Annie's Truth (Touch of Grace) by Beth Shriver

She reached up to touch his face, feeling the stubble from his whiskers against her fingers. This was a familiar and safe place, next to him, one that she would remember when she was gone. “I promise.”
    He reached for her hand and took in deep breath. She knew he was fighting to keep his emotions under control. “I wish I could believe that.”
    “John, you of all people have to believe me, believe in me. I know you don’t understand, but maybe you don’t have to. Maybe you just need to support me, pray for me, and give me the strength to go so I can come back a complete person.”
    He touched the tip of her nose with his finger. “You already are complete. I wish you could see that.”
    So he wouldn’t understand. The one person she’d counted on couldn’t give her what she needed.
    His eyes glazed, as if he knew the disappointment she was feeling. Then he lowered his head and squeezed both of her hands. When he pulled away, he touched his head against hers. His eyes never opened. Annie stared at him, waiting to see the deep brown of his eyes that had comforted her for so many years.
    He turned and slowly walked down the stairs, his dark locks brushing the collar of his white, starched shirt. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs, paused, and then stuck his hands in his pockets.
    Annie waited for him to turn so she could see his striking face, but he looked to the ground and took a few steps before breaking into a jog until he disappeared into the thick grove of golden trees that separated them.

  Chapter Seven  
    C OUSIN A BRAHAM KINDLY left his shop to take Annie to the bus station. Their trip to town had been quiet, filled with thoughts about what to expect. She had done all the thinking on the emotional side but only knew what little her mamm did about the outside world and what she would need to get by. Once she was with the Glicks, Mamm felt sure Annie would be in good hands.
    The bay horse and black buggy pulled up next to the train station amongst the many automobiles. Abraham pulled on the reins and hopped down from his perch. He came around to Annie’s side and grabbed her suitcase. She held Abraham’s shoulder as she stepped to the ground.
    “I’ve never been inside.” Annie felt intimidation creep in as she scanned the brick and mortar building before her. Traveling by a motored vehicle suddenly seemed like a bad idea. She liked the slow trot of a horse and the open air against her face. But there was no going back now. Not after what she’d put her family through. She had to do this now, or live with the questions for the rest of her life.
    She studied the huge machine from top to bottom and side to side. “This is a big change from a horse.”
    Abraham’s large hand rested on her shoulder. “You know how many horses are under that hood? Four hundred and forty-four.” He grinned. “You’ll be where you’re going in no time, with all that power.”
    His knowledge of something so unimportant in their world surprised Annie. “How do you know that?”
    “Couldn’t help but ask one day when I saw one of those Greyhounds roaring down the road.” He gestured toward his own stocky horse. “Makes Gracie seem irrelevant, doesn’t it?”
    “You can’t nuzzle up to a bus.” Annie tried to smile through her anxiety.
    He gave Gracie an admiring grin. “I guess we do have a relationship.”
    She turned to him and wrapped her arms around his thick waist. “Danke, Abraham.” It was easier having him drop her off and generous of him to take time away from his shop.
    “Go on, now. Do what you need to do and come home, ya hear?” He forced a smile and gave her a nod.
    “I will. That’s about the only thing I know for sure, that I’ll come home soon.” She sighed, hoping the cleansing breath would calm her nerves.
    “Maybe that’s all you need to know for right now.” He winked and watched her go.
    Annie sat in the middle of a row of chairs at the bus station. She’d been to the