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crept into her voice.
    They stopped near the edge of the river and she watched the current rush over the rocks. That’s how she felt about Jackson. He was moving so fast, so out of her control that she couldn’t do anything to stop it.
    “Margie,” Theo said softly, taking her hands in his. “I have an idea about Jackson, but you need to listen with an open mind. It won’t please you, but it might be the best thing for him.”
    The warm touch of his hands on hers distracted her from what he was saying. Her own hands seemed so small in comparison, almost like those of a child. His large frame towered over her, but his gentle manner drew her to him and she involuntarily took a step forward, her eyes fixed on his.
    She watched as he blinked twice, his eyes reflecting mild surprise and something else that she thought could be identified as longing. He opened his mouth slightly and drew in a sharp breath.
    “How can you look at me like that?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
    “Like what?” she murmured back, her eyes going from his mouth to his eyes and back again.
    “So trustingly,” he replied, pulling her a bit closer. “You barely know me.”
    “I know you,” she answered. “I know enough that you are the one God led me to. It feels so right to be here with you. I feel like I can tell you anything.”
    She watched him swallow slowly and then lower his head toward her. Without meaning to, she stretched up to meet him and the instant their lips touched, she felt a jolt run through her. Her hands moved up to his shoulders and she clung to him. His arms wound around her briefly before he broke off the kiss.
    “What’s the matter?” she asked in confusion. “We’re to be married soon.”
    He took a step back, sunk his hands into his pockets as though to prevent them from reaching for her and then looked out at the mountains. “There’s so much you don’t know. I didn’t think I would ever have to tell anyone, but now…”
    “If you tell me, then I’ll know and we can move forward,” she replied sensibly. Her heart had started to resume its natural rhythm and her hazy vision cleared. The moment of passion was over and they were back to being rational.
    “I don’t know where to start…” he looked at her and she saw the worry cloud his eyes. Still, she said nothing. Instead, she took a step towards him and laid one hand on his arm and another on his face. Her touch was tender and compassionate. It was clear that he was upset, but couldn’t bear to talk.
    “Okay,” she began. “You don’t have to say anything in this moment. Whatever it is, take your time. I won’t judge you.”
    He seemed to consider that briefly and then took her hand and linked it through his arm again. Wordlessly, they navigated the rocky terrain next to the river and took in the view of the setting sun.
    “Let’s go find your brother,” he said quietly as they left the riverside and moved back towards town. “If I can get him to trust me and like me, there’s a better chance he might listen to what I want to suggest to him.”
    Margie longed to ask him about the plans, but knew that he needed more time. She kept quiet and walked along the path back to the town and silently prayed for this complex man that God had given her. In her heart, she strongly believe that they were meant to be together and would be as soon as he laid his past to rest and put the future straight for her brother.
    Please God, would both of those things become a reality and not just a fantasy of her own imagining.
     
    ***
     
    As Margie and Theo walked along the river, Jackson investigated the town. He quickly found the saloon and entered it without hesitation. He’d managed to pilfer a few coins from his sister’s purse after she went to bed last night, and he figured he had enough for a drink and one game of cards. Hopefully, he would be able to win enough to leave this horrible little town.
    “What’ll be?” the barman asked