Free The Cowboy's Baby by Linda Ford Page B

happiness. All the things that kept them at odds with each other vanished like dew in the morning sun. She allowed it.
    Only because of how much she loved the music. Nothing more.
    He flipped the pages of the hymnal. “Do you know this one?”
    She chuckled. “I know all of them.” She played it for him. Again they made music together. Song after song they played on, wrapped together in the melody and words, united in their enjoyment. She paused to turn the page.
    “I remember when you said the songs were like God whispering in your heart. Now I know what you meant.” His voice reverberated through her as if someone had struck the lowest key on the piano. At that moment, her defensive walls teetered.
    Colby turned his attention back to the hymnal. “It’s so dark I can hardly see the words anymore.”
    Anna looked around. The last golden rays of sun slanted through the window, sending bright lines across the pew, filling the rest of the room with shadows.
    What was she thinking sitting here into the evening with this man? How could she consider trusting him again? Every time she thought he might be staying, he left. Every time she trusted him, he let her down.
    She scooted off the bench. “I had no idea it was so late.” No hiding the edginess in her voice.
    “We were having too much fun.”
    She relented slightly at his quick smile. It wasn’t his fault she’d let the music make her forget. “I enjoyed playing and singing together.”
    “I hope we can do it again.”
    At the invitation in his voice, she hesitated. In the fading light, she studied him. Who was he? Colby of her youth who shared the secrets of her heart? Or Colby of a year ago? Four years ago? Something hard and heavy lodged beneath her rib cage at the memory of being alone after Rose’s death. The heaviness increased as her thoughts cleared. Only this moment did she realize she’d waited for his return, hoping and praying, only to have her heart scalded when he’d returned with a wife. He couldn’t have made it any clearer that he did not share the feelings she had for him.
    “I don’t think that’s wise. I must go.” She scurried out the door, not slowing her steps until she slid into the silent kitchen. She padded into the front room. Father slept in his chair and she shook him awake. “It’s time to go to bed.”
    He stirred. “I was waiting for you to come home.”
    “I was playing the piano.” She often lost track of time as she practiced, but this time she hadn’t been alone. Her cheeks stung with heat. What was she thinking to be with Colby all evening? She could imagine Mrs. Percy’s comments if she knew. Thankfully there was no way she could.
    She tiptoed in to check on Dorrie. The baby slept with her bottom in the air, a finger inserted in her mouth.
    Anna clamped her hand to her lips to keep from crying out. Colby seemed changed—everything she’d always hoped he’d be—everything she knew he could be. She’d enjoyed his company more than she wanted to but the longer he hung about, the worse it would be for all of them. She couldn’t see his presence being a cause for anything but disappointment and sorrow for Dorrie, though she guessed Dorrie was young enough to forget Colby when he left.
    It was her heart that would be shattered yet again.
    She doubted she’d survive the torture.
    She hurried to her room and sat on the edge of her bed, her troubled thoughts tumbling around inside her head.
    Lord, help me. Guide me to be wise. I don’t want to be hurt again. I don’t want Dorrie or Alex hurt. Oh, Lord. Help me. Protect me.
    She knew God was all she needed but a great loneliness pushed at her insides until she feared it would consume her. Why had Colby come back? Why couldn’t she simply forget him?

Chapter Eight
    A nna worked at breakneck speed the next day as if she could outrace her troubled thoughts. She swept the floors until not even a hint of dust lingered. The mats had been shaken to within an inch of