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“I’ve made mistakes, Lord,” I said in a strained voice. “I’ve followed my selfish desires and hurt people I cared about deeply, like Grandpa William and Anna. Anna means a lot to me, but I’ve acted in ways that might make her decide not to love me.”
I paused, gathering my thoughts.
“Please, guide me. Help me to find the right words to tell her the truth. Words that convey my remorse and sincerity. And please, soften Anna’s heart so she’ll accept me despite what I’ve done. Help her to see the genuine regret in my heart and my renewed commitment to integrity. Then guide me to treat her and her ranch with the respect they deserve. To support her and not be a burden. I want to build a future that honors Anna. Thank you for hearing my prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.”
I opened my eyes and went to my bed. Now that I’d prayed, the next step was to trust God and explain things to Anna. I was ready to face whatever lay ahead. I was determined to make things right with Anna.
*******
The sun slowly disappeared behind the horizon as I prepared dinner in the kitchen.
Tonight, I had the chance to lay my heart bare by confessing my past mistakes and telling Anna about the future I hoped to have with her. Tonight, I’d reveal the truth to her about my alliance with Richard and the attempts to jeopardize her ranch.
I clung to a sliver of hope that this dinner would soften her mind. And her heart might still find room for forgiveness.
I’d chosen to prepare a traditional Texas feast.
I started with slow-cooked beef brisket seasoned with a blend of spices I knew Anna loved. While I tended the meat, the aroma of smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of cumin filled the kitchen. I prepared a batch of homemade cornbread, the kind that’s crispy on the outside but soft and warm on the inside.
As the cornbread baked, I chopped fresh vegetables for a hearty cowboy salad. I tossed in ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, sweet corn, and black beans all drizzled with a tangy barbecue dressing.
At that moment, Luna came into the kitchen. She paused for a moment, staring at the ingredients spread across the counters.
“I have already prepared dinner and was coming to warm it up. You could have asked me to prepare something else for you if you didn’t like what I made.”
I shrugged.
“It’s for Anna. Wanted to make something special for her.”
She frowned.
“May I give you some frank advice, Max?”
“Of course,” I said, perking up.
“What you’re doing to Anna is not right.”
I stiffened, hoping she didn’t know what exactly I’d done to Anna.
“If you continue and think a dinner will make her love you, you’ll break her heart.”
“And what exactly do you think I’ve done to Anna?” I asked, moving to stir the pot of chili on the fire.
Her eyes narrowed.
“I heard you’re working with that Richard Kane. That both of you are trying to take over her ranch,” she said, getting to the heart of things.
“Luna, what I’m doing with Richard ain’t your concern,” I replied, trying to keep my voice even.
The last thing I needed was my housekeeper prying into my dealings. But the truth was that Luna had always been more than a housekeeper.
She placed her hand on her hip, then spoke to me in a firm voice that reminded me of her mother.
“Max, you didn’t just hire me to cook and clean. Your father fired my mother for telling him the honest truth. When he passed on and you hired me, we agreed I’d always speak my mind. So, it’s my business when you’re heading down the wrong path.”
I paused, my hands stilling.
Luna was right.
