An Inconvenient Christmas_Novella by Sara R. Turnquist

Author:Sara R. Turnquist [Turnquist, Sara R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Widow & Single Mother, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Convenient Risk Series, marriage of convenience, Family & Domestic Life, Young Child-Son, Novella Length Short Story, Christmas Holidays & Celebration, Christmas Time, Holiday Whimsy, Festive Season, Winter Weather
Publisher: Clean Reads
Published: 2017-11-22T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOUR

The Truth

BRANDON HOBBLED UP the incline. If they ever made it home, it would be months before he agreed to hitch those horses for so much as a country drive.

But he would find a way to thank Samuel. That was for certain. The boy kept to his side. Not that he could do much, still he lingered near the injured foot, preparing to be needed.

Clenching his teeth as they went, Brandon refused to let loose any noise, any sign that he struggled against such pain. But if Samuel was half as smart as Brandon thought him to be, he already guessed. Still, Brandon did not wish to burden him with the reminder.

Besides, there was nothing he could do.

The sun continued to move across the sky. How long until it would set? They’d have no choice but to build a makeshift shelter. It would not be safe to remain in the open. Not with the night dwelling wildlife in search of a meal.

With naught but this branch as a weapon, they were easy prey.

This, too, he kept to himself.

“We’ll be home in time for cookies,” Brandon grunted between gasps.

“Yeah.” Samuel did not so much as look in Brandon’s direction. Did he not believe Brandon?

Neither should he.

Not if he had any sense.

Though their situation may be grim, there was no reason Brandon needed to speak of it. That would not serve either of them. And so, they moved in their offbeat rhythm in the general direction of the main road.

Was it best he not speak at all? Perhaps. Keeping his eyes on the ground and concentrating on his movements, the journey became as quiet as it was arduous.

Over and over, Brandon set the branch-turned-crutch onto the ground, leaning heavily upon it.

Snap!

It gave way under his weight.

He fell, as there was no longer anything supporting him. As he crumpled, he became somewhat aware of Samuel’s attempt to hold him up.

Brandon fought through the pain to take in his surroundings.

Samuel was under him, groaning.

He jerked and half-rolled, relieving the child of his weight. “Samuel! Are you well?” His words came in gasps.

The boy had curled into a ball.

Brandon shook his head. What could clear this fog? He reached a hand out to touch the youngster’s back. “Are you hurt?”

Samuel shook his head, but would not look at him or release the smaller limbs from his tight fetal position.

What happened? Brandon searched for the culprit—his branch.

The bottom portion of the makeshift crutch still stuck in the ground. A hole. It must have found a hole. And the force had cracked it in two; there was nothing to be done.

Of all the bad luck.

He drew his hand into a fist and raised it. Without a suitable target for his anger, the ground would do nicely,. But he caught Samuel’s form in the corner of his eye. While it may make him feel a little better, it might only distress the boy more.

Gritting his teeth, Brandon scooted closer to the shaking bundle.

Stretching his arms forth, he pulled Samuel closer until he had the child in his embrace, huddled against his chest.

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