Ride With Me (A Quaking Heart Novel - Book One)

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  At Clint's sad, pleading voice, Jessica's legs weakened. She slowed to a halt then fell to her knees, barely noticing the bite of rocks on her skin. Planting her head in her palms, the last shred of fight in her broke. Clint's uneven steps sounded behind her.

  Jessica sensed his nearness. He came around to face her, grasped her by the shoulders and lifted her to his embrace, enfolding her into a hold so tight she could hardly breathe. Her ragged breath rippled across his shirt, soon to be joined by fresh tears.

  "I'm sorry, little one. I'm so sorry," he kept repeating.

  Consumed by his powerful embrace, her heart threatened to beat her to death. She clung to him while his chin rested on the top of her head. This was home, right where she belonged. He was so warm, so strong, his scent—of leather and fresh air—so familiar. This time she wouldn't let go. All doubts of the past few days melted away like lard in a hot skillet.

  They stood frozen in time until she sensed him wavering. His body quivered and bobbed. What's wrong? The tower of a man began to crumble. She leaned back and was shocked to see a single tear traveling down his cheek. But something else was happening, too. He was losing color, and sweat had dampened his skin. He toppled slowly, like a mighty oak collapsing into the forest. She held him to her, trying to cushion his long fall to his knees.

  Once he hit the ground, his whole body buckled and fell to one side. Jessica gasped, rolled him onto his back, and shook him. "Clint! Clint, answer me!"

  He didn't answer.

  "Lord, help us, please!"

  She called back to Johnnie, who stood motionless, watching the whole scene—his own raw emotions revealed on his face. "Johnnie! Get the doctor."

  Jessica put her hand to Clint's forehead. Burning. Why hadn't she noticed the heat radiating from his body? Yanking her work worn shirttails out of her pants, she tore at it with her teeth, ripping off a section. At arm's length from the stream, Jessica swirled the cloth in the water then laid it on his brow.

  Still not knowing where she stood with this man—only that he was sorry—she was careful with her words. She wanted to address him as love of her life, to tell him that she would always be here for him, but she couldn't bring herself to say aloud what lived in her heart. "Clint, it's Jessie. Please wake up."

  He didn't open his eyes, but she persisted. Finally, his eyelids fluttered, then rose for a moment. Even though the sun had sunk below the horizon, she could see how dilated his pupils were.

  In a barely detectable voice, he said, "Jessie, can you see the sunset God is painting?"

  He's giving God the glory for the sunset? She gulped, hoping to quell the lump in her throat in order to answer him. "Yes, I see it. It's beautiful, as always."

  Without moving, his eyes turned toward it. "Will you describe it for me?"

  He can't see it? A deep fear knifed through her, so severe she had to cough to free her restricted throat enough to speak. "Swirls of pinks, baby blues, and reds. Glorious reds."

  "Red skies at night . . ." He stopped and gazed up, entreating her to finish.

  ". . . cowboy's delight." Love of my life.

  She watched helplessly as his eyes rolled back and closed.

  Clint's head remained in her lap as Jessica summoned all her strength to beseech her Lord in prayer. "Father-God, I beg of you. This beautiful man needs you. You created his body. You know how to heal it. He doesn't know you yet, Jesus. If he were to die today, he would be condemned to hell. This one doesn't belong in hell. He's a good man. He's just lost his way. Please, give me the chance to tell him about You—"

  Clint's eyes cracked open, and his gaze locked to hers. An unexpected sort of peace gushed over her as he found her hand resting on his chest, and placed his over the top of hers.

  "Thank you, Lord," Jessica praised without reservation.

  He smiled ever so faintly and winked at her, then closed his eyes. His breathing deepened but was steady and solid. This time, in her spirit, she knew he would be all right, body and soul. She praised God in her head, in her heart, and out loud to anyone who happened to be standing by.

  The ranch hands who'd been watching and waiting came forward and picked him up. They walked painstakingly toward the main house. When they arrived they laid Clint on Uncle Roy's bed in the downstairs bedroom.

  Jessica followed, no longer wrestling with fear, having put Clint in God's capable hands. God's will would be done and she would do her part—obey. While caring for Clint's physical body, she planned to read to him from the Scriptures, pray for him, encourage him to join her in God's Kingdom through Christ and Christ alone. As Walt had reminded her, bringing him with her to Paradise, at the end of this life, would be her ultimate goal—above all else.

  Johnnie removed Clint's bulky clothing while Jessica waited outside his door. After a short while, Johnnie came out. His compassion-filled eyes rested on her. "You okay, Jess?"

  "Yes, I really think I am. What about you?" she asked solemnly, seeing the angst imprinted on his face.

  "Now that Clint's back, I won't be seeing much of you, will I?"

  She hurt for him, knowing what it was like to love someone who didn't return your love. Still, not seeing what God had in store for each of them, she didn't want to offer too much by way of explanation right now. She only wished she weren't the cause of his current pain.

  Carefully she began, "Johnnie, you're an amazing man. Only God knows what's to come. Above all else God wants you and Clint—and the others, for that matter—to know Him. If you would let me tell you about Jesus, I would be honored. Beyond that, I can't say."

  He looked surprised but relieved, like she hadn't handed him his walking papers. She suspected he would be willing to listen to her about God if for no other reason than to be near her. She would use that opportunity to tell him about Jesus while being careful not to mislead him concerning herself.

  "I'll leave you to Clint. Hope he's better soon." Tipping his hat at her, he said, "Evenin', Jess."

  Looking weary, he stepped around her and headed for the front door. As he stepped out, Jessica saw Rose Marie greet Johnnie timidly. He shut the door behind him, leaving Jessica to wonder how the beauty could seem so nervous yet self-assured all at the same time.