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Redeeming-Love-By-Francine-Rivers

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R E D E E M I N G L O V E

As the tormenting thoughts built in his mind, he reached back and clung

to one simple Scripture. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on

your own understanding.” Sweat beaded his brow, and he clenched his hands.

Trust in the Lord, trust in the Lord. He said it over and over to himself until his

mind eased and his body relaxed.

And then Michael prayed for Angel, not that she would ever come back

to him, but that she would find God for herself.

When he pulled out in the morning, he swore to himself that no matter

the temptation, he wouldn’t search for his wife when he reached Sacramento.

And he would never set foot in San Francisco.

“Angel! Angel!”

Angel’s whole body jerked as someone called out her name. Why had

she felt the urge to come down here to the square? She should have gone

home as soon as she finished visiting with Virgil. He had fired another cook

and tried to talk her into coming back to work for him. She almost wished

she hadn’t come and raised his hopes.

She’d found herself wandering along the streets again, passing a theater

and a saloon. Her old haunting grounds. She didn’t know why she was here.

She had just gone out for a walk to think things through, to try to make

some plans, and felt compelled to come back here. It was more than disheartening.

And now, someone from her past was pressing through the crowd and

coming after her. She had the urge to run and not look back.

“Angel, wait!”

Gritting her teeth, she stopped and turned around. She recognized the

young woman coming toward her immediately. And seeing her again, she

could feel herself straightening up and putting on the mask of disdain and

calm. “Hello, Torie,” she said, tilting her chin slightly.

Torie’s eyes swept her up and down. “I couldn’t believe it was you. You

look so different.” She looked uncertain. “Are you still married to that

farmer?”

434

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