Page 9 of Faith for the Cowboy
Harper wanted to protest. This was all too much to ask. But then again, if she said no, the only clothing she had was what she wore. She nodded and said, “Thank you.”
“Now then, come on inside and let’s get you settled.”
Harper fell into step behind Lydia, and Lawson followed her. As he reached in front of her to open the front door, he caught her eye, and she couldn’t quite understand the look on his face. She expected a look of pity or sorrow, or maybe just something that said he was as tired as she was. Instead, he looked happy. Was he glad she had come to stay here? No, that couldn’t be. He didn’t even know her. He just had the misfortune of being stuck with her because he was nice enough to let her ride in his truck.
Harper bit her lip as she moved into the house. No, he couldn’t be glad she was here. But something deep inside moved an inch as she let herself wonder what it would be like if she were here under different circumstances. What if Lawson had invited her here to meet his family?
Her heart stung at the thought of being part of a family again. Sure, she still loved her parents, but nothing had been the same since they lost her brother. And nothing ever would again. How could she think about being in a family when her brother, the best person in the whole world, never would be again. She shook off the thought and told herself to just be nice to the people who were being nice to her. She could be friendly without getting too close. Only few days. That’s all it would be. Then she could go back to her life on the road.
Lawson stepped into the house behind her. “I’ll show you down the hall to where you can stay. I’m sure Grace and Katie will show up soon with so many clothes you won’t know where to start. Katie is a born shopper, so watch out. If she doesn’t have something for you to borrow, she’ll have you headed to the mall before you can say, “No thanks.”
Harper smiled. “Is that what it’s like to have a sister?”
Lawson shrugged. “I guess so. We didn’t have any girls around here growing up. So when my brothers started getting married and bringing in women, Katie was the first one. She paved the way, and now she’s kind of the leader of the group.”
“They get along pretty well?”
Lawson nodded. “You would think they were real sisters instead of just married to brothers. They all ended up here different ways, but they take each other in and make them part of the team.” He turned the knob to a bedroom in the hallway and it creaked open. “This used to be Sawyer’s room. Mom changed out the decor when he got married and started calling it the guest room.”
Harper moved past him into the room. The dark furniture was beautiful. It looked antique but well-maintained. The white bedspread gave the room a feminine look. Harper walked to the bed and fingered the pink and yellow flower embroidery along the edge. It reminded her of a quilt her grandmother had on her bed when Harper was a little girl. “Thanks for doing this,” she said to Lawson for the hundredth time.
“Don’t mention it. It’s what we do. If my mom had heard about you and that I didn’t offer for you to come to the ranch, she would tan my hide.” He cleared his throat. “I’m sure you’re tired. If you want to rest, or shower, feel free to take your time. Dinner is at six, and all the family will start filtering in sometime before that.”
Harper looked around the room, suddenly feeling awkward. “Alright. I think I’ll just sit here for a minute.”
“No worries,” Lawson said and walked out, shutting the door behind him.
Harper stared at the back of the door as she sank onto the bed. How would she ever repay him for this kindness? And how would she get through the next few days without thinking about how handsome Lawson Macklin was every five minutes?
7
Lawson sank onto the kitchen stool and blew out a deep breath.
“Coffee?” his dad said as he entered the room.
“Absolutely,” Lawson replied.
“Long day, huh?” Dad pulled out two coffee mugs and poured the hot liquid in both.
Lawson accepted the mug Dad held out to him. “The longest.”
“Longer than that time the cattle got out at sunup, and we didn’t catch them until after dark?”
Lawson laughed. “Well, nothing is longer than that day. But then again, at least that was normal. I’m used to looking for cows. I’m not used to being away from home running and hiding from a storm.”
Dad nodded. “I’m sure that was a scary experience. From the images we saw on the news, I’m glad you are still with us. But it sounds like you acted quickly and did the right thing. Especially taking care of Harper like that.”
“Thanks. And thanks for letting her come here. I didn’t know what else to do.”
Dad clapped a hand on Lawson’s shoulder. “You absolutely did the right thing. We are here to help others in need, and it definitely sounds like she is in need.”
Lawson put his head in his hands. “Yeah. I’m not sure what the next step is. But at least she has a place to stay while she figures it out.”
“Maybe you have something to figure out together,” Dad said, flashing a grin.
Lawson felt his cheeks flush. “I don’t think so.” Even if he wished they did. “She’s not interested in a cowboy.”
As Lawson sipped his coffee, he heard footsteps coming into the kitchen. Turning, he saw Harper standing there, looking exhausted and vulnerable. "Hey," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mind if I join you guys?" Lawson's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. "Of course," he replied, gesturing for her to come in. As she entered, he couldn't help but notice how lost she seemed without her usual confidence. He wanted nothing more than to wrap her in his arms and reassure her that everything would be okay. Instead, he offered her a seat at the table and poured her a cup of coffee. "Thanks," she said, taking a sip. "I really appreciate you guys taking me in like this."
