A Rose in Winter by Janis Jakes

Author:Janis Jakes [Jakes, Janis]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fiction, inspirational fiction, Clean and Wholesome Novels, Religion and Spirituality
ISBN: 9781522303770
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2022-05-11T00:00:00+00:00

21

Silence rode in the buckboard between Elton and Lucy like an obnoxious companion taking too much space. The children’s soft snores lifted upward in a sweetness she would’ve found comforting under normal circumstances. But not tonight.

The full moon shimmered like a silver globe upon a black satin cloth—falling behind the clouds then reappearing a few seconds later. In the distance, a coyote lifted a lonely cry.

Or was it Silver Arrow and his friends She wasn’t sure anymore. She wasn’t sure about anything, including how she felt about her husband.

And, when had she started thinking of Elton as her husband? Maybe that was the problem. How much less complicated everything had been when she’d seen him as Rebecca’s husband. Her mind buzzed in confusion, and her insides twisted in a knot.

This sudden awkwardness between them was all her fault. If they’d left when Elton wanted, none of this would’ve happened.

“Better keep an eye out for wild animals,” he spoke, his voice monotone. “Coyotes are nocturnal, you know. If you hear one howling, you can be sure there are more.”

She nodded out of politeness but kept her attention on the shadowy path before them.

“They wouldn’t attack us,” he continued as if talking to himself. “But they might spook our horses…” When she didn’t respond, he glanced her way. “You all right?”

She wasn’t sure where to start. No. She was not all right. “I just want to get to bed. It’s been a long day…”

After they arrived home, Lucy carried Samuel inside and placed his small form in the cradle. Elton carried the two sleeping girls, one in each arm. She covered them all and made sure everyone was comfortable before turning toward the bedroom door with dread. Elton had already disappeared inside the room.

Tonight was not a night she wanted to sleep beside her husband. She was still staring at the door when he re-emerged with a blanket and a cold stare.

“I’m going to sleep in the barn tonight,” Elton said. “After what you said about seeing the braves and what happened at your old place, I don’t want any unexpected guests. Figure if I’m sleeping in the loft, I’ll have a clear view for miles.”

Her heart thrashed against her bosom. She was thankful, and yet—

“Is that true, Elton?” She knew her face was flushed, but she had to ask. A part of her wanted to know. “Is it because of the braves, or is it because of the dance?” The moment the question left her lips, she wished she’d kept it to herself.

His gaze raked over her with a longing she could feel from the top of her head to the soles of her feet. Her stomach dipped. Lucy reached out, her hand coming to rest on the back of the rocking chair to hide the trembling of her knees.

“I may be your husband in name only,” Elton began, his tone deep. “But I’m still a man. If I’m to keep my vow to leave you be, then I can’t sleep in the same bed.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.