strong straight nose, his deep-set eyes, his firm square chin, and…
“Dear Father…”
She sucked in a breath and lowered her head. She needed to focus!
“We ask You to watch over Garth today and guide him on his journey. Please keep him safe and help him find Emma. Give him courage and grace to deal with whatever he encounters in Tweed, and bring him safely back to us. Thank You that You love Garth and have good plans for his life. Keep him on the right path, moving toward the life You have for him. We know You are faithful, and we entrust him into Your care. We pray all this in the name of Jesus…”
Grace had to swallow before she could whisper, “Amen.” How could such a simple prayer touch her so deeply? She lifted her head and looked at Rob through misty eyes. “That was beautiful. How did you learn to pray like that?”
“I don’t know.” He offered her a gentle smile. “That’s just the way I’ve always prayed.”
“But it sounded like a conversation with a friend rather than any prayer I’ve ever heard.”
“I suppose that’s because I consider Jesus my friend as well as my savior.”
She paused, remembering the images of Jesus she’d seen in the stained-glass windows at the church she and her parents had attended in Toronto. Those images had stirred her curiosity about God and faith. The long sermons she’d heard on those occasions were usually difficult for her to follow. But then she’d found her old Bible in the trunk in the attic and recalled her sister Katie’s plea to read it often. She’d taken her sister’s encouragement to heart. Now she looked forward to reading a section each evening.
The Jesus she read about in those passages was bold and courageous yet loving and caring, especially toward those who needed His help or healing. He told the truth, even at great cost to Himself. He loved His friends deeply, so deeply He was willing to die for them. That was the Jesus she was getting to know, and He was changing her view about so many things.
She looked up at Rob. “When I lived with the Hamiltons, they never read the Bible or prayed, except when we attended church, which wasn’t often. We didn’t even pray at meals as some families do.”
A touch of sadness crossed his face. “I’m sorry they didn’t give you much of a foundation for your faith. But that’s in the past. You can choose your own path now.”
“That’s true.”
“Your brother has a strong faith, and from what he’s told me, the rest of your family in England does as well.”
She pressed her lips together, pondering his words. The letters from her mum and siblings had told her about some of the events that had happened since they’d been separated, but she wanted to get to know them and learn how faith was woven into their lives. “I see what you mean. Even a girl who is almost eighteen and has little training in spiritual matters can learn to pray.”
His smile brightened. “Yes, she can.”
The kitchen door opened behind them, and Mabel looked out. “Breakfast is ready.”
“We’re coming.” Rob turned toward the house with his relaxed smile back in place.
Grace’s heart lifted. “Thank you, Rob.”
He lifted one eyebrow. “For…”
“For shining a light on the path ahead and helping me see my way.”
His eyes glowed. “You’re welcome.” He touched her gently on the back as they started toward the house.
Pleasant warmth spread through Grace. Rob’s caring words and actions were a comfort, and her attraction to him deepened every day. How much more time would they have together? She wanted to travel to England and be reunited with her family, but the thought of saying goodbye to Rob sent a pang through her heart. Did he feel the same about her, or were his thoughtful gestures just a reflection of his kind heart?
Emma placed three onions in her basket on top of the two bunches of carrots and turned toward the counter. “Mr. Swanson, do you have any peas?”
The bald, bespectacled grocer offered her a warm smile. “I believe we just had some delivered not an hour ago. I’ll bring some out for you.”
“Thank you. That’s very kind. Mrs. Morton is making beef stew at the café, and she said your spring peas are always the best.”
He puffed out his chest. “Well, you tell Mrs. Morton I’m pleased to hear she likes our peas. I bring them in from Bill