Walker's Wedding (31 page)

O
n was a glorious Wyoming morning, Sarah silently thanked God for her bountiful blessings—far too many to list. Beside her, Walker handled the buggy reins as he drove home from church services. Reverend Baird's sermon this morning had been on forgiveness.

Now, that was a subject she and Walker knew a lot about.

Not much had changed in the past two years, yet everything had. Abe had gone to be with the Lord and Papa and Wadsy had moved to Wyoming to help care for the children and be cared for themselves. Sarah turned to watch them in the backseat, trying to keep the twins out of trouble. S.H. and Flo still ran the ranch.

“Lawsy me, I never heard such chatterin' in all my born days,” the old nanny chided.

“Just like their mama,” Papa added, drawing one of the two identical redhaired girls to his chest for a big Grandpa hug.

“Land sakes, you're sweet as honey,” Wadsy said to the child on her lap, “though I would appreciate a decent night's sleep. Do these young'uns ever intend to sleep a full night through?”

Sarah grinned at Walker. “We were hoping you could tell us, Wadsy.”

“Maybe I could watch them for a few nights,” Papa suggested. “Take them off your hands for you.”

“Mr. Livingston, these girls would run you to bits. You gotta remember your health!”

“Wadsy, don't start with me—”

Sarah grinned at Walker. Leaning closer, she whispered, “I haven't had the nerve to tell them we're expecting again.”

Winking, he grinned at her. “I don't think they'll mind.”

“What you two a-whisperin' 'bout up there?” Wadsy asked as Millie scrambled from her lap to the floor of the buggy. Molly extended her arms to the nanny, so Wadsy and Papa traded children.

“Nothing much,” Sarah said over her shoulder. She turned to her husband and squeezed his arm. “Have I told you how much I love you today?”

“I don't mind hearing it again.”

“I do—with all my heart.”

His affectionate squeeze back told her all she needed to know. He was reserved around Wadsy and Papa, but he made up for it when they were alone.

Sarah Elaine Livingston McKay's dreams had all come true. She'd married the man of her dreams. The second wedding had been before God, in church, with baskets of flowers and family and friends in attendance. No barbecue permitted.

Today, she was the mother of two perfect little redheaded girls who, as their father had feared, had indeed inherited their mother's stubborn tendencies. S.H. and Flo were happy there were heirs to the Walker fortune, so there was little to fuss about at Spring Grass these days.

Only Caleb concerned her now. She had long ago forgiven him, but Walker was still working on it. He had pressed charges against the banker, who was now serving a prison sentence for embezzlement and attempted murder. Sarah hoped he had learned his lesson and would be released early for good behavior. Everyone needed forgiveness.

All in all, Sarah was happier than she'd ever dreamed possible. If anyone were to ask, she'd still say it was best to seek God's will for your life, though the road might not always be easy.

That Sarah McKay knew from personal experience.

1. Which character in the book appealed to you the most? Why?
   
2. How successfully does the author portray spiritual themes in this story? Did you find it thought-provoking, or was it just an entertaining read for you?
   
3. When Sarah ran away from home, did you sympathize with her, or did you feel she should have tried to work things out with her father?
   
4. On the train, what did you think of Lucy's plight? What was your reaction to the girls' decision to let Sarah pose as Walker's mail-order bride?
   
5. While not common in our modern American society, arranged marriages are still prevalent in some cultures. What do you think about such a custom? Was Walker wrong to have decided to go that route after Trudy's betrayal?
   
6. After learning the truth, Walker felt that Sarah had betrayed him as badly as Trudy had. Do you agree or disagree?
   
7. After the initial shock of finding out that Sarah lied to him, do you think Walker should have forgiven her sooner, or was his anger and mistrust justified? How do you think you would have responded?
   
8. Walker is fortunate to have friends in his life (Flo and S.H., especially) who love him enough to speak the truth to him and still support him in his pain. Are there people like that in your life? If not, is that something you would ask God for? Why or why not?
   
9. Sarah realizes after the fire in the barn that Walker may never forgive her for her poor decision. Do you think God can make all things work to good for those who repent and try to follow Him?
   
10. Caleb ends up in prison for his wrong decisions. Do you agree with Sarah that everyone deserves forgiveness, or are there some things between friends that cannot or should not be overlooked? Do you think your thoughts about this question influence how you give and receive forgiveness?
    

Lori Copeland
is the author of more than 90 titles, both historical and contemporary fiction. With more than 3 million copies of her books in print, she has developed a loyal following among her rapidly growing fans in the inspirational market. She has been honored with the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller Award. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband, Lance, their three children, and five grandchildren.

What are you going to do, McAllister? Put your life on hold forever and let a woman like Ragan slip through your fingers so you can pursue scum like Bledso?

Johnny knew Bledso wasn't worth a hair on Ragan's head. Why couldn't he let it go and just get on with his life?

Convicted of a bank robbery he didn't commit, drifter Johnny McAllister is sentenced to do time in a rehabilitation program in the home of Judge Proctor McMann, a gentle, wise soul who believes in second chances.

Johnny's aim is to be a model prisoner. He hopes to be released early to return to his life's mission: to find and kill Dirk Bledso, the man who wiped out his family 16 years before. Johnny has planned for everything…except his encounter with Ragan Ramsey, the judge's beautiful and kind housekeeper, and his involvement with the generous folks of Barren Flats.

Can this would-be outlaw let go of his hate and anger and embrace something better—something he can't yet see?

A tender romance that shows how even the hard law of the West doesn't stand a chance when God's mercy, warm friendship, and true love come to reside in a lonely man's heart.