Robin by Julane Hiebert Page A

time.
                  Bless his heart. She didn’t much like her either.
                  She closed her eyes. The next time the congregation stood she would take Jacob out and leave. The ranch was too far to walk, but perhaps she could make it to Emma’s.
                  A murmur through the congregation interrupted her thoughts. An older lady and a younger woman slid into the row in front of her. The woman wore a deep blue dress that matched her eyes and accentuated her white, stylishly coiffed hair. A single strand of pearls lay atop the pin-tucked bodice. A flawless complexion belied her probable age.
                  If the girl was her daughter, it was evident she’d inherited her mother’s beauty. Hair the color of ripe wheat coiled like a crown, and a small pink hat perched on top matched the elegant silk gown she wore. One white feather arched down to frame the right side of her face. Large, blue eyes sparkled behind long lashes.
                  “That’s Florence Blair and her daughter, Anna.” Henrietta whispered. “You know . . . the wonderful surprise for our preacher.”
                  Robin stared at Ty. This girl was a wonderful surprise for him? Was this the woman the preacher had been destined to marry? Her fingernails dug into her palms. She wanted to run but couldn’t move. She couldn’t even walk out without making a scene.
                  “Oh, how exciting.” Henrietta stood and waved at Ty. “Pastor Morgan? Oh, Pastor Morgan?” She didn’t wait for him to acknowledge her. “We all know this is the most wonderful surprise for you—and for us all—to have Anna back in our midst. Don’t you think it would be a blessing if she played and sang for us again?”
                  A hum of agreement met Henrietta’s suggestion. Robin’s stomach churned. Anna Blair slipped off her long gloves and on her left hand a diamond and ruby ring sparkled in the sunshine streaming through the window. A soft murmur of excitement accompanied the beauty as she made her way to the front. She reached Ty’s side and grasped both his hands in hers, then proceeded to the piano.
                  “What a friend we have in Jesus . . .” Soft and clear, her voice stilled the murmur.
                  Robin had sung this song, long ago, but never where anyone could hear. Only when others ignored her or jeered at the funny way she walked or chased her home from school for a chance to laugh at her attempt to run. Papa said Jesus would always be her friend even when others forsook her . Oh, Papa, He doesn’t feel like a friend right now.
                  “Oh, what peace we often forfeit . . .”
                  She wanted to go home—back to Chicago. Her sisters loved her, and they’d love Jacob.
                  “Oh, what needless pain we bear . . .”
                   Why does it hurt so much ? It wasn’t Ty’s fault she was crippled, or that she had silly thoughts about him.
                  “. . . All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.”
                  Robin squeezed her eyes shut as tears leaked down her cheeks. It seemed a bit late now to do her praying. Heat rushed to her face as she recalled her own words : God doesn’t hear my prayers . What must He think?
                  Jacob twined his arms around her neck. “Robin, please don’t leave me here,” he whispered.
                  How did he know her thoughts? Had she said it aloud?
                  “Oh, little man. What makes you think I would leave you here?” she whispered.
                  “Cuz your eyes are crying and Ty looks all funny.” He sniffed and snuggled closer to her.
                  Robin dared to look at Ty, but his eyes were on Anna