Free Do Not Forsake Me by Rosanne Bittner Page B

And Randy is going to be thrilled about this. Church will let out soon. I can’t wait to tell her.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek, then shook Pat Donavan’s hand when the man joined them.
    Lloyd reached out and put an arm around Katie, then nodded toward Jeff. “Is that kid okay?” he asked Jake. “He said he’s writing a book about you. You’ve never allowed that before.”
    â€œI haven’t decided for sure yet. It’s all up to your mother. And I have a few questions for this kid before I answer any more of his, but yes, I think he’s okay.” He turned his attention back to Lloyd and Katie. “Good Lord, you two make one hell of a handsome couple,” he commented. He pushed back his hat. “Let me tell Randy about this myself as soon as church lets out. Let’s walk over to that shade tree by the wagon while we wait.”
    Jeff waited impatiently, wishing he could hear everything being said. He watched Jake’s interaction with the Donavans and his soon-to-be daughter-in-law…his relaxed attitude around his son. He noted how happy Lloyd looked, but more interesting was Jake’s demeanor. Seeing him merely as a family man, anyone who didn’t know him would have trouble believing the kind of past the man had led, or how ruthless he could be. Jeff still couldn’t quite get over that.
    Finally the church doors opened, and Jake left the others to hurry up the church steps. He leaned against the railing, still smiling. Jeff rose and stepped aside as people began pouring out of church, many of them again greeting Jake on their way out, some warmly, some looking away nervously, a few women actually casting him fetching glances.
    Jake’s smile faded then when his wife finally exited…on the arm of a well-dressed, graying, but well-preserved man who made ready to help her down the steps.
    Who the heck is that? Jeff wondered.
    As soon as the man saw Jake standing there, he let go of Randy Harkner’s arm and put on a smile, holding his hand out to Jake. “Jake!” he said jovially. “You should have come inside.”
    Jake grasped his hand in what Jeff could tell was an unnecessarily firm handshake, keeping hold of the man’s hand a little longer than necessary. “Good to see you, Peter.”
    The man he’d addressed looked a little nervous. “Preacher Zilke gave a very good sermon.”
    Jake finally let go, and Jeff noticed Peter flex his hand a little, as though it hurt.
    â€œI heard the sermon from out here,” Jake answered. “And last I knew, my wife was a pretty able woman…able enough to get down the steps without your help.”
    â€œJake Harkner, don’t be rude,” Randy told him as more people exited the church.
    â€œIt’s all right,” Peter answered. “I’m sure your husband is still feeling the strain of the last three weeks.” He held Jake’s eyes the whole time he spoke. “I saw you ride in yesterday, Jake. I’m glad you made it back in one piece.”
    Jake took Randy’s arm. “Are you, now?”
    Peter nodded. “I most certainly am. I wouldn’t want to see the look on your good wife’s face if you didn’t make it back, and that’s the God’s truth.” Peter didn’t back away, and Jeff suspected Jake respected that. It meant Peter was likely being genuine and wanted Jake to know it.
    Jake held his eyes a moment longer. “And a good wife she is.”
    â€œJake.”
    It was one word, spoken by Miranda. The look she gave Jake said it all. She was warning him to be polite.
    Jeff smiled at the simple, quiet command. The woman could stand right up to Jake Harkner. Jake immediately softened and actually smiled. He met Randy’s eyes then. “Maybe your good friend here would like to stay and watch your son marry Katie,” he told her.
    His wife’s face lit up and Jake nodded toward