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

  Chapter 25

  Jessica barely found her way to the barn through the blur of scalding tears. Body and soul, she suffered the slam of this latest incident with a finality that dazed her. A spigot had opened to her spirit, and joy was swiftly draining out. This time she hadn't the reserve of strength to twist that spigot shut.

  She gathered up a blanket, saddle, and bridle, and went into the gray mare's stall. The horse eyed her warily, picking up on her distress. "It's okay, girl. We'll get through this." She patted the mare's neck, then saddled, mounted, and galloped her way up the road toward Mary's cabin.

  Only God could give her peace now. Hours clicked by as she prayed. Her rational side gave her all the reasons she needed to let go of Clint, while her heart futilely clung to him. By the world's standards, Rose Marie would make a more suitable mate for a man like Clint, yet Jessica thought he deserved a more selfless, godly woman. And that didn't describe Rose Marie.

  She chirped a laugh, startling birds out of a nearby fir to take to the air. What a laugh. It didn't describe her either.

  She let that troubling thought go while she pictured Clint in her mind, remembering with solitary warmth his touches and even his telling gazes. A ceaseless ache radiated from deep in her core and spread. How would she ever stop loving him?

  God, do You want Rose Marie for Clint? Is that why these incidents keep happening; to give me the hint? Wasn't it time she wanted what God wanted? Still, she found herself wanting to fight for Clint, whether God agreed or not. She shuddered with guilt and hopelessness.

  Rounding a bend in the rode, she spied Mary's cabin. Had she really come this far already? But in every other sense, she still had a long way to go.