Love Finds a Home (Anthologies) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Was he sorry he’d married her? Had Daddy’s unexpected appearance marred their future? Maybe David thought she really wanted to go with Daddy and was only staying with him out of obligation. Despite the fact that she hardly knew David Green, Glenna was certain of one thing—her husband was a good person. He was a man of God, not some drunk who thought nothing of gambling away his money as though it were no more than a jar of glass marbles.
     
    Goose bumps erupted on Glenna’s arms as David stepped up behind her, wrapping his comforting arms around her waist. She’d thought he was still sitting in the cane-backed chair across the room, reading his Bible.
     
    “Glenna, I think we should talk.” David’s words came out in a whisper, caressing her ear with the warmth of his breath.
     
    She leaned into him, relishing the closeness of his body and the way his embrace made her feel so protected. She drew in a deep breath, letting it out in a lingering sigh. She knew it was ridiculous because they barely knew one another, but she had fallen hopelessly in love with this man. The question was, did David return her feelings, or was he merely being kind? Did David see her as a woman he could love or just a needy person he felt obligated to care for?
     
    “I appreciate your being willing to marry me,” she murmured. “I know it wasn’t in your plans, but I’m very grateful.”
     
    “I think we need to talk,” David repeated.
     
    She nodded mutely and allowed him to take her hand. He led her over to the bed, and they both took a seat. “I realize seeing your father today was quite a shock,” he said softly.
     
    “I never thought he could survive such a fall,” she admitted.
     
    “Glenna, I—”
     
    “He abandoned me on that train,” she said, cutting him off. “Now Daddy thinks I should abandon you.”
     
    “And would you?”
     
    Unwanted tears rolled down her cheeks. “Daddy doesn’t care about me anymore.” She sniffed deeply. “And I care nothing for him.”
     
    David’s fingers clasped her own, and warmth spread quickly up her arms as she savored the feel of his gentle touch. She relished the feeling of safety she had with David and was confident she could trust him never to abandon her the way Daddy had.
     
    “You must forgive your father, Glenna,” David said.
     
    She shrugged. The motion was all she could manage, given the circumstances. Talking about her father was too painful right now. Besides, she didn’t want to forgive Daddy. She was angry with him. Could it be that she was staying with David only to get even with Daddy?
     
    David draped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. He bent his head slightly, and she was sure he was about to kiss her. To her disappointment, he pulled away suddenly and stood up. “We’d best settle down for the night and get some sleep.” His words trailed off in a yawn. “You can have the bed, and I’ll sleep on the floor.” He dipped his head, refusing to make eye contact with her. “Good night, Glenna.”
     

     
    Glenna awoke the following morning feeling as though her head had been stuffed with a wad of cotton. Last night had been her wedding night, and she hadn’t slept well. Visions of Daddy and David had danced through her head like storm clouds. Did either of them love her at all? Did anyone love her? David said God loved her, but God was a spirit. How could He ever meet all her needs?
     
    She was thankful when they went down to breakfast and found that Daddy was nowhere around. Since David obviously didn’t love her, she’d actually been having some thoughts about staying in Granger with Daddy. If she saw him again, she might weaken. Glenna knew in her heart that a marriage without love would be preferable to her previous life as a gambler’s daughter. She’d made up her mind. As difficult as it would be to board that train, she was going to Idaho City with her husband!
     
    A short time later, she and David were seated