Page 40 of Mail-Order Bride Substitute
“Guess that’s why Ma liked it.” A few more steps and he stopped, holding her at his side. They stood on a shelf of sheer rock where they looked across the river. The water had divided into two and tumbled over rocks, sparkling and splashing, a foaming rush. The noise was a gentle roar. The falls weren’t high, but they were powerful.
“Oh my!” She pressed her fingers to her mouth.
Riley smiled. “That’s exactly what Ma said when Pa brought her here the first time.”
Olivia didn’t respond. Nor did she look at him. Her gaze was riveted on the waterfalls.
He eased her toward a boulder that provided a perfect bench and left her while he hurried back for the picnic.
She was still there when he returned, mesmerized by the sight and sound of the rushing water. Just like Ma had been.
He sat beside her. “Ma said it reminded her of how God fills our needs. ‘A spring whose waters never fail.’ She found such comfort and strength here that she asked Pa to build her a little shelter. She’d occasionally stay overnight. I’d forgotten that.”
Her attention shifted to him, her eyes gleaming with amazement. “Is it still here?”
“I really don’t know.” He looked to where the little shelter had been and through the leafy branches made out a wall leaning against the trees. “Looks like it is.”
They went toward the spot he indicated. Two walls had fallen in. Two leaned out against branches. He made out the remains of the wooden bed frame she’d used.
Olivia poked her head into the angled opening. “Did your mother come here often?”
He tried to remember. “I don’t recall. Maybe she came when we were away with Pa taking care of the ranch.”
Olivia turned back to consider the waterfall. “I can understand why she would want to stay here. I don’t know why but it reminds me of a verse I’ve read several times this past week.”
He waited and when she seemed disinclined to respond, he prompted her. “What’s the verse?”
She brought her steady gaze to his. “‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.’”
The words were sharp arrows piercing the protective walls around his heart. He shook his head. She surely hadn’t meant them as an accusation to him. He remembered the picnic they were to share. “Come on, let’s eat.” He spread the quilt by Ma’s falling-down shelter. They sat side by side, their backs against an accommodating boulder. “I’ll ask the blessing.” He reached for her hand as he bowed to pray. Put that unusual action down to the lulling sound of the waterfall behind them or the reminder of his ma’s presence before them.
His heart filled with gratitude for so many things. His memories. His parents. God’s blessings in nature. He tried to put it into words and knew he failed badly but closed with, “Amen.”
Olivia opened the basket. “Mrs. Bennet has done herself proud.” There were boiled eggs that they cracked and removed from the shells. There were chunks of cheese, whole dill pickles, and pieces of fried chicken. There were ginger cookies and handfuls of dried apples.
They ate slowly, savoring each bite. He clambered down to the river and brought back a canteen of fresh water for them to share.
Neither of them seemed inclined to move. Ma was right. There was something calming about this place.
* * *
A senseof peace filled Olivia. Riley had been prickly most of the trip, but his mood had improved since they arrived at the falls. It might have been due to memories of his mother or even the lulling sound of falling water. She didn’t care what prompted the change; she meant to enjoy it. Even if the boulder was a harsh backrest.
Being here made her curious about his parents. She had the impression that Riley’s father could be hard, even inconsiderate but from all accounts, his mother had remained gentle and serene. She expected there was genuine affection between them.
“How did your parents meet? Do you know?”
Riley’s soft chuckle rippled through her heart, speaking, as it did, of happy times. “They told the story often enough.”
She shifted so she could watch his face as he spoke.
“Ma accompanied her father and brother to my grandfather’s shop. They purchased a fancy buggy. The man was important and well-to-do, so it was a great endorsement for grandfather’s business.” His grin widened. “Seems Pa wasn’t nearly as interested in how it would benefit the buggy building as in the daughter. When business was concluded, he went up to the man and asked if he would be allowed to court her.”
“Ahh. That’s sweet.”
“Maybe not. The man said no. He didn’t want his daughter courted by the son of an immigrant or a working-class man.”
Olivia bristled. “That’s unfair.”
