A Texan's Promise (29 page)

Not distance. Not time. Not doubts.

Not ever again.

Almost a full year had passed since Price had died and Miles had made amends with Vanessa. Since then, Vanessa and Clayton had settled into their cabin and filled their days with ranch work and family.

After a relatively easy pregnancy, Christina May was born and Vanessa spent even more time with Corrine and her children.

Miles kept in touch, taking time to write Vanessa once a month. His latest news was that he'd been squiring a young woman from a neighboring town to church and was finally at peace.

Unfortunately, Scout had not been as good at keeping in touch. Only one letter had arrived, and its contents brought quite a shock.

Clayton read Scout's brief letter one more time over his sister's shoulder. "I don't understand," he said, feeling frustrated and helpless. "I can't believe that when Scout finally decides to write, he tells us so little."

Corrine quirked an eyebrow. "You care to tell me again why you think Scout would have written more? He's written more here than you ever did, I'll tell you that."

Clayton ignored his sister's jab, knowing that she probably did have a point—and if he let her know she was right, she'd most likely never let him forget it.

Instead, he focused on the letter again, taking it from his sister's hands and frowning. "It just doesn't make sense, Corrine."

"I don't think it's supposed to."

"If he doesn't want me to find him, why did he even write?"

"I think he just wants you to know that he hasn't forgotten us. " After a moment, she mused, "And maybe he's trying to apologize for what he's become?"

Clayton tossed the letter on Corrine's writing desk and moved to the other side of the table. It looked like their little brother had finally grown up, whether Clayton was ready for him to or not. The fact that he had no control made him irritated, and a little bit argumentative. "I wish he'd just come this way. He's got to know we'd welcome him with open arms if he came to Colorado."

"I don't think he's ready. There's a time and a place for everything," Corrine said practically.

"You seem awfully calm about all this."

She raised an eyebrow. "You forget, I've already been through this with you."

Clayton couldn't figure out if she was teasing or not. "Corry, Lacy told me he was an outlaw." Clayton didn't even want to admit how much that knowledge had disturbed him.

"I guess he is."

"I've failed him. I'd do anything to make things better."

Softly, Corrine said, "Clayton, you were once searching for peace and forgiveness. Perhaps one day he'll be ready to do the same thing. Maybe one day . . . " his voice drifted off.

"One day we'll see him again, I'm sure of it," Corrine whispered."One day we'll all see him again."

Feeling worn out and wrung dry, Clayton walked back to his home. The night was mild, the full moon bright. He walked on.

Behind him, Corrine and Merritt and their brood were bedding down. In the bunkhouse, the lone whistle and tune of a harmonica floated out, followed by raucous laughter.

But just ahead was his place. Made of logs, it boasted four rooms, one of which had a fireplace that almost spanned a wall. As he got closer, he realized a window was open.

Floating toward him was another laugh of a very different kind. Christy was giggling and cooing. From the sound of things, Vanessa was very happy too.

Eager to be closer, Clayton picked up his pace.

Inside that cabin was his world. Inside was everything he'd dreamed his life could be. Everything he'd prayed for.

Everything he wanted.

Never again would he wait to obtain it.

Never again would he doubt he could.

1. A Texan's Promise
   revolves around a promise Clayton Proffitt made to his employer. What was that promise, and do you think he fulfilled it?
   
2. At first glance Vanessa is a terribly vulnerable heroine.However, she's more than just a woman in danger.What qualities does she display that make her admirable?
   
3. Did Vanessa and Clayton have a choice about leaving the Circle Z? How do you think things could have been resolved if they had stayed?
   
4. Clayton and Vanessa come in contact with many people scarred by the war. Who was your favorite person they met along the way?
   
5. Was Ken right in encouraging Clayton to marry Vanessa? What do you think about his reasons? Was it simply for safety?
   
6. Miles was as much of a victim as Vanessa. At the beginning of the novel, he hopes to make Price respect him.How was this goal doomed from the start?
   
7. Lacy was a character who was fairly multifaceted.Although she used people in order to survive, she also did many good deeds. What do you think will happen in her future?
   
8. Vanessa lies to Clayton several times. First, she lies about what really happened between her and Price.Later, she lies about contacting the bank for money.What do these lies say about her character?
   
9. When Clayton discovers the truth about Vanessa, he feels that he's not only let her down but also his promise to her father as well. Was he right to leave her?
   
10. During their separation, their letters serve to bring them closer in ways that conversations couldn't. Have you ever found letters to be useful to you in that way?
    
11. How does Clayton's injury help both his relationship with Vanessa and his friendship with Merritt?
    
12. Scout, Corrine and Clayton's brother, is never actually in the book, but he plays an important role with both Corrine and Clayton. What purpose do you suppose he serves?
    
13. Why do you think it had to be Miles who shoots Price? How might the story have ended differently if Clayton had killed him? What do you think would have happened if Price had lived?
    
14. Many of the characters feel the Lord's presence in their lives and try to live according to his will. How have you felt the Lord's guiding hand?
    
15. Throughout the novel, Clayton and Vanessa quote scripture from the Psalms. Was there a particular verse that spoke to you? Why?