***
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Red’s words were soft but clear in the early morning air.
Inside the house, guests were gathering at the tables laughing excitedly as they ate together.
“Come on over to the barn,” Red continued. “You can talk on the way, but you need to be with people who understand.”
Nate fell into step with the old rodeo clown, his head hanging as his boots scuffed the damp grass. His head and heart were so tangled he wasn’t sure what to say.
“I want to do what’s right,” he finally managed as he and Red made their way into the cool barn. “I just don’t know how.”
A few moments later the duo was standing in a box stall as other men turned to stare.
“Nate needs some extra prayer,” Red said turning and looking at the younger man.
Cowboys, wranglers, and ranch hands moved in placing work-worn hands on Nate’s shoulders.
“What can we pray about?” Kade’s voice rumbled. “There’s nothing that the Father above doesn’t understand.”
Nate opened his mouth and all the doubt, worry, and indecision poured out. When he had finished he looked up meeting the eyes of the men around him. Eyes full of understanding, and memories of past wrongs.
“God will show you what to do,” Chase said quietly. “Depend on Him and know that we will continue for you in prayer.”
A deep, overwhelming peace settled over Nate, and he felt himself breathe fully for the first time that day. Around him, men’s voices lifted in prayer, and he surrendered his whole being to God. He didn’t know where this new revelation would lead, but he would follow, no matter what the cost.
Nate stood in the loft of the barn gazing down at the carousel of ponies a short time later. He had watched Mr. Smythe lead the boy to the corral and place him in the saddle.
Shaking his head, Nathan realized now that he should have recognized the Smythes earlier. He had known them well when he and Rainy were dating. Looking back he realized that he never should have left. His selfish desires to be something and bring in the big bucks had been the push that made him walk away when Rainy needed him most. He was a fool-kid back then, but now as a grown man, he could do something about it.
He smiled as the little boy, Lucas they had called him, yelled giddy-up to his placid mount and he suddenly wanted the past five years of his life to do over again. That child, gleefully riding the pony was his son, and he knew nothing about him. Nathan wanted nothing more than to race down the stairs rushing to the boy and hugging him tight, but he knew he had to win Rainy over first. She probably hated him for what he had done, and he couldn’t blame her if she did. Still, he knew that he was a new man in Christ and that second chances did happen. Nathan had friends praying for him, righteous men who believed in miracles. A wan smile slid across his face as he accepted this next step in his life. It wouldn’t be easy, making things right in any relationship never was, but he knew that redemption was real, and if he could convince Rainy, he had a chance at knowing the boy he had abandoned.
“Thank you, Father, that with you it is never too late. As long as there is breath there is hope. Guide me and give me strength. I am weak and lowly of spirit, but you are the Almighty, the King of Creation.”
A warm tune began to fill Nate’s chest and a soft hum eased from his throat as a new day and a new beginning started to unfold.
***
“Rainy, you can’t stay in your room all day. You’ve let that no good man take enough from you over the years, don’t let him steal this too.” Anne paced Rainy’s room throwing her hands in the air with every step. “Why I have a notion to go punch him in the nose.”
A soft snort emanated from Rainy and she covered her mouth even as the grin persisted. She wondered if Anne would do it, but on second thought, didn’t want her friend to damage her hand. Nathan had filled out in the past five years and was bigger and stronger than ever.
“You’d do it too,” she laughed feeling some of the joy she had experienced here on the ranch return. “It’s not worth it.” Climbing off of the bed, Rainy sighed and began rummaging in her suitcase for something pretty to wear. “Help me, get dolled up,” she shot her friend a wicked look. “I’m going to see him around here sooner or later, I might as well look my best.”
“You’re getting dressed up for Nathan?” Anne’s voice reached a shrill note. “After all he did?”
“No,” Rainy spoke slowly. “I’m showing him what he gave up, and that I’m perfectly fine without him.”
“Oh, now that’s more like it.” Anne leapt into gear tossing clothing everywhere as she searched for the perfect item. “You’re going to knock his socks off then poke him in the eye.”
Rainy shook her head but said nothing. There was no point speaking when Anne got like this. Instead, she simply did as she was told and soon even she thought she looked like a million bucks.
“I don’t think I’ll do anything with your hair,” Anne spoke as
