Page 60 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
The thunder of the water grew louder. The roar within her increased. She struggled to breathe and tugged Jesse’s hand to get him to stop.
He turned, must have seen her turmoil in her face, for he caught her by the shoulders. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. You know that Bible verse about deep calling to deep?”
He blinked.
She understood his confusion. Her question didn’t make sense.
Then he nodded. “Yes, I know the one you mean. It’s a Psalm.”
“That’s how I feel hearing the roar of the waters.” She pressed a hand to her chest. “There’s a roaring inside me, and I don’t know what it is.”
He closed his arms about her, and she leaned against him. Her turmoil eased.
“Do you want to turn back?” he asked, his voice so gentle it was a mere whisper.
She tipped her head up. He was such a good man. One who deserved nothing but the best. But before the troubled thought could take root that she might not be what a man like him deserved, she dismissed it. “I would not forgive myself if I came this far and didn’t see the falls. Besides, I’m feeling much better now.” Thanks to his strength and comfort.
“You’re sure?”
“Completely sure.”
He held her hand more firmly than he had before, and they continued navigating the rough trail. Rocks made it hard to keep her footing, and she gratefully clung to his hand. They stepped to a granite embankment. Jesse drew her to his side and pointed to the right. Not just one waterfall but a series of them rushed into each other as if falling down a stone stairway.
The powerful display washed away every fear of her past, every worry about her future. God, who made the mighty waters roar, was more than strong enough to take care of her small needs.
“We can get closer,” Jesse spoke in her ear.
She hadn’t realized she’d leaned back against him. Nor did she feel any need to bring the moment to an end.
“Soon,” she said. A Bible verse filled her mind. “‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.’” Such joy filled her, and she didn’t know if she could contain it. She turned to face Jesse.
His eyes widened and then darkened as he read her expression. “I don’t know what just took place, but I like it.” He wiped her cheeks, drying moisture from her face.
“Nothing matters but this moment.” That wasn’t exactly what she meant. “Rather, I can enjoy this moment, knowing my times are safe in God’s hands.”
“Then I say let’s enjoy the time we have.” His gaze lingered on her face and rested on her lips.
For a heartbeat, she thought he might want to kiss her. and she leaned closer.
But his gaze returned to her eyes. “Wait until you see the waterfalls up close.” He took her hand, and they continued along the rocky shore.
She wasn’t disappointed. Only the overwhelming joy of anticipation made her wish he had kissed her as she’d expected. Except, of course, she didn’texpectit. That was nonsense.
They reached a spot close to the falls and stood mesmerized by the rushing waters, the mighty roar, and the rising mist.
After a bit, she sighed. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
“No need to hurry away.” He indicated a natural granite bench, and they sat on the sun-warmed rock.
She lifted her face, the spray of the water dampening her skin. If only she could stay here and enjoy this peaceful feeling forever. Or at least until she got her memory back.
“There’s more.” He got to his feet and pulled her up to his side. Keeping her hand in his, he led the way back along the river. But they passed the trail and continued downstream.
She didn’t ask their destination because it didn’t matter where they went, only that he seemed to want to prolong this afternoon as much as she.
Ferns grew in the shade of the trees. Ahead were bushes with palm-shaped leaves and red berries.
