* * *
With his upper back against the bunkhouse, Johnnie raised his knee and braced a boot to the wall. He draped a forearm across his thigh and looked up to appreciate the starry night, his thoughts on Jessica and how his regard for her had deepened. He was drawn to her like eyes to a sunrise. Mostly, he guessed, out of admiration for the deep character she'd so fully developed in her young life. And something else; he was utterly fascinated by her steadfast devotion to God.
Then he thought of Rose Marie. How could two women be so different? When he'd walked Rose Marie to her cabin tonight she'd been obstinate, and highly opinionated. That slip of a woman was a tumultuous, fiery puff of self-absorption. Her exterior was admirable, but she flat rubbed him the wrong way.
And she was grossly manipulative to boot. Not that she'd been successful with him. He couldn't be manipulated. Not anymore.
Thoughts of his past clouded his mind until the sound of muffled footsteps against the dirt road brought him back to the here and now. He pushed off the wall and peered around the corner. In the glow of the moonlight he saw Jessica heading for the stream. It had become a regular event, his being on hand to comfort her. He took off after her, watching to make sure she remained safe. He followed close, not to interrupt but to listen in case she needed him.
At the water, he saw her settle on her favorite rock, then look to the heavens. Once Johnnie drew near, he heard a portion of a prayer she was offering up.
". . . and, Jesus, my heart is broken. Has Clint come to tell me he wants Rose Marie?" Her voice was small and sad. "Johnnie is so sweet and attentive. Is it him you want for me? If that's the case, turn my heart toward him. Only, please make it clear. And please, please heal Clint. Thank you, Lord."
Is it him you want for me? Hope rose up in Johnnie. Maybe now was the time. He came up behind her. "Jess, it's going to be okay."
Startled, she pitched forward and started to slide. Johnnie rushed to catch her by the elbows and lift her off the rock. He pulled her into a hug—this time not merely for her comfort. He reached up and pulled his hat off, dropping it on the rock she had vacated. He raised her chin with his thumb, resting his fingers lightly at her neck. Her eyes went wide, and he wondered if she would resist. She didn't. He urged her chin up more in a confident move he wasn't quite feeling. He tried to read her eyes. They looked tentative, unsure, but they didn't say no. Slowly he bent his head to take her lips with his.