Heart of Integrity (Hearts of the West, #2)

Chapter 12

The next day, not even the dark or grime of the mine could dull Ifor’s smile. Miss Kellyhadactually come to the church, and now she and Opal were forming a friendship. He’d probably see her more often since he often called in to Opal’s house on his way into town, sometimes even on his way home from work—if he wasn’t entirely covered in grime.

His heart soared as he remembered all the things they’d talked about after Susan had agreed to help Opal. He’d asked her what she’d thought of the service, and she’d shyly admitted that, while not all of it made sense to her, she was glad she’d come, and that the story about the son who’d come back home had been lovely.

He’d nodded and expressed his agreement, all while trying to suppress his painful memories of Rhys.

His brotherhad been given the same opportunity that was offered to everyone in the world—the opportunity to be reconciled to God by repentance from sin and faith in Jesus’s substitutionary death and triumphant resurrection. But he’d spurned it, neglected it, as so many others had before him. He’d chosen to trade the eternal joy he could’ve had for the fleeting pleasure of this world, and only misery and suffering in the next.

Back in their little house after church, he and his father had discussed the sermon at length over dinner, as they were wont to do. Ifor had reassured his father that—just like the father in the parable—he haddone his best, and had been a kind and loving Tad not only to himself, but to Rhys. His father had nodded quietly, though the questions in his eyes had remained.

He longed to prove it to Tad—how good a father he was. Wanted to make him proud, make him understand how much he respected him, and how deeplycommitted he was to honoring the family name. To never doing anything that mightbring disgrace upon it.

“Morgan!”

He turned at the barking voice, his thoughts dispersing like steam in a breeze. “Yes, sir?”

“Go and help Timothy—Paxton’s been injured, and their section has to be cleared today.”

Ifor nodded as he strode into action. “Will do, sir.”

His boss grunted and stormed off, a weary sigh slumping his shoulders.

Soon, Ifor reached Timothy.

“Timothy, is Paxton all right? What happened?”

“He’s fine. Tripped and twisted his ankle, is all. I’m pretty sure he could’ve stayed on and finished this with me, but you know what he’s like.” Timothy gave a wry smile.

Ifor nodded, returning Timothy’s knowing look. “Well, at least it’s nothing serious. The boss sent me to fill in for him and help you.”

“Thanks. There’s honestly not much left, but... Here.” Timothy motioned with his hand.

As Ifor helped Timothy unearth their quarry, his thoughts drifted back to Miss Kelly. She’d seemed eager to start helping Opal right away. She should beat Opal’s housenow.

And just as soon as he was done helping Timothy here, he’d be there, too.