Read Online Lightning and Lace by DiAnn Mills - Free Book Online

night.” He avoided her eyes.
    Gathering up her skirts, she hurried up the steps. They’d argued before he went to bed. But fussin’ between them occurred on a regular basis. He’d been in another fight and had a black eye to prove it.
    “One more fight, Zack, and I’m talking to my brothers about finding a good military school back East,” she’d said to him.
    “Told you before I’ll run away.”
    His final words echoed in her mind. First she knocked and called his name. Nothing. Then she opened the door.
    Bonnie gasped. Zack’s bed was empty. It hadn’t been slept in, and his window was open over the back porch.
    *****
    Since Travis had repaired Bonnie’s roof in just one day, on Tuesday morning he and the reverend joined Frank Kahler to help finish his house a day earlier than planned. They were supposed to sand the floors and cut the inside doors. Maybe on Wednesday they could stain them all before the evening service. Some folks had donated furniture, including a fine desk from Morgan Andrews. Those things would be delivered on Thursday. Then he could move in on Friday or Saturday and hang the doors himself.
    “As much as I enjoy Mrs. Rainer’s cooking, I’m looking forward to living here,” Travis said.
    “We’re expecting you to show up anytime you’re hungry, but I expect you’ll have plenty of invitations.” He chuckled. “Watch out someone doesn’t try to marry you off to one of their daughters.”
    Travis touched his bushy hair and beard. “I believe only a lady who needs glasses would give me a second look.”
    “Or one who looks at the heart,” Frank said. “I have the most beautiful wife in these parts, and look at me. I more resemble a bear than a man.”
    Travis shook his head. “I imagine I’ll be married to the church instead of a woman.”
    “You never know what God has in mind. A good woman is a blessing, and children make a man feel complete.” The reverend nodded to punctuate his words.
    Travis knew the truth. The past haunted him like a worried demon.
    Before he could form a reply, someone knocked on the open front door and called out for the reverend. “I’m sorry to bother you, but this is important.”
    “Come on back, Bonnie. Do you need to talk to me in private?”
    One quick glimpse at her reddened eyes and face caused Travis to feel more than a little uncomfortable. What had Zack done now?
    “Yes, please,” she said.
    “Should Brother Travis join me?”
    “I suppose.”
    Travis heard the hesitancy, but he accompanied the reverend to the front porch anyway. One little woman should not have to bear such anguish alone.
    “It’s Zack.” She swallowed hard. “We had an argument last night about another of his fistfights and his disrespect for others. I thought he went to bed, but instead he left home. His bed wasn’t slept in. I—I didn’t discover he was missing until this morning.”
    “Do you have any idea where he might have gone?” the reverend said.
    She shook her head. “I brought the carriage into town, took Michael Paul to school, and left Lydia Anne with Mama. I came here before going to see Morgan or the sheriff.”
    The reverend wrapped his arms around her trembling shoulders. “I’ll go with you to see Morgan. What about Grant?”
    “He wouldn’t go there. Grant’s made it clear that Zack isn’t welcome with the little girls.” She moistened her lips. “Can’t say I blame him.”
    “Anything I can do?” Travis caught her gaze, and for a moment he believed he’d do about anything to help her find Zack.
    “No, thank you. We’ll find him.” She dabbed beneath her eyes and turned from him.
    “Is he on horseback?” the reverend said.
    “No. I’m sure he realized one of the ranch hands would’ve caught him taking a horse.”
    “Then he couldn’t have gone far. Any friends that he might have gone to?”
    “Reverend, Zack has gotten so ornery that I don’t think he has any friends left.”
    The older man pressed his lips