Free to Serve Page 3

  The pastor looked back and forth between the two of them before his eyes and mouth widened, but he closed his lips without saying a word, nodding instead.

  Sawyer chuckled and patted the man on the back, then looked to her. “Let me get a plate for my wife and I, and then I’ll say grace.”

  “Can I say grace?”

  Gabriella stared at Lilly. Did she even know how to pray? Or what praying meant?

  CHAPTER SIX

  After Pastor Mire left and they were cleaning up, guilt washed over Sawyer. He’d been excited that Lilly asked to pray over their meal, but as the meal had progressed, he could sense uneasiness in his wife. Throwing Gabriella into this situation, having to adapt to the role of a preacher’s wife and not knowing if she could even cook was a lot to expect. He knew the current preacher was anxious to hand over the position to Sawyer so that he could take care of his ailing mother, but Gabriella needed time to adjust to the changes.

  “I’m sorry Pastor Mire has burdened you.” He dried the last plate and put it in the cupboard. “I would be more than happy to help cook tomorrow, but today, I thought we could go and do some exploring. Maybe go fish. If we’re lucky, we might catch something for dinner.”

  “Growing up, I did learn to cook, although it has been a while.” Gabriella smiled. “Same with fishing, but it sounds fun, as long as you take the fish off the hooks and clean them.”

  “I think I can arrange that.” He hung the dish rag on the back of a chair to dry. “Do you think you could prepare something to take for lunch and I will get the wagon ready?”

  “I will try.”

  “Thank you.” Sawyer squeezed her gently before sauntering outside.

  Gabriella could cook? The thought of it made him smile. He wasn’t sure what he was really getting himself into when he said “I do” but thus far, he had been pleasantly surprised. Anyone would have thought she was Lilly’s mother if they saw them together.

  His wife was beautiful, and her personality seemed pleasant. Why hadn’t another man already married her? Perhaps one day he would find out why Gabriella had chosen a less traditional path instead of marrying years ago. Whatever the reason, he was finding himself fortunate that she hadn’t.

  By the time Lilly and Gabriella came outside, Sawyer had readied the wagon, caught a few crickets to use as bait and loaded the fishing poles for their family outing. Thinking of family warmed his heart. He helped Lilly into the back of the wagon, then got Gabriella situated up front before climbing next to her. Taking the reigns, he made a clicking noise and flicked the leather straps to set the horses into motion. Pastor Mire’s directions to the river were easy to follow.

  A gentle breeze blew as they rode past various Texas wildflowers blooming. Sawyer promised Gabriella they would stop by the field again on the way home so that she could pick some bluebell flowers for their kitchen table.

  “Why don’t we picnic here?” Sawyer pulled up next to a tree with little white blooms, not making any effort to climb from the wagon. “I don’t know what type of tree this is, but it’ll make a nice place to enjoy our meal.”

  “It’s a Mexican Olive tree, but guess you should really call it a Texas Olive tree since it is in Texas.” Gabriella giggled, causing him to smile at the delightful sound. “My mother used to make jelly out of the fruit.”

  “Do you know how to make jelly?” Sawyer loosened his grip on the reins as he stared into bright, brown eyes, admiring the wonder he saw there as she reminisced about her childhood. It sounded happy.

  “No.” She shook her head. Her expression sobered. “While I helped my mother at times, I never learned to do it completely on my own.”

  “I wonder if we could start a mentoring group that would get together and work on projects like this?” Ideas churned in Sawyer’s mind. “Kind of like a Paul and Timothy for women, a mentor group. The older women could help to train the younger women. I could even recruit the men to participate in helping widows with repairs or stuff around their place that require a man’s help.”

  “That sounds nice…” Gabriella’s words didn’t match the sound of her voice, and she looked toward the river, away from him.

  He leaned closer to her ear. “But…”

  She turned and looked at him, her shoulders slumped. Their faces mere inches apart.

  “What is it you’re not saying?” He watched, fascinated, as a wide-eyed innocence flashed across her face.

  “I don’t know anyone here and I’m afraid they won’t like me once they do get to know me.” A tear trickled down her cheek.

  He wiped it away with his thumb.

  “I don’t even know how to go about asking other women if they would want to do something like you are suggesting.”

  “I’ll ask them.” Sawyer leaned his forehead against hers. “Once we settle in and people have a chance to know us, we will work on reaching out to others to build relationships. It will be good for Lilly, too.”

  Gabriella turned to look in the back of the wagon, and Sawyer’s gaze followed. Lilly was standing, picking some of the white blossoms off of the tree to make a bouquet. “I want what’s best for her.”

  “I know you do,” he said. “So do I and I’ll try my hardest to be the best husband I can be. Just promise me you’ll always tell me when something makes you feel uncomfortable and I’ll be there to help you through it.”

  Her eyes moistened—she nodded in acknowledgement. A faint smile lifted her lips. His head knew he shouldn’t, but he gave into temptation and gently kissed her lips. When her lips parted, desire took over, shutting out the warning his mind echoed, and their kiss deepened.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The whole time during Sunday service, Gabriella felt eyes on her. She’d been more accustomed to meeting men than she had other women, unless they came to work in the saloon. Being introduced as a proper woman at the onset of the service made her skin crawl. It wasn’t who she was, but who she was trying to become. She rubbed her arms even though she wasn’t cold. The brown fabric of her dress felt smooth beneath her fingers.

  Sawyer glanced at her and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. He winked at her, causing her heart to flutter. Any woman would have been lucky to have such a man as her husband, yet he’d remained single for so long. Would he have married any woman the sheriff had chosen for him? She forced insecure thoughts from her mind. It didn’t matter now, he was hers, no matter the reason.

  This morning he’d even kissed her on the forehead. A smile formed when she thought about the intimate kiss he’d given her several days ago, when they’d gone fishing. What she wouldn’t give to feel his lips against hers again, but he was a gentleman and wanted them to naturally progress in their relationship, even though they were married. If her parents were alive, they would have been pleased with the man she married. They would have loved Lilly, too. She smiled at the young girl seated beside her on the pew.

  Gabriella relaxed against Sawyer and tried to concentrate on the sermon that Pastor Mire was giving. Through the rest of the service, she did her best to focus, even though the presence of her husband so close distracted her. When the service ended, she let out a sigh of relief.

  “Shall we go meet the congregation?” Sawyer squeezed her shoulder, then gently helped her up as he stood.

  Her pulse raced from both his touch and her nervousness. She took Lilly’s hand. “Come on, sweetie. We have to stand up front and greet everyone.”

  The smile she’d forced upon her face when they first started greeting people became more natural as the line dwindled. Some of the women had been genuinely welcoming. Gabriella hoped for the first time in a long time, that she might actually develop real friends, though not everyone was as receptive to them. Pastor Mire reassured the church members who expressed concern or regret over his upcoming departure.

  Several people said they would be praying for the pastor’s travels and his mother’s recovery. Pastor Mire’s confidence in sharing his faith and belief that he would see his mother in Heaven again one day made Gabriella wonder about her own parents, and whether or not she too would be reunited with them. She hoped to ask Sawyer about it after Lilly went to bed. Caring for Lilly had made her think a lot about her parents and how they had raised her. Would God allow her to live a long life, or at least until Lilly was raised? There were several older members in the congregation—proof that not everyone died young.

  The last of the line had vanished, undoubtedly anxious to go outside for the potluck meal that was to take place after church.

  “You both did wonderful.” Pastor Mire squeezed Sawyer’s shoulder and nodded at Gabriella. “It will take a little time, but I know everyone will embrace you as one of their own. Speaking of which, lunch is the perfect time to get to know people better.” He rubbed his stomach. “And make sure to compliment the food. Unfortunately, not everyone can cook as good as Cord McGraw’s wife, Josie, but you don’t want to step on anybody’s toes.”

  More rules. Gabriella thought her head would spin from all the niceties and pleasantries that she would be expected to put on to get people to like her.

  “Would you like to go outside with me, Lilly, and I can introduce you to some children to play with?” Pastor Mire held out his hand, expecting her to agree. His smile widened when she took his hand. “I’m sure both of you would like a second to catch your breath.” He nodded and turned to go, adding, “I’ll see the two of you outside momentarily.”

  Gabriella watched as the pastor left.

  “You did great.” Sawyer turned to face her. “But it seems your smile has slipped. Let me help you put it back in place.” He placed a hand on either side of her face and gently urged the sides of her mouth up with his thumbs.

  She couldn’t help but laugh.

  “There’s that smile.” He chuckled as he lowered his hands to his sides. “I also couldn’t help but noticing you were smiling during the service. Anything in particular?”

  Her cheeks warmed. She resisted the urge to reach up and touch them. When was the last time she’d blushed? It had been so long ago that she couldn’t even remember.

  “Perhaps we’ll have a chance to talk after Lilly goes to sleep?” She did want to talk, but not necessarily about what made her smile during the sermon, because she’d been thinking of him.

  “I look forward to it.” Sawyer eyed her quizzically, but didn’t press her. “Shall we join the others outside?”

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a moment to freshen up,” Gabriella said. “Why don’t you go on out with the others and I will join you shortly?”

  Sawyer’s lips parted, then pressed together, obviously thinking twice about saying whatever was on his mind. Thankfully, he nodded and gave in to Gabriella’s request.

  As soon as he was out of sight, Gabriella sank into one of the pews. She laid her hands on the back of the pew in front of her and leaned her head against her hands, closing her eyes to think.

  So many changes in her life—a different town, new place to live with a new husband who had a new job that required her to meet and greet lots of new people. The only thing left of her old life was Lilly, and she was the sole reason Gabriella had committed to changing her life. Now, part of her wanted to do it for herself—and for Sawyer. You can do this, she told herself, steadying her breathing.

  “I was hoping I’d catch you alone.”

  Gabriella’s head darted up at the sound of a male voice close to her. She’d been so preoccupied with her own thoughts, she hadn’t heard anyone approach. She quickly rose, unable to step from the pew with him in the way. “May I help you?” Her voice quivered a fraction. She swallowed, jutted her chin out, and forced a more commanding tone. “The others are outside. I’m sure my husband would like to meet you.”

  His laughter sent a chill down her spine. He grabbed her forearms and drew her closer. “Are you sure he doesn’t mind sharing you?”

  “Oh, I mind.” They both turned. Relief flooded Gabriella like a wave when she saw Sawyer standing less than ten feet away. She noticed his clenched fists. “I’d kindly thank you to take your hands off my wife.”

  “I ain’t ever known a saloon girl to get married.” The man’s grip tightened, making her wince. “Are you sure the two of you aren’t trying to con the town out of their money?”

  Pastor Mire showed up with one of the women from the congregation who was with child. Gabriella remembered Josie, the woman who owned the restaurant in town. Josie was also one of the Freedom Brides, so hopefully she would use discretion.

  The look of shock on the pastor’s face was replaced with disdain. “Chester, please let go of Pastor Stephenson’s wife and then perhaps you can tell me what is going on in here?”

  Chester practically flung Gabriella’s arms away from him, causing her to become unsteady. She gripped the pew with a hand to regain her balance.

  “You can’t trust these two,” Chester spat in an angry tone. “She ain’t nothing but one of them saloon girls. No doubt the two of them showed up in town to take advantage of the good citizens here.”

  Gabriella wanted to laugh and say, “Like you?” but refrained.

  “The Bible says we are all sinners,” Sawyer said, his fists no longer clenched. “We’ve all made mistakes in our life that we wish we could change, and thanks to one Man, we can all be forgiven for our sins.”

  “Amen.” Pastor Mire nodded. “It also says that he who is without sin can cast the first stone.” The pastor looked from Chester, to Gabriella and then back at him. “I’m not going to ask you how you know about her past, because her sins have been forgiven by the same God who forgave your sins. Now, given this is the day to celebrate, perhaps you should get Beth a plate of food to take home with you. I’m sure your wife will appreciate the gesture.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  A lantern dimly lit the room, its flame dancing with the breeze gently blowing through the open window. Sawyer stared outside, toward the field behind the church. In spite of what happened after church today, it was a good day.

  Gabriella’s resilience had surprised and impressed him. For her sake, and Lilly’s, he kept a hold on his temper. He needed to be an example for them so that they could see the love of God, not his wrath poured out. Shame filled him, his fists clenched instinctively again as he thought of Chester near Gabriella. If Josie and Pastor Mire had not been there, he may not have been able to restrain himself. The realization surprised him. Without realizing it, Gabriella had captured his heart and brought out his protectiveness.

  “Can we talk?”

  Sawyer turned at the sound of his wife’s voice. “Yes.” He motioned toward the couch. “Why don’t we have a seat?”

  He moved the pillow and blanket to a nearby chair and sat down, leaving space between them. Everything within him wanted to reach out to her, take her in his arms and promise to protect her. No matter his feelings, he needed to give Gabriella time to come to care for him—and she needed to have a man want her for more than just physical desire.

  “I never got to thank you for standing up for me today,” Gabriella said. “Did you mean what you said about God forgiving us for our sins? Will He forgive me?”

  “Yes.” Sawyer scooted closer and took Gabriella’s hands in his. “Do you want to pray with me?” When she nodded, he had her repeat after him, asking God to forgive her sins and help her to be the Christian God wanted her to be.

  “Thank you.” She hugged him.

  Wrapping his arms around her, he held her close. Her head rested against his shoulder. She smelled flowery. He pressed her closer to his body, drinking in her scent, knowing he should let go to keep his wits about him. There was so much they didn’t know about each other, and he wanted to know everything—right down to her favorite flower and even her favorite color.

  “You’re so good with Lilly.” Sawyer searched for the best way to ask to inquire about Gabriella’s past. “When you were growing up, did you think about having children of your own?”

  She tensed and lifted her head from his shoulder, turning away. Reluctantly, he loosened his hold, still leaving his arms around her waist.

  “I think all young ladies dream of having children.” Gabriella’s tone was flat. “Unfortunately, not all dreams come true.”

  “You are married now.” Sawyer reached up and gently turned her head to face him. Sadness filled her eyes. “Nothing says Lilly has to be an only child.”

  A tear trickled down Gabriella’s cheek. He thought she would have been happy at his suggestion. “The doctor told me I can’t have children.” Another tear rolled down her face. “After my parents and two younger brothers succumbed to smallpox, I went to live with a distant relative who took advantage of me. So did his brothers… and a friend.”Gabriella shrugged her shoulders. “When I mustered up the courage to run away, I ended up working in the saloon. It gave me a place to live and I had food to eat. I didn’t know how else to survive.”

  “I’m sorry that you went through all of that.” Anger welled up inside Sawyer. “Your family should have protected you and taken care of you.”

  Gabriella caressed his cheek in her hand, her warm brown eyes held him captive. “You’re my family now.”

  “And I will always protect you.” Sawyer leaned his head against hers. He wanted to kiss Gabriella and offer reassurance beyond words, but the best way to do that was for him to show her how much he cared by his words, and proving to her not all men were cads. She and Lilly would always be able to count on him to look out for them—always and forever, until death, as he’d vowed in church on their wedding day—a vow he meant to keep.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Gabriella groggily stretched in bed, her body felt wonderful, so alive. She rolled to her side, her eyes fluttering as she awoke. A pair of light brown eyes stared back at her.