Along Unfamiliar Paths Page 18

“I love you.” Ben mouthed, rewarded as he saw her eyes soften in answer. Ducking back down, he flattened himself against the wall, inching his way around to the other side of the house. His heart leapt as he saw Jackson already there, listening intently with his head pressed against the wall.

  “God is truly with us, Jackson,” Ben said softly. He told him of finding Raine alone in the kitchen. “I think we can make it into the house through that door.” He nodded toward the kitchen door. “Ol’ Dag is swearing so loudly he won’t hear us anyway.” As if on cue, the big sailor let loose a stream of foul language, followed by several loud crashes.

  Ben grimaced. “We’d better hurry!”

  He peered cautiously through the kitchen window, relieved that Raine was still alone. Stealthily, the men slid through the door. Ben hurriedly cut the ropes that bound Raine. Jerking the filthy rag out of her mouth, he couldn’t help himself and brushed a tender kiss across her swollen lips.

  Taking a swift inventory of the minuscule kitchen, he pushed her toward the pantry. “Get in there and don’t come out until I tell you it’s safe,” he whispered, giving her a longing glance.

  ❧

  Raine sat silently amid the jars, cans, and bottles, praying as never before. God, protect Ben and Jackson. Show them what to do. Protect Paul, please Father. Deliver us from this horrible man. . .Jesus, help us! She covered her head involuntarily as a shot rang out. Hearing nothing more, she stood up carefully, but her still numb legs betrayed her. Her knees buckled, and she sent a shower of jars to the floor as she tried to keep from falling. She stood clinging to the shelf, her heart in her mouth as she heard heavy footsteps approaching. She stifled a scream as the door jerked open, then suddenly she was in Ben’s arms. Weak with relief, she clung to him tightly.

  “Shh, it’s all over now, kitten. You’re safe,” he murmured comfortingly.

  “Don’t ever leave me again, Ben,” she sobbed, the emotions of the lonely weeks and months pouring out uncontrollably.

  “I’m right here, honey.” Ben smoothed her hair back tenderly. “I love you, Raine,” he whispered.

  Raine nodded her head against his chest, relishing the feeling of safety that came from being in his arms at last.

  “Hey, little sister. Don’t I get a hug too?” Raine jerked away from Ben at the sound of Paul’s weak voice.

  “Oh, Paul!” The tears flowed anew at the sight of her brother’s battered face. “What did he do to you?”

  “I’ve had worse.” Paul tried to smile. “I just don’t have Violet to cluck over me this time.”

  “Well, you have me,” Raine said firmly. “If you think Violet was tough, you haven’t seen anything yet.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Paul rolled his eyes. “I assume you know what you’re getting yourself in for, Ben?”

  “What?” Raine felt the blood rise to her cheeks. “What do you mean by that?”

  Paul smiled. “I’ve got eyes in my head, Ray, even if they are a little swollen at the moment. When are you two going to tie the knot?”

  Raine’s cheeks grew even rosier. She glanced at Ben. “Well, I. . .” She jumped as someone behind her cleared his throat loudly.

  “Guess I’ll be getting back to town, now.” Jackson grinned. “Looks like ya’ll don’t need me any more.”

  Ben smiled as he watched Jackson saunter away. “That man was sent by God for us today,” he said seriously. “I wouldn’t be surprised if He’s got some big plans for him.”

  “Well, I know someone who has some big plans for you, Captain.” Paul grinned at his sister. “Just get me a cold rag for my poor face, then go take care of Ben, Ray.”

  Raine obeyed her brother with a sparkle in her eye. After seeing him tucked in bed to her satisfaction, she turned to Ben shyly. Ben smiled down at her, then turned to Paul.

  “I almost forgot! A lovely young lady in Boston asked me to deliver this to you.” He flipped a letter onto Paul’s bed, smiling at the eagerness on Paul’s face. “And by the way—you’re a free man now. The authorities took the information in those papers you left me and put it together with clues they’d received from other sources. They reached the conclusion that you were innocent of espionage.” He grinned at the dazed look on Paul’s face. “I said I’d pass this along to you.”

  Paul took the official-looking paper and nodded absently, but he was already opening the letter from Christina.

  Ben smiled at Raine, offering her his arm. “Shall we leave him alone now?”

  She returned his smile and nodded.

  Once outside the kitchen door, Ben couldn’t stand it any longer. Drawing Raine eagerly into his arms, he kissed her deeply.

  She clung to him, heady with joy. “This is where I belong,” she murmured, snuggling deeper into his arms.

  Ben held her tenderly, his heart overflowing. “I love you, Raine Thomas.”

  “And I love you.” She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with joy. “I missed you so much, Ben. I prayed and prayed that God would bring you back to me.”

  Ben nodded. “I prayed the same thing. I was so hurt when I thought you didn’t trust me. I came out here to find Paul, but instead, God found me.”

  Raine stared at his joyful face. “What do you mean, Ben? I thought you had already given your life to Christ in Boston.”

  “I did, Raine,” he assured her. “It’s just that I didn’t know what God wanted me to do with the rest of my life.” He hesitated. “I would love to ask you to be my wife, Raine, but I have to be honest with you. God has called me to stay here in Colorado and start a church for the ranchers.”

  Raine could only smile at him.

  “Could you live here the rest of your life, Raine?” His voice was low.

  Raine finally found her voice. “Ben,” she whispered, “God has called me to stay here, too. I’m going to teach at the school for the rancher’s children!”

  Ben looked at her wonderingly. He took her face into his hands, staring tenderly into her beautiful eyes. “Then, will you spend the rest of your life with me, Raine, and be my wife?”

  Raine’s yes was joyful and full of promise, for she knew that God would continue to lead her along unfamiliar paths, making the crooked ways straight.

  About the Author

  Amy rognlie is thrilled to have her first novel published. This wife and mother drew on her home in Colorado for scenes in her story that assures readers God is love and He is ever willing to forgive.

  Dedication

  Dedicated to the memory

  of my beloved sister,

  Sarah P. Weston

  who ran with patience

  the race set before her and

  victoriously traveled the ultimate

  Unfamiliar Path.

  We’ll see you again soon, Sarah!