Redeeming-Love-By-Francine-Rivers

F R A N C I N E R I V E R S
had just caught her when someone called to them. Michael chuckled. “It’s
Miriam again wanting to know if Mandy can come out and play.”
Miriam looked distraught when she reached them, her eyes red rimmed
from crying.
“What’s happened?” Angel asked in alarm. “Is it your mother?”
“Mama’s fine. Everyone’s fine,” Miriam said, giving her a weak smile.
“Michael, I need to speak with you about something. Please. It’s important.”
“Of course.”
Miriam took Angel’s hand and squeezed it. “Thanks,” she said. “I won’t
keep him long.”
Angel knew she was dismissed. “Come into the house when you’re finished.
I’ll fix some coffee.”
She watched from the window as Miriam and Michael talked together in
the yard. Miriam was crying. Michael touched her shoulder, and Miriam
went into his arms. Angel’s stomach dropped at the sight of him holding her.
A dull pain spread across her chest as she watched him stroke the girl’s back
and say something to her. Miriam drew back slightly and shook her head.
He tipped her chin and said something more to her. She talked for a long
time, and Michael stood listening. When she finished, he said something
briefly. She put her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. Then she
headed for home. Michael stood watching her for a long moment. He
rubbed the back of his neck and shook his head. Then he headed for the
fence where he had been working earlier.
Angel waited for him to bring up what Miriam said when he came in for
supper, but he didn’t. Instead he talked about how the work was going on
the corral and what he would be doing in the afternoon. If Miriam had told
him something in trust, Angel knew he wouldn’t break it.
When he came in at the end of the day, he was thoughtful. He watched
her clear the dishes. “You’re very quiet,” he said, coming up behind her and
putting his hands around her waist as she poured hot water over the dinner
dishes. He brushed her braid aside and kissed her neck. “What are you worrying
about? Elizabeth?”
“Miriam.” She felt his hands loosen. Turning, she looked up at him. “And
you.” When he blinked and said nothing, she brushed past him. He caught
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