A Cowboy's Touch (35 page)
Could he have forgiven her? Could he love her?
Please, God
. Being with him felt so right. Like she was home in her cowboy’s arms.
She buried her fingers in his hair, dislodging his hat. He pulled her closer, and she relished his warmth, his strength. She couldn’t get close enough. She wanted all of him and so much more. Abigail drew in a breath and savored the familiar scent of him. Heaven.
When Wade pulled away, she was breathless. His arms came around her waist, and he pulled her into him. “Ah, Abby, I’ve missed you so much.”
Abigail leaned into his strength. It felt so good to be in his arms again. Her eyes burned with relief, and she closed them. “Me too.” The words didn’t begin to describe the ache of sheer longing. She’d missed him so much. His strong hands, his gentle touch, his passionate kisses. She held on tight, not willing to let him go again.
He tipped her chin up and rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, Abigail Jones,” he whispered.
“Oh, Wade.” Maybe she shouldn’t have needed the words, but she did. They were like fresh water for her thirsty soul. “I love you too. I’ve missed you something fierce. You have no idea.”
“ ’Fraid I do.” He brushed her lips, once, twice, then pulled her close.
Abigail couldn’t lose the smile on her face, even when a tear made its way down her cheek. She was home, right where she belonged, and she wasn’t going anywhere. But there was more to say. A lot had changed.
She hoped he wouldn’t be angry that he’d saved a magazine she didn’t work for anymore. It had never been her job she’d cared about.
“I learned some things about myself and about God and about the path my career’s taken. I’ve done a lot of praying about this and—”
Just say it
. “I’m finished writing. I’m going to be a teacher.”
“That so . . .”
“My reasons for writing that column were tied to my past. And now that it’s resolved, the desire is just . . . gone.”
“Sad about that?”
“No.” Abigail leaned back, looked at him. “I’m finally discovering who I am.”
He brushed the tear from her face. “I kinda like who you are.” The way Wade gazed at her now was enough to make her fall in love all over again. “You’ll make a great teacher, Abby.”
“If you want to change your mind about the exclusive—”
He shook his head. “I know saving the magazine was never about keeping your job.” He brushed her hair behind her ears. “Guess you’ll be going back to school, getting a part-time job . . .”
“Something like that.”
He gazed lovingly into her eyes. “You know, Montana State isn’t far from my place. And I know a little girl who’d like her nanny back.”
His invitation made her smile. “That sounds appealing.” But she wanted so much more.
His eyes, the color of faded denim, were the softest of caresses. “Much as Maddy liked you as her nanny, she was really hoping for a mom.” There was a question in his eyes.
Something bubbled up inside, something that felt like joy and peace and rightness all blended into one happy cocktail. “Really?” She felt the fresh sting of tears. Abigail ran her thumb over his lower lip.
He pressed a kiss to the pad of her thumb. “The position comes with a husband, though. Guy used to be a big-shot celebrity; now he’s just a humble rancher.”
She smiled through her tears. “I like humble ranchers.”
Wade had never looked more serious. “I’m talking about forever, Abby. Marriage and Maddy and ranching, maybe even another baby or two . . .”
“Only two?”
“You’d have to move to the back of beyond. Leave your home, your city, your family . . .”
She shook her head. “The whole time I’ve been in Chicago, all I thought about was being back in Moose Creek with you and Maddy. It’s all I want.” She framed his face. “
You’re
all I want.”
He lowered his face, and she was lost in his kiss. Lost in his love. His touch stirred her in ways she’d never experienced, this cowboy of hers, and she was going to lean on him for the rest of her life. She couldn’t think of a more capable man to put her trust in.
He kissed the tip of her nose, then drew her into an embrace. “We should get back,” he whispered a few moments later. “Your family will be wondering what I did with you.”
Abigail wanted him to herself for a little while—was that too much to ask? But he was right.
After they saddled up, he nudged the horse into a walk and wrapped one arm firmly around her middle.
Abigail sank into his chest and rested against him. She’d never tire of being in his arms. They had a few hurdles to cross, but all that mattered was that she had her cowboy. And the sooner their forever started, the happier she’d be.
The ride back seemed too short, and when they rode into the parking lot, she could see the entrance of the arena. A horde of reporters waited, the bulky cameras ready and waiting.
“Uh, Wade . . . how are we going to get home?”
He gave her a squeeze and set a kiss on her head. “Very carefully, Abby,” he drawled. “Very carefully.”
1. Though Abigail was raised in a family of faith, she gradually fell away from God as she grew into adulthood. What are some of the distractions and other reasons so many young adults wander spiritually at this time? A close walk with God is always important, but why might young adulthood be a particularly bad time for a spiritual leave of absence?
2. Why do you think Abigail’s mom described her as restless? What connection did that have with her spiritual condition?
3. How is our faith like Abigail’s floundering vegetable garden? In what ways can Christianity sometimes resemble plastic flowers stuck into the dirt?
4. In Abigail’s profession, she’s referred to as “the Truthseeker.” How is that ironic in relation to her spiritual walk?
5. Discuss (or think about) the meaning of John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.’”
6. Something Abigail experienced in childhood shaped who she became professionally. How did significant events in your childhood shape who you are?
7. Deep down, Abigail was trying to right a wrong from her childhood by exposing truth through her column. The relief her articles brought was only temporary, however. Why is self-redemption a waste of time? Have you ever tried to “work off” feelings of guilt or remorse? What did you learn in the process?
8. Abigail’s father was a spiritual role model for her. Who did God put in your life to help show you His love? Are you a spiritual role model for someone else?
9. Wade dealt with guilt over his late wife’s suicide and worried about letting down people he loved. Have you ever worried you wouldn’t be enough for someone? How can trusting in God help you through this barrier?
10. Despite Wade’s fears, he became the kind of hero Abigail could lean on. Discuss (or think about) a woman’s desire for independence versus her desire to have a real hero in her life. Are the two compatible?
I
’m so grateful for the many people who helped shape this book in one way or another.
A Cowboy’s Touch
wouldn’t exist without the Thomas Nelson fiction team. I’m deeply grateful for the entire team, led by Publisher Allen Arnold: Amanda Bostic, Jennifer Deshler, Natalie Hanemann, Chris Long, Andrea Lucado, Ami McConnell, Heather McCulloch, Becky Monds, Ashley Schneider, Katie Bond, and Kristen Vasgaard.
Good editors are worth their weight in gold, and I’m so grateful for both of mine. Natalie Hanemann provided an objective eye and wise insight that helped me take this story to a higher level. LB Norton followed behind us and polished up the manuscript, making for a more enjoyable read.
My first reader and brainstorming partner, author Colleen Coble. Love you, friend!
My agent, Karen Solem, who handles all the left-brained matters so I can focus on the right-brained stuff.
To Billy and Marci Whitehurst, who opened their Montana home and ranch for a city girl and her husband. Thanks for taking the time to show me the cowboy way of life. Thank you also for reading the advanced copy of
A Cowboy’s Touch
to check for errors. Any mistakes that made it into print are all mine.
A research trip to Montana wouldn’t have been possible without my sister-in-law Gina Sinclair, brother-in-law Mark Sinclair, and niece Mindy Sinclair. Thanks so much for coming to take over our daily lives for a few days so Kevin and I could gallivant all over Big Sky Country. We’re so grateful to call you family.
Thank you to author Lenora Worth, who shared her expertise in the world of magazine publishing. Thanks for all your help, friend!
To my family, Kevin, Justin, Chad, and Trevor. I love each one of you so much!
Lastly, thank you, friend, for coming along on this journey to Moose Creek, Montana. I’ve enjoyed getting to know so many readers like you through my Facebook group. Visit my website for the link,
www.DeniseHunterBooks.com
, or just drop me a note at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!
A Letter from the Author
D
ear friend,
I hope you enjoyed your trip to Moose Creek, Montana, with Abigail, Wade, and Maddy. There’s truly something special about the Big Sky State and the people who inhabit that part of the country.
A Cowboy’s Touch
is a story about a Truthseeker who winds up discovering the real Truth. She’s a woman who has lost her way somewhere along the journey. I hope you’re holding fast to the Truth in your life. But if you, like Abigail, have wandered a bit further than you ever intended, I hope you know it’s never too late to return. Jesus is always there, waiting to love you back into his arms.
Whether you’re struggling to find your way back or enjoying a close walk with Christ, I hope you’ll make time to attend a Woman of Faith conference soon. These events can refresh your spirit and bless you in ways you cannot imagine. I know they have blessed me tremendously.
In His grace,
Denise
At a Women of Faith weekend, you’ll join thousands of other women for a surprisingly intimate, unexpectedly funny, deeply touching 2-day event. Renowned speakers, award-winning musical artists, best-selling authors, drama, and more combine for a hope-filled event like no other.
The music was incredible and each speaker’s message either brought me to tears, laughing, or both! I have never had a more fulfilling, uplifting experience! You rehabilitated my soul!
–
Debbie