Land of My Heart Read online

  Dianne stopped at this. “Afraid? What in the world were you afraid of?” She hoped her question didn’t sound too harsh.

  He smiled. “I guess I was afraid of you being right.”

  Dianne moved away from Dolly and put the curry comb away. “Right about what?”

  “That I needed to forgive my father—that I needed to make things right with God. See, I knew that if I faced up to that and did nothing about it, I would be making a choice to turn my back on all I believed and had been raised to know as truth. I wanted to put a veil over the truth so that I could make it what I wanted it to be. So that it wouldn’t hurt so much. But instead of finding peace and easing the pain, it just hurt all the more.”

  Dianne swallowed hard. “And now?” The words were barely audible.

  Cole jumped down and came to where Dianne stood. “I had a long talk with your uncle and he helped me to see the truth again. Without the veil.”

  Dianne felt her throat tighten and tears came to her eyes. She didn’t want to make a big scene, but this moment was so important to her—to them and to their future.

  Cole took hold of her hands. “I’ve made my peace with God. I’ve asked Him to forgive me for my arrogance and foolish pride. And I’ve asked Jesus to direct my steps for the rest of my life.”

  Dianne broke down and fell into his arms. “Oh, Cole, I’m so glad.”

  Cole held her close, saying nothing for several moments. Dianne thrilled to his touch and to the safety she felt in his arms. The walls had come crumbling down. Nothing would ever come between them now.

  “I don’t know what I did to deserve a good woman like you,” Cole whispered against her ear. “I feel like your perseverance, your willingness to stand your ground and trust God for the outcome, saved me in a way.”

  “I think God knew we’d need each other,” Dianne said, pulling away. She grinned. “You’ve saved me on so many occasions. You kept me from catching fire, being bit by a snake, and accosted by ruffians on the streets of Virginia City.”

  “Yes, but you kept me from losing my soul.”

  “No, only God can do that,” Dianne countered.

  “But not unless someone is willing to show a fella the error of his ways—set his feet in the right direction. A direction of truth. You were willing to stand your ground with me—to help me understand what was wrong and how to go about fixing it. I think that proves we’ll make a good team.”

  Dianne gazed into his eyes and felt her heart beat faster as Cole put his hand to her cheek. “Don’t ever change, Dianne. Don’t ever be afraid to maintain your stand for what’s right.” He stroked her cheek, then gently touched his fingers to her lips. “I love you with all of my heart.”

  “I love you, Cole. More than I thought possible.”

  “Will you wait for me?” he asked. “Will you wait for me while I go back to Kansas and make things right with my father?”

  She nodded slowly. It was the right and perfect thing to do. “If it takes forever, I will wait for you.”

  Cole drew her into his arms once again. “It won’t take that long. I’ll leave tomorrow and be back by the spring. And when I come back, I’ll be a better man—a man more worthy of a wife like you.”

  Dianne knew the days would seem an eternity, even if Cole said it wouldn’t be forever. He had awakened her heart to the promise of love, just as Montana had awakened her to a promise of home. It was this promise to come that would keep her hoping, believing, trusting for all the days ahead. For all the days that would pass until Cole came back safely to her arms.