Jessie

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Cover by Dugan Design Group, Bloomington, Minnesota

JESSIE

Copyright © 2008 by Lori Wick
Published by Harvest House Publishers
Eugene, Oregon 97402
www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Wick, Lori.

   Jessie / Lori Wick.

      p. cm.—(Big sky dreams; bk. 3)

   ISBN-13: 978-0-7369-2080-3 (pbk.)
   ISBN-10: 0-7369-2080-3

   1. Single mothers–Fiction. 2. Women merchants–Fiction. 3. Runaway husbands–Fiction.
   4. Forgiveness–Fiction. 5. Montana–Fiction. I. Title.

   PS3573.I237J47 2008
   813'.54—dc22

2008026752

All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

08  09  10  11  12  13  14  15  /  BP-NI  /  10  9  8  7  6  5  4  3  2  1

For Rachel—

precious daughter of my heart
and gift to my Matt.

Thank you for being you.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Token Creek Townsfolk

Part One

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Part Two

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Epilogue

About the Author

Books by Lori Wick

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Some books are harder to write than others. Some flow, some pour, and some trickle. As excited as I am about this story and the people in it, this book trickled. At the same time, precious people played a part, all of whom helped me to finish. Indeed, I would not have finished without them. I wish to thank…

  Tim and Andrea—You literally came in at the eleventh hour. Your words were few but just what I needed. Thanks for listening as I poured my heart out and then saying just what I needed to hear. You are utterly dear to me, and I am so glad God put you in my life.

  Ab—What can I say? You are so much more than a daughter. Thank you for finishing strong. The goals you set so many years ago have remained, and I'm indescribably proud of your accomplishments. Thanks for battling strong alongside me and reminding me so often of how much the cross is worth.

  Matt—Your heart and work ethic are amazing. Thanks for listening with such humility. Having you home for this time is a huge blessing. You are very loved.

  Merry—What an amazing friend you are. You don't know how much you encourage me. Thanks for this season of time we've had together. Thanks for your laughter and precious friendship. You are so very loved and needed.

  Pearl—The walks and your listening ear have been amazing. Thank you for your constant hospitality and welcoming heart. You are a treasure to my life.

  Bob—Wow. It's been a time. At one point in the story, Seth says he does not want to go back in time and learn things all over again. And so it is with you and me. Thanks for coming the distance with me. Thanks for learning and growing ahead of me and with me. God can do amazing things in a humble heart. Thanks for keeping yours so soft. I love you.

Token Creek Townsfolk

1873

Jessie Wheeler—owns and operates Wheeler's Mercantile

Seth Redding—stranded in Token Creek

Jeb Dorn—Jessie's cousin