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- Mildred Colvin
Stealing the Preacher's Heart Page 3
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A faint line appeared between her eyes. “Oh, maybe I’m wrong, but doesn’t the Bible mention God’s grace to us? I’ve always thought that meant forgiveness or mercy. Maybe that’s it, does it mean mercy?”
Oh yes, she’d asked the meaning of Grace’s name. “Yes, you are right. God’s grace is that He forgives us even though not one of us deserves less than eternal death.”
Her eyes grew even larger. “Oh, my! I’m afraid you are right. How frightening it is to think of. Without God’s grace, where would we be?” Then she turned her brilliant smile on Grace again. “And without Grace Cooper, I’m sure we would miss a tremendous blessing. What a wonderful name you carry. Always be thankful for it, darling girl.”
“Thank you.” Grace’s smile was a mite subdued, but her eyes shone with admiration for the beautiful woman who had already charmed them both.
As Grace and Lily talked, Elliott watched with interest. He hadn’t expected such a dynamic yet personable lady. She’d seldom mentioned Grace in her letters, yet in person, she seemed taken with his daughter. Already, he could tell Grace admired her. They should get along wonderfully. Yes, Lily was exactly what he wanted in a wife. So gentle and refined. He was certain she would be the helper he needed and an asset to their community and church. He couldn’t wait to make her his wife. And he’d better tell her about that.
At the first break in her and Grace’s conversation, he spoke. “As I mentioned before, I’ve made plans for our wedding with Pastor Gowen, the minister here in town. He has asked a man and his mother to be witnesses for us. We haven’t eaten yet, and I thought you would be hungry, too. There’s a diner around the corner where we usually eat while in town. Would that be all right with you?”
“Yes, of course. Afterward, maybe I should freshen up before we go to the church.”
He let his gaze slide quickly over her fashionable dress and hat. She was everything he’d wanted. “You look wonderful. As fresh as if you had just boarded the train.”
A tinge of pink touched her cheeks as she lowered her lashes, as if embarrassed. “Thank you. You look very nice, too.”
When she looked up at him, the flutter of attraction surprised him. Something he hadn’t expected to happen so soon. He’d never believed in love at first sight, or first letter, but never had he experienced such powerful confirmation he was making the right move. Lily was beyond doubt the one God would have him marry. His Heavenly Father had given above and beyond his greatest expectations, because this woman intrigued him in a way no other ever had, not even Eva. Of course, he and Eva had married when they were little more than children. Neither of them knew what love was at that age.
She motioned toward a couple of satchels. “My things are there. I hope it isn’t too much.”
When she turned away, Grace gave him a wide smile of approval. He winked in answer, then stepped toward the luggage. “This isn’t much. If you need something later, we’ll get it.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’m used to—” She placed her hand over her mouth and laughed. “I mean, I’m sure I have everything I’ll need. But thank you.”
He smiled, enjoying her laughter. “Then let’s go eat.”
He stowed her bags in the back of the buggy, then helped her into the front while Grace climbed on the second seat. After eating, they drove in silence as she looked around as if taking in their small town.
He parked at the church beside another buggy he assumed belonged to the Lewis’s. As they walked to the church, Lily held to his arm and looked up at the church steeple against the light blue sky. She breathed deeply and released the air on a sigh. “I think I already love this place. Sweet Water is a beautiful town. You are so blessed to live here, and now I am too.”
When she turned her glorious smile on him, any coherent thought disappeared. He opened the door and stepped back so she could enter. Grace swept past, reminding him of her presence. He shook his head at the infatuation that had taken over his thoughts and followed.
Once they were ready, Mrs. Gowen, the minister’s wife, played the organ and sang, then her husband, a balding middle-aged man, stood before them and read from his book of ceremonies. “Dearly beloved, we gather here…”
Elliott clutched Lily’s small, delicate hand as a lifeline. His gaze centered on her as he ignored everyone else. No man or woman was perfect. He knew that, yet at the moment, he felt God had made this woman for him and his life would be better because she was his. He could scarcely wait to begin their life together.
After repeating their vows, the minister’s next words set Elliott’s heart pounding. “You may now kiss your bride.”
He looked into her eyes and fancied he recognized fear. Maybe shyness. He still held her hands and didn’t move to take her in his arms. No need to frighten her any more than she already was. As he moved forward, he was glad when she lifted her face toward him. Leaning closer, he lowered his head and touched his lips to hers. A bolt of lightning couldn’t have shocked him more than the warmth of love rushing through his veins at the touch of her soft lips. He would have prolonged their first kiss, but she moved back, her eyes lowered, and a flush filling her cheeks. Had she felt the same as he did?
Lord, please let it be that we may have a marriage of love blessed by Your hand.
When she didn’t pull away, he kept his fingers around hers, drawing her close as the other minister said, “May I introduce to you, Reverend and Mrs. Elliott Cooper. May God bless you both in your work for Him.”
“Congratulations.” James Lewis waited with outstretched hand.
Elliott released Lily as James’s mother spoke to her. As they walked away talking together, he shook hands with James. “Thank you for standing up with me.”
His brows dipped. “Is it true the two of you just met this morning?”
Elliott grinned. “Yes, that’s true, but we wrote for several months, so we aren’t total strangers. It’s amazing what you can learn about someone from their letters.”
“I suppose that may be true. There’ve been several others around here who’ve done this, hasn’t there?” He seemed interested.
Elliott knew he was raising two young daughters who even now sat on a front pew with Grace. Did he want a mother for his children? “I have a few couples in my church who met through the mail. Because they impressed me with their experiences, I tried for myself.” He looked toward his daughter. “Grace is at the age where she needs a mother. It’s been six years since we lost Eva, and I believe Lily will be a wonderful influence on her. Are you thinking about remarrying?”
“No.” He shook his head as if to emphasize his answer. “I’m content without a wife. I mean if I can’t have my wife, I don’t want anyone.”
Elliott recognized the feeling. “I understand. I felt that way for a long time until I realized I wasn’t doing Grace any favors by leaving her without a woman’s guidance. She’s already quite taken with Lily.”
They both glanced toward the women and girls who stood in a cluster visiting. Grace’s eyes shone as she looked at Lily, confirming his decision to marry was a good one. Yes, Lily was exactly the woman they needed. He only wished he’d found her sooner. He couldn’t wait to introduce her to the church family tonight at the special welcoming party for her. And in the morning would be her first time in his church, listening to him preach. He’d have to be careful that pride in his wife didn’t take over his heart. God had given him much, and he deserved none of it. But oh, how thankful he was.
As they headed toward home, Elliot thought about his church and how insignificant it would look to a woman raised in a city such as New York. All he had to show her was a small country church, and their house was as far from a mansion as he could imagine. The fact it was comfortable and clean no longer seemed enough. What would she say when she saw it? His hands trembled on the reins, and the buggy moved faster. He glanced toward the woman who’d just become his bride and met her gaze.
She blushed and looked down, stirring a feeling
inside he’d thought buried in his past. Knowing she probably felt as intimidated by their situation as he did, the hint of a smile crossed his face, and he flicked the reins. As the horse responded to his urgency, he allowed his smile to grow. God was surely in their marriage. Everything would work out just fine.
He drove past the church without commenting, but he noticed Lily turn toward the building. “Is this your church?” Her voice trembled as she asked.
“Yes, it is.” He sent a reassuring smile. “I’d like for you to see the house first. Would that be all right?”
“Yes, of course.” Her smile was tight and didn’t last as she turned toward the road ahead.
Since they lived next door to the church, they soon pulled into the driveway where he stopped near the house. He helped Lily down, then Grace climbed out on her own. “I’ll get your things later, but first, I’d like to show you inside.”
As they entered the front room, she stopped in the middle and looked around. Did she see all the things they never thought of because of its familiarity?
“Grace tries…” He turned an apologetic look to his daughter. “She does a great job considering what she has to work with. I mean, it’s a simple house, but it’s been home to us for many years. I’m sure it could use your touch to make it a home.”
An emotion flashed through her eyes as she glanced from him to Grace. He was making a mess every time he opened his mouth. “I didn’t mean…”
He paused, unsure how to climb from the hole he’d created.
Lily’s smile kept him from digging deeper. “Please, don’t apologize. You have a lovely home, and Grace has done an outstanding job with it. I’m here to help, but this is wonderful, and I wouldn’t change a thing. If we ever make any changes, the decision should be mutual between the three of us.” She reached toward Grace, clasping her hand. “Truly, you have outdone yourself. When I was your age, I couldn’t have done nearly as well.”
“Thank you.” Grace’s eyes shone as a smile covered her face.
Elliott’s nerve endings seemed to all settle down as he sent genuine thanks toward the Lord for leading him to the perfect woman to complete his family. Eagerness to introduce her to the church people that evening filled him. “I’d better get your things from the buggy. The people here have planned a welcoming celebration for you tonight. If you remember when you accepted my offer of marriage, I said they probably would. They’re all eager to meet you.”
A flicker of fear flashed through her eyes, but she quickly covered it with a smile. “Yes, of course. I look forward to meeting everyone.”
~*~
Elliott brought her bags in and set them down in the room he said would be hers until she felt comfortable moving into his bedroom. She was grateful for his consideration, but only nodded and gave him a smile.
“I’ll get out of your way so you can unpack. I’ll be at the church making some finishing touches to my sermon for in the morning.” Then he turned and left.
At the reminder, her stomach flipped because she would, for the first time in her memory, attend a church service. And she had only a vague idea how to behave.
Shoving her unease aside, she set her satchels on the bed to unpack and put her things away.
Grace stuck her head in the door as she opened her first bag. “Would you like some help?”
Turning toward the pretty teenager, she couldn’t keep from smiling. “Oh, I don’t think I need help, but company would be welcome.”
“All right, I can do that.” Grace perched on the edge of the bed. “If you need anything, let me know.”
Lily pulled a dress out and carried it to the tall wardrobe in the corner and hung it inside. This was a luxury she’d never had before. Pegs or nails along the wall of her room made up her closet at home. This well-built piece was four feet wide and had a drawer at the bottom for shoes. And he’d thought she might find fault with his home. All she wanted was to fit in and become a part of this family. She wanted to make her mother proud and please her father. Knowing she lived in such a fine house would do that. The preacher and his daughter were wonderful, too.
Thank you, Papa, for making me do this.
As she turned back for the second dress, she saw Grace had pulled it from the satchel. She stood, holding it out, and looked up when Lily approached. “This is beautiful, and so was the first one. They look brand new.”
“Thank you.” She couldn’t bring herself to admit some of her clothing was new. She’d brought her old clothing as well for everyday wear, but JD had been generous when they shopped and had bought her three dressier dresses. He’d insisted she’d need them for church. “Don’t worry, I have plenty of older dresses for working.”
“Yeah, so do I.” Grace handed the dress to her, and they both laughed.
Lily didn’t know what outdoor work she’d be doing, but she figured she could handle anything inside or out. It was the church that had her worried. And the social. “What do you think I should wear tonight?”
Grace looked at the dress as Lily hung it up. “That one is beautiful.”
Lilly pulled it from the wardrobe and inspected it. Yes, it was very nice. She’d loved it as soon as she’d seen it. It had a high neckband and rounded yoke with wide gathered lace separating it from the bodice and sleeves which ended above the elbows but continued with a gathered sheer material trimmed with more wide lace. The skirt flared from the waist to the floor. And blue had always been one of her favorite colors. She smiled at Grace. “Yes, I believe you are right. I will enjoy wearing this tonight.”
“You’ll be beautiful.” Grace fairly breathed the words. “You must be tired from your journey. Would you like to take a bath and rest this afternoon?”
Her journey hadn’t been across the country, but even one hundred miles was a long way to travel, and she was tired. “That would be wonderful, Grace. You’ll have to show me where the well is so I can draw water. And I scarcely looked at the kitchen. I’m sure I’ll be lost here for a while. I’m so glad to have you.”
A rosy glow blossomed on the girl’s cheeks. “Why don’t you finish unpacking while I fix your bath water? There will be time enough to learn our ways. Tonight, I’d rather you relax.”
“Oh, Grace, I know we’re going to be the best of friends.” She was only thirteen years older and didn’t feel the least motherly toward the preacher’s daughter, although Grace might think otherwise. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Mind?” Grace shook her head. “I want us to be friends. I know you’re my step-mother, but surely we can be friends, too.”
“Yes, and we shall be. I’m glad I came, Grace. I’m very glad.” And she was. If only she didn’t have to pretend to be someone else, she’d be completely happy.
Later, after her bath, she felt refreshed and insisted on helping empty the water. Then Grace left so she could rest. She couldn’t remember when she had time to lie in bed during the day, but soon her eyes closed and she slept.
After what seem mere seconds, she became aware of her surroundings. She sat up as her mind picked up the concerns she’d carried from the beginning, when she’d promised Papa she would marry the preacher. She couldn’t rest until she found the letters the other Lily had sent. At the very least, she needed to know what she had supposedly written.
She rose and looked around the room. She couldn’t very well go through the house digging into things without Grace knowing. Although she could start here. She’d already seen every corner of the wardrobe, but a desk sat across the room. Wouldn’t that be a likely place to pen a letter and possibly to keep the replies? She crossed the room and sat in the chair.
Her search was short-lived when she pulled out the drawer and found several letters bound by a red ribbon. The return address said Rebecca Lily Spencer in the same handwriting as the letter she carried in her purse. Amazing how easy it had been to find them. But as she untied the ribbon, a knock sounded at her door. Quickly retying it, she replaced them and returned to the bed. Sitting
on the edge this time, she replied to the second knock. “Yes, come in.”
A yawn came naturally as soon as she thought about it. She covered her mouth and looked at Grace. “Oh, I’m sorry. I feel refreshed though.”
“I’m glad. I hated to wake you, but it’s time to get ready for tonight.”
All sleepiness left with Grace’s words. Lily’s heart set up a drumbeat announcing the coming downfall of her charade. Tonight she would enter the midst of perceptive church people who would pick her to pieces with their knowing looks and forced acceptance. Surely they would see straight through her cloak of refinement to the scared outlaw’s daughter who was not now and had never been worthy of stepping into their presence.
She closed her eyes and swallowed the desire to run away. She’d made her bed when she signed the wedding certificate, but she hadn’t burned her bridges, so if they ran her off, she could still go home. Maybe it wouldn’t be as bad there without Papa as she thought. If JD wasn’t there, he’d find her soon enough. But for now, she would continue the path she’d started.
She lifted her head with the brightest smile she could muster and ignored the concerned look on Grace’s face. “A party will wake me up. I can’t wait to meet all the folks around here.” She lifted her long, thick hair, making sure it was dry from her bath. “I probably should put this rat’s nest up again.”
Grace giggled. “Your hair is beautiful, but as thick as it is, I can imagine how hard it would be to put up. I’d love to help if you’d like.”
“Oh, that would be wonderful. You are a blessing. Maybe I should dress before we start.” She went to the wardrobe and prepared to enjoy herself as long as she could. But her mind continually strayed to the letters in the drawer. Tonight, after the party, when all was quiet, she’d read as many as she could just in case they didn’t run her out of Kansas before the ink dried on her marriage certificate.
Chapter 4