The Shepherd's Betrothal by Lynn A. Coleman

could she be? Granted, he didn’t know exactly what happened but his mind went to her being put in a compromising situation. What else could it be? But then again, she wasn’t the type… He argued with himself the entire time he walked out to the pasture.
    â€œWho am I to judge Hope, Lord?”
    * * *
    He saw her at a distance in church the next Sunday but declined to speak to her. What could he say? He turned to leave and Gabriel came up beside him. “Haven’t seen you around much.”
    â€œI’ve been busy.”
    Gabe nodded.
    Out of the corner of his eye, Ian saw a man approach Hope. She stiffened. He reached out for her. She pulled away. Ian marched toward Hope. He needed to protect her.
    Gabe grabbed Ian’s arm and stopped him. “I’ll handle it.”
    Gabe spun around and headed over toward Hope and the stranger. Before Gabe got to them the man sidled away.
    Ian’s back stiffened. Ian glanced at the retreating individual and noticed he was wearing gentlemen’s clothing. His gaze turned back to Hope. Gabe had his arm around her and was leading her out of the sanctuary. He glanced back at the gentleman and took a step forward. He might not be from the same social class but manners and proper respect toward a woman, any woman, especially Hope, demanded a reprimand.
    â€œIan, it’s good to see you.” Richard Arman came over and shook his hand. “How are you? How’s that flock coming?”
    â€œThey are healthier. Me ram and the five sheep from me father’s herd should be arriving in the next few days.”
    â€œDepending on the winds and rains.”
    â€œPrecisely. How is yer wife?”
    â€œBetter. She still isn’t ready to come to church and sit on the hard pews for the entire service but the doctor says she’s doing well and we’ll be able to announce the good news to folks soon.” Richard beamed. Ian didn’t know if he’d ever seen a man happier at the prospect of becoming a father.
    â€œHow’s the issue regarding your property going?”
    â€œSlower than a snail crossing a path of salt. Mr. Greeley is surprised at the pace. The judge saw that it was a false claim and rescinded his order but another claim was filed with another judge a couple of days later. It is all very peculiar.”
    â€œIt is strange. I’ve heard of border disputes before, but most of those have been squared away and both parties agreed to the new survey. But this, there is something odd about it.”
    â€œBen agrees. He’s working to try and find the person responsible for the claims and it seems he’s finding other errors.” Ian leaned in closer. “He believes someone be changing the titles and claims. Thankfully, the Sanderses still had their original paperwork.”
    â€œI will continue to pray for you and the Sanderses. This must be weighing on them.”
    â€œThey seem to be taking it in stride. They know they owned the land and have their deeds all in order. I wish I were as trusting as they are.”
    â€œThere is something to be said about getting older and knowing the Good Lord will make things right even if you have to struggle for a while.”
    â€œAye, they have that peace.”
    â€œAnd you, my friend, do not, do you?”
    â€œI’ve been trying to trust the Lord but I keep running back to me own judgments from time to time.”
    Richard tapped him on the back. “Don’t we all, my friend, don’t we all. It’s been good catching up with you.”
    â€œGive Grace me love and prayers.”
    â€œThank you, Ian. Good day.”
    â€œGood day.” Ian watched as Richard Arman headed off toward the Seaside Inn. Richard was a lucky man to have such a loving wife at his side, one who worked just as hard as he did. Ian paused his thoughts. Hope could be that kind of a wife, too. The voice in his head flashed through all the times he’d seen her