Redeeming-Love-By-Francine-Rivers

R E D E E M I N G L O V E
California was paradise until we rolled down out of the Sierras.”
He shook his head. “It’s more crowded here than in Ohio. The whole territory
is crawling with fortune hunters.”
“All those good boys from good homes,” Miriam said, and a dimple
showed in one cheek. “Maybe even a few from Ohio.”
“Gone wild,” John Altman remarked grimly.
Miriam poked his shoulder. “You’d be panning for gold in a stream, too,
Papa, if you didn’t have all of us to watch over. I saw the gleam of greed in
your eyes when that gentleman was telling you about making a good strike
on the American.” She included Michael and Angel. “The man owns a big
store now with goods to the rafters. He said he arrived in California with little
more than a shovel and the clothes on his back.”
“One chance in a million,” John told her.
“Oh, but think of it, Papa,” Miriam went on dramatically, a hand to her
heart and her dark eyes sparkling with mischief. “You and the boys could
pan and work the Long Tom while Mama and I run a little cafe in the camp
and serve all those poor, dear, downtrodden, handsome young bachelors.”
Michael laughed, and John tugged his daughter’s braid.
The Altmans fascinated Angel. They all liked each other. John Altman
was clearly in charge and would tolerate no disrespect or rebellion, but it
was clear he was not held in fear by his wife and children. Even Jacob’s brief
rebellion had been handled with good humor. “Whenever you don’t listen,
there’s going to be stern discipline,” his father said. “I’ll supply the discipline,
and you’ll supply the stern.” The boy capitulated and Altman ruffled his hair
affectionately.
What if they did decide to stay in the valley? Angel massaged her throbbing
temples. What did she have in common with them? Especially a
young, doe-eyed virgin? When she had blurted out her past profession and
how she and Michael had met, she had fully expected the girl to be shocked
and leave her alone. The last thing she expected was that look of questioning
concern and an offer of friendship.
Angel felt movement beside her and opened her eyes against the pain in
her head. Ruthie snuggled against her seeking warmth in her sleep. Her
thumb had slipped out of her mouth. Angel touched the smooth pink
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