The Timeless Love Romance Collection

by Dianne Christner

  “Now that’s a comforting thought.”

  “I’m serious.” She tugged his arm. “Let’s go back over there, and I’ll stand by the railing with you.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” His tone was laced with a hint of anger.

  “Look, I won’t touch you, I—”

  “No. It’s my problem, not yours.”

  Edie felt the burn of his rebuff. She shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

  Wade touched her arm. “I’m sorry. It’s just that you’re treating this like a game. It’s not a game to me. It’s not something you can fix.”

  Once again she saw the truth of his words. His complexion had paled until he didn’t even look like an outdoorsman. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

  “You’ve got to learn about a man a little at a time, Edie. You’ve bitten off a big portion today. Wouldn’t you rather just walk and enjoy my company?”

  She crooked her arm in his. “I believe I would.” As they walked, she wished she could convey to him that his presence felt comforting and protective, regardless of the fear he’d shared with her. What other man would share something like that? But then, Wade wasn’t any ordinary man. He was a compassionate, God-fearing man. With this realization, Edie thought she lost a bit of her heart to him. She was falling in love, and she didn’t know what she was going to do about it. It felt good, but it was the scariest thing that had ever happened to her.

  “Wade? You know what frightens me?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Your job. I’m getting too attached. I find myself worrying over you every night, not knowing where you are, if you’re safe.”

  “You could pray for me.”

  “Have you ever prayed about your—breathing problem?”

  Wade blushed. “Edie, you’ve put me through more this day than a man’s apt to be able to take. But in answer to your question, I don’t think I have. I don’t think I even ever mentioned it out loud before.”

  “Well, I challenge you, then.”

  “And I return the challenge. But don’t forget that if God gets involved, nothing is impossible.”

  “So you’re not afraid to challenge God?”

  “Not at all. Don’t be surprised if God reveals Himself to you.”

  “You, too, Ranger Sloan.”

  Chapter 7

  Late Sunday afternoon, Edie took Wade’s Bible to a large, flat boulder overlooking the canyon, a favorite place of Dinah’s, and gazed with appreciation at the multicolored canyon. The time-etched walls made her life seem no more than a breath in eternity. With feelings of uneasiness, she opened the book and thumbed to the book of Genesis, where she read the creation account. Remembering Wade’s request, she placed her hands on the open pages, as if they were magical, and prayed for his protection. But instead of making her feel better, the action unsettled her stomach, giving her an uneasy feeling.

  She’d hoped her job would satisfy her longing for that unidentifiable something. Instead, since coming to the Grand Canyon, she was more confused than ever about how to find happiness.

  As the setting sun cast rosy colors, she mused. Beauty couldn’t be the key, for the canyon offered more of that than most people beheld in a lifetime. She placed her chin in her hands and gazed across the breathtaking expanse again, contemplating her situation. Wade was a godly man. The Bible on her lap was evidence of the beginning of what might be required from her, and she wasn’t sure that she wanted to change or that she could ever believe like he did.

  He was not without his weaknesses. Because of his confession on their last outing, she felt a tinge of guilt that she could even enjoy the view from her seat on the overhanging face of rock. Her concern for him was evidence that their friendship no longer consisted of a flirtation. He’d captured her heart with his charming smile and gentle, caring manner. It seemed love wasn’t the key to her satisfaction, either. In fact, it stirred up dissatisfaction. Love hurt as much as it thrilled, and she didn’t want to hurt again or lose someone again. With Wade’s dangerous job, she was largely at risk.

  She’d come to the West to work as a Harvey Girl, seeking adventure, and hadn’t been disappointed. She enjoyed her job and found a wonderful friend in her roommate, Dinah. Perhaps she should just admit to Wade this prayer stuff wasn’t working for her. She heard a rustling and looked over her shoulder.

  “Dinah. I was just thinking of you.”

  “I didn’t mean to disturb you,” the other girl said. “Especially when you’re studying your Bible.”

  “I was finished.”

  “May I join you, then?”

  Edie nodded, explaining further, “I promised Wade I would read it and that I would pray for his safety.”

  “I like him better all the time.”

  “He’s becoming a real problem.”

  Dinah settled in beside her. “Why? Have you quarreled?”

  “No. I was just thinking how he’s trying to change me. He wants me to pray and read the Bible like him. He wants me to be able to accept his job whether I like it or not. He comes and goes as he pleases. I wait and worry. And he wants to be friends when I’m feeling more than friendship.”

  “I don’t see anything wrong with reading and praying, but I wouldn’t like the worrying part, either.”

  “Of course you wouldn’t!”

  “You think he’ll ever leave the rangers?”

  “When I ask him about it, he doesn’t say. He skirts the issue.”

  Dinah sighed. “That does sound like a man who isn’t going to change.”

  “I was just thinking that I have everything I need with the canyon, my job, and you. Maybe I should just break it off with him before it goes any further. I think he’ll understand, because when Shady Burt said he was going to get even, Wade was worried he’d come after me. He even suggested we not see each other. Maybe he also knows it’s for the best all the way around.”

  “Perhaps.” Dinah’s expression was not so convincing.

  Edie shrugged. “It’s getting dark. I think I’ll head back to our room. Maybe read a little before bed.”

  “That sounds like a good idea. When are you going to finish that dime novel so I can read it?”

  “Tonight,” Edie said with conviction. Tonight she was ready to face the ending.

  An hour later, she opened her book and started with the end of the next-to-last chapter to renew her memory.

  Lolita waved, then watched the Texas ranger ride away. She watched until his dust had settled.

  “If he is a man good enough for my daughter, he will return. If he does not, he is not a man at all,” said her father.

  Edie turned the page and started the last chapter.

  Lolita went to the well. As she had every day since the ranger’s departure, she gazed down the road with longing.

  “What are you looking for, señorita?”

  With a gasp, she dropped the bucket and turned. Him! She blushed, her dignity returning. “Tell me first, why have you returned?”

  “I forgot something.”

  “What is that?”

  The Texas Ranger closed the distance between them and quickly drew her into his arms. “This.”

  She closed her eyes and savored the closeness. She was not disappointed when his lips met hers. When they drew apart, she smiled. “I knew you would come back.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me that before? You could have saved me a lot of trouble.”

  She looped her arm through his. “I’m telling you now. And this time, I’m not letting you escape so easily, either.”

  The End.

  Edie snapped the book closed. “Well, that doesn’t help me at all. I still don’t know what happened.”

  “What do you mean?” Dinah asked.

  “The ending. I don’t know if he quit his job or if—”

  “Stop. Don’t tell me. I want to read it, remember?”

  “Sorry.” Edie turned off the light and snuggled under the covers. Wel
l, this is it, Lord. If You’re going to make Yourself known to me, You’d better do it soon. Once I break up with Wade, I may not talk to You much. No disrespect meant. Amen.

  Wade waited outside the dormitory, clutching a bundle of flowers from the gift shop. He hadn’t seen Edie for over a week, and he wanted to make a good impression. He’d gotten a haircut, trimmed his mustache, and even bought a new shirt when he was in Flagstaff. When she came out, he stepped forward. “I missed you.”

  She blushed. “Thank you. I missed you, too.” She smelled the offered bouquet.

  Her eyes moistened, and Wade was grateful for his foresight regarding the flowers. “What do you want to do today? Go to the Hopi House?”

  “Could we just walk a bit?” she asked.

  Wade cast a skyward glance. “If we don’t go too far. It looks like rain.”

  Edie clutched her flowers and nodded, gazing at the ground as they started off rather than looping her hand through his arm as usual. Normally she bubbled over with news or small talk; today she was quiet. He sought for something to say that might interest her. “I heard some gossip in the gift shop. They said a woman named Olivia Gregory just had a baby. Do you know her?”

  She gave a wobbly smile. “I heard that news, too. I wait on her husband sometimes. He used to be a manager here. Now he’s a lawyer in Williams and is working on the canyon’s national park status. Olivia was a Harvey Girl. Everyone is happy for her.”

  Even talking about happiness, Edie looked sober. Her behavior troubled Wade. Normally she would have spilled out such news before they’d gone ten paces.

  “Is something bothering you today?”

  “Yes. I—” A crack of thunder rent the air. Edie pointed toward the east. “Oh. Look how dark it’s gotten.”

  “I’m glad I’m staying at the hotel tonight. Shall we take cover in the lobby?” he suggested.

  She nodded. “We need to talk.”

  “We can talk about whatever you want. Anything that makes you happy. I just want to see that smile of yours lighting up your face.”

  Inside, they sat near a window where they could watch the rain and lightning show.

  “Just in time,” Wade said a bit too cheerfully.

  She sighed. “The weather seems quite appropriate.”

  Wade took her hand. “Tell me what’s bothering you. Did something happen at work?”

  “Just look at the pine trees, their tops bending to the wind.” She pointed. “I’m going to miss this place so much.”

  Wade’s heart plummeted. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m putting in for a transfer.”

  He scooted to the edge of his chair. “But I thought you loved it here. You just said you did. Why?” Suddenly he understood. “It’s me, isn’t it? You want to get away from me?”

  “There’s no easy way to say this, but yes. I have enjoyed our times together, but it’s getting too complicated.”

  “Is it what I said about Shady Burt?”

  “He’s a small part of it. Mostly it’s because I’m falling in love with you, and I can’t do that.”

  “Why not? I know we haven’t known each other long, but I’ve known for weeks that I love you, too. This is a good thing, Edie. Don’t fight it,” he pleaded.

  “Please don’t make this hard.” She laid the bouquet in her lap and swiped tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. “I don’t know when I’ll get a transfer, but I’d rather we didn’t see each other again in the meantime.”

  Her unexpected rejection caught him off guard, but he knew he needed to delay her leaving the territory and disappearing forever. He had to convince her to stay long enough for him to figure out a way to win her over.

  She picked up the bouquet and started to rise.

  “Wait. You don’t need to transfer. I promise I won’t bother you. I’ll respect your wishes.”

  She hesitated. “But you often come into the dining room to eat. You stay at the hotel.”

  “I won’t sit at one of your tables. And I won’t seek you out if that’s not what you want.”

  There was a lull in the storm, and Edie glanced toward the door. “I don’t know. I thought it would be easier if I didn’t see you again.”

  “Let’s try. If it’s too hard, then you can transfer. Better yet, I can. You love it here, and you love Dinah.”

  She looked at him. “Really?”

  Wade nodded.

  “I’m sorry, but I just can’t love a ranger. Please try to understand. I’m sorry—” She turned and hurried away.

  Wade slumped back into the armchair and stared at the closed door, then watched her pass outside the window. So that was her reason. If he was honest with himself, he could understand why she felt like she did, but what he couldn’t understand was why she didn’t even give him a chance to make a choice. The rain started up again. With a storm of rising emotions, he turned away from the window and left for the privacy of his room.

  Edie hurried across the street, past the dormitory toward the edge of the forest. She lifted her skirt and waded through the wet grass and brushed by the dripping evergreen branches until she reached privacy. She flung her flowers on the pine-carpeted ground and leaned against the nearest tree, sinking to the earth. Placing her face in her hands, she allowed the sobs to come.

  He hadn’t even argued, hadn’t offered to quit his job, hadn’t begged her to change her mind, and she was miserable and didn’t know what she was going to do. A crash of thunder and a torrent of rain added to her suffering. Oh bother, she thought, placing her arm across her forehead to protect her face. Rising, she lifted her skirt with the other hand and had no choice but to run toward the dormitory. A few steps and she returned and groped the ground for her scattered flowers, then ran again for the dormitory. Her only comfort was that the rain would wash her tearstained face.

  Chapter 8

  Wade finished his coffee and put out the campfire. The first several days after Edie’s rejection, he could think of nothing other than his utter distress and loneliness, but as the days grew into a week, his mind focused on something different—Edie’s challenge.

  It simmered until it prompted him toward action, so he’d packed his saddlebags for an indefinite stay and mounted his horse.

  Now from a distance, he saw his destination, Canyon Diablo Bridge. Diablo was Spanish for “devil.” The Lord was urging him to make peace with the demon that had robbed him of so much peace. And this was the perfect place to do it. He didn’t know what to do to restore his friendship with Edie, but he knew what to do about his—fear. Yes, fear.

  The bridge was so high it seemed surreal, its steel bracings strong enough to hold a moving train. He was going to camp here tonight and haunt that bridge every day for as long as it took for him to overcome his fear. And every day when he reached the summit, he was going to pray for God to change Edie’s heart and remove her fears just as he trusted Him to bear away his own fear and pain.

  He surveyed the area first, looking for the perfect place to make camp. On each side of the bridge, the bluffs sloped dramatically with giant boulders and scraggly plants. He tied his horse and looked for a path to the bottom but saw nothing. He finally chose a place on the top by some scrub bushes for shade. While his horse was sampling the vegetation, he walked toward the bridge. Just thinking about his task tightened his chest. The closer he got, the more panicked he felt.

  Once on the bridge, he managed one step at a time, peering down often to acclimate himself to the height. He was only about a sixth of the way when he heard a train’s whistle. A burst of energy fed his muscles. Common sense vanished. Frantic to outrun the train rather than climb down the trellis or let the locomotive rattle past him, he raced until he reached the end of the bridge; then he gave a mighty leap and stumbled. Momentum rolled him another thirty feet downhill. A rocky ledge stopped his fall. He lay there, gasping for air. Above him, the train rumbled across the bridge.

  Wheezing, he crawled up the embankment, pebbles and s
tickers becoming embedded in his hands. He pushed to a standing position and sprinted off in the opposite direction until he reached camp, where he sank flat to the ground, stomach down, and lay there until his breathing returned to almost normal, all the while berating himself for not taking the train schedule into consideration.

  When he could speak, he recited the verse he had heard on the train about God’s sending His angels to protect him. In God’s mercy, the humor of it struck him—“They will keep him from striking his foot against a stone.” He had been mighty glad for that stone ledge. His chuckle turned into gales of laughter, and there all alone in Canyon Diablo, he laughed at himself until the tears came.

  Edie stood at the coffee urn filling a tray of cups and genuinely tried to put her heart and soul into her work, but it didn’t relieve her misery. She reminded herself of why she had come to the Arizona Territory as a Harvey Girl—to make her father proud. She argued with her heart that she had not endured training and come clear across the country just to mope over a man. Her hand trembled, and coffee sloshed over the rim and onto her starched white apron.

  Oh bother. Now she’d have to run across the street to the dormitory to change. She started toward the head waitress, but Dinah caught her eye.

  “You all right?”

  “I spilled again. Honestly, Miss Gibson is going to think I’m doing this on purpose to get out of work.”

  “Nonsense. I’m sure she’s spilled a cup or two in her day. She knows by now that you are good at your job. It’s Wade, isn’t it?”

  Edie nodded. “It’s been a week since we parted ways. I keep thinking I’ll turn around and see him sitting in the dining room. Know what I mean?”

  Dinah nodded. “You miss him. He’ll be back. Don’t worry. It’s almost quitting time. We’ll talk later. Here, let’s trade aprons, and I’ll go fetch a clean one.”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “Hurry, before someone sees,” Dinah urged.

  Edie smiled. “Thanks. You’re the best.” She watched Dinah leave. She really was the kindest woman.