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  “What I want more than anything, what I am asking you to accept, is marriage to me. I want us to be a family. That’s my greatest desire.” He freed one hand to touch her face and then followed it with his lips.

  “But...” What Drew was saying—it didn’t make sense to her. “But the baby. Your son.”

  “Your son, too.” His sad eyes held hers. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that alone. I should have been there for you, taken care of you.”

  “You couldn’t find me,” she reminded him, bemused by his caresses.

  “I should have. I was too self-involved. Shame on me.” This time he kissed her properly, and Mandy kissed him back because she couldn’t help it. “I love you, dearest Manda Panda. So much. And I think you’re wrong, or perhaps you misunderstood the doctor because I don’t believe you’d have done anything to knowingly endanger your children.”

  “I loved them both, but—”

  “What did you name our son?” he asked, his forehead pressed to hers.

  “Eric, in memory of the father you lost when you were nine.” Mandy saw a single tear roll down his cheek and was aghast. “Drew?”

  “Thank you, darling.” He tenderly kissed her, then smiled into her eyes. “You know, I think my other dad has been looking after his namesake all these years we’ve been apart. But we’re together from now on, right?”

  “How can you trust me?” Shame filled her and she tried to break away, but Drew held her fast.

  “Do you truly believe God is good, Mandy?” His gaze brimmed with love.

  “Of course.”

  “Don’t you think that God knew you’d fall, that Eric would die and Ella would have some problems? God knew it all and He trusted you to be the mother of a very special little girl. He gave you the knowledge and understanding to help Ella grow to be the most giving, sweetest child. He gave you love. Because that’s what God is.”

  “I can’t believe you’re saying this,” she whispered, her fingers clinging to his.

  “It’s about time I learned the lesson God has tried to teach me for so many years.” A wry grin curved his lips. “I finally get it. If I want to belong, I have to make the effort. Nobody else can make me fit in. I have to let go of my fear and embrace the rough parts with God as my help. I have to let others help me heal and then help them. That’s belonging.”

  “Yes,” she whispered, delighted by his words.

  “That’s what I could never do after my parents died. I was too afraid of losing everything. I almost did anyway.” He shook his head. “My stubbornness cost me a lot, especially you and Ella. All because I was afraid being vulnerable to love was some onerous responsibility, instead of the greatest privilege.”

  “So coming back to Hanging Hearts Ranch was a beautiful thing,” she murmured, loving his smile.

  “Absolutely. I finally realized God’s love is waiting to be accepted. He’ll tell me what to do if I will only listen. The ranch wasn’t my home because I wouldn’t let it be. But I belong now. Put that in your ‘don’t miss the beautiful things’ book. Along with our wedding photo. Because you are going to marry me, right?”

  “If you’re sure you can forgive me?” she whispered soberly, searching his face for a trace of doubt.

  “Can you forgive me, Mandy? For the past, which is a big ask, but also for the many mistakes I’ll make in the years to come. I’m still learning, but I can promise you I will always be your loving husband and the very best father I can be to Ella.”

  “According to Ella, ‘God forgived me, so I hafta forgive you.’” Mandy chuckled as Drew tugged her into his arms and began kissing her.

  She had no problem returning his affection.

  Epilogue

  On the morning of her late September wedding, Mandy embraced her soon-to-be mother-in-law.

  “I’m so glad you and Ben are back.” Mandy’s heart brimmed with thankfulness for the beauty in her life.

  “Sweetie, if it gets us a brand-new daughter and a grandchild, we should leave home more often,” Bonnie teased as she fastened the top button on her former wedding dress. “I never thought this would get used again but it fits you perfectly.”

  “It’s the most beautiful outfit I’ve ever had. Thank you for loaning it to me,” Mandy said as she gazed at her reflection.

  “Just be as happy in your marriage as I have been,” Bonnie ordered.

  The ivory suit with its crocheted waist-length jacket and a long narrow crocheted skirt looked perfect with the short ivory boots Mandy had chosen. Her veil was a gift from Drew, an ivory lace Stetson.

  “After all, you are the foreman of Hanging Hearts Ranch,” he’d said yesterday after she’d thanked him. “You should look like it, especially on your wedding day.”

  “You’re sure you don’t want my job?” she said, only half teasing.

  “Nope. I love my work. I’ll help out whenever you need me, my darling, but numbers have always been my favorite thing. Second, no, third favorite,” he corrected with a wink at Ella.

  They’d deliberately made their wedding an informal occasion. Anyone who wished to come was welcome, which meant most of Sunshine was in attendance.

  With white chairs arranged on the grass and guests waiting, Mandy paused a moment to study her groom, who stood patiently waiting for her, framed by the background of the snowcapped Rockies. Drew looked so handsome in his black suit with a red rose boutonniere that matched her bouquet. He would always own her heart. Beside him, Oliver waited, grinning as if he’d arranged the whole event.

  “Can I go now, Mama?”

  True to his word, Drew had bought his daughter a brand-new dress, a beautiful blue one she’d pronounced perfect with matching blue ribbons for her hair.

  When Mandy nodded, Ella turned to her father and called, “I’m comin’, Daddy!”

  Laughter echoed into the mountains as she began walking toward Drew, scattering rose petals along the way. Trina waited for Mandy’s nod, then stepped forward, elegant in her navy sheath. She stood opposite Oliver. Then it was Mandy’s turn.

  Drew caught her hand when she arrived, leaned forward and whispered, “You are so beautiful, Manda Panda.”

  “So are you,” she replied.

  “I’m not too skinny?” he asked with a wink.

  “You’re perfect for me.” Mandy cupped her hand against his damaged cheek, knowing they would spend their lifetimes laughing and sharing and trusting their heavenly father. “Just what God planned.”

  * * *

  They’d wanted to involve Miss Partridge because she’d prayed for them for so long. So they’d offered her the task of organizing food for their guests. The spinster librarian had excelled beyond their wildest dreams with a barbecue unlike anything Hanging Hearts Ranch had ever experienced.

  “God never fails His children,” she said when they thanked her before preparing to leave on their honeymoon.

  “He does not.” Drew bent and kissed her cheek. “You are a heaven-sent wonder, Miss Partridge.”

  “Oh! Cowboys are such flatterers.” She left, giggling like a teenager, one hand holding her cheek.

  “I want that recorded in your beautiful things book, Manda Panda. I have never seen Miss Partridge giggle before, or at a loss for words.” Drew shared a secret smile with her.

  “That’s what happiness does,” Mandy agreed.

  “Everyone ready?” Oliver and Trina stood waiting at the car, ready to drive Mandy and Drew to Missoula, where they had a special surprise for Ella. Then the two friends would return to the ranch with Ella after delivering the couple to the airport to fly away on their honeymoon.

  “We’re ready.” Mandy turned and tossed her bouquet, pleased to see that it landed in Trina’s arms. “Perfect,” she whispered to her new husband who looked puzzled. “There might be another wedding in the offing.”

  “Oh.�
�� Drew grinned, then called, “My ladies are ready so let’s go, Ollie.”

  * * *

  The mountain sun set earlier in September, so by the time Drew, Mandy and Ella had arrived at their secret spot, the last rays of daylight were waning.

  “How come Oliver and Trina din’t come?” Ella asked.

  “Because we wanted some special time for just our family.” Drew wrapped his arm around Mandy’s waist and took Ella’s hand. “Let’s go for a little walk and then we want to tell you a story, Bella Ella.”

  “Okay.” She danced along beside them until Drew stopped her.

  “Can you read that?” he asked, squatting beside a headstone.

  Surprised, Mandy leaned in to read it, too, wondering when he’d had time to do this.

  “It says, Eric Calhoun, our pre—”

  “Precious,” Drew coaxed.

  “Precious son. Safe in God’s arms. Love, Mama and Daddy.” Ella twisted to study Drew. “You got the same name. Calhoun.”

  “Yes. And that’s going to be your name, too, Ella,” Drew explained, his hand finding and squeezing Mandy’s.

  “How come?” Ella wondered.

  “Because I’m your daddy and because your mama and I got married so we could all be a family. Calhoun is your mama’s name now, and we want it to be yours, too.”

  “Who’s Eric?” Ella asked.

  Drew couldn’t speak so Mandy stepped in.

  “Eric was your brother, honey. You were twins,” she explained, trying to stop her tears as Drew’s hand clasped hers. What a special man she’d married. “When Eric was born, he was sick and he died.”

  “We wanted you to know about him because he’s part of our family, too.” Drew smiled at Mandy. “And we don’t want our family to have secrets from each other.”

  “Oh.” Ella studied the headstone for a few moments more before asking, “So is my brother playing with Blackie now?”

  “Probably,” Mandy agreed.

  “Cool.” Ella considered that, then looked at her parents with curious eyes. “Can I get another brother to play with? An’ maybe a sister, too?”

  Mandy looked at Drew and gulped, thrilled by the prospect of building their family.

  “We’ll see,” she said, resorting to her familiar response.

  “I’m gonna ask God,” Ella said.

  “And you know how He answers her prayers.” Drew grinned at Mandy’s blush, hoisted his daughter to his shoulders, wove his arm around Mandy’s waist and led them to the car. “This day for sure has to go in the beautiful things book.”

  This day, and all the rest they’d share.

  * * *

  If you enjoyed this story, pick up these other stories from Lois Richer:

  A Dad for Her Twins

  Rancher Daddy

  Gift-Wrapped Family

  Accidental Dad

  Meant-To-Be Baby

  Mistletoe Twins

  Rocky Mountain Daddy

  Rocky Mountain Memories

  Available now from Love Inspired!

  Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com.

  Keep reading for an excerpt from Learning to Trust by Ruth Logan Herne.

  Dear Reader,

  Welcome to the first book in my newest ranch series set just outside Glacier National Park in Montana. I hope you’ve enjoyed Drew and Mandy’s story and their journey to find that real love begins with our Father in heaven. Trusting in Him is a sure way to the find the beautiful things in life that He never meant for us to miss. I hope you’ll join me in upcoming months for two more Calhoun brothers’ stories.

  I’d love to hear from you. You can write to me through Love Inspired publisher, at Box 639, Nipawin, Sask., Canada S0E IE0, or via email at [email protected]. Or check me out on Facebook. I’ll respond as quickly as I can.

  Until we meet again, I wish you joy, love and peace as you uncover the many blessings God sends your way.

  Blessings,

  Lois Richer

  WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK FROM

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  Fall in love with stories where faith helps guide you through life’s challenges, and discover the promise of a new beginning.

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  Learning to Trust

  by Ruth Logan Herne

  Chapter One

  The elementary-school principal wanted a meeting ASAP regarding Tug Moyer’s overachieving daughter. Tug’s boss had requested a similar face-to-face conference because he’d broken protocol to save two little boys from a hostage situation an hour before and the Central Washington deputy sheriff hadn’t eaten since last night.

  Must be Monday.

  The good news was the preschool boys were being checked out at the local hospital, where they were met by a woman from child services. They were alive. They’d suffered no physical harm and maybe they were young enough to escape with no emotional trauma.

  He explained to the soon-to-retire sheriff that he had to stop at the school, pulled into the parking lot of Golden Grove Elementary two minutes later and walked in the front door.

  “Tug Moyer.” Ivy Harrington beamed at him from her chair behind the reception desk inside the door. The seventy-two-year-old woman wasn’t meant to guard anything, but she could push the alarm button that issued a silent 911 call and/or the door-opening button, and she’d only confused the two a few times.

  Minor details for a woman who’d taught Golden Grove kids for over forty years.

  “Miss Ivy, how are you?” He motioned to the check-in roster. “I’m on my way to Evangeline’s class. Can you write me in?”

  “That’s not protocol,” she scolded, but grinned. “But for you, I’ll do it.”

  “I appreciate it.” He flashed her a smile, then turned.

  Three people stood forty feet ahead of him. Three very unhappy people, including Evangeline.

  He wiped the grin off his face, but not before they saw it. The principal and the younger woman frowned in tandem. Then the principal tapped her watch. “You’ve kept all of us waiting, Terrence.”

  Uh-oh. His given name. He’d been named Terrence Michael nearly four decades back, but he’d been called Tug for as long as he could recall. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Menendez. I was in a bit of a situation when the original text came in. Hazard of the job.” He turned toward the other woman and tried not to notice how pretty she was, but he’d have to be dead or blind and he was neither.

  Her dark hair was pulled back from an oval face. Sculpted brows arched over smoky eyes, eyes that were neither gray nor brown, but a blend of both. He reached out a hand in greeting and tried not to notice she wasn’t wearing anyone’s ring because he never noticed things like that.

  He did now. “Ms. Alero, I presume? We haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet. I’m Deputy Moyer. Evangeline’s father.”

  “I know who you are.” The teacher gave him one of those classic elementary-schoolteacher looks. Hard. Firm. Unyielding. He’d gotten his share of those back in the day but hadn’t been privy to one in a long time. The attractive teacher brought that winning streak to an end. “At this point,” she continued, “I’m pretty sure half the world knows who you are.”

  The exaggeration made him frown. As a deputy, he’d been doing online self-help videos for kids for several years. The Fire Within was a totally volunteer Christian cop kind of thing, and every now and again one of his posts went viral. In the internet age, that was a good thing.

  “The online world has a new hero, it seems.” She folded her arms lightly. “Or in this case, heroine.”

  He looked from woman to woman. “I’m confused. Did my video from last night offend someone? Because I’m not sure how urging kids to seek help in times of stress can be a bad thing.”

&nb
sp; The principal hummed, then aimed a look down at Evangeline.

  The teacher followed.

  And his absolutely beautiful, precocious daughter squirmed. He squatted down and got face-to-face with the guilty-looking girl. “Vangie, what did you do?”

  “Exactly what you showed me to do.”

  The teacher made a sound of disapproval.

  Tug ignored it.

  He kept his focus on Evangeline. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Making videos. You know. We do that all the time.”

  They did. Both kids saw him making videos for his social-media page. With Nathan, six, and Vangie, nearly nine, he’d recently started showing them how to shoot a video of themselves that they could send to various family members. “You made a video?”

  “Dad.” She clasped his hands in hers. Her voice held appeal, and when Vangie embraced her I-know-best persona, Tug knew he was in for a serious reckoning. Despite her age, Evangeline Moyer was pretty sure she should be ruler of the universe and was always surprised when the world disagreed.

  “What on earth did you do, child?”

  “You really don’t know?” The teacher’s voice smacked of doubt. “When something goes viral on social media, your phone must be sending you alerts. Haven’t your friends and family been texting you?”

  His phone.

  He’d silenced it because he’d been knee-deep in a life-and-death situation on Old Orchard Road.

  He pulled his phone out of his pocket as he answered her. “Ma’am, I do a daily encouragement video blog for teens, and every now and again one of my posts hits it big.” He lifted his shoulders in a frank shrug. “While that’s complimentary, the most important thing is reaching the one kid that really needs those words that day. It’s not about how many shares or Tweets or—”

  He stopped as his gaze dropped to his phone.

  He stared.

  Two million views already, and the popular post had gone live seven hours ago.