by Annie Boone
“I know,” he took a deep breath, covering her shaking hands. “I had some sense knocked into me this morning, and I’m the one who should apologize.” Ethan met her gaze and she stared in surprise. She started to shake her head but he stopped her. “I never let you explain and I shouldn’t have listened to anyone until I came to you.”
She nodded, but looked confused for a moment. She opened her mouth to speak, but he put up a hand to stop her.
“I was being foolish and I will always be sorry for that. If you’ll let me, I want to spend a lifetime with you where I can be better and make it up to you. I have a lot to learn, I think,” he added as her eyes widened, “but I’m willing to try if you are. Would you do me the honor of marrying me?”
Ethan was taking a shot in the dark, but it felt right. It was the build-up of everything that had happened that day. The blood was rushing and he suddenly felt great. Though he’d needed to learn a lesson or two, everything felt right once he was in front of Delilah. He realized that the details of her story didn’t matter and they’d work it all out. It had only been when he sat down that the lump in his throat eased up and the knots in his stomach faded.
It made him nervous as he tried to decide what she was thinking. For a minute, Delilah said nothing. Covering her mouth, she squeezed his hand. Overcome with emotion, the young woman nodded eagerly. “Yes, of course I will!”
Ethan chuckled as the two of them embraced. He felt her duck her face into the crook of his neck, her warm breath against his collar. How could he have imagined leaving her? He said a silent prayer of gratitude as they pulled apart and shared a modest kiss.
Delilah was beside him and she had accepted his proposal. He realized his risky move to catch her had been worth it.
Epilogue
A month had passed since Ethan jumped on the train to catch her. Everything had changed. It was a Sunday afternoon and Ethan glanced around. Four weeks had come and gone and he felt as though he were in another world. And he liked it. He glanced around at his new home. It was rather small but with time and effort it would be comfortable and warm. For now, it was enough for him and his bride.
“Are you ready?” He knocked on the door politely as she fluffed her hair in the mirror on the dresser.
The door opened and Delilah was smiling at him. “Yes, dear,” and she shyly kissed him before tying her bonnet. “Where’s the bread?” She moved towards the kitchen, hips swishing. Ethan stood, watching and grinning. It had taken her little to no time to settle in and grow comfortable. And he loved it.
“On the table,” he replied when she glanced at him. She smiled and he came forward to wrap a shawl around her shoulders. “It’s on the table. I’m ready whenever you are, Delilah.”
Grabbing the bread, they headed off down the street. Ethan wrapped an arm around her and glanced around. Harvest was on the way and the weather was extremely pleasant. He took a deep breath and marveled over how everything felt so right. His thoughts wandered back to their wedding day.
It had been sunny and bright, warm and perfect. Delilah had a new dress, a pale pink that accented the lovely blush that rose on her cheeks when he met her at the altar. Ethan was certain that he would remember that moment for the rest of his life when they had looked at one another and known with a surety that they were about to begin their lives together.
Impulsively, he paused on their walk to kiss her. And he grinned as she blushed again. “What was that for?”
“For everything,” he said lightly. “Now hurry up. Don’t you want to see the family?”
She rolled her eyes as he teased her. “Of course. Don’t forget to tell Beatrice about the porcupine yesterday. She’s going to love that story.”
He winced and glanced at his leg. There was a small bandage tucked neatly beneath his pant leg that he felt with every step. “I’m sure she will and I’m also sure you’ll embellish the story just a bit. I’ll already look silly enough since the thing wounded me so go easy, will you.”
But Delilah giggled. “It’ll be just fine, dear. Here we are,” she stepped in front of him at the door of his childhood home. Though they were expected guests, the young woman still knocked politely before he opened it. They strolled in and Ethan was still surprised at the sound of all the bustling in the kitchen. He had grown up in a quiet house and now everything was different.
“She’s here!”
“They’re both here, silly.”
“Hello!” All three children came running over as his mother trailed behind them with a grin. The moment Ethan had returned to Rocky Ridge with Delilah after their short train ride, they had written a letter and sent the necessary funds to have the children brought to them immediately.
That had been quite the reunion. He grinned as the youngest girl hugged him and he ruffled her hair. All three of them had loved the train ride and were enthusiastic about their new life in Colorado. It was different and a few changes were difficult at first, but Delilah came by often to help and his parents were more than happy to ensure their comfort. At last the house was being used to its fullest and his parents assured him there was never a dull moment in the Townsend house now.
“How are they behaving, Mother?” He asked as they all headed to the kitchen. His father was just coming in from the back door, carrying his judge’s robes. “Not too much trouble, eh?”
Beatrice giggled as she looked around at everyone. “Only if you count the turtle. Guess what he did yesterday!” She pointed to her brother and Delilah covered her mouth, worried as she looked to her mother-in-law.
But the woman just winked as she nudged Jonathon towards a basin to wash his hands. “It’s a rather good story, I’ll admit, though I played a part I didn’t enjoy. Bea, you can tell the story all night if you like, but first you’ll need to wash up. We have company and I’m certain we’re all hungry.”
The children scattered obediently and Ethan realized he wasn’t certain he’d ever seen his mother so happy. Perhaps it was something in the air? He leaned over and kissed his mother on the cheek. “Everything is going well?”
“It is,” she assured them and winked at her husband. “They’re such a blessing. We definitely have our hands full and we’re enjoying every minute of it. So neither of you should worry,” she added firmly.
Ethan grabbed Delilah’s hand as they sat down. It was full and rather crowded now. Glancing at Delilah, he noticed how she was softly nodding to herself as she looked around at everyone to ensure everything was well. Eventually her gaze reached his, and his heart was full as her smile widened.
“Are we happy?” He winked at her.
She nudged him, keeping her eyes low as her siblings started giggling at them. But it made her cheeks brighten and he adored it. Though he meant to do better and not tease her so much, sometimes it was difficult. Everything about Delilah was perfect. Perfect for him.
Thankful they both had a forgiving heart, he beamed when she answered. “Yes, we are. Very happy indeed.”
Turn the page to read a preview of The Sheriff and the Nanny from the Hero Hearts Series.
Preview - The Sheriff and the Nanny
by Annie Boone
Cynthia Kent is a burden. She's tried to help her sister and brother-in-law, but most of her efforts have ended up in disasters of varying degrees. She's depended on their charity for too long and it was high time she started taking care of herself. But how?
Tyler Shelton is a widower with two young children. As the sheriff, raising two children alone while handling his important job has pushed him to the breaking point. He's taken everything one day at a time, but his family is suffering and they need help. Tyler is used to giving help to others, but not asking for it. Struggling as a father, he makes sure his job as sheriff doesn't suffer even though his children do.
Cynthia finds joy in a job she never thought she'd ever have. She doesn't really like children, so how Sheriff Shelton's children stole her heart is a mystery. Even though a courtship is unlikely, she st
arts falling for the handsome and brave hero of the small Nebraska town. The sheriff is too busy keeping law and order while waiting for a notorious bank robber who is rumored to be on his way. Too much is on the line for Tyler Shelton to take his attention away from his job when life and livelihoods are on the line.
Can these two people in need be an answer to prayer for each other? Will God give them the patience and strength to get past each other's flaws to find true love?
Chapter One
Cynthia Kent leaned her arms against the black rails of the wooden fence and closed her eyes, letting the details of God’s world sink in. She had lived in the Nebraska valley for over half a year now and yet, on clear spring days like this one, Cynthia still found herself overwhelmed by the beauty of her surroundings.
Listening intently to the sound of birds singing in a nearby tree, she wished that there was a way to capture this moment and save it away in her heart for years to come.
Opening her eyes slowly, Cynthia gazed across the rolling acres of land that spread out before her. Her new home was so different from the city where she had grown up. Although the previous year had taught her that this could be a dusty place, Cynthia realized that it also held a promise of growth and future prosperity.
Growth and prosperity.
Grinning to herself, Cynthia considered what those words might hold for her. On days like this, it felt like anything might be possible.
Looking up toward the sky, Cynthia began to concentrate on the blue canvas that was spread out above her with various puffy white clouds.
Cocking her head and smiling to only herself, Cynthia considered the different shapes of the clouds and how they looked as they traveled across the sky.
“Cynthia!”
The loud voice calling out made Cynthia turn her head in time to see her older sister, Diana, standing on the front porch of the house. As usual, Diana sounded somewhat exasperated and, as Cynthia studied her from a distance, she could tell that her older sister was put off.
Taking in a deep breath, Cynthia ran her hand across the wooden rails as she turned and called back, “I’m coming!”
Going back to the house felt almost painful to her soul; Cynthia wished that she could continue to meander through the rolling land, soaking in her surroundings and allowing herself to daydream. She didn’t want to face the reality of life with her older sister.
“Cynthia!” This time, Diana’s voice sounded more like a snarl than anything else.
Gritting her teeth together, Cynthia prepared herself for whatever lay ahead as she started back toward the two-story white clapboard house.
No matter what happened, Cynthia would never regret moving away from the city and coming West to stay with her sister and brother-in-law. After her parents died, the idea of staying alone in the big town was ludicrous. She couldn’t handle a house on her own, there was no doubt about that. However, despite how much Cynthia might like the clean air and the pure life of the country, she did not like living with Diana and her husband, Andy Royce.
It was no secret to Cynthia that she was a less-than-welcome addition to her sister’s new household.
“I have got to find a job,” Cynthia muttered under her breath as she stepped onto the porch and barged into the house. Diana was standing near the cook stove with a long wooden spoon held in one hand.
“I’ve been calling to you forever,” Diana announced as she leaned over a pot of boiling water, “What have you been doing out there?” Before Cynthia could answer, Diana turned to examine her with a critical gaze, her face clouding over as her eyes traveled down the length of her younger sister’s dress, “Well, it looks like we need to do laundry again, don’t we?”
Following her sister’s gaze, Cynthia felt the warmth start to gather to her cheeks when she realized that her skirt was covered in dirt with mud clinging to the very bottom. Reaching up, she tried to readjust the wisps of hair that had managed to escape her long braid.
“I’m sorry,” Cynthia hurried to apologize as she kicked off her boots, sending more mud across the floor.
“Cynthia!” Diana scolded, leaving her cooking meal to go retrieve a broom, “Goodness child, I’m starting to wonder if you will ever grow up!”
Frowning to herself, Cynthia pulled off her coat and hung it on the back of a chair. Truth was that, at nearly twenty-five-years-old, Cynthia was more flighty and headstrong than anyone else that she knew. Cynthia had always been aware of the fact that she didn’t fit in with other women her age; that was one of the wonderful things about living on the plains – she was secluded enough on the farm that she didn’t have to worry about the opinions of other people.
“Would you mind checking the soup?” Diana asked as she swept up the dirt and stepped onto the porch to toss it out into the yard, “I need to run out to the barn for some fresh eggs.”
Nodding her head absentmindedly, Cynthia meandered to the stove and pushed the wooden spoon down into the warm mixture, stirring it as her thoughts ran fleetingly through her mind.
“I really need a job,” She whispered to herself as she watched the spoon raise up an assortment of potatoes and carrots from the delicious-smelling supper.
If there was one thing that Cynthia wanted, it was an income of her own. She was tired of living off of Diana and Andy’s charity, and she was starting to wonder how long her welcome would last at their home. While she knew that her sister and brother-in-law cared for her, it seemed that her very presence was more of a nuisance than anything else where they were concerned. Shaking her head, Cynthia wondered what it would be like to have a place where she was truly wanted and considered a help rather than a hindrance. Turning to lean her back against the stove, Cynthia allowed her thoughts to wander. How she would love to have a job that could provide her with enough money to purchase a farm of her own. She didn’t think she could be happier than being the owner of a small piece of property with a few head of cattle and some crops growing out in the field…
“What – Cynthia!” Diana’s exasperated voice brought Cynthia from her day dreams. She looked up just in time to see her older sister rush to her side and felt her give her a shove out of the way. Grabbing for a potholder, Diana jerked the soup off of the stove as smoke billowed up, filling the room with a gray haze.
“What on earth were you doing?” Diana grabbed for the spoon and began to stir the now-charred soup, “I asked you to check the soup…not incinerate it! Goodness gracious, girl, are you just trying to destroy all of my hard work?” Tossing the pot back onto the stove, Diana gave an annoyed shrug and threw up her hands, “It’s ruined! Totally ruined! What were you thinking?” Rushing ahead, Diana jutted out her bottom jaw and shook her head, “Never mind…I know the answer…you weren’t thinking.” Pointing toward the pan of blackened soup, Diana exclaimed, “This is why you cannot keep a job! This is why you’ve been fired from three different positions since you moved out here! And this is why you will never have a husband.”
With each word that Diana spoke, Cynthia felt her heart drop a little lower in her chest. Looking down at the wooden floor boards, it felt like all of the joy she had experienced earlier had been completely drained from her and replaced by complete humiliation.
“I’m sorry,” Cynthia muttered, “I’ll make it right…I’ll fix something else….”
Closing her eyes and gritting her teeth together, Diana shook her head and firmly replied, “No. No more help. Just…go to your room and I’ll call you when I have things ready.”
Swallowing hard, Cynthia ducked her head and turned toward the stairs, making the trip to the attic where she slept. She hated being treated like a child but, on the other hand, she didn’t know how she could argue with her sister when Cynthia was living in Diana’s home.
“I just have to get a job!” Cynthia groaned to herself as she flopped down on her corncob mattress and closed her eyes, waiting to be called down for the evening meal.
Chapter Two
By the time supper w
as finished and Cynthia’s brother-in-law, Andy Royce had arrived home from a hard day in the fields, the burnt soup was long gone. A film of black smoke remained in the dining area, though, reminding her of her latest lapse in judgment.
Glancing at the meal that was laid out on the table, Cynthia had to swallow hard when she saw that Diana had replaced her delicious soup with cold cut ham and yesterday’s bread.
Sitting down across from her brother-in-law, Cynthia tried to avoid making direct eye-contact. Yes, she and Andy Royce generally got along well, but she knew that her careless ways had caused him plenty of trouble over the past few months. As a man who was well-known for producing the best corn in the territories, it seemed completely unfair that Andy would return home after a hard day’s work in the chilly spring air only to be presented with a cold meal.
As Diana sat down across from her, Cynthia caught her giving a less-than-friendly glance in her direction.
Andy bowed his head, signaling that it was time for the family to pray. As he thanked the Lord for His blessings and the meal that they were about to receive, Cynthia found herself breathing another prayer… a prayer that she would somehow find a new job and a way to start supporting herself.
“Amen.” Andy reached across the table to give his wife a comforting squeeze on the hand, obviously trying to assure her that everything would be okay with their cold meal. She had to wonder if Diana had already told him where the blame lay for the pathetic dinner before them.
Turning to look at Cynthia, Andy smiled and asked, “How are you this evening, Cynthia?”