Lightning and Lace by DiAnn Mills

did it—just like the last time.”
    “That makes no sense.”
    “I agree.” He turned to Thomas. “Sure glad Bonnie has you to watch over things.”
    “I promised Ben before he left that I’d keep an eye on his family.”
    “Good. Guess you figured that’s why Grant and I rode out here. We’re worried about our little sister.”
    “No need. I always have someone guarding the house.”
    Bonnie’s eyes widened. “Thanks, Thomas. I had no idea.”
    He grinned. “Ben told me to be sly as a fox.”
    She could almost hear Ben giving those instructions. In the past, she’d have shed a few tears, but today the thought warmed her.
    “My thanks to you.” Morgan’s shoulders lifted and fell. “We’ll sure sleep a lot better.”
    “You’re welcome. We’ve all sort of adopted Miss Bonnie and the young’uns.”
    “See, I’ll be fine,” she said.
    “Grant’s right. You’re looking much better. We both want to apologize for the way we’ve handled things. I haven’t been very understanding.”
    “You two were simply being the big brothers you’ve always been. I’m trying real hard to get on with my life. Not that I won’t be making mistakes.”
    “Let us help in any way we can.”
    She swallowed a lump in her throat. “Would you continue to look into a military school for Zack? I have to be prepared in case Brother Travis isn’t able to work a miracle.” She attempted to sound objective, but her voice broke.
    “Sure. All of us are praying for him. Chad feels real bad about what’s happened.”
    “They used to be close. Maybe they will be again.”
    “I hope so,” he said. “A long time ago, I vowed to stop hovering over you and let you make your own decisions.”
    “I was eighteen when you made that statement. And you were courtin’ Casey at the time.”
    “I’m still working on it.”
    Bonnie laughed, then sobered. “Papa spoiled me. So did you. Then Ben. Mama and Grant attempted to make me strong, but it never happened. Now I have three children to raise, and I intend to make my family and Ben proud. After all, I have Andrews blood flowing through my veins.”
    “Do Ben’s folks know about Zack?”
    She nodded. “I stopped there after I left the sheriff’s office. I think they would have liked for me to bring him there, but they’re getting up in years too. I regret my assumption that Mama and the reverend would take Zack.” She glanced away. “I regret so much, but God is talking to me.”
    “Much has happened in a few short days.”
    “I guess so. Morgan, I appreciate all you and Grant have done for me. I love you.”
    “Haven’t heard that in a long time.”
    “I haven’t loved myself in a long time. And I have miles to go. I’m sure we’ll share a few more disagreements.”
    “You’ll make it, Bonnie. I’m sure of it.”
    But her words had sounded braver than what she felt. Her mind said she needed a drink, deserved one after the past few days. Her heart told her otherwise, and she clung to God like a newborn. Think about others. Be gracious and compassionate.
    She’d planned to stay home from prayer meeting tonight to avoid Zack, but now she wondered if she should sit with Rosie. Seemed like there was always something to be doing. She wanted to talk to Brother Whitworth to see how Zack was doing. She didn’t want to put too much hope in what the man was attempting, but to have her son happy and at peace seemed like a dream. Would life ever get easier?

Chapter 10
    “If you would like to have the peace that passeth all understanding in your life, now is the time to come forward and ask Jesus to live in your heart.”
    How many times had Travis given that invitation over the years? But this time it was Wednesday night prayer meetin’ at the Piney Woods Church. When he held revivals in other churches, folks used to come forward. But never in his own church. Ten years of preaching, and not one soul was saved in the Tennessee hills church. No wonder his brothers had