never mind that he had invited her over the past two evenings and they’d sat on the step visiting while the children were entertained by Tiger.

He’d told her about his early years and how he enjoyed helping his pa and learning leather work. He told of growing up in town, knowing neighbors all his life.

“That was how I came to marry Mirabelle,” he’d told her last night. “Her family lived three houses over, and we practically grew up together.”

From having the same experience with Sophie, Delcie knew the strength of such bonds. Hilda, Laura, and Jenny were good and dear friends, but no one would ever take Sophie’s place in her affections. No doubt it was the same with Ryder and Mirabelle.

Friends was enough. She ignored the way her heart twisted at the idea. Why should it? Friendship was all she wanted. All she was willing to accept. She was grateful for that and for the way he was with the children.

Sunday morning, he accompanied them to church.

He crooked his arm toward her, and she put her hand around his elbow.

Hilda and Laura went ahead, the children skipping along beside them.

Ryder chuckled. “This is much different from last Sunday. No need for a wheelbarrow today.”

“It’s hard to believe that was only a week ago. So much has happened.”

“So much has changed.” His voice deepened. He pressed her arm to his side.

She looked up at him. His eyes reflected the blue of the sky, the warmth of the sunshine and…promises? She couldn’t look away. Was he saying he had changed? In what way?

But they reached the church and she couldn’t ask.

The church was full, the atmosphere one of excitement and gratitude. Hymns were sung with enthusiasm. Then Preacher Peabody began his sermon.

“God is so good. Every day we see His hand of mercy, but perhaps this past week has made it clearer than usual. Praise Him for his intervention in the things of man. Psalm twenty-one, verse eleven, says it perfectly. ‘For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.’ Indeed, if God be for us, who can be against us.” He concluded his sermon with an exhortation to trust God. “These evil experiences at the hands of men might make us wary—and well they should. We need to be wary of whom we trust. But my experience had taught me something valuable. There are good people in the world. People whom we can trust. Who will do us good, not evil. Who serve the Lord in their lives. People, go and be one of those that others can trust, and appreciate those in your lives who are that.”

His words blared through Delcie’s heart. She had good people in her life. It was time to put that first in her mind and forget the past.

They left church and bade the preacher good-bye, as he was returning to the fort.

“I am most grateful for your kindness.” He shook hands with everyone involved in his care. He took Delcie’s hand between his. “God has kindly protected you and the children. I believe it’s time for you to open your heart to all the love around you.” He patted her hand before he released it.

Love around her? What did he mean? Well, of course, he meant Hilda and Laura and the children.

They returned to the café. Hilda invited Ryder to join them for dinner. “No point in you eating alone.”

Delcie wondered at the way Laura and Hilda looked at each other.

“I accept.”

They sat down around the kitchen table. Everyone seemed in high spirits. Or perhaps it was only that Delcie felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She was ready to face the future…whatever it held. She glanced at Ryder from under her eyelashes. Was he ready to face the future too? Could they do so together?

The meal over, the kitchen clean, Laura said she was going take to a walk. Hilda said she was going to her room to read and nap.

“Would you like