The Parson's Daughters Boxed Set: Sweet and Clean Christian Romance - 4 Book Bundle

by Annie Boone

  The house was constructed of stone and timber and it was the most beautiful house Faith had ever seen. There was a wide porch with a welcoming front door and flowers growing in the side yard. Faith was taking it all in when the carriage pulled to a stop and she was captivated.

  “This is the main house, where I live with the children,” said Aaron in a matter of fact tone. “You’ll be staying in the guest cottage for a while. Until we, uh, you know, get married.”

  She couldn’t believe how he stammered through the bare minimum details of how she would eventually move into the main house with him as his wife. She was beginning to think this was going to be more difficult than she thought – even at the worst of things on the ride home. Her determination wasn’t gone, but it was definitely damaged.

  She had a feeling that he wasn’t trying to make their situation uncomfortable, but that’s exactly what was happening. If he was this inept with women before he married the children’s mother, how did that ever happen?

  She shook the feeling of insecurity off as she waited for him to come to her side to help her down from the carriage. “Your home is lovely. The grounds are perfect for children to play and have fun. I’m sure they love it here.”

  “Thank you, Faith. We’re quite comfortable here. I, um, hope you will be, too,” replied Aaron.

  She gave him a brilliant smile in response. The color seemed to drain from his face. She had no idea what to make of that.

  “So, how do I get to the guest cottage, then?” Faith asked. She was unclear about what should happen now. It was just about supper time and she was hungry. Was she to dine with Aaron and the children? Was she to figure things out on her own? How far was that cottage, anyway?

  “Oh, don’t worry about that yet. The cook will have supper ready right about now. Are you hungry? We should eat before we get you set up over there. I’ll have your things delivered there and they’ll be waiting for you later tonight,” he said.

  This was the most she’d heard him speak since she had met him in person almost three hours ago.

  “Oh, I suppose I could eat. And it will be fine to settle in later. Will the children be joining us for supper?” asked Faith.

  “Not tonight. They’re staying with their grandparents for the night. I thought you’d prefer to meet them after a good night’s rest.”

  “That’s probably wise.” Faith smiled at him sincerely at his thoughtfulness for her and for his children.

  “Let’s go inside and I’ll show you around. You can freshen up in the spare room and then relax until supper is ready. I have a few things to check on before we eat.”

  Faith followed him inside and was in awe of the spacious and comfortable interior. He showed her to the guest room and left her with a promise to meet in an hour. She washed her face, combed her hair, and smoothed her rumpled skirt. When she felt refreshed, she found her Bible in her bag and went to find a place to read.

  She chose a spot beside the window looking out onto the porch. There was a lamp on a table and she turned it up to make it easier to see. The sun had faded quickly once they came inside. As she got comfortable, she opened the Bible to Proverbs and found Chapter 19. She scanned to verse 21 where she read:

  There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

  Faith thought a moment about how this verse held an important lesson for her now. The desires of her heart were hers, but the Lord’s purpose is what she should seek. What was His purpose for her right now? She had prayed fervently before she had agreed to come here. She felt that God was truly leading her. Now that she was here, she was uncertain as to God’s purpose.

  Oh Lord, help me see what You have for me here. Open my eyes and light the path for me to follow. Amen.

  As she opened her eyes, she reread the verse again. She read a bit further to the end of the chapter and came away encouraged. This passage reminded her that kindness and truthfulness was more important than wealth. She shouldn’t feel small in any way. Faith suddenly was very proud to be her father’s daughter. His strong faith was inside her and she felt empowered.

  Aaron entered the room and saw that she was reading. He came to stand in front of her and asked what she was reading.

  “The Bible. Proverbs. Many good lessons there,” she smiled.

  “I know you were a teacher in Georgia. That is part of the reason that I was so pleased to ask you to come here, but I just didn’t realize that you were so into practicing what you preach to the young ones,” he tried to smile, even though the words came out sounding bitter. She suspected he intended the comment to be humorous but the attempt had fallen flat.

  Eased by the words she’d just read, Faith responded gently, “I love to learn and I guess it always comes through.”

  He nodded, “I see that.” He stopped then for a moment before he continued, “Don’t take this the wrong way, but can you actually read all that?” He gestured to the Bible, as though he was truly surprised at her attentiveness to it.

  Faith nodded, “Why, yes. I can read. I have always enjoyed reading. And the Bible is my favorite book. My life is guided by faith in God and this is the way I stay in touch with what I believe. And besides that, it’s got some wonderful stories. Entertaining and instructional all at the same time.”

  His eyes widened and he stared at her with an inquisitive look. He realized that he’d probably insulted her by insinuating that she wasn’t very bright or that he thought she wouldn’t be able to read.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to imply that you can’t read. Of course you can. You’re a teacher.”

  “I know, Aaron. You were talking about my reading the Bible. Right?”

  He nodded almost numbly. He wasn’t sure what it was about her, but he was drawn to her. There was something about her that made him think that these surprises were just starting to unravel. He briefly wondered what else he’d learn about her.

  Aaron certainly had not expected her to be attractive at all. He thought she’d be smart, if not properly educated, but never pretty. Most teachers he knew were not the least bit appealing. He was unnerved by her beauty.

  He had counted on his assumption that any attractive woman would rather starve than go out west to become a mail order bride. Agreeing to marry a man that she did not know and had never even met didn’t make sense for a woman who was blessed with good looks and could find a suitable husband in her home town. A woman who would become a mail order bride must certainly be in a dire position.

  He didn’t plan to have any kind of attraction to Faith. He expected that their marriage would be utilitarian only. He needed help with his children and someone to manage the household. She needed to be taken care of. A match made in Heaven. Except Faith wasn’t what he expected to get in a mail order bride. He wanted an unattractive wife. For most men that wouldn’t make sense. For Aaron, this made perfect sense.

  After all, he didn’t want to be in love. He didn’t even want to like his bride-to-be all that much. He had been married before to a woman he adored. He didn’t want to go through the heartache of love and loss again. When he acknowledged to himself how beautiful Faith was it felt like he was being unfaithful to his late wife. He certainly couldn’t live life like that.

  “Do you teach the Bible to the children in your class?”

  “I do. It’s important to me to share my faith. Children need to learn arithmetic, writing, English, science and other subjects, but showing them God is also important. You see, my father was a pastor,” She answered thoughtfully. “I guess his teaching and his heart for spreading the Gospel is something I am blessed to carry on.”

  “I see,” said Aaron. “I don’t recall that your father was a parson.”

  “He also made sure that all three of us could read the Word of God. And so, he taught us to read, just about as soon as we started to talk.” Faith then felt her eyes grow slightly darker before she answered, “Well, at least he taught me and my younger sister. He died
in the war and didn’t get a chance to teach my baby sister. She seems to have the same fire in her heart that my father did.” She smiled, but wasn’t sure why she was telling him all of this.

  If she was fair, she hadn’t shared her faith with him explicitly in her letters. She hadn’t asked about his faith, either. This was a failing on her part. She couldn’t be married to a man who didn’t believe in God. Could her biggest mistake be not making sure they were compatible with their faith?

  “I’m sure she’s an inspiration,” he said reverently.

  Faith nodded. “Thank you. Charity is a blessing and an inspiration, indeed. I guess his influence is on us at least in our names. He chose our names based on a Bible verse. Faith, Hope, and Charity. My mother must not have argued with him.”

  He chuckled easily. She was smitten again by the mellow tone of his laughter. “Shall we go have something to eat? I’m sure you’re past ready for supper.”

  “I can eat,” she smiled and rose to follow him to the dining room.

  They seated themselves at a table that held roasted chicken and vegetables. It looked and smelled delicious. They helped their plates and ate silently for a few moments.

  Aaron broke the silence. “I guess it’s really nice that you share your faith.” Then he shrugged thoughtfully and added, “The only time I received the Word of God was when I went to church with my wife and her family.”

  “Why is that, Aaron? Was your own up-bringing outside of a church?” asked Faith, boldly. “I realized earlier that I had no idea of your religious beliefs. I want to know if you don’t mind sharing.”

  “I was raised by my aunt and uncle. My parents died when I was young, only seven months apart. I was an only child and they took me in. They were good to me, but they didn’t attend church so I didn’t. I didn’t even have a Bible until my wife’s mother gave me one.”

  “That’s a sweet story. I’m sure you cherish that Bible today.”

  “I don’t know if cherish is the right word. I appreciated it at the time, though I’ve not read it a while. My late wife was very devout. Her parents still are, I haven’t been to church since she was taken from me. I haven’t found the strength to return to the place where her funeral was held. I guess that one day I’ll return, I just don’t know when.”

  Faith nodded her understanding. “God hasn’t given up on you. When you’re ready, you’ll see that He’s made your path straight.”

  “I hope you’re right, Faith. I don’t mean to focus so much on my dead wife – especially on the first day you’re here. I’m feeling that I need to reconcile some things. I don’t think I realized that until you got here. I hope you can understand.”

  “It’s fine.”

  “I saw that Mary’s faith was able to get her through anything. Um, her name was Mary. I don’t think I ever told you her name,” he said, almost absently.

  “A beautiful, Biblical name.”

  He gave a brief, poignant smile. “Her belief in God and Heaven allowed her to accept that she was going to leave us too soon. Being left with a baby and a toddler, that required skills I didn’t have. Still don’t.”

  “It must have been difficult for you, Aaron.”

  He shook his head and Faith saw his eyes well up with unshed tears. “I really miss her.” He sighed loudly in an aggravated tone and stared straight ahead. It seemed as though he was trying to ward of the emotion that was building up inside of him. “It’s just, well, almost three years have gone by and I still have trouble accepting the reality that she’s not coming back.”

  Faith remained quiet. She couldn’t imagine losing someone so close to her. She remembered losing her father and that had been devastating. Losing a spouse with two children you have to raise alone must be much worse.

  She knew that nothing she could say at this point would make him feel better. He would have to deal with his pain and suppressed anger in his own way. They had gone from complete awkwardness between them to him pouring out his grief about his late wife to her, his future wife. That seemed so strange, but it also felt right at the same time. Faith wanted to give him some comfort if she could so she decided to at least try to say something.

  “I’m so very sorry for your loss, Aaron. Death seems unfair to all who are left.”

  He nodded and answered, “The children hardly had any time with her. They don’t remember her. That makes me sad, and even a little angry. Why would God do that to them?” He shrugged, but didn’t add anything else.

  The two of them sat in silence again, even though Faith wished that she could think of something else to say to comfort him. Even though the conversation was somber, it was personal and that was encouraging. She wanted Aaron to feel comfortable talking with her about anything. She wanted to be a beacon of hope and light. That was how she remembered her father speaking about her mother.

  Many husbands spoke of outer beauty when they described their beloved and that was indeed flattering, even important. But to be the one other person in the world a husband depended on to be his grounding and his guide, was the highest honor Faith could imagine. Maybe one day she would be that for Aaron.

  It was difficult to see him in such agony over the loss of a woman he loved so dearly. She knew he didn’t feel that way about her. At least not yet. She was not giving up on the hope that he had the capacity love deeply again.

  They sat quietly together for what seemed like an hour to Faith. She couldn’t just get up and walk away and she didn’t feel comfortable breaking the silence so she waited on him. After a while Aaron spoke. “Thank you for listening to me.” He didn’t look up, he just continued looking down at the food that was left on his plate.

  Faith nodded. Still wanting to comfort him in some way, she reached out and took his hand. She squeezed gently and then let it go. At the moment she broke the physical connection, he looked up at her. He looked her in the eyes and held her gaze for a long moment. Her heart skipped a beat.

  She was shocked that she could feel a romantic pull toward him after such a heavy conversation about a woman he still loved. She didn’t know for sure what he was feeling, but she felt like he was at least feeling gratitude toward her. That was obvious by the fact that he hadn’t looked away when their eyes locked. She would cherish this tender moment for some time.

  “When it’s time, I want you to teach the children how to read. I know they’ll learn in school, but I want them to learn early. Those Bible stories you mentioned, if you could tell them some of those, I’d appreciate it,” Aaron said. His demeanor had changed drastically. He was back to being the detached and unemotional man she’d met earlier in the day.

  “Of course. I’d be happy to do those things,” Faith replied. She was disappointed by the change in him. She had hoped they had made progress in their relationship. Maybe they had, but suddenly it felt like the previous conversation hadn’t really happened. Though it wasn’t realistic to think that they would be sharing words of affection on the first day they met face to face, she had wanted for more than this.

  “I know it sounds like I want it both ways, and maybe that’s true. But I do want them to be able to read and understand the Word of the Lord.” He sighed as if he was giving up on something. A dream of what his life was supposed to be? A realization that he had to make sure his children were exposed to the God their mother believed in? “I might not be grounded in God’s Word, but that doesn’t mean that I want my children to be faithless.”

  Faith shifted in her seat uncomfortably. She reached out and touched his arm very lightly. “Maybe I can help you find your faith again, Aaron. I would love to share that journey with you.”

  For a moment, she could have sworn that she felt them reconnect after he had discarded the tender moment they had shared earlier. She wondered briefly if it was their honest discussion, some sort of divine purpose, or something far more superficial, but the moment didn’t last. She was once again disappointed and discouraged.

  Aaron scoffed at her and hissed, “I
don’t even know why I’m telling you any of this. Sorry. I must be tired. I’m saying things I don’t mean to say. I’m not the kind of man that the Lord wants, anyway, so let’s just forget about this conversation.”

  “God wants everyone. Everyone!” She exclaimed before she could stop herself, “No matter what mistakes you’ve made, the Lord gives solace and peace when we need it most. All we have to do is seek it and claim it.”

  “I’ve sought all I’m willing to,” he responded testily. “My sweet Mary was my reason for doing everything. She encouraged me and understood me. Losing her has punished about as much as I can be. The only saving grace is that I have my children and lately, I haven’t even been a very good father to them. I’m lost.”

  He shrugged as if his spiritual state didn’t matter. Abruptly he had gone from caring about his family and his position as their father to being defeated and unwilling to fight for the best thing for him and his children.

  “Perhaps I can help you find your way back,” Faith offered.

  “No,” Aaron answered solidly, which made Faith stare at him in alarm. When he realized the sharpness of his own tongue, he stopped and sighed. Finally, he shook his head again and added bitterly, “Maybe I don’t want to be found.”

  “Then, that is really very sad,” Faith replied. She got up from the table and took her half empty plate to the kitchen. She wasn’t sure if anyone would come to clean up the supper dishes or not. She decided didn’t care. She walked through the main room of the house to the front door. She turned briefly to see if he had followed her. He had not. So she stepped out of the house and walked to the house she had seen earlier. She hoped this was the guest house that would be hers for a while.

  She didn’t know if this situation could be salvaged. It didn’t matter that she had no other options for a husband, an ungodly man who was mostly cold, bitter, and distant wasn’t a man she was willing to marry. Unless God was able to work a miracle in Aaron’s heart of stone, she feared she would be heading back to Sweetwater Creek before long.