Free Seeing Daylight by Tanya Hanson Page A

gate of Hearts Crossing—he’d long ago chuckled away his macho doubts of her ability. An amazing serenity filled him just passing under the hearts and cross. He knew it for sure then and there, like a hammer blow. He was here for a purpose, a purpose that had more to do than him just checking things out at Woodside Meadows. More than him gifting Addie with riding lessons.
    Rachel. Helping her find her way. He’d suffered a tragic loss, been part of it, if not the cause. If anybody could help God mend her broken spirit and ease her confusion, let it be me, Lord, through You. With You.
    After the van parked, the bridal party surged outside first, letting him enjoy a few last seconds of snuggling with Rachel.
    “Rachel, what can we do to help in the kitchen? That barbeque smoker over there’s already got my tummy rumbling,” one of them said as he helped Rachel out.
    The aromas were divine, and Rachel’s tense face relaxed into a smile. “No, no, Cricket. Thanks. All I’ve got to do is grate some cheese, and I think I’ll have the help I need.” She tossed Brayton a glance that set his heart singing. “This is your last day here, girls. You ought to mount up for one last trail ride.” She waved her hand. Each of the girls had dressed in jeans and boots for services. “You’re all set to go.”
    “But we’re tenderfeet and need a fearless leader.” Charlene chuckled. “Won’t the hands still be at church in town?”
    Aw. He hoped the half-dozen girly grins weren’t suggesting him. The only trail ride he’d want to go on had Rachel on a horse at his side.
    “Some of the guys attend Saturday Mass at St. Anthony’s.” Rachel pointed and all eyes followed. Past the corral, a lanky cowboy maneuvered a horse on a halter lead. “That’s Topeka over there. He’ll take you out and get you back here in time for dinner.”
    “Oh, goodness me.” Cricket sighed. “How do you grow ’em so handsome around here? If me and Travis don’t make it, although I’m sure I can straighten him out, I know where to come trolling.”
    “Cricket!” The gaggle groaned.
    Charlene simply smiled. “Thanks, Rachel. One thing’s for sure. We’re all gonna hate to leave here and get back to the real world.”
    “Jobs.” One said.
    “Travis,” Cricket spat out then grinned. “Aw, he’s all right.”
    Rachel chuckled as the girls took off. He’d never tire of her smile.
    All right . As Brayton and Rachel marched up the back steps into the large country kitchen, he found his voice, his words, and opened his mouth. But she disappeared into a large commercial fridge for a second, coming out with an armload of cheeses.
    “Wanna help?” She set down her load and dug in a drawer for a grater.
    “I thought you’d never ask. Let me wash my hands first.” He grinned and set to work at the long stainless steel counter. After she pulled off her jacket, she washed up and joined him
    “Rachel?” Somehow, the two of them alone in a normally boisterous place performing the humble task, he knew gut-deep he’d found the right moment in this homey kitchen to speak what he’d left unsaid at church. “I’m a dad, and I’ve been a husband. If Nick hadn’t wanted to come back to you, believe me, he wouldn’t have.”
    Her hand stilled, her Velveeta suspended over a mandolin, but she didn’t look at him. “But he wanted to be there. In country. Deployed. More than he wanted to be with me.”
    Brayton stopped his action as well. “Well, I’ve never been a serviceman, but I bet it was because he felt his job was unfinished. That he was abandoning his duties at a critical time. It wasn’t because he didn’t want you.” Her gaze met his for a fleeting second before they both attacked their chunks of cheese.
    “I can’t help wondering…maybe I wasn’t enough.” Her voice hitched.
    Her pain rolled over him. More than anything he wanted to hold her against his heart, but her arms closed tight around herself. He grated about