Daniel's Desire by Callie Hutton

Author:Callie Hutton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, historical
Publisher: F+W Media, Inc.
Published: 2012-11-19T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Rosemarie blew out the lamp in the kitchen, and leaning on the stick Chandler had found for her, hobbled to the bedroom. Just after nine o’clock and the three children were finally asleep.

She had a heck of a time explaining to Jace and Amelia why Daniel had left and would not be back again. It tore her up to see the look of disappointment on Amelia’s little face. She cried and asked over and over why Mr. a’Coy would leave them when her mama still needed help. And she thought since Mr. a’Coy was her friend, he wouldn’t go off without saying goodbye. Chandler’s face was a mask as she explained to them about the war and Daniel’s need to return to it.

Supper had been a sad affair. Rosemarie was amazed at how quickly they’d all grown accustomed to the presence of the friendly, helpful man. She also felt the loss of something else. An uneasy, unfamiliar feeling. And she preferred not to name it. Or think much about it.

With a deep sigh, she sat on the edge of the bed and struggled out of her clothes and into her nightgown. After washing her face and cleaning her teeth with the supplies Chandler had put by her bedside, she crawled under the covers and attempted to sleep.

She lay flat on her back, her arms crossed over her middle. They’d get by. Every day her leg would continue to heal, and she would get stronger. The chickens were now cooped up again, thanks to Daniel, and the food in the root cellar would see them through the rest of the winter.

Most of all, the feelings Daniel evoked in her would end. No longer would she sense the tingling when he accidently brushed against her, or the warmth of his hands on her when he helped her from room to room. Hans had never inspired such sensations. But she must put these thoughts aside. Her children needed her.

The moonlight filtering through the window cast an eerie glow over the room. She shifted onto her side, clasping her hands together under her cheek. More than an hour passed before she felt herself drifting off.

Rosemarie’s eyelid’s popped open. What was that noise? She rolled onto her back as Daniel walked through the bedroom door. He stopped inside the door and stared at her. Slowly, he moved to her side and squatted.

Her heart thumped so loudly, he must’ve heard it. Happiness warred with fear. His return put him in jeopardy, and her heart in danger.

He studied her face, his eyes seeking an answer to a question she wasn’t sure she wanted to know. He ran his knuckles over her cheek. “I wanted to lead them away from here, so they would leave you in peace.”

“I thought you were halfway to Kentucky by now,” she whispered.

He smiled, flashing straight white teeth. “I started to but you still need help.”

“Is that the only reason you came back?” She inhaled sharply, amazed at what she’d asked.

“No.” He lowered his head, his breath fanning her face.

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