My Hope Is Found: The Cadence of Grace, Book 3 by Joanne Bischof Read Free Book Online Page B

warm. “Jebediah’d never do that to you.”
    His voice was soft. “He’d have every right.”
    His words were not helping her pulse.
    She took a slow, steady breath, reminding herself that Toby was as good a friend as she’d ever had. Nerves or no nerves, she knew what the future held, and she was happy about it. “Well, don’t go gettin’ into any trouble over me.”
    “It’d be worth it.” He stepped toward the door.
    “And that coming from a reverend.” She arched an eyebrow but wondered if her cheeks were as rosy as they felt.
    “You’re right. I apologize. I shouldna said that.” His dimples deepened, voiding his apology. “S’pose I better do something to rectify the situation.” His gaze touched hers before he stepped out. A cold burst of air swayed Lonnie’s skirt, and the door closed behind him.

Six
    Gideon heard the town of Stuart before he saw it. He crested a low, bare hill—the trees long gone—and spotted the buildings in the distance. He smelled smoke. Heard the clatter of horses and wagons and, somewhere far off, the ring of a hammer on an anvil. Yet the only sight to draw his attention was the large courthouse. The brick building stood out in its prominence, and for the first moment in days, doubt flitted through him.
    Despising the feeling—the thought of losing Lonnie all over again—Gideon strode down the hillside all but talking aloud to convince himself not to be afraid. He crossed onto Main Street and headed straight for the courthouse that stood like a beacon in the center of town. He dodged a wagon and then a group of women, taking care to step over a dog sleeping across the wooden sidewalk.
    Striding up the stone steps of the courthouse, he suddenly felt very small. Snow gathered along the bases of the massive columns, and Gideon shivered as he reached the broad porch. The tall doors were closed. A tug on one large handle and it opened more smoothly than he expected. He stepped into the warm building.
    Greeted by the musky scent of perfume, he immediately spotted the source sitting behind a desk.
    “Excuse me, ma’am.” Gideon pulled his hat off as he approached the woman.
    The receptionist looked up, a pair of spectacles pressed against her round face. The wiry bun mounded on her head was streaked in gray.
    “I have a question, and I’m not sure where to begin.”
    Her smile was genuine. “What may I help you with?”
    “I … uh … I sent an annulment request to the court through the circuit rider, and I’m curious as to its status.”
    He might as well have spoken in German for the look she gave him. “Annulment.”
    He nodded soberly.
    “What is your name?” She slid a small pad of paper toward herself and picked up a stubby pencil. He spoke and she eyed him from head to toe. With an arch of her eyebrow, she scratched
Gideon O’Riley
in tiny script. “I will be right back. You may have a seat while you wait if you’d like.” A gaudy ring on her finger caught the light when she waved her hand toward some benches.
    Gideon turned his hat in his hand. “Thank you, ma’am.”
    Her boot heels echoed down the corridor, and he sat on a hard bench. A few people milled about, murmuring in hushed tones. Turning his hat nervously, Gideon looked out the window and tried to swallow, but his heart felt like it was in his throat. He all but jumped up from the bench when the woman returned. Her face was stony. Gideon drew in a heavy breath.
    “Mr. O’Riley, I’m afraid that the judge has not gotten to your case yet.” She pressed her hand to a broad belt that cinched the waist of her lacy blouse. “It could be a while yet. A few days … perhaps longer.
Most likely
longer.”
    “Longer?”
    “Yes sir. These matters take time.” She strode back to her desk with an invitation for him to follow.
    “Is there a way I could speak to him? I need to get home, ma’am.”
    “I’m afraid not today. It’s been a hectic day, and the judge has a hearing in several