One True Love by Lori Copeland Read Free Book Online Page B

children, but it would have a woman’s desire to shape youthful insights to a higher standard. She could hardly wait to tell Audrey and Willow of the new event. Setting the tablet aside, she reached for the plain white linen paper Adele had encouraged her to use and began a letter to her two best friends.
    Dearest Willow and Audrey,
    Though it’s been a short while, it feels like years since I’ve seen you. Willow, the wedding was beautiful. I know you wanted a large extravaganza, but heartfelt vows given in earnest are the ultimate expression of love. I wish both you and Tucker endless years of the God-given love that you experienced at the exact moment you pledged your all to each other. The older I get, the more I realize love is not a given; that not everyone will find their soul mate. But if they do they are given a blessing almost beyond human comprehension. So my dear loved one, may God go with you and your new husband.
    Audrey, I’ve been told that you sat with me shortly after the fire. I’m sorry, I have no recollection of your presence but I thank you dearly. You have been so in my heart of late. I know you worry about my ankle, but please don’t. Just pray for me and my recovery. Now that your eyes have been opened to love, my prayers are answered regarding Eli and his feelings for you. I feared that perhaps God might have to send a burning bush to awaken him, but apparently he’d noticed you all along. Actually, I’m a bit envious of you. Even I could love that gentle man, but I believe he was meant for you, dear one. You, and you alone. But sometimes it takes more than good eyesight to make proper choices. What’s the Scripture? Ecclesiastes—there is a time and a place for everything.
    I know you’re both awaiting my news, and I have very little to tell. The ankle is gravely injured (as I’m sure you were told), and there is a possibility that if infection were to set in I could lose the foot. The thought is indeed tragic,but I suppose that’s why the good Lord gave me a spare. One foot is better than none, and I console my anxiety by remembering the brave young men who came through the war and lost both feet. But now to the best news. Redlin has given me permission to hold a small class during noon meals. Of course we only stop long enough to eat and refresh our needs, but I plan to prepare five-minute lessons that will stick with the children. I am very excited about the prospects since it will fill many long hours and I hope enlighten the children.
    I have medication at night, but it clouds my thinking and causes night sweats and nightmares.
    Speaking of which, I will now address my guess to what’s uppermost in your minds: “Has she shot Josh Redlin yet?” or “Has Josh shot her?” Neither of the above, I’m happy to report. We’ve made a pact; I stay out of his way and he will get me safely to the doctor at the fort.
    There have been a few minor skirmishes, but so far we’ve remained adult about our situation. Adele tells me I owe Josh a debt of gratitude for holding the wagon train. Of course Howard Matthews factors greatly in the whole process, for without his financial generosity I would be lying abed without the slimmest hope of full recovery.
    I must close now. It’s nearing four o’clock, the hour the wagon train stops every night. We camp close to water, so tonight I will ask Adele if I might take a full bath.
    I’ll write as often as prudent, but I haven’t asked when or how the mail goes out. I suppose if it doesn’t you won’t be reading this anyway.
    She drew a funny face at the bottom of the page, then laid the pencil aside, folded the missive, stuck it into an envelope, and addressed it.
    At the moment, she’d give all she had (which admittedly included the sum of four dresses, pantaloons, and two pairs of wool stockings) to spend five minutes with her two best friends. Just a few