Chapter 28
Butte Meadows, Nebraska - July 1874
Nestled on the porch swing, Violette traced her finger across the delicate pages of Teresa's Bible. Though some passages remained shrouded in mystery, a flicker of understanding sparked with each turn of the page.
Praying, especially aloud, had felt awkward at first. Self-consciousness prickled at her skin, a foreign sensation amidst the quiet faith that permeated the household. But Teresa's gentle words offered solace. "God hears all prayers, Violette," she had assured her. "Even the whispers of the heart." Violette found comfort in that notion, a sense of intimacy blooming within the unfamiliar ritual.
"Have you been reading all day?" Jeremiah's voice startled her. He tossed the reins onto the porch and kicked off his dusty boots.
Violette glanced at the window, surprised to see the day waning. "I guess I lost track of time." She gasped.
"Looks like you could use a break," Jeremiah suggested.
"Yeah?" A smile tugged at her lips as she carefully marked her place and set the book aside.
"We have a couple hours of sunlight left," he continued, extending his hand. "Come with me."
A flicker of apprehension danced in Violette's eyes. "Where are we going?"
Jeremiah winked. "It's a surprise!" He reached for the Bible on her lap, gently placing it on the other chair. "Come on."
Intrigued, Violette rose and followed him towards the stables. "Alright," she conceded with a smile.
"Ever ridden a horse?" Jeremiah asked with a playful grin.
"Of course I have!" Violette scoffed playfully. "You don't think Baltimore has horses?"
Jeremiah chuckled. "Honestly, I wouldn't know. Never been there myself."
"I even took riding lessons," she boasted with a hint of pride.
"Fancy sidesaddle stuff, I bet?" He teased.
A glint of competitiveness sparked in Violette's eyes. "Sounds like we have a race on our hands then," she declared, reaching out to stroke the horse's soft neck.
Jeremiah's laughter echoed across the yard. "You think you can beat me, city girl?"
A confident smile played on Violette's lips. "Most definitely," she replied. "Let's go."
Jeremiah wasted no time saddling the horses, offering Violette her choice of mount. The prospect of a race, a chance to showcase her skills, filled her with a welcome thrill.