Free Linda Ford by The Cowboy's Convenient Proposal

too.” Mama had stitched a cradle with a baby in it, a window behind the cradle with light pouring in. She’d carefully selected the scripture. “I want something that will encourage Belle her entire life. No matter what may happen,” their mother had said.
    Oh, how disappointed her parents would be that Red hadn’t protected Belle as she’d promised. She would live with that regret to her dying day and the moment she stepped into heaven, she would beg their forgiveness.
    Not that she was sure God would let her into heaven after the events of the past year and her vow to never forgive Thorton.
    “I remember the words, too,” Belle said.
    Red did, too, though she no longer believed them with childlike innocence and wondered if Belle did.
    “‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’ Red, do you think Mama would be angry that I did forget them for a little while?”
    “I don’t think so.”
    “Red, do you still pray?”
    She wished she could avoid the question. She had no desire to rob Belle of whatever faith and trust she still had. But she couldn’t lie. “Not much.”
    “Me, either, but when I was locked in Old Mike’s cabin I remembered a prayer Mama said and I said it out loud. That’s what I was doing when you came for me.”
    Her curiosity overcame her doubt. “What prayer was that?”
    “‘God, You are a very present help to me, and I am receiving Your help even now as I pray. Thank You, Father. You are my refuge and strength, and because this is true, I will not fear anything or anyone.’”
    Red pressed her tongue to the top of her mouth. Her nose stung. She could not breathe for dread of unleashing so many frightening emotions she feared she would drown.
    Why had God forsaken her? Where was He when they needed help?
    “God heard me. He hasn’t forgotten me.”
    Oh, if only she could have the faith of her little sister. But never again could she be innocent and trusting. Nevertheless, she was glad Belle had found comfort in her prayers. She jumped to her feet, ignoring the protest from her injured leg. “Let’s make the bed.”
    Together they folded the fur back. It would be much too warm this time of year. They punched the mattress into better shape and smoothed the blankets. She had no way of knowing the time, but it was dark and she was tired. Enough reason to go to bed. They had no other clothes but what they wore, so preparing for bed simply meant washing their faces and removing their shoes.
    They lay curled together, Red’s arms around her sister.
    “Red?”
    “What?”
    “We gonna wear these clothes day and night forever?”
    Red giggled. “I don’t expect they’ll last forever.”
    “Seems I’ve been wearing the same thing for almost that long.”
    “I wish I could offer you more, but this is what we have for now.” There was a time when loving parents had generously provided all they needed. They would never again know that sufficiency. Truth was, Red had no idea how she would provide even basic necessities for them. Only that she would find a way that did not require depending on a man.
    Even if for now, she had accepted help from two men, if she counted Eddie. Knowing it was Linette’s will that she and Belle stay in the cabin marginally eased her concern at taking charity from a man. Taking it from a woman was an easier pill to swallow.
    A fresh thought entered her mind. Perhaps Ward had come in answer to Belle’s prayers. God, no doubt, still heard her words.
    She fell asleep, soothed by the gentle snores of her little sister.
    The next morning she woke to Belle tickling her nose. “Wake up. It’s morning and I’m hungry.”
    Red groaned. Her body hurt from so many hours on horseback and her leg reminded her of her injury. “You sure it’s morning? I don’t see any daylight.”
    “’Cause you got your eyes closed.” Belle peeled one eyelid up.
    Red brushed her hand aside. “It’s cold in here.”
    “You could start a fire in the stove.”
    “I