Page 309 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“I promise,” she said, blowing out a defeated breath.

Myrna gave her a satisfied nod. Then her voice grew light. “You never did get around to telling me all that’s on your agenda for today.”

“After lunch, Nash and I are going horseback riding.”

“How romantic,” she cooed, a twinkle in her eye.

They looked up as Crew, the head ranch hand, rushed into the kitchen, a battered look on his face. “Luther collapsed,” he said, wringing his calloused hands.

Myrna jumped up, tears springing to her eyes. “Oh, no! What happened?”

“We were watching Nash ride Old Blue Shoes. One minute, Luther was standing beside me, talking, and the next, he was on the ground.”

“Where is he?”

“Outside. An ambulance is on its way!”

Chapter 18

Gracie felt like she’d been sucker punched. She looked at Gertrude as tears pooled in her eyes. “Brooke can’t die.” She shook her head. “No, that can’t be right!”

“I’m afraid it is,” Gertrude said sadly.

A piercing anger stabbed through Gracie at the injustice of it all. “How can this be happening? Brooke’s young … and healthy.”

“So were you.” The sympathetic look on Gertrude’s face was all too reminiscent of the look Sheldon had given her at the carnival. It certainly wasn’t helping matters!

“But that’s different.”

“Really? How so?”

“It was my time. But it’s not her time. She’s just starting to change. And she’s finally found her true love. Her life is just beginning.”

She let out a sigh of resignation. “I know. It’s a lot for me to swallow too. But you and I both know that death isn’t the end. Our Heavenly Father has a plan for Brooke, just as He has for us. We have to have faith that He knows better than we do.”

“How can you be so accepting of this? It’s so unfair!”

She gave her a wise smile tinged with sadness. “We’re merely angels, not deity. The days for each person are numbered by our Heavenly Father. He calls home those whom He calls. Who are we to question Him?”

“But there must be something we can do to fix this!”

“No, there isn’t.” Regret simmered in her eyes. She hesitated, her jaw working. “I want you to know how truly sorry I am. If I had known Brooke was going to die, I never would’ve assigned her to you. I was foolish. I took matters into my own hands and assigned you Brooke because I thought it would help you. This is all my fault.” She removed her glasses, dabbing at her eyes.

The anger slightly ebbed. “We all make mistakes. Heaven knows, I’ve made my share of them.” She took a deep breath. “And, as much as I hate to admit this, it has been good for me to help someone I detested … at first. Brooke’s not as terrible as I thought she was. I mean, she’s still a piece of work, but at least I understand where she’s coming from.” She looked at Gertrude. “And that never would’ve happened if it hadn’t been for you.”

Gertrude’s lower lip trembled as she fought for composure. “Thank you for saying that.”

A new thought struck Gracie as her eyes went large. “Brooke’s not going to become an angel-in-training, is she? I don’t think the world could handle that.”

Gertrude made a face. “I certainly hope not. I don’t think I could handle that. You’re enough for me.”

“Thanks,” Gracie said dryly.

They sat for a moment, lost in thought.

A bleak despair settled over Gracie as she tried to come to terms with the inevitable. “How much time does Brooke have left?”

Gertrude shook her head and looked away.

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