Page 25 of Rawhide and Ransom

Annalee listened as he launched into an ancient story from the Book of Ruth.

In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. Their two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in the land of Judah. And when they reached Moab, they settled there. Then Elimelech died, and Naomi was left with her two sons. The two sons married Moabite women. One married a woman named Orpah, and the other a woman named Ruth. But about ten years later, both Mahlon and Kilion died. This left Naomi alone, without her two sons or her husband.

Pastor Josh went on to describe how Naomi had urged her two daughters-in-law to return to their own families, and one of her daughters-in-law had followed her suggestion. Her other daughter-in-law, however, had refused to leave her side. The young minister continued reading from the first chapter:

But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

Pastor Josh looked up from his Bible, and again his gaze fell on Annalee and Miley. “What few people, if any, realized at the time was that Ruth’s loyalty was foreshadowing the new covenant that Christ already had in the works — to graft in people from all over the world into the family of God. People from every language, nation, background, and culture are welcome to come to Christ. Someday,” he pointed upward, “that’s what we’re going to be. One big family.”

He smiled faintly as his gaze swept the room. “But Naomi and Ruth’s story was far from over. God had so much more in store for them. Let’s read about it.” He bent his head over his Bible and continued reading the fairytale-like story of how a man name Boaz fell in love with the young widow, Ruth, and eventually became her kinsman redeemer and husband. The minister finished his reading with the short genealogy in the Biblical account. “Boaz was the father of Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse. Jesse was the father of David.” He glanced up with a humorous quirk to his mouth. “That’s King David to the rest of us.”

A few chuckles met his words, but Annalee didn’t feel the least bit inclined to laugh. The message felt too personal, too close to home for her. She was a widow, and Running Bear was her kinsman by marriage, and Hawk was like a son to him. Hawk had also been doing a really good job of looking after her and Miley in the short time they’d known him. He was definitely husband and father material.

Not for the first time, she wondered why he was still single. They had to be about the same age, but he didn’t have so much as a girlfriend. He’d said so himself.

He shifted a little in his seat, bumping his knee against hers again. It was then that she realized just how badly she’d allowed her thoughts to wander. Though it wasn’t easy, she made an effort to tune back in to the message.

“King David was honored to become part of the family tree,” Pastor Josh intoned, “of a much greater King than himself. Christ Jesus, King of the universe.” He closed his Bible. “The point is, our obedience can have far-reaching consequences. Our faithfulness can set in motion things that are far greater than ourselves.” He invited them to bow their heads in a closing prayer.

While bowing his head, Hawk’s knee bumped Annalee’s yet again. Even though he immediately pulled it back, she remained very, very aware of his presence beside her. Of all the stories in the Bible to be preached on today, why did it have to be the one about a kinsman redeemer? It felt significant, as if God Himself was trying to send her a message. It was unlikely the young minister had planned it especially for them.

Chapter 5: Fractured Bloodline

Josh Chavez made his way off the platform after the service and deliberately wound his way through the church members to reach their pew. “Councilman.” He nodded respectfully at Running Bear. “Mrs. Gilbert.” He leaned forward to shake her hand. “I’m glad you could make it again today.”

Running Bear leaned his way. “In case you haven’t yet heard, my niece has agreed to lend her master gardener skills to the community park we’ve been discussing.” Pure, unadulterated pride rang in his voice.

“No kidding?” Though the young pastor’s words were for Running Bear, his attention was clearly on Miley. “How’s the apprenticing going?”

“I’m learning volumes from the great Hawk Chesney.” Her mocking voice pulled a snicker out of Josh.

“I’ve heard he’s a tough taskmaster.” He winked at her. “I’ll be praying for you.” He sent Hawk a laughing look before adding, “I’m also a good listener if things get too tough on your end. The last college class I took was on pastoral counseling.”

Hawk gave Running Bear a look of disgust. “Can we fire him?”

Running Bear’s eyebrows rose. “Only if you’re willing to recruit his replacement. Until then, I’m afraid we’re stuck with him.”

Josh Chavez didn’t look at all perturbed by their teasing. He took it so well, in fact, that Annalee suspected he was no stranger to their teasing. She wasn’t a hundred percent sure he was even listening. He was too busy chatting with Miley about how he was attending seminary classes online, working his way toward a degree in divinity. Then he asked her how long she’d be sticking around and whether she had any college plans of her own.

Miley smirked at her mother. “According to my mom, there’s only one correct answer to that question. Yes, I have college plans. I don’t know what they are yet or if they’ll ever happen, but I’ve got ‘em,” she snickered.

“Yes, you do.” Annalee rolled her eyes. “Good answer.”

Though Josh seemed reluctant to say goodbye, Hawk wasted little time nudging them toward the door. “We’ve got a long trip to the hospital ahead of us.”

“Oh?” The young minister’s smile disappeared. “Where are you headed?”

“Clarendon.” Hawk kept herding them toward the door.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” Pastor Josh pressed, flicking a worried glance Miley’s way.

Hawk shook his head. “Just pray. It’s Annalee’s father-in-law. According to the doctor, his cancer is terminal.”

Running Bear jumped back into the conversation. “Actually, there’s something else you could do for us. How about you drive me and my grandniece to the Longhorn Grill for lunch? My treat. That way Hawk and Annalee can get on the road even sooner.” He silently asked Annalee for permission, and she silently nodded her assent.

Josh looked dizzy with excitement. “I’d be happy to help out, sir.”

Hawk waited until he and Annalee were in the parking lot and out of earshot before mimicking Josh Chavez’s eager voice. “I’d be happy to help out, sir.As if,” he fumed, “his whole reason for his willingness wasn’t about getting to spend more time with Miley!”

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