Be Still My Soul: The Cadence of Grace, Book 1 by Joanne Bischof Page A

struggled to reply. “We … we better be movin’ on, mister. We don’t have much time to linger.” Pride fed his words. He hadn’t even wanted to stop, but the gnawing in his stomach had made his feet slow when he first spotted the cabin.
    “You runnin’ from something?” the man asked.
    “No sir, just in a hurry, that’s all.” It wasn’t entirely the truth, but it was close enough. He didn’t care to spend too many more nights beneath the stars. The sooner they got to Stuart, the sooner he could find work and, if luck was on his side, a warm place to sleep.
    The young man glanced between them, a curious expression on his face. Finally, he smiled. “Name’s Jonathan. You are welcome to some food, but I sure wish you’d come in and rest a spell. My wife can cook up a mighty fine pot of beans, and we’ve got fresh venison.”
    “Gid, we could rest a bit, couldn’t we?” Lonnie’s voice was for his ears alone.
    The thought of such a meal warmed him, but Gideon shook his head.
    Jonathan shrugged. “Well, can you hold on just a bit while I go and fetch somethin’?”
    Gideon glanced at Lonnie, then nodded. “That’d be fine. We sure do appreciate it.”
    Leaving the door open, Jonathan disappeared inside.
    A woman’s voice drifted out.
    Tilting his head, Gideon strained to listen. When the lace curtain slid aside, a young woman peeked through the glass. He blinked but didn’t avert his gaze.
    Jonathan returned with a handful of brown eggs and a tin can. “Beans.” He lifted the offering. “Take these.” His boots pounded the steps.
    Cradling the eggs as best he could, Gideon passed them to Lonnie, who clutched them delicately. He pressed the tin can to his chest. The beans were still warm and fragrant with the smell of molasses and pepper.
    “Sorry it’s not more.” Jonathan pulled another tin from the crook of his elbow. “Here’s applesauce. My wife insisted you take it.”
    He handed the can to Lonnie, followed by a spoon, and she dipped it into the apple mush. The bent spoon clanged inside the can. After a few bites, Lonnie offered the rest to Gideon.
    He felt Lonnie’s frown on him, and when he looked at her, he saw something more in her eyes. Hurt. Gideon shifted. It was just like a woman to be difficult. The sooner she realized he had her best interest in mind, the better.
    He ate quickly, then glanced at the window. “Tell your wife she’s got the best applesauce I’ve ever tasted.”
    Jonathan grinned. “I’ll tell her.”
    Still savoring the taste on his tongue, Gideon tipped his hat. “Guess we’ll be on our way now. Sure do appreciate you and your wife’s generosity.”
    “Sure you won’t stay for supper?” Jonathan tossed a thumb toward his house.
    It pained Gideon to turn down such an offer. The more the man asked, the more tempting the idea became. “We should really be movin’ on.” His eyes flicked to the window.
    Jonathan accepted the empty can. “Suit yourself.” He turned when his wife appeared in the doorway.
    Her blond hair, slicked back in a tight and shiny bun, spoke of a fresh bath. She smoothed the apron that covered her well-worn dress and smiled, showing a tidy row of white teeth.
    “Ma’am.” Gideon tapped the brim of his hat, sending a spatter of moisture up and away. He studied her pretty face longer than he should have, then dropped his gaze. For an instant, he wished he had taken the man up on his offer to stay for supper. Lonnie cleared her throat. He looked at her and wished he hadn’t when he saw the pain that flitted through her brown eyes. Gideon waved good-bye to Jonathan and walked off.
    Lonnie walked behind him. “Sure was nice of them to give us fresh eggs.” She spoke softly, and when he didn’t respond, she sighed. “I’m surprised you didn’t want to go in. I half expected you to change your mind.” Her tone pierced him.
    Gideon pinned her with his gaze. She returned his stare. Not much got past her. He’d have to keep