Mama Rides Shotgun by Deborah Sharp Read Free Book Online Page A

best foundation for a strong religious faith. I believe we should make the most of the time we’re given. After that, there’s no guarantee.’’
    Mama swung her light into Doc’s face. “Are you telling me you don’t believe in life everlasting?’’
    He waited a beat, squinting into the light.
    “I believe in life, Rosalee. Let’s just leave it at that.’’
    Her eyes searched his face for evidence he might need converting. From past experience, I knew she usually found such evidence, whether it existed or not. I cut her off at the pulpit.
    “Doc probably has business to get to, don’t you, Doc?’’ I looked at him meaningfully. “I’m sure he doesn’t have time for a theological discussion.’’
    “It’s not theology, Mace.’’ Mama shook her head. “It’s salvation, pure and simple.’’
    “Mama,’’ I warned. “Now’s not the time.’’
    “There’s always time for the Lord. He always makes time for us. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. That’s not just me; that’s the Bible talking. Romans 10:9.’’
    Mama’s light was still trained on Doc. He was squirming like a shoplifter in the store security office.
    “Mama, haven’t you ever heard the saying ‘To each his own’? Doc has every right to his own views on religion, or anything else.’’
    “Even if his views mean he’ll burn in eternal hellfire?’’
    Sweat was beginning to bead on Doc’s upper lip, though the night was cool. Maybe he was starting to sizzle in anticipation.
    “Mama, if Doc wants spiritual guidance, I’m sure he’ll turn to you.’’ When purple pigs fly, I thought. “Now, that’s enough!’’
    Pressing her lips together, she lowered the light. The inquisition appeared to be over, leastwise for now. Doc gave me a grateful look.
    “I should be getting back to the ranch house.” He pulled an oversized handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at his upper lip. “I need to check on Wynonna and the rest of the family. I’m worried about Belle. She’s fragile. Lawton dying might be enough to break her.’’
    I could see twin desires warring on Mama’s face: redeeming a non-believer versus discovering a juicy tidbit about a Bramble family member.
    “Is Belle crazy, Doc?’’ she blurted out.
    “You know I can’t discuss a patient, Rosalee. On the other hand, it is common knowledge Belle’s had some problems growing up.’’
    “Well, we don’t hear much common knowledge from up here way down in Himmarshee,’’ Mama said.
    “That’s right,’’ I added. “We’re too busy gossiping about our own to worry about gossiping about folks who live a few counties north.’’
    Mama pulled herself to her full height. She still didn’t reach my chin. “I am not a gossip, Mace. I’m merely concerned about Belle. Maybe I could do something to help her—right, Doc?’’
    Only if the poor girl needs a ride all the way ’round the crazy bend, I thought.
    “I’d say just be as kind to Belle as you can,’’ Doc said. “Now, I hate to change the subject, but do you suppose there’s any food left from dinner? I missed it altogether.’’
    By the looks of him, missing a meal was a rare event. Nonetheless, his mention of food sent Mama into Southern hostess mode.
    “You’re hungry?’’ She put a hand on his arm. “Well, why didn’t you say something? That’s awful! We’ll get Johnny to scare you up a plate. He served chicken-fried steak and strawberry pie tonight. It’d be a shame to miss it. Mace and I will take you over and keep you company while you eat.’’
    That meant Mama would angle for a little something for us, too, since it’s rude to just sit there and watch someone else eat. I was tired. And I still had to check on our loaner horses. But I am my mama’s daughter, sweet tooth and all. We turned our flashlights toward our cow-pasture-turned-campground and the promise of seconds on