Chasing the Sun Quotes

“Those who have fought the good fight for longer in life are able to pray and encourage those who are weak,” she would tell him.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“You can’t kiss her until the preacher says so.” Hannah laughed. “She’s absolutely right. That way if you don’t like it . . . well . . . you’re just stuck with me.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“Well now, if that ain’t a ray of sunshine,” one of the men declared.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“as he grew older trust came harder. Ma had said that was Satan’s way of trying to wiggle into a young Christian’s heart. Satan liked to attack before a fellow could make his faith strong enough to stand the tests of life. That was why God gave children God-fearing parents and other adults of Christian faith. “Those who have fought the good fight for longer in life are able to pray and encourage those who are weak,”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“God has never failed us. I don’t know what tomorrow”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“holds in store, but I do know that God will be there.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“Now I want to be a rancher and learn how to do everything Will does. He’s gonna grow me up to be a man like him.” Hannah turned to her husband and gave him a look of adoration. “I certainly hope so,” she whispered just before William wrapped her in his arms. He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her long and passionately. Hannah could scarcely draw a breath when he pulled away. “I think she’s startin’ to get used to kissin’ you, William,” Marty said seriously. “I think you just might be right, Miss Marty.” He gave Hannah a mischievous smile and winked. “I think with a little more practice we’ll be just fine.” Hannah felt her cheeks grow hot, but she kept her gaze fixed on William Barnett and smiled. God willing, they would have a long, long life in which to perfect their skills.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“She was a vision . . . and she was his. She smiled at him and William felt the pain of his war wounds pass away. There was an entire future in that smile—a world of hope and the promise of unspeakable joy.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“If she’s too silly about cleaning, I won’t help her with her corset.” “Andrew Dandridge, we don’t speak of a lady’s unmentionables in public. Besides, where’d you learn about corsets?” Andy got a worried look on his face. “Don’t you know about them? If you’re gonna marry Hannah, you got to know how to help her with her laces.” He looked to Ted Terry, who was barely able to keep a straight face. Andy seemed to consider the matter for another minute before turning to William. “I can show you sometime how to do it. Hannah taught me.” “Well, maybe she can teach me, too,” William said with a sly smile.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“Now, if you’re ready, I think we should go have a wedding.” Marty nodded in great enthusiasm. “I was ready when I got here. Will said if we didn’t get downstairs, he was gonna come up here and get you. He said he’d carry you over his shoulder if he had to. I think he just wants to kiss you.” “Oh dear,” Hannah said in mock horror. “Then we had better move quickly.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“I don’t reckon you should kiss until you get married.” Marty nodded. “Yeah, it’s kind of better that way.” Hannah looked at her sister and shook her head. “Why in the world would you say that, Martha Dandridge?” She answered nonchalantly, “’Cause if he doesn’t like kissin’ you, then you’ll already be married and he won’t be able to leave.” William roared with laughter. “She makes a very good point. I believe I’ll wait until after we’re married.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“She reached up to push back his thick brown hair and smiled. “I’ve wanted to do that for a very long time.” “I won’t tell you what I’ve wanted to do,” he said with a grin. Her eyes widened. “Why, Mr. Barnett, I thought you to be a gentleman.” His expression turned mischievous. “I am—that’s why I’m not telling you.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“Seeing his eyes glisten with unshed tears, Hannah reached out to take hold of his hand. She felt her breath catch as he tightened his fingers over hers.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“I despise you. You are exactly the kind of man God warns against. Evil and vindictive, scheming and deceiving.” “Be that as it may,” Lockhart said, tracing her cheek with his finger, “you will marry me. Now I suggest you gather your things and then allow me to escort you to get the wagon. We will find the nearest preacher and then we’ll leave immediately. You will take your brother and sister and settle into my house.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“You two wait out here, and I’ll go in and see what I can do.” He put Marty down and gave Andy a nod. “I promise to do whatever I can to see that Hannah doesn’t marry Mr. Lockhart.” “Good. I told her she needed to marry you,” Andy declared in unabashed adoration. “I told her you were strong and a good worker and young enough to help her so she won’t have to work so hard.” William was surprised by this. “And what did she say to that?” Andy thought for a moment. “Well, she didn’t say no.” William chuckled. “All right, then. I’ll go do what I can.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“I know we thought to keep this to ourselves, but I feel the children should know my intentions. I want to marry your sister. I want for us to be a family.” “You’re too old,” Andy blurted out. “Besides, I want her to marry William. He knows how to take care of the ranch and break horses, and he’s not old.” “Or fat,” Marty declared. Lockhart turned beet red, while Hannah coughed nervously into her napkin. She had no idea why Andy would suggest marriage to William Barnett, but it had definitely irritated Mr. Lockhart. She wanted to say something, but Andy piped up again quickly. “Hannah needs to marry somebody like William who can work hard.” Her brother turned to look at her. “She works too hard and so she needs a man who can help her with the work.” “And who isn’t fat,” Marty added in a most solemn manner. “Martha Dandridge, mind your manners,” Hannah managed before turning to her brother. “And you . . . finish your dessert so that we might retire to our room.” Lockhart, however, was not to be put aside. “Miss Dandridge, am I to understand that Mr. Barnett has become a rival in winning your affections?” Hannah shook her head. “There is no rivalry, Mr. Lockhart.” He smiled rather smugly and leaned back to tuck his thumbs in his vest pockets. “I could not imagine that there would be.” She didn’t wait to continue. “There is no rivalry, because I have no affections for you.” His expression fell. “Furthermore, I am not of a mind to consider matrimony at this time.” Marty leaned closer to her sister. “He’s losin’ all his hair, Hannah. You can’t marry a man who doesn’t have any hair.” Her sister’s serious consideration of a beau very nearly sent Hannah into peals of laughter, but she held herself in check. “Marty, it doesn’t matter as much what a fella looks like, but rather what’s in their heart—if they love Jesus and if they are trustworthy.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“Hannah, I don’t believe you could ever find a better husband. William Barnett is one of the best men I’ve had the privilege of knowing. And you are exactly what he needs in a wife. You are spirited and strong. You’ll stand your ground with him, yet yield to his wisdom when needed.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“I am sorry, my dear. It was never my intention to be cruel.” “I am not your ‘dear,’ so please refrain from calling me such,” Hannah said, narrowing her eyes.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“It was only my desire to bear this burden with you. As I stated, I have come to care quite deeply for you and your family. Your father was . . . well . . . a brother to me in many ways.” “Then as our . . . uncle,” Hannah replied, “you will understand that we are now in a time of mourning. You will have to excuse me.” She got to her feet. She could see the frustration, perhaps even anger, in Lockhart’s expression as he stepped forward. “I cannot allow you to risk your life or the lives of your brother and sister. I owe it to your father. You are not thinking clearly, therefore I will make the decision for you.” That was the wrong thing to say to Hannah. She felt defiance rear up in her. “I will not be dictated to by you or any other man, Mr. Lockhart. I will seek counsel and learn if you truly do possess this ranch or if it will in fact be returned to Mr. Barnett. Either way, I do not plan to marry you, and I find it cruel that you would even consider such a thing necessary at a time like this.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“What did you do?” “Nothing. Miss Dandridge interceded by pretending to have the vapors or whatever it is women have when they faint dead away.” “She fainted?” “No, but she gave a good impression of heading that way.” He smiled. “She really is something else.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“William needs a good woman in his life. The war was hard on him. He had no heart for it.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“Without warning, she heard shouts from outside and then blood-curdling yells filled the air. Gunfire followed, causing Hannah to jump to her feet. She hurried to see what was happening amidst the chaos and had just reached the flap of the tepee when someone came crashing through. Falling backwards, Hannah clung to the person who somehow seemed to roll to one side and take the impact of their fall. It was then that Hannah saw that William Barnett was the man holding her. “What’s happening?” she demanded. Bullets zinged around them, cutting through the hide of the shelter. William pushed her head down against his chest and covered her. “Soldiers,” he managed to tell her above the din. “We’re under attack by the Frontier Army.” Hannah felt a chill wash over her. How had the soldiers found them? Would they kill everyone or were they merely trying to frighten them? “Hannah, listen to me,” William said, taking hold of her face. “We need to get out of here. The ground slopes down to the river just behind the tepee. I’ll cut our way out. Stay down on the ground and move toward the river once we’re outside.” “But why? Why do we have to leave?” she asked. “They’ll see that we are white and not harm us.” “They won’t stop long enough to check skin color,” he replied. “If you’re living here, they’re gonna figure you to be Comanche or else soiled by association. Now, come on.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“And you propose to remain here until everyone is back up and raiding? Is that it?” She grew angry at his condescending manner. “I propose that I remain here and help the sick. You can go wherever you like, but I’d prefer it be back to the ranch so that at least my family won’t worry about my safety.” William stepped closer. “Shouldn’t you have considered that before gallivanting off with a Comanche for parts unknown?” She put her hands on her hips. “Will you take a message back to the ranch?” He shook his head. “I’m staying if you’re staying.” He was only inches away and Hannah couldn’t help but notice the small scar on the right side of his jaw. She found herself wondering why she hadn’t seen it before. What had caused it? It was only an inch or so long and rather faint. Perhaps it had happened when he was young and over the years time had faded the reminder. “Well?” Hannah realized with much embarrassment that she’d been staring at William’s face. Shaking off her thoughts, she turned to walk away. “I will ask Red Dog to take the message.” “And where will you get the paper and pen for such a message?” She glanced over her shoulder and kept walking. “I have a pencil and paper, Mr. Barnett. I’m not the complete idiot you believe me to be.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“She sure doesn’t have any problem speaking her mind with me,” William muttered.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“Sounds like you’re worried—maybe you have feelings for Miss Dandridge.” Narrowing his eyes, William scowled. “You’re the Romeo, not me.” Tyler studied him for a moment. “Not this time. You look a mite lovesick, if you ask me.” “Well, I’m not.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“William looked at Tyler. “I’m going after her.” “You want us to come with you?” Tyler asked. “My men and I could—” Holding up his hand, William shook his head. “No. We can’t go storming into a Comanche village and not expect things to go horribly wrong. If I show up there with a bunch of soldiers, they aren’t going to take it as a friendly move.” “Going alone isn’t the best idea you’ve ever had, either. What if another band of Comanche or Kiowa come your way?” “That’s why I’m taking the sorrel. He’s the fastest horse we have. He can outrun any Indian mount.” William looked back to Juanita. “Would you pack me some supplies? I’ll head out as soon as they’re ready.” Juanita nodded and hurried with Pepita into the house. “I should have known she’d do something like this,” William said.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“went where?” William didn’t usually raise his voice to anyone, but he was certain he couldn’t have heard right. Juanita gave a quick glance at Pepita before answering. “Miss Hannah go with Night Bear to his people. They are sick and Night Bear’s father sent him to get help.” “Of all the stupid, ridiculous ideas! It wasn’t enough she marched out to meet the Comanche on horseback—now she’s gone to visit them in their camp.” He shook his head and slapped his hat against his aching leg.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“Whoowee, Miss Dandridge, you sound like a regular Sunday preacher. But I didn’t ask you out here to talk about God.” “And so what did you wish to discuss, Lieutenant?” “You. I figure you’re about the prettiest gal in all of Texas. Do you have a beau?” Hannah hadn’t realized this was the direction Lieutenant Atherton had figured to take. “My father’s partner has proposed marriage,” she replied. “However, with my father missing, I cannot even begin to think of courtship or proposals.” “Your father’s partner is Mr. Lockhart, is he not?” “That’s right. Do you know him?” “Enough to know he’s not a good choice for you. He’s old enough to be your pa. Most likely he just wants what he can get from you—money and property and such. He’s that kind of a man.” Hannah bristled. “I see.” “Well, I didn’t mean it to sound like you weren’t prize enough. It’s just that someone like Lockhart is always thinking of his own needs, and if your pa is . . . well . . . if he’s not coming back, then Lockhart probably figures to get this ranch for himself.” “Well, thank you, Lieutenant Atherton, for sharing your opinion with me.” “On the other hand, Miss Dandridge, I admire you for yourself. I think you’re a fine woman.” Hannah shook her head. “You are kind to say so, Lieutenant. However, if you would excuse me, I promised my brother and sister I would read to them.” He reached out to take hold of her arm. “I’m sorry if my boldness offended you. It’s just that I don’t have much time, and I thought I should make my interest known. Will said you weren’t anything to him . . . I mean . . . Well now, that sounded bad. He just told me that you two weren’t a couple or . . .”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“Have you ever seen anything so lovely?” she asked, her gaze fixed on the sky. “No, ma’am, I haven’t.” She turned to find the lieutenant watching her. Hannah felt her cheeks grow hot and looked away.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun

“Miss Dandridge?” She turned to find the lieutenant standing at the back door. “I wonder if you might have a few minutes to walk outside with me. It’s real nice outside—a little chilly, but the stars are out.” He grinned. “I know it might not be in keeping with proper etiquette, but I’d like to talk to you for a few minutes.” Hannah smiled. “At times the rules of proper society get only a head nod on the frontier. I think we can make an exception. Let me grab a wrap.” She dried her hands but didn’t pull off her apron. Instead, she went to where the lieutenant stood and motioned behind him. “My shawl is just there, if you’ll allow me to get it.” “Here, let me.” He took hold of the brown wool shawl and helped Hannah to adjust it around her shoulders. “There.” “Thank you, Lieutenant.” She allowed him to open the back door and escort her outside.”
― Tracie Peterson, Chasing The Sun