chased the country looking for an outlaw. “What brought this about?” she said.
“A woman and a meetin’ with my Maker.”
“Both are good things.” She smiled and withdrew her hand from his face.
“I intend to apologize to Bonnie and Grant and hope they see a change.”
“Oh, Morgan. Our prayers are answered.” She dabbed at her eyes with the corner of her apron. “Then you’re home to stay? No more leaving in the middle of the night and causing us to wonder if you’re dead or alive?”
He winced. “You never hold back the words when I need a scolding.”
“That’s what a mother’s for.” She eased into the chair. “Tell me more, Morgan.”
“I need to find this woman. I’m not sure where she is, but I’ll do my searching from here as much as I can. I’d like a couple of weeks to make inquiries. Then I’ll be back.”
Mama nodded. “You must love her.”
“I think I do. Felt something right from the start, but I can’t rightly say why. I know God put her in my life for a reason, but it’s been a hard lesson. I want to bring her back here, if she’ll have me.”
“Any woman would be honored to have you.”
“Until she got wind of my temper.” He sighed. “I’m a stubborn fool.” He stood and gazed out at the green hills where cattle and horses grazed. He’d done enough wallowing in self-pity. “Tell me what’s going on. How’s Bonnie?”
“Good. Growing up some. Has more to go. We’ve spoiled her, and I’m afraid she’s not strong enough to grab hold of this rough country.”
Thoughts of his small, frail sister danced across his mind. “She can’t get through life by relying on her pretty face.”
“I agree. She’s an Andrews, and that means she has to be strong.”
“How’s Reverend Rainer’s wife?”
“She keeps getting worse. There for a while, the reverend tried to do it all. Even with women from church bringing food and cleaning now and then, it wasn’t enough. He loves Sarah dearly, and her care is what’s important.”
“Sounds like he needs help.”
“And that very thing has happened. He’s hired a young woman to live there and tend to Sarah and the house.”
Morgan considered the matter. “A relative?”
“No. She’s new to town. Just showed up one day. Some of the folks at church complained that he hadn’t done right, but I told them to either move into the parsonage and take care of things or hush. She’s a fine young woman, and from what I’ve seen, she dotes on Sarah just like the reverend does. When I visited this week, the house was spotless, and Sarah was happy.”
Morgan listened to his mother’s every word. In times past he would only half-listen—another one of his faults. “When I get back, I’ll pay the Rainers a call.”
“I’m heading over there in the morning. Want to join me?”
“Monday morning. I guess I could before moving on. Probably wouldn’t hurt for me to visit with the reverend. I owe him an apology for all the times I threw God back at him.”
“Good.” She patted his hand. “He had good sermons today. I wish you’d been here in time to go with us. By the way, Son,” she said, her voice softening, “the wildness is gone from your eyes.”
“Thanks, Mama. God has a lot of work to do with me—my temper, my pride, the past.”
“He has plenty of work to do in all of us. I’ll continue to pray for you and your friend.”
“Pray she’ll be surrounded by those who’ll love her.” Casey’s face floated through his mind, along with a stab of fear. “And keep her safe.”
*****
Casey bustled about the kitchen to make sure everything was in order for guests. One of the church members, Jocelyn Andrews, planned to visit Sarah midmorning.
“You should become acquainted with Jocelyn’s daughter, Bonnie,” Sarah had said earlier. “She’s about your age.”
Casey remembered the petite blond with the dimpled smile, but making friends invited trouble. “I really don’t have time for socializing. You’re my friend.”
“Nonsense. Young women need each other.”
“Yes, ma’am.” But I can’t, Sarah. I can’t allow anyone to know who I am, and I don’t want to put anyone in danger. The thought suddenly struck her that Jenkins wouldn’t hesitate to harm the reverend or Sarah.
“I know you’re shy, and I’m sorry,” Sarah said. “Are you troubled?”
Casey fussed with her quilt. “You are what’s important to me.”
Promptly at ten o’clock, a rap sounded at the door. Guests had stopped by before but none with a potential friend. The