thought filled her with dread. Casey took a deep breath and smoothed a green flowered dress that one of the deacon’s wives had given her. Someday soon she must learn to bake. Life on the trail hadn’t taught her those things, and on occasions such as this, she wanted to have something to serve the Rainers’ friends.
“I’ll greet the guests,” Reverend Rainer said, but they met each other at the front door.
“Go ahead.” Casey laughed.
The reverend opened the door. “Mornin’, Jocelyn. Good to see you, Bonnie. Sarah is so looking forward to your visit.” He paused. “Do I see an old friend?”
Bonnie giggled, a sweet laughter that dripped with honey. The sound reminded Casey of innocence. “Yes, Reverend.”
The reverend stepped out onto the porch, then down the steps. “Son, you have just made this day a little better.”
“It’s been a long time.”
Casey’s gaze flew beyond Jocelyn and Bonnie. She shivered. Heat flooded her face.
“Sarah and I sure have missed you.”
“Well, I couldn’t let a visit go by without seeing the both of you.”
Casey’s stomach curdled. This couldn’t possibly be happening. Then she saw his face.
Chapter 13
Casey’s heart pounded until it ached, and the ability to speak escaped her lips. Finally she took a deep breath. She’d let Morgan set the tone between them, and she’d respond accordingly. The truth of her own emotions nearly staggered her. She had allowed this man to steal her heart.
“My, we’re forgetting our manners,” Jocelyn said. “Shawne, this is my son Morgan. He came in yesterday afternoon and plans to leave tomorrow, but not without a visit to the reverend and Sarah. “Morgan, this is Miss Shawne Flanagan. She takes care of Sarah.”
“And helps me, too,” the reverend said. “Thanks to Shawne, I’ve been able to return to my ministry and still have plenty of time to spend with Sarah.”
Morgan smiled, but she couldn’t bring herself to peer into his eyes. They can’t find out about me this way. Her commitment to Jesus and all that meant slapped against her mind like a wanted poster.
Jocelyn took her hand and squeezed it gently while Casey scrambled for composure. “I’ve already told him how special you’ve become to the church community during the short time you’ve been here.”
“Thank you.” Slowly Casey calmed and regained control of her senses.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Flanagan,” Morgan said with a slight curve of his lips. His words sounded flat, as though he forced himself to be cordial.
Uncertainty swirled around her. “I believe the compliments are exaggerated, but I do appreciate the kind words.”
Morgan hesitated, then a broad grin swept from ear to ear. “This is not fair, Shawne.” He turned to his family and the reverend. “The lady and I are friends.” He reached for her hand. No warmth. His touch matched his eyes. “I’m glad you’ve found a home.”
“I’m very happy to be in Kahlerville.” She mentally erected a wall between them. Her knees felt like jelly.
After all we went through, and Morgan is ashamed of me. Of course, could I really fault him . . . considering? What did she want Morgan to say? “Do you keep your guns under the bed at the parsonage?” Casey felt Jocelyn’s attention on her and feigned a smile. “Would you like coffee?”
“No, thank you,” Jocelyn said. “We simply want to visit with Sarah.”
“And to invite Shawne to our home next Sunday after church,” Bonnie said.
The reverend grinned. “Good. I was afraid Shawne might not get out and make friends. I gave her every Sunday afternoon and evening free, but yesterday she refused to leave the parsonage.”
Casey continued to smile, but her insides screamed in protest. She’d have to find an excuse to refuse the invitation.
“Perfect. We can ride home from church together,” Jocelyn said. The tall, slender woman was so kind. If only she knew the truth.
“But I really don’t want to leave Sarah.” All the while Casey felt Morgan’s scrutiny.
“I took care of her before you arrived, and I’m looking forward to it again,” the reverend said. “Now who would like to visit Sarah first?”
“May I?” Morgan said.
Thank you. Gives me time to pull myself together.
The other four sat in the parlor, and Casey attempted polite conversation. All the while, her mind raced with what Morgan had said to her before they parted in Vernal. He said the area between Austin and San Antonio was the prettiest part of Texas. She’d assumed that was where he lived, not here. Had he lied on purpose so she’d never invade