Read Online Beyond Hope's Valley: A Big Sky Novel by Tricia Goyer - Free Book Online Page B

star.
    Amazing what a difference having a hit on the radio could make.
    "Ready to get started?" Roy nodded a good-bye to the receptionist and turned toward the hall.
    "As ready as I'll ever be."
    "Did you bring some new songs?"
    Ben nodded. He'd been writing off and on over the last month, which was a good thing. He just wished he'd had a better topic. Then again, heartbreak always made for best-selling records. "Wrote some new stuff, revamped some of the old stuff too. But it all needs work."
    "No worries. That's what we're here for. By the end of these three weeks you're going to be the star everyone knows you are." Roy placed a firm hand on Ben's shoulder.
    Ben forced a smile. "Sounds good to me."
    Roy released his hand and then motioned down the hall. Ben followed him.
    "You're going to ride this wave all the way to the top, my boy," Roy called back over his shoulder, his voice lifting with the excitement and charisma of a minister in a radical church, rising and falling with each step. "All the way to the top. Just go easy on the booze and the girls." Roy pointed a finger into the air. "Both are the ticket to spending too much money and time. Both will claim your soul."
    Why was Roy telling him this? He'd walked that path before—and had lost big time. No way he'd make those mistakes again.
    God, You know .
    I'm a different person. He closed his eyes. This time . . .
    This time I'll use my influence to make a difference .

    Aaron slowed his horse as the buggy approached Aunt Ida's house.
    "Here you are. Whoa, Jessie."
    Marianna smiled at him. Aaron was handsome, there was no doubt. And what other Amishman had built such a place for his bride? None she knew. To add to that, what man would be so patient with meddling family members? Aaron had proven himself there too.
    After looking at the house, Aaron had taken her to visit her aunt Betsy and all her cousins. It was meant to be a short visit, but her aunt had chattered all afternoon. It was only Aaron's pain in his leg, which he tried to hide, caused Marianna to stand up to Aunt Betsy and insist they had to go.
    "Hurry back to see us," Betsy had said with a wave. "If you have time, stop by on Christmas too. The more the merrier yet."
    Marianna found it hard to believe the holiday was in only three days, but the short days and cold, frosty air told her it was true.
    He parked, and she leaned over and kissed his cheek. She climbed down from the buggy. "I thank you kindly, sir. Would you like to come in?"
    Aaron turned his gaze to the row of windows behind Marianna. Marianna followed his eyes and she noticed Aunt Ida standing by the kitchen window. The lantern hanging over the sink had been dimmed to give her aunt a better view of outside.
    "I think I'll pass. My mem has been prodding me with enough questions about Montana, 'What were the mountains like? How did the Amish there act?' If I hafta go another round, answering yer aunt's questions I'll get an aching head for sure."
    A giggle slipped through Marianna's lips. "I understand." She took two steps back to allow the buggy to pass. "Although it's worse with Aunt Ida because she often forgets the answers and asks more than once."
    Aaron chuckled, and then he loosened the reins and clicked his tongue, urging his horse forward. "Tomorrow then?"
    "Yes, tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it."
    Aunt Ida's words spilled from her as soon as Marianna walked inside. "That leg isn't bothering Aaron Zook, is it now? He did run home awful quick."
    Marianna nodded. " Ja . Sadly it is. He's been on it more than he ought."
    Aaron hadn't said he was hurting much, but she could see it. He tightened his jaw when he was in pain. His gaze had narrowed as the pain increased.
    She smiled as she removed her coat and hung it on the hook, not because Aaron was hurting, but she realized their time together had made a difference. She knew Aaron. Knew how to read him. But more than that she knew he would be a good husband who rarely complained.
    "Is