Page 94 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
“Thank you for all the business you are sending my way.”
“I’m happy to. I’m thinking of retiring completely.”
Emily wondered at the brightness in Gram’s cheeks. “I’ve come to invite you and Jesse to join me for dinner after church tomorrow.”
“Oh, that would be lovely, dear. I’m anxious to see your house.”
“You’re welcome to visit anytime.”
Gram drew her inside and served tea. Later, Emily returned to her house, smiling in anticipation of her plans.
Sunday morning arrived,and with it a song in her heart and on her lips. She checked the roast in the oven and the rest of the meal preparation. She’d made a beautiful chocolate cake with thick butter frosting plus cookies for later in the afternoon should Jesse linger. And Gram, she added. She hadn’t forgotten Gram.
Mikey sat at the table swinging his feet. “Yesse come? Gam come?”
Emily bent over the child to hug him and plant a kiss on his head. “Yes, sweet boy, they are coming after church.”
She had loved all the children at the orphanage but none as much as Mikey. As she always did when she thought of her hope to adopt him, she prayed for God to make it possible.
Cooking for the children and staff had been one of the tasks she enjoyed, and it had certainly taught her how to prepare large meals. It was a challenge to remind herself that she only had herself and Mikey to cook for. Today, she would double that.
“How about I wash your hands and face, and we leave for church?”
“’Kay.”
They were soon on their way. Jesse stepped into the street ahead of them. She had timed it perfectly. He looked both ways and waited when he saw them. Mikey ran headlong into his arms, and there he remained, his arm around Jesse’s neck.
“Good morning,” Jesse said. “I understand we are having dinner at your place.”
“That’s right.” Their gazes caught and held, full of warmth and wonder as she recalled a previous Sunday afternoon spent at her house. Her hope and prayer was that today would be every bit as memorable.
She hadn’t planned to sit beside him. On the other hand, she didn’t object as they slid into a pew next to Gram. It was as if nothing had changed.
The thought sobered her.Shehad changed. Now she knew who she was and how she’d been judged for a foolish decision.
Hugh took his place. His gaze found her, and he smiled. He’d been so kind and helpful the few days she’d spent at his house. No wonder Annie had fallen in love with him.
The hymns were familiar, and joy flooded her being.
Then Hugh announced his text. “Second Corinthians chapter five, verse seventeen: ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’”
She drank in hope and assurance as he spoke of the work Christ had done for His followers. Just like new. Unblemished. She clung to the word. In her mind, she saw the scarlet ribbon someone had pinned to her door removed by a loving Hand, the label given her taken away.
She knew she was innocent, but it was even better to know she did not have to carry her past with her.
Grandfather Marshall called her name as they left the church. “How is your new home?”
“Lovely, thank you. I’ve invited Jesse and Gram to have dinner with me.”
“I wouldn’t mind seeing how you’ve fixed up the house.” He waggled his bushy brows and darted a look at Gram.
Seems the matchmaker had found his own match. Good for them both. “Would you care to join us?”
“What a generous offer.” He winked. “I accept.”
She looked at his canes.
He nodded. “I can walk that far. I will just take longer than you young folk. You go ahead. I’ll get Grace to keep me company.”
