Follow a Wild Heart: A Christian Contemporary Western Romance Series by Natalie Bright (top reads .TXT) 📗

His parents had raised him and his brother and sisters in the local church, but more than that, they taught them about the Bible. And sometimes when weather or livestock issues kept them from getting to church, the family read the Good Book together. As the kids found their way through the teen years, some were more interested in youthful pursuits and pranks. But Nathan believed they would always have faith rooted in their being.

Nathan believed in God but didn’t run around like a fanatic or get into other people’s business. His faith was personal, but he did share with others if the opportunity presented itself about how it made a difference in his life. He would be the first to admit he wasn’t a perfect man and sometimes went for days without what he called “scheduled” study or prayer. But he always felt that God had an eye on his life and cared about him.

So now in his time of unrest he thought he would search in what his grandfather had frequently called “Life’s Instruction Manual”. His hardback Bible was in the house. Seemed like a lot of people used their “devices” nowadays to look up scripture, and he also had given in to the convenience. He searched about the "desires of our hearts".

Nathan was familiar with the scripture Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Reading that filled Nathan with peace. God really does care about me. Okay, Lord, what’s my future? Cows? Or art?

He clicked on the link to Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Okay, Lord, this art’s for You. Please bless it. I thank You for giving me the talent. You know I love to do it. Please use it for Your good, to make people happy. I feel this is the path for me deep in my soul. Give me your peace, Lord. Help me talk to my folks. Give them an open mind. Thank you.

As he raised his head and opened his eyes, Nathan saw his mother standing in the doorway waiting, watching him. A bit of panic hit when he thought of the copper rose on his worktable.

He hopped down from the bench and walked over to the torch area, discreetly slipping a cloth over the rose, and said, “Hey, Mom. Whatcha doin’?”

“Checking on my favorite oldest son. I have four other kids ya know, so I have to be careful about favoritism. And I’m bringing you something for breakfast. I heard you leave the house before dawn.” She placed a plate of homemade oatmeal bars on a table nearby.

She loved repeating that joke about favorite kids for as long as he could remember, probably said the same thing to them all. He often watched his mother in wonder, trying to imagine how she did it with five kids, especially when they were little. Must’ve been a challenge to corral them all.

“Thanks, Mom.” He barely glanced up before digging in.

“What are you working on?” She walked towards his bench, curiosity showing on her face.

He was closer and intercepted quickly. Moving the cloth-wrapped rose out of sight, he brought forth a small metal cross he had dabbled with for fun.

“That is very nice. I love it, Nathan. What are you going to do with it?”

While she admired the cross, he picked up another oat bar.

“Maybe sell it at the farmer’s market this summer?” He shrugged, answering between bites. “Belinda handles them for me at the coffee shop booth.”

“I didn’t know you made these. You really are talented, Nathan. And you enjoy it, don’t you?” She beamed with pride in her eyes as she ran her hand over the polished metal.

“Yes, ma’am, I do.”

“Looked like you were praying when I came in. Hope I didn’t interrupt your time. Is anything troubling you, Son?”

Here was another opportunity. Should he say anything or wait until both his parents were together?

Before he could decide what to say, his mother said, “You know, Nathan, your father and I love you and your brother and sisters more than anything in this world. We are blessed to have all of you and thank God for each of you every day. And we only want the best for you. We want you to be happy and safe. You can always talk to us about anything that’s troubling you.”

He couldn’t believe this opening. Running the words through his brain first, now would be the perfect time to bring the subject up, but he felt unprepared. Even if his dad wasn’t there, maybe it was the right time to get the ball rolling.

“Mom...I need to tell you something.”

“If you want to wait till your father is here.”

Nathan jumped in quick. “No, I need to get it out or I’ll go crazy.” He smiled a little, only to hide his racing heart. Why did he hesitate?

“Go ahead.” Her eyes were sharp and assessing, giving him her full attention.

“Mom, you know I love you guys. But the truth is I don’t want to do ranching the rest of my life. I want to pursue my art. I’m not sure Dad will understand.”

“What won’t I understand?” Suddenly his father appeared in the doorway and Nathan felt a stab of sickness in the pit of his stomach.

His mother went over to her husband and patted his arm. “Hon, let’s listen to Nathan. He was just about to tell me some things that have been on his mind.” She was still holding the metal cross in her hands.

The Olsens sat together on a wooden bench across from Nathan who leaned against the metal workbench, his dad’s face set in a stern expression.

Nathan cleared his throat, hesitating for a few moments. “I’m going to clean out that corner of the shop and have a place to do