A Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot

Author:Amanda Cabot
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance;Mystery fiction;Suspense fiction;FIC042030;FIC042040;FIC027050
ISBN: 9781493416578
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2019-01-24T05:00:00+00:00

19

Poor Thea. Jackson tried not to stare at the woman on the opposite side of the small table, knowing that would only deepen her distress. Instead, he shot brief glances in her direction. Though he wished there were something he could do to help her, he was the last person she’d want to comfort her when he’d been the one to deliver the news. She sat there, her face almost as pale as buttermilk, those brown eyes that often twinkled with amusement now filled with anguish.

What must it be like to know that your marriage had been based on lies? Jackson doubted he’d ever forget Thea’s expression when he had told her that even the name she bore was false. Horror, disbelief, and sorrow had flitted across her face as he’d shattered the few illusions she’d still held about her husband. Now she appeared almost paralyzed, unable even to speak.

It was probably only a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity before she shook her head slightly, perhaps trying to deny the reality of his revelations. “I’m sorry, Jackson. I can’t—” Thea lurched to her feet, her normal grace absent as she rushed into the house without another word.

Belatedly, Jackson rose. He had no idea what she’d meant to say and probably never would. Right now, Thea was like a wounded animal seeking its lair, her instincts telling her to put as much distance between them as she could. For, though he was only the messenger, Jackson had been the one who’d inflicted the wounds. While he wished it were otherwise, there was nothing more he could do here today.

He descended the steps and stood in the street, his thoughts whirling like autumn leaves before a storm. The fastest way back to Warner’s was down Cedar, but Jackson needed time to ponder his next move before he was forced into ordinary conversation. His decision made, he turned right and headed for Main Street. A second later, a man barreled around the corner.

“Did you see her?”

Jackson tried not to grimace at the enthusiasm in Nate’s voice. There were times when the man reminded him of an exuberant puppy, and while that could be amusing, tonight it was simply annoying.

“Yes,” he admitted. “She just went inside.”

Nate slapped his head in dismay. “That’s the way my day’s been. I’m always too late.” He stared at the empty porch, not bothering to hide his longing. “I had hoped to catch her while she was out walking, but Pastor Dunn talked longer than normal, and then Widow Jenkins stopped to tell me what a wonderful woman she was.” Nate’s lips curled in disgust. “I know that. It’s just my luck that I finally got up the courage to talk to her, and then I’m too late.”

If circumstances had been different, Jackson might have felt sympathy for Nate. One thing was certain: while she may have questioned the depth of her husband’s feelings, Thea wouldn’t have to wonder whether this man loved her. Nate made no attempt to hide his feelings, and Jackson’s instincts told him they were sincere.

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