Brides of Idaho by Linda; Ford Read Free Book Online Page B

be correct.
    “So you think everyone should obey rules.”
    He hadn’t meant for her to apply his words in such a fashion. “I only meant they showed their caring that way. The only way they knew how.”
    Her eyes blared like the sun had peeked around the corner and pooled in her irises. “Seems to me a man who calls himself a preacher would know love has certain requirements laid out in the scriptures. Perhaps you recall First Corinthians chapter thirteen, where it describes love as charity. Says it is long-suffering, kind, and never fails.” Her words came fast and furious.
    “Strange you pick those virtues when it also says charity vaunteth not itself, rejoiceth in the truth, and hopes all things.” Stranger still she knew the passage. Yet perhaps not. Joanna made certain grace was offered at each meal, so the girls had been exposed to godly teaching at some point in their lives.
    She tried to stare him down, but he wasn’t backing up, physically or mentally. When she realized he wouldn’t budge, she made a noise of exasperation, grabbed the saddle and saddle blanket, and stomped outside. A few minutes later she rode down the trail at a gallop.
    “She shouldn’t ride so fast through town,” Toby observed quietly. “Joanna is always telling her. But Glory doesn’t listen.”
    No, Glory doesn’t listen.
That about summed it up.

    Sunday dawned clear and promising.
Thank You, Lord, for a nice day.
    One thing Levi had no control over was the weather, and meeting outdoors required good weather. He’d scoured the town looking for a suitable building to rent and had come up empty. All the buildings were in use.
    He’d posted notices about town that he would hold services on the hillside south of the ferry. He’d announced it again at the supper table. Still he wondered how many would show up. Would Glory?
    He took extra time with his grooming, aware of young Toby watching him.
    “You really gonna have church outside?”
    “Yup. Jesus held open-air services, you know.” Levi finished his shave and wiped his face on the towel. As he finished and hung the towel, he caught a glimpse of Glory as she passed the open dining room door. “Are you coming?” He directed the question to Toby but hoped Glory heard it as well.
    “Guess so. Glory says it might do me some good.” The younger man hung his head and scuffled his feet. “She says maybe it will help me quit drinking.” Suddenly he gave Levi a hard, demanding look. “You think it would?”
    Levi gave the man his undivided attention. “Toby, going to church won’t help you so much as listening to God will. God can give your life new purpose. He will forgive your sins and let you start over. Come to the service and hear what I have to say, and if you have other questions, I’m always willing to talk.”
    Toby brightened. “I’ll be there.”
    Levi caught up his black suit jacket and donned it over his vest. Some might think it was an odd combination, but he didn’t mind. Maybe they needed to see the preacher was more than a suit jacket. He was also a man. Did Glory see it?
    Why did his thoughts always circle back to Miss Glory? Even at night, he recalled images of her—racing through town, scolding the man with horses, glaring at him across the table. Whether she smiled or glared, he derived a great deal of enjoyment out of picturing her.
    He pushed the thought away. Today was not about him. Or her.
    He picked up his Bible and headed for the field where the service was to be held. No one was there when he arrived. Nor did he expect it. It was a full hour before time to start. He’d come to pray and mentally prepare and welcome any early arrivals.
    Half an hour later, people started to trickle in. Levi greeted each one. Claud Wagoner, whom he met the first day. Mr. Murray, the lawyer, and his wife. Widow Kish leaning on Mr. Phelps’s arm.
    Levi strode over and shook Mr. Phelps’s hand and squeezed the widow’s shoulder. “Glad to see you both.