Where Grace Abides by BJ Hoff Read Free Book Online

to turn around and go back, even if we could. Besides, we don’t really have anything to go back to. My folks pulled up stakes a few months ago and moved to Kentucky to stay with my older brother, and Ellie doesn’t have any family. And with the wagon wheel busted, we can’t go anywhere.”
    Gant watched as Gideon returned and set a full jug of fresh water on the table. Sawyer filled his wife’s cup, then his own, drinking it all straight down again without a breath.
    â€œI expect I can fix your wagon wheel,” Gideon said, moving tostand near Asa. “I’ve fixed a lot of buggy wheels. Most likely it’s the axle.”
    â€œI’d be grateful,” said Sawyer, “but we don’t have any money.”
    Gideon shrugged. “That’s not a problem. It won’t take me that long.”
    Gant looked at him, not all that surprised to hear the boy make such an offer.
    Sawyer glanced down at the floor, then at Gideon. “That’s real kind of you. But I will pay for your work just as soon as I can. Once we’re settled and all, I’ll send you whatever we owe.”
    Always quick on the uptake, Gideon studied him for a moment. Then, as if he realized he might insult the other by refusing, he said, “Sure, that’s fine.”
    â€œIn the meantime,” Gant put in, “you folks will need a place to stay.” He turned to Gideon. “Take them down to Mrs. Haining’s boardinghouse. She’s always got an extra room or two.”
    Sawyer frowned, and a crimson stain worked its way up his neck. “I can’t pay for a room. We’ll do all right in the back of the wagon.”
    Gant considered his words. “Son, even if you could make do in the back of a broken-down wagon, you don’t want to put your wife through it. She needs a good rest. Don’t worry about the money for now. It’ll be taken care of.”
    Sawyer’s wife spoke for the first time. “We’re ever so grateful, Mr. Gant. And we will find a way to repay you.” Her level blue gaze left little doubt that they would do just that.
    Gant waved off her thanks. “That’ll be fine,” he said, then motioned to Gideon to follow him. “I have something in back you can deliver while you’re out.”
    In the back room, he gave Gideon some money. “This should cover a room and meals for a couple of days. Give it to Mrs. Haining and tell her if they need to stay longer, I’ll take care of it. Be sure she knows they’ll be needing supper.”
    â€œIf you can spare me some time tomorrow, I’ll work on that wheel.”
    â€œI can spare you the time, but I have a feeling they may not be going anywhere too soon.”
    Gideon shot him a questioning look, but understanding almost instantly filled his eyes. “Mrs. Sawyer—you think it might be her time soon?”
    Gant shrugged. “It’s not for me to ask, but I wouldn’t be a bit surprised.”
    Gant’s thoughts were troubled as he watched the boy return to the front of the shop. It seemed things couldn’t be much harder for the Sawyers. A broken wagon, not a cent to their names, and if he wasn’t mistaken, a baby about to be born. They were going to need some help, all right. Most likely a lot of help.
    Yet there was something about them, something that left no doubt but what they would be all right even without the help of anyone else. In spite of their youth, their hard luck, and difficult circumstances, a warm steadiness and quiet strength bespoke the love they shared and the bond that joined them, no matter what.
    Gant suddenly recognized a feeling inside himself akin to envy. Envy of what the Sawyers had together. Though they appeared to have nothing, he sensed they had everything.
    They had what he wanted, what he’d hoped for—and still longed for—with Rachel.
    He was the one who had nothing. He had a house and a business