Love Is Patient Romance Collection

by Vetsch, Erica; McDonough, Vickie; Barton, Janet Lee

  Both Elaine and Anika nodded.

  “Good. On Saturday I’ll drive out to visit India and make sure she’s favorable to the idea.” Jody leaned back to allow Etta room to set down her meat loaf dinner. Suddenly her appetite returned. She might have lost Aaron, but he’d been right about moving the orphanage, and the children would be the real winners in the long run. Now all she needed were some creative ideas for raising some more money … and something to soothe her aching heart.

  Monday morning, Jody grasped the arms of the wooden chair across from Tucker’s desk, her heart dropping to the floor. “But I don’t understand. How could the Nickerson farm be sold? Didn’t Anika tell you we wanted to buy it for the orphanage?”

  “Actually, no. She mentioned you all had decided on a place but never said which property. I’m terribly sorry, Jody, but there are other places that would probably work almost as well.”

  “But nothing as close to town that wouldn’t need lots more work.” Jody’s hope sank as if it were trapped in quicksand. How could this be happening?

  Fearing she’d burst into tears, she hurried from Tucker’s office and made her way behind the building to avoid stares. Feet dragging on the ground, she wandered through the cacti, stopping in the shade of a giant saguaro. The shadow this particular cactus made reminded her of a cross with its stubby arms upturned, as if in praise to God.

  Unshed tears burned her eyes, then dripped down her cheeks. Were all her dreams doomed to failure?

  Aaron had been gone a week, and she missed him more than ever. Why hadn’t she realized the treasure God had given her before she’d cast it away?

  Leaning into her hands, she allowed her tears to flow. After a few minutes, she looked up, struggling to gather her composure. A woodpecker tapped at a nearby cactus, and the warm breeze teased her cheeks but did little to soothe her.

  “I’ve made a mess of things, Lord. I thought I was doing what You wanted, but obviously I haven’t been. Forgive me for rushing ahead with mule-headed stubbornness and not spending enough time seeking Your will. I don’t know what You have planned for the orphanage, but I will continue to pray that You will direct and guide us. And if it’s Your will, please bring Aaron back.”

  As if a cleansing rain had blanketed the parched land, Jody felt refreshed and relieved. She didn’t always have to be the one to work things out. God was in control.

  Chapter 9

  Aaron held his breath, staring at his father. Instead of traveling to Banner Ridge as he’d planned, on a whim, he’d come home. “So what do you think?”

  He’d just explained how he’d bought the Nickerson farm and donated it to the orphanage. Jody and her friends could use the money they had collected to build the new dormitory, since they wouldn’t have to use it to buy land.

  “I have to say I’m proud of you, son.” Smiling, Phineas Garrett leaned back in his chair and laced his fingers over his midsection.

  Aaron’s heart leapt, and he sat numb with stunned delight. He’d finally heard the words he’d longed to hear for so many years, and they had come about not because of a successful building project, but simply from giving to someone in need.

  “I know I’ve been hard on you, Aaron, but I didn’t want you to grow up wealthy and spoiled. You’re my only heir. I needed to know you would be a man of character and could run things after I’m gone.” His father stared out the window for a moment, then captured Aaron’s gaze again. “This whole orphanage deal proves to me that people are more important to you than money. You did a good thing.”

  A warmth like a steaming cup of coffee on a cool morning flowed through Aaron’s being. His father was proud of him. This moment would always be one he cherished as a high point in his life.

  Perhaps that was God’s purpose in sending him to Cactus Corner—not to build a hotel, but to help the orphans and gain his father’s respect.

  If only he could get Jody out of his mind and heart.

  Phineas leaned forward, a twinkling gleam in his dark eyes. “So tell me about this gal that’s got you all hornswoggled.”

  Aaron blinked. Was it that obvious?

  His father chuckled. “I may have been married thirty-five years, but I still recognize that look. Tell me what happened, son. Perhaps I can offer some advice.”

  Two days after his talk with his father, Aaron stepped off the train at the Cactus Corner depot. A nervous excitement surged through him at seeing Jody again. His father had said if he loved Jody so much as to mope around like he was, then he owed it to himself to make amends and see if they had a future together.

  With carpetbag in hand, he crossed the street, and his gaze automatically swerved toward the old mercantile land. His crew had done a good job of clearing away the building. Behind the orphanage were tall piles of lumber he had donated to be used for firewood.

  He turned around and headed toward the freight office—and Jody. But as he passed the orphanage again, his pace slowed as he noticed the words FOR SALE painted on the side of the adobe building. His heart jumped. This was what he’d wanted all along. He glanced at the freight office and then across the dirt road to Tucker Truesdale’s office. Perhaps a quick detour was in order.

  Aaron stepped into the lawyer’s office and was suddenly assailed with the scent of beeswax.

  Truesdale glanced up from his shiny walnut desk and smiled. “Good to have you back in town, Mr. Garrett.”

  They shook hands, and Aaron took the seat the lawyer indicated.

  “So what can I help you with?”

  Aaron leaned back, willing his insides to settle. Just perhaps, he’d win the woman he loved and get the land he’d wanted. “I’d like to buy the orphanage property if it’s still available.”

  Truesdale smiled. “It is.”

  He named a price. For a brief second, the businessman in Aaron considered dickering over the sale price, but the money was going to a good cause. He quickly signed papers, put down a deposit, and agreed to have the remaining funds forwarded.

  “So what did Jody say when you told her about the Nickerson farm?” Aaron laced his fingers to hold them steady. Had she been happy about someone buying that property and donating it to the orphanage? Had she figured out it was he?

  Truesdale’s brows dipped, and he sighed. “She wasn’t too happy. Had her heart set on getting that property for the children.”

  Aaron blinked. “I don’t understand. That’s the whole reason I bought that land. Was there some misunderstanding?”

  Truesdale leaned forward, head cocked to one side. “You may not remember, but you were rather upset and in quite a hurry to leave town that day. You purchased the land but never indicated it was to go to the orphanage. I couldn’t breach confidence and simply told Jody the farm had been sold.”

  Aaron rubbed the back of his neck. Oh brother, what a fine mess!

  A few minutes later, he stood outside Truesdale’s office, staring at the Brody Freight Company window, thinking about all that had happened. He had given up on purchasing the orphanage land when he left town, but now God had turned things around and blessed him with the property. Would the same be true with Jody? Would she even be happy to see him?

  Anxiety made his belly swirl. His heartbeat sped up as he stepped off the boardwalk and crossed the road. He hoped the woman he loved was in the building straight ahead.

  He thought of how Jody’s blue-green eyes sparked with excitement as she talked about her vision for the orphanage. He loved her fiery passion and loyalty to her cause. If only she were that passionate in her feelings toward him. His steps slowed as doubt crept in.

  Before he informed Jody that he’d bought the Nickerson farm, he wanted to see her response to his presence. He wanted her to care for him, not because he was wealthy or had the means to make her dreams come true. He wanted her to love the man he was.

  “Hey, clear the road!”

  Aaron jumped at the gruff voice and the sound of harnesses jingling. He moved out of the road and put his foot on
the first step up to the boardwalk. The freight office door jingled open, and an angel dressed in blue stepped out.

  The sun shone down on Jody’s golden hair, making it gleam. She squinted against the outside glare and pulled the door shut. He stepped onto the boardwalk just as she turned around. Her hand lifted and covered her brow. Suddenly her gaze shifted from questioning to surprised.

  “Hello.” Excitement mixed with unnatural shyness made his legs tremble.

  “Aaron,” she whispered. “You came back.”

  He flashed her a soft smile. “I couldn’t leave things the way they were. You need to know how I feel.”

  Jody glanced around. Two scruffy miners passed by, giving them quick, curious stares. “Not here.”

  She grabbed his hand and pulled him behind the freight office and out onto the desert floor. Cacti of various sorts littered the barren land, along with a stubby tree or two. Closer to the creek, greenery grew in abundance. At the sight of Jody and him, a lizard darted under cover of a yucca.

  Jody dropped his hand and turned to face him, looking as shy and anxious as he felt. “So what was it you wanted to say?”

  Sweat trickled down his back as he stared into the eyes he loved so much, hoping to see affection staring back. “I couldn’t just leave things as they were. I’ve been miserable since I left here. You have to know I care for you. Love you.”

  Something flickered in Jody’s eyes, and she started crying. “Oh, Aaron. I’m so sorry for driving you off. I tried to find you to apologize for my irrational behavior, but you were already gone. Can you forgive me?”

  “All is forgiven, sweetheart.” He took his beloved’s hands. Jody’s warm smile took his breath away. “I love you, Jody. I know we haven’t known each other long, so I won’t mention marriage yet, but could I court you? Should I ask Mr. Jacobson’s permission?”

  Hope soared in his heart at her expression.

  “I’m a twenty-six-year-old spinster, Mr. Garrett. My permission is all you need.” Jody squeezed his hands and smiled. “You may come courting—and you may also talk marriage, if you’re so inclined.”

  Aaron was sure his smile nearly reached his earlobes. “I’ll have you know I aim to retire your spinsterhood status.”

  “That’s perfectly fine with me.” Jody laughed and fell into his arms.

  Aaron wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight against his chest. His heart surged with love for Jody and gratitude to God. He gently set her back a little and leaned down, and their lips met. For a few too-short minutes, Aaron was in heaven on earth.

  With regret, but knowing it was necessary, he pulled back. “I have a surprise.”

  “Another one?” Jody grinned, her pretty lips looking puffy and thoroughly kissed.

  Aaron nodded. “I bought the Nickerson farm. Truesdale was supposed to notify the orphanage board that I purchased the land as a donation, but obviously I failed to make that clear to him.”

  He didn’t think Jody’s smile could get any bigger, but it did. “Oh, Aaron. That’s so kind of you. We can use the money we’ve collected to start a dormitory right away.”

  He nodded. “I thought we could also buy a place in town to live when we’re not traveling. That way you can still help out at the orphanage and visit your friends.”

  “Oh yes. That sounds perfect.” Tears gleamed in her eyes, and she lunged back into his arms, but Aaron didn’t mind one bit.

  VICKIE MCDONOUGH

  Vickie is an award-winning inspirational romance author. She has written four Heartsong Presents novels and five novellas. Her second Heartsong book, Spinning Out of Control, placed in the Top Ten Favorite Historical Romance category in Heartsong’s 2006 annual contest. Her stories have also placed first in several prestigious contests, such as the ACFW Noble Theme, the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest, and the Texas Gold contest. She has also written book reviews for over five years and enjoys mentoring new writers. Vickie is a wife of thirty-one years, mother to four sons, and a new grandma. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, gardening, watching movies, and traveling. Vickie loves hearing from her readers at vickie@vickiemcdonough.com.

  Harvest of Love

  by Janet Lee Barton

  Chapter 1

  Roswell, New Mexico Territory, 1895

  Liddy Evans flounced out of the bank, muttering to herself, “How dare he suggest such a thing? How could he even think I would agree to such an arrangement?”

  At the end of the boardwalk, she gathered her skirts in one hand and slid a protective arm around her growing abdomen. Her mutterings continued as she stepped down onto Roswell’s dusty main street and crossed over, dodging horse-drawn wagons and surreys. Safely across, she stepped up to the walk in front of Emma’s Café, all the while fighting the tears that threatened.

  Dear Lord, what am I to do? How can I save the farm Matthew worked so hard for?

  Nothing had been easy since he’d been killed by a rattlesnake while watering his horse down by the creek. Now this. A whole different sort of snake to contend with. There would be an answer. There just has to be, Liddy thought as she entered her friend’s establishment.

  Liddy was relieved to find the café nearly empty. Since Matthew’s death, and as her delicate condition became more obvious by the day, she dreaded the pitying looks she received from the townsfolk. They meant well. She knew they did. Still, she was not one to pity herself, nor did she want the pity of others.

  She sat at a table and looked around. Cal McAllister was the only other person in the café. Well, at least she’d get no pitying looks from him. He had suffered his own loss a couple of years back and kept pretty much to himself. As soon as Emma finished serving him, she hurried over.

  She took one look at Liddy’s face. “It didn’t go well, did it?”

  Liddy untied her bonnet and shook her head.

  “You just relax while I fetch you a cup of tea and a piece of one of your pies.” She hurried to the kitchen before Liddy had a chance to tell her that she didn’t have much of an appetite.

  Liddy leaned back in the chair to ease her aching back. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and prayed silently. Dear Lord, please help me find a way to keep the farm for my child.

  Emma set a cup of tea and a large wedge of apple pie in front of her as Liddy breathed an Amen and opened her eyes.

  “What did old Harper say to drain the color from your cheeks, Liddy?” Emma asked as she took the seat across from her.

  “He won’t grant an extension. If I can’t make the payment by next week, he’ll foreclose.” Liddy shrugged and took a welcome sip of tea. “You know what chance I have of meeting that deadline?”

  Emma pounded her fist on the table. “That man! He hasn’t given you a moment’s rest since Matthew died. I’d like to have him run out of town.”

  Liddy managed a small smile. “Oh, wait. You haven’t heard the worst of it. He say’s he’s willing to pay off the loan himself, if …”

  “If what?”

  “If I’ll marry him.”

  Emma jumped to her feet. “What? Is he crazy?”

  “Well, he says it’s the only way out.”

  “Liddy, you aren’t thinking of—”

  “No. No!” Liddy shook her head adamantly. She shuddered and closed her eyes as though attempting to shut out her pain. “I could never do that. Not even to save the farm for my child.”

  When she opened her eyes, she saw Calvin McAllister at Emma’s side. His gaze rested on Liddy, and his eyes were full of concern.

  “I couldn’t help but overhear part of your conversation, Mrs. Evans. Is Harper giving you problems?”

  Liddy wasn’t sure what to say. “I … he’s …”

  Emma turned to Calvin. “He’s giving her problems all right, Cal. Harper is threatening to take away Liddy’s farm unless she comes up with the payment she owes by next week.”

  Calvin looked closer at Liddy. “Are you that much past due, Mrs. Evans?”

  Li
ddy opened her mouth to reply that the matter was really none of his concern, but Emma didn’t give her a chance.

  “She’s not really behind at all. She’s managed to make the payments from the small amount she and Matthew had saved before he died. But that money has run out, and for the last two months she’s struggled to pay, but …”

  “Emma!” Liddy was appalled that Emma was telling Calvin McAllister her life story. He was a neighbor of sorts, but she’d never really gotten to know him. Since his wife’s death, he kept pretty much to himself. About the only time she did see him was when he brought his girls to church.

  She’d sent Matthew over with food when his wife passed away, and he’d been at Matthew’s funeral. Other than that, she knew nothing at all about this man. Thanks to Emma, he was learning an awful lot about her.

  Emma only paused for a moment. “I’m sorry, Liddy. But you aren’t going to be able to keep up this pace forever. I need the pies you make and the eggs you sell me. But that heavy laundry you are taking in is going to be too hard on you before long.”

  Liddy barely noticed when Cal sat down at the table. Emma just kept talking. “And the gardening is going to be too much soon.”

  “Emma! Stop. Please.” Liddy could feel the heat radiating from her face. She’d never been so embarrassed.

  Finally Emma stopped her tirade and slumped back into her chair. “I’m sorry, Liddy. I just hate to see you go through this much stress so close to the baby’s coming” She clamped a hand over her mouth as if to keep herself from saying anything more.

  Liddy sighed in exasperation. She looked up to find Cal’s warm gaze on her, a half smile on his lips. She lifted her chin a notch. “I’m sorry Emma has subjected you to my boring life, Mr. McAllister.” She glared at her friend. “She’s usually more discreet.”

  Cal chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t think we know the same Emma, ma’am. She’s always been one to speak her mind to me.” He sat up straight. “But I regret that you’ve been made to feel embarrassed. I know Emma worries about you, and I’m sorry that Harper is giving you such a hard time by threatening to take your land away. His practices leave much to be desired.”