Free A Moment in Time by Tracie Peterson Page B

room and board.”
    “I don’t know what to do,” Marty said, looking at the money and then back to the letter. “He says he misses me and loves me more than life. He plans to send me more money in his next letter. If William will hire him, he’s going to ask them to advance enough money so that we can buy train tickets.”
    Alice could see that Marty was anything but comfortedby the news. She wished she could still Marty’s fears, but she had nothing in the way of words that might assuage her friend’s concerns.
    “At least you’ve had word,” she said, taking the chair beside Marty. “And he loves you despite how you parted. You both miss each other so much, Marty. It seems reasonable that you would join him.”
    “I . . . I know.”
    “But you’re afraid,” Alice said, knowing the truth. “For the baby.”
    “Yes.” Marty raised her gaze to Alice. “I’m terrified. I don’t want to miscarry.”
    “I wish I could promise that you wouldn’t, but of course I can’t,” Alice admitted. “I do know what fear is like, though. I live with it every day. Mr. Smith seems to delight in frightening me. But that’s fear for myself and not for an unborn child.”
    “My fear is for myself, too,” Marty said, shaking her head. “I just don’t know if I can handle this, Alice. I don’t know if I can go back to Texas. I know that I miss Jake. I know that I want us to be together. I even want to see my sister and Will again.”
    “But you don’t want to see Texas.”
    “It’s not even that. I found myself wishing I could enjoy the warmth of Texas again when the room turned so cold the other day.” She smiled. “I guess I don’t hate Texas as much as I hate what I’ve experienced there.”
    Alice took hold of her hand. “We need to pray about this, Marty. There isn’t anything we can’t ask God about.”
    “But I already know that God expects me to honor my wedding vows and be with my husband. I know God wouldn’t have a child be without his or her father. I know what’s expected of me. Praying about it won’t change that.”
    “Maybe not, but perhaps it will change your heart.” Alice patted her hand. “Marty, you have done nothing but care for me since we first met. You have shown me grace and love. Despite Mr. Smith’s threats, you’ve stood by me, and because of that my heart has changed and I have new hope. You’ve proven to me that a person’s heart can change and life can be better, even when circumstances do not change. I think God can do the same thing for you.”
    Marty seemed to consider Alice’s words, and Alice found herself praying that God would give the older woman peace about the situation. She wanted Marty to be at peace, and she also hoped that if they left Denver for good Alice could once and for all be rid of Mr. Smith.
    “I will pray about it, Alice. I know what you’re saying, and I want to accept that truth.” She looked at the other envelope in her hand. “No doubt Hannah will be advising the same thing. I told her in my last letter that Jake had gone to Texas. She’ll be beside herself that I’m alone in Denver.”
    Alice shook her head. “You’re not alone, Marty. Whether you stay here or go there, you’re not alone. I’ll stay with you—if you’ll let me. We’re sisters now, remember?”
    The two women shared a glance and then a smile. Marty nodded. “Yes. Sisters.”

Chapter 7
    Alice hung her apron on the peg by the kitchen and rolled her aching neck to ease the pain. She had been busy at the diner since arriving that morning, and now, to her relief, it was time to head back to the orphanage.
    Joe hadn’t said much to her since she’d refused his proposition that they spend time together. Alice was glad that he hadn’t challenged her on the matter. He seemed a bit standoffish, but otherwise cooked the orders and performed his other kitchen duties without further complicating her life.
    Mr. Bellows complimented Alice daily on her hard work