Page 70 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

Becky blew out a long sigh. “I’m scared he’ll reject me.”

“Do you trust him?”

Good question. “We only met in January. I haven’t known him long. My past judgment was flawed …”

“Sam isn’t Jarrod.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

Becky focused on her deep breathing, pondering Mel’s words.

“I’ll be praying for you, lil sis. I think Sam’s worth the risk.”

She nodded. Could she open her heart to Sam and risk rejection? Sam wasn’t Jarrod. Sam’s faith was genuine.

She’d hurt Sam, and making excuses to justify why she was right to stay quiet was not a solution. Did she have the courage to step out in faith and risk her heart being trampled?

CHAPTER 14

The next day, Sam held Becky’s hand as they walked back to his truck, only a block from the church. The sun warmed his face and defrosted the chill that had crept into their relationship. They’d parked their issues at the curb and agreed to focus on enjoying Pete and Emma’s Easter Saturday wedding.

The late-morning ceremony at their church was heartwarming and faith-filled. The bride and groom had left the church for photos with their bridal party. Now they had time to kill before the luncheon reception at a wedding venue outside town.

Becky let go of his hand and opened her purse. “I knew I’d forgotten something.”

“What’s missing?”

“My lip gloss. Can we detour via my dorm?”

“Sure.” He unlocked his truck, glad he’d spent time cleaning the interior cabin yesterday.

Becky was beautiful in ordinary clothes. Today’s wedding outfit of an elegant pink dress and matching heels added a sophistication he found irresistible. Her dark hair flowed loose over her shoulders. She’d drawn plenty of male attention at the church, along with appreciative glances.

Sam appreciated Becky’s support and her willingness to be his plus-one despite all the complications. The undercurrents in their relationship were like tiny ripples bubbling beneath the surface. Her mind-blowing beauty didn’t change the facts. He wasn’t prepared to commit to a long-distance relationship if she wasn’t prepared to discuss hard issues.

Within minutes they arrived at the parking lot on campus.

She opened the passenger door. “I won’t be long.”

“Take your time. Those shoes don’t look easy to walk in.”

She chuckled. “I used to wear heels all the time. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay.” Her old life in Sydney was worlds apart from Gilead. The life she’d return to in the coming weeks.

He stepped out of his truck, leaving the windows open to catch the breeze. He loosened his tie and stood in the shade of a nearby tree. If only he could roll up the long sleeves of his button-up shirt. He’d ironed out the creases and needed to be presentable for the reception.

His phone beeped in his pocket. He checked the screen. Mom. She wanted to talk ASAP. He dialed her number.

“Mom, what’s up?”

“Oh Sam, I don’t know what to do with your father.”

He groaned. “Isn’t he leaving for the ranch now?”

“I tried calling earlier, and he wouldn’t answer. He finally picked up and said it’s too hard. The drive is too long.”

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