Touching the Sky by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online

might have been discussing the need for a haircut, but Brandon knew it was the most important decision of his life.
    Having a pastor for a father, Brandon had no memory of a life without God at the center of it. He had been taught to memorize Scripture, pray faithfully, and take compassion on the less fortunate. Brandon had also seen firsthand the blessings and woes of being a man of God. He wasn’t deluded. But what he had known were parents who were faithful to their beliefs, and that had given him a great deal of strength.
    He started to read, but soon his thoughts strayed to Laura Marquardt. He could still picture her face and its delicate lines. She was far more serious than her playful sister, but he liked that about her. She didn’t display the nonsensical theatrics that he’d witnessed in Carissa Marquardt. Perhaps that was due to her seniority in years—although they couldn’t be many—or maybe Laura was by nature more thoughtful.
    Glancing down at the open Bible, Brandon’s gaze fell to the last chapter of Proverbs. The tenth verse caught his eye. Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. He thought again of Laura and read on.
    The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
    He could see those verses applying to a woman such as Laura. He could sense her strength and passion for life. She displayed a streak of fearlessness but was also quite reserved and obedient. During their encounter on the street she had tried to explain herself, but she had done so with modesty and decorum. He couldn’t find fault in anything she’d said.
    Then at the party, he had watched her interact with the guests. She was congenial and sincere to everyone.
    He shook his head and glanced heavenward. “Is she your will for me?”
    His father had taught him this type of questioning as a youngster. “When you are presented with decisions and choices, as you are certain to be,” his father had said, “you should always stop and ask the Lord if this is His will for your life.”
    Brandon had heeded his father’s advice, and it had served him well to seek God’s will before his own. Of course, sometimes the answers weren’t exactly clear.
    He looked back at the verses and released a long breath. He needed God’s direction now more than ever. The days ahead would not be easy. He had a job to do and needed to be cautious, as the interest he had in Laura Marquardt overlapped with the duties he had to find evidence against Malcolm Lowe.

5
    A t the conclusion of Sunday services on July twenty-third, Carissa and Malcolm’s engagement was formally announced. The atmosphere immediately turned to one of revelry and joy as the congregation congratulated the happy couple. Laura tried to brush aside her feelings of unease, but her sister’s immaturity worried her. Carissa couldn’t cook or keep house, and there wouldn’t be money for servants. Unless, of course, Mother and Father stepped in to aid the situation.
    And of course, they very well might do just that. After all, they had purchased the little house on the far south side of the town. Laura tried not to be jealous. But she couldn’t deny a sense of disappointment. She always figured she’d marry first—have children first. She supposed it was a silly thought . . . and perhaps prideful, too. Maybe that’s why this was happening. Perhaps God was trying to teach her to deal with her pride.
    Stepping outside, Laura decided to wait for her family on the church lawn. It was at least a little cooler here than it had been inside. She was glad she’d chosen to wear her striped silk summer gown. The dress was lighter in weight than most she owned, and instead of being designed to wear with multiple layers of petticoats, the hem had been reinforced with stiffened muslin. This allowed Laura to limit her undergarments and still maintain a proper and