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

  Chapter 32

  Dawn broke, and though the eastern horizon was hidden by the lofty mountaintop behind them, it couldn't conceal another awe-inspiring illustration of God's splendor. After Clint had refreshed the fire and pressed the makeshift coffee pot into the heat, he reclined against the boulder, humbly studying the brilliance that pushed the darkness away and brought a golden light in its wake. Admiring sunrises had always been a favorite past-time of his. Now, in light of his new relationship with God, the beauty seemed magnified.

  "What's the smile for?" Jessie asked.

  Thrilled and relieved she was awake, he grinned down at her. She had turned over sometime during the night to face him. Her slender hands rested under her head in a prayer-like manner, her eyes half lidded. Admitting his love, if only to himself, had calmed the sea of emotions. Now all he wanted was to love her, protect her, and spend every possible moment with her.

  "Good morning, sunshine," he said.

  "Good morning, sunshine."

  Hearing her say those words momentarily gripped him. He stared into her eyes, astounded she had burrowed more deeply under his skin just since awakening from unconsciousness. And how had she accepted her circumstances so well? She didn't remember herself, or any of them, yet she still had that unwavering positive outlook.

  "How are you today? How's the head?" Clint asked.

  "Let me sit up and see."

  He leaned over to help her.

  She smiled up into his face. "I think I'm pretty good, other than stiff from sleeping on the ground."

  "Good. What can I get you? Water, coffee?"

  Worrying her bottom lip, she didn't speak for a moment, then, "I need to use the little girl's tree."

  He chuckled, delighted she'd called it the same thing as before. Memories might still be in tack, if somewhat displaced. "Sure, let's get you up and go handle that."

  "You're going to help me? Shouldn't we get one of the ladies up?"

  "I can handle it. You'll have your privacy, I promise."

  She eyed him warily, but nodded.