Defending Truth (Frontiers of Liberty Book 2) by Shannon McNear

Author:Shannon McNear [McNear, Shannon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ShenandoahDawn
Published: 2022-11-30T16:00:00+00:00

∞∞∞

Young’uns tucked in bed, at last. Truth listened to the last shuffling sounds of Thomas and the girls in the loft above as shawl-wrapped, she made her rounds, padding from door to windows, making sure all was shut and barred.

Of late, this was the moment she most looked forward to, all day. The house quiet, the young’uns settled, and the first breath of rest since she lifted her head from the pillow that morning. She couldn’t remember it ever being this hard before, but then—she’d always had Papa’s return to look forward to, before.

No longer.

She paused at one window, fingertips on the barred shutter. If not for the cold, she’d open it and just stand there, soaking in the evening’s peace. Tonight, a shiver ran through her, and she turned away.

Sighing, she rubbed a hand across her face. It would be Christmas in just a few days. Memories assailed her of Mama and Papa, gathering them all by the fire for a reading of Scripture, the house fragrant with roast bird and pie and sweets that Mama had labored over for what seemed like days. There’d be no more of that for the young’uns, unless she made the effort. She had enough sugar for a small cake, but she’d have to borrow cream and eggs from Aunt Milly. Her own cow had gone dry a couple of weeks ago and would not come fresh now until early spring.

They could have a very decent day of it, if none of them dissolved into tears as had been their habit of late ...

A thumping on the front door drew a gasp from her lips and spun her around. Who might—?

“Truth! Open up, it’s Micah.”

Heart pounding, she flew to the door, then reached for her rifle before she lifted the bar. Fumbling, she pulled it open. The wild man who stood there, hat in hand, illuminated in candle and firelight—bearded, hair mussed, eyes wide—minded her again of that first day. And once again, she could hardly move. “Micah?”

His name escaped her throat in a squeak.

“There’s no time—may I come in?”

She stepped back, and he did so, shutting the door behind him. His gaze fastened on hers, every bit as intent as she remembered.

“Indian attack,” he said, breathless. “I came to warn you.”

She put out a hand, and he gripped her arm, steadying her.

“The settlement,” she gasped.

“Aye. I’ll go.” He tipped his head, gesturing with his free arm, and for a moment his mouth flattened in what looked like a rueful half smile. “I know the way. Been scouting about this past month.”

Heat flashed through her. He hadn’t left. He’d stayed ... but why?

The cold took her again, and she found herself trembling.

His gaze swept the room before coming back to her. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Just—stand ready.” A definite smile this time, sweet and tender and heart-piercing. “I know how well you can use that rifle. Give ‘em fire if they’re here before I return.”

Then he was gone, the door shutting behind him with a solid thud.

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