Faithful, ch. 22

"Last week was really crazy with getting ready for a big Father's Day event at our church, a car & motorcycle show with a silent auction and ATV raffle. So this chapter is a little late. I hope you enjoy."

At the sight of Hannah returning, relief settled on Gerrit like a warm blanket in the winter. When Holace had stormed out, he wasn’t sure if he should follow him or not. “I didn’t want to leave your shop open with no one to attend it.”

“I’m here now.” She swung off her shawl and set it aside.

Her words were a dismissal, but he wasn’t ready to leave just yet. “He shouldn’t have spoken to you that way.”

“It’s none of your business.” She perched her fists on her hips.

“But he--”

“It’s all taken care of. Good-day, Mr. Coughlin!”

He clenched his teeth. “I was only trying to help.”

“I never asked for your help.”

His hands clenched. “You are the most obstinate, opinionated woman-”

Hannah held her head high. “Many women hold very strong opinions about a lot of things but choose not to say anything.”

“So why don’t you?”

Hannah set her jaw and thinned her lips then walked toward the door.

He caught her by the arm and turned her around. “No words of wisdom?”

“Let go of me!”

“Not until you answer my question.”

She jerked her arm but his grip held. “What question?”

“Why don’t you keep your opinions to yourself like other ladies?” He really didn’t care if she held her tongue. He didn’t have to guess what she was thinking that way. And he wanted to keep her talking to him.

“I didn’t realize that was a question. I thought it was the polite Coughlin way to tell me to be silent.”

“I would never do that.”

“Isn’t that what Coughlins do,” she glanced at her arm in his grasp, “control people?”

He released her. “No, we don’t. And I’ll have you know that my parents weren’t trying to take away the Wilsons’ home or anyone else’s home. They were trying to fulfill a promise they made to your mother to help those less fortunate. They will build better housing for the people who live down on the river whether you like it or not. Just because you protested didn’t mean my father backed down, he has made all the plans. He was trying to include you in it. Once they are built you will see for yourself that my parents aren’t the evil overlords you have made them out to be.”

“Good day, Mr. Coughlin.” She yanked the door open and held it.

He growled. She was the most infuriating woman he had ever met . . . and the most intriguing. “Can’t we at least talk about this?”

“You have nothing to say that I want to hear.”

“I think I do.”

“I don’t want to hear another lie from you. Now, please leave.”

“Very well, I’ll show you.” Gerrit swiftly cupped her face in his hands and kissed her.

Hannah shoved him away and drew back her hand. The smack was loud but the sting to his cheek was greater. He thought to surprise her and didn’t expect her to react so fast. The slap didn’t hurt nearly as much as the menacing look in her eyes.

“Get out!”

Should he play stubborn too? Nothing came to mind, so he turned toward the door. He stopped at the threshold, hoping it wouldn’t be the last time he crossed it. He needed guidance from the Lord and his parents’ counsel.