“Yes, of course.” She wiped her eyes. “Though it might be a bit awkward since I live there, too.”
He pulled her hands from her face and held them the way he’d always wanted to hold them. She didn’t pull away, and he looked into her glistening hazel eyes. “It wouldn’t be awkward if we were married.”
Her jaw dropped. She stammered something unintelligible, and then she started shaking. “Are you? Did you? Do you mean what I think you mean?”
He nodded. “I’d like to make a life with you, Mariah Meeks, if you’ll have me. I love you. I always have.”
“But the children—”
“Are at Constance House.”
And then, for no reason at all, she started sobbing and crying and he had no choice but to take her in his arms and hope he hadn’t said the wrong thing.
“I’m sorry I upset you,” he said when she finally calmed down.
She shook her head violently and took a ragged breath. “I’m not upset,” she wailed. “I’m the happiest woman in the world.”
“Then you accept?”
“Yes, yes.” Then she threw her arms around his neck and cried some more until he had to kiss her just to stop the tears.
* * * * *
Dear Reader,
Thank you for joining Mariah and Hendrick on their journey to Montana and beyond. In 1922, it was still a feat to make such a lengthy trip. The roads were narrow and poor, nothing like today’s paved highways!
My grandfather, first in a long line of mechanics, drove from Michigan to Oregon and back in 1926. He brought his brother along and suffered many breakdowns during the twelve-day trip each way. I’m grateful that he kept a journal of his travels.
These days, I hop on a plane and get there in a day. Glacier National Park and the adjacent Blackfeet Reservation are dear to my heart. My husband and I have made four trips there, including one for our twentieth wedding anniversary. The beauty of the mountains continues to awe me.
It’s easy to see why the land is sacred to area tribes. If you visit, take a moment to listen to the whisper of the wind, the cries of the eagles and the rush of glacial melt—and to praise God for His marvelous creation.
I love to hear from readers. You can contact me through Love Inspired Books or my website at http://christineelizabethjohnson.com.
Many blessings,
Christine Johnson
Questions for Discussion
At the beginning of the story, Luke’s father asks for his return. Why does Mariah feel this is such a problem? Have you ever acted on a strong hunch? How did it affect the outcome?
Does Mariah’s quest to save Luke from his biological father go too far? If so, why?
Taken to an extreme, good intentions can turn into an obsession that impacts others. How does Mariah’s quest affect her brother Gabe? Hendrick? Anna?
Early in the story, Hendrick turns down the chance to promote his engine design to a major aviation manufacturer. Why? Deep down, what holds him back? Have you ever faced a similar decision? If so, how did your choice affect the course of your life?
What qualities does Hendrick admire in Mariah? Why? How do those qualities feed into Mariah’s goals? How do they affect her relationship with Hendrick?
Mariah has formed a mental image of Frank Gillard that doesn’t match reality. Have you ever done that? How did it affect your initial reaction?
Frank Gillard is handsome, well dressed and charming. Hendrick recognizes that that’s all superficial. What tips him off? Why doesn’t Mariah spot that?
Joshua Talltree is reluctant to talk with strangers. What might have happened in his past to inspire such distrust? Have you ever been reluctant to talk to someone? What happened that made you lose trust? How could your trust be regained?
Constance is also reluctant to speak with Hendrick and Mariah. What changes her mind? How could you reach out to people who are shy or afraid?
Why does Frank Gillard’s housekeeper urge Mariah and Hendrick to leave the ranch after she catches them snooping? What else could she have done?
Why doesn’t Mariah tell Hendrick much sooner how she really feels about him? Do you agree with her decision? Why or why not?
Under duress, Frank Gillard finally reveals his true self. Though Mariah’s instincts told her not to trust him, she ignored those gentle nudges. Why? Have you ever ignored a gut feeling? What happened, and how did you handle it?
The community and tribe rally to help the schoolchildren after the fire. Crises tend to bring out both the best and the worst in people. Think of examples of each in this book and in real life. What might explain why people react so differently?
Though Hendrick forgives Mariah, he rejects a relationship with her. Why? What needed to happen to change his mind and heart?
How did Mariah’s and Hendrick’s faith help them to overcome the obstacles they faced?
ISBN: 9781459219960
Copyright © 2012 by Christine Elizabeth Johnson
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