The Cowboy's Baby Bond by Linda Ford Page B

because he didn’t realize how sick she was. I say he’s trapped unnecessarily. I tell him he’s no different than the rest of the world. Everyone has regrets and failures. Trick is to use them as building blocks, not stumbling blocks.” Esther crossed her arms and stared at the immobile man. “He doesn’t listen to me.”
    â€œHow long is it since your mother passed?”
    â€œNigh on six months.”
    Adam squirmed to get down and Willow released him on the boardfloors of the veranda. He grabbed the nearby bench and walked around it, chortling with pleasure.
    Esther watched his every move. “I sure would like to have a man of my own and some children, but I’m stuck here. Can’t leave my pa until he snaps out of this mood.”
    Johnny returned and introduced himself.
    Esther greeted him with a quick handshake, then continued talking about her pa. “I pray every day that something will happen to bring him back to the land of the living.” She looked skyward. “Please, God, what good is a wasted life?”
    Willow couldn’t tell if she meant hers or her father’s. Both, likely.
    Esther brought her attention back to Adam and then Willow. “Is there anything you need at the moment?”
    â€œNo. I’m fine, thanks.”
    â€œThen I’ll get on with my chores.” She hurried off the veranda and headed for the corrals, pausing to call over her shoulder, “Make yourselves at home.”
    Willow stared after her, then looked at Johnny. He appeared as startled by the woman’s sudden departure as she.
    â€œLet’s take Adam for a walk.” Johnny took the boy by one hand.
    Seeing his intent, Willow took her son’s other hand and together they set out on the little trail that led between the barn and the trees.
    She knew the minute the man on the stump saw them by the way his chin lifted off his chest. Apart from that he didn’t move, though his eyes followed them. She stepped ahead enough to shield Adam from the man’s insistent stare, and glanced at Johnny to see if he’d noticed.
    â€œI expect he’s harmless,” Johnny said, but he, too, edged closer to Adam.
    They passed the man, then followed the path that circled toward the barn.
    Willow glanced over her shoulder. “He’s following us.” She increased her pace.
    Johnny scooped Adam into his arms and they hurried in the direction of the house.
    Esther stood in front of the barn, her gaze going past them to the man in their wake. “Pa? Glory be, my prayers are answered. Pa got off his stump without being bullied to do so.” She lifted her face toward heaven. “Praises be. You’ve answered my prayers.”
    Realizing what this meant, Willow and Johnny turned to watch the man’s progress.
    He stopped before them. “How do. Name’s Sid Owen. Pleased to meet you.” He shook hands with Johnny and nodded toward Willow. “Nice-looking boy you have there.” He turned to Esther. “Ain’t it about time you got yourself a good man and gave me some grandchildren?” And with that, he went inside.
    Esther pulled her hat off, letting a mass of black curls fall down her back, and slapped her knee with the hat as she laughed. “Just like that he joins the land of the living again. Who’d have thought it would be so easy?”
    â€œMaybe you could pray for my sisters. It would be nice if finding them was as easy as that.” Willow could not believe those words had come from her mouth, but if Esther’s pa could come round because of his daughter’s prayers, Willow was more than willing to let her pray for the safety of her sisters.
    Esther demanded an explanation and when she’d heard the tale, she looked upward. “You hear this gal’s need. Might it be You could protect those little sisters and help her find them real quick. Okay?”
    Could it really be that easy? Esther