Where the Wild Rose Blooms by Lori Wick Read Free Book Online Page B

needed about a certain training college."
    Clayton brought his horse to a standstill and stared at his father, who had stopped as well. The older man shifted lazily in his saddle, pushed his hat back on his head, and grinned at his son.
    "Do you mean it?" Clayton finally managed.
    "Certainly. Its too late for this fall, but a year from now.... Are you willing to wait?"
    "I'll wait," Clayton told him without a moments thought, his voice almost breathless. "The time doesn't matter; just knowing its really going to happen is all I need."
    Kevin heeled his mount forward, a smile still splitting his beard. Clayton moved with him, a hundred questions swarming in his head. When had his father written about his desire to teach? When had the letter arrived from Denver? And why had he waited until now to tell him? How much did it cost? Was his grandmother helping? Maybe he could live with her.
    It was all such a blur in his mind that Clayton couldn't voice a single word. A glance at his father told him he was still feeling very pleased with himself. Clayton let his eyes slide shut for just an instant.
    I'm going to school, Lord. I'm going to teach. I prayed, and I waited on You. Thank You, Lord. Thank You with all my heart.

    Eddie climbed up onto the double bed beside Jackie, but she did not touch the lantern. Jackie had already closed her eyes, but a moment later she realized something was wrong. She opened her eyes to find Eddie sitting and staring at her.
    "Aren't you going to turn out the light? I'm tired."
    "He's probably going to fall in love with you."
    "Who?" the younger girl frowned in confusion.
    "Robert."
    "Why would he do that?"
    "Because all the men who meet you fall in love with you."
    It did seem that way, so Jackie didn't deny it, but she did try to reason with her older sister.
    "Eddie, Robert already loves you."
    "That's because he's never met you."
    Jackie now pushed herself up against the headboard. "Do you really think hes coming all this way just to lose interest?"
    Eddie dropped her eyes. She was always the sure one, but tonight she wanted to panic. Robert was coming the day after tomorrow, and she was ready to snap under the pressure.
    "Eddie?"
    The older girl looked up.
    "Do you think I would try to take your boyfriend?"
    "No, Jackie!" Eddie was horrified. "I didn't mean that at all. Its just that we met for such a short time, and I'm afraid he's forgotten what I really look like. And I can't help but ask myself if you'd been there that day if he'd have fallen in love with me in the first place."
    Jackie leaned forward in a rare show of affection and hugged her older sister. She spoke with her arms holding her tight.
    "Robert Langley loves the woman who writes the letters you've shared. He might have been attracted that day at Aunt Lacey's, but his real love for you has come through your letters."
    Jackie wasn't sure where the words had come from, but Eddie looked relieved. She admitted, "At first it felt like he would never get here, but the time has flown. I just don't know if I'm ready."
    "You're ready. I know you are."
    They fell silent for a time until something compelled Jackie to ask, "Eddie, what are you really afraid oft"
    Eddie sighed deeply. "I think I'm afraid that he'll ask me to marry him, and I'll know it's right. Then I'll be torn between two worlds."
    Jackie didn't need her to elaborate. She had thought of this same thing many times herself. Where would they all end up? Her father and Uncle Mitch had been separated for years and by many miles. The war had torn families apart from coast to coast. Where would they all be in ten years' time? Jackie reached for Eddie again and they clung together. Neither one wanted to cry, but suddenly separation felt imminent.
    At that moment the door opened with a low groan. Addy came in without rebuke and joined them on the bed.
    "It's getting late." Her voice was hushed.
    "We were just talking," Eddie told her.
    Addy nodded. She reached and brushed a wayward