Song of the Rockies by Angela Breidenbach

Author:Angela Breidenbach
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780998084763
Publisher: Angela Breidenbach

Chapter 10

It was the hardest moment of his life when Evan let his son leave the safety of the wagon, even on such a mild night. Holding himself back, watching Joseph walk away after just finding him, ripped Evan's heart raw. That Mirielle insisted on coming helped. He knew she'd hold him accountable if he backed down. But more than that, he drew strength from her presence.

"I know it's going against every ounce of your parenting." Mirielle slipped her hand into his. "But winning Joey over isn't about this one night."

"I know." Evan's voice rattled roughly in his throat as he tore his gaze from the closed door. This one night meant taking a risk that felt deeper and wider than the Missouri River during a flash flood. What if something happened? What if they ran?

The Shanahan's footman, Warren, came from the back of the big house with a lantern. "They're all back safe and tucking in for the night?"

"Yes," Evan's heart tightened.

"Miss Calista mentioned little Joey turned out to be your lost son. Congratulations!"

When had he last tucked Joseph in and told him a bedtime story? Would he be too old for that now? How much more time would pass before they'd be reunited for good? But out loud, he said, "Thank you for your constant care."

"It's nothing, sir. My rooms are out here and I'm enjoying the company." He waited politely. "Sir, is there anything more?"

Mirielle touched his shoulder. "We should go on now. Warren won't let any harm come to them."

Evan stared at the red brick carriage house. "Let me know if the boys need anything, won't you?"

"I will. And sir, it'll be my pleasure to keep my eye on your boy for you. Don't be concerned."

Evan gave a nod. He envisioned a completely different reunion. A little boy excitedly hugging him, jumping up and down, and wanting to be with his father. Not a frightened child, with no solid memory of who his father was, clinging to a stranger. The few words were all he could muster. "Well, thank you and goodnight then."

With a heart screaming inside, Evan helped Mirielle up into the bench seat. Then climbed up next to her and adjusted the lap robes. All the while, Evan chastised himself for leaving. What more could he do? He flicked the reins.

Mirielle didn't try to talk him out of his head, ply him with platitudes or verses. She simply asked questions to help him think rationally until a few blocks later, Evan pulled the horses to a halt and hung his head. "I can't do this, Mirielle. Not after all the searching."

She placed a hand over his wrist. "If you go back and grab Joey, what then?"

"Neither decision feels right or safe or smart." He couldn't go forward. He couldn't go back.

"Taking Joey out of the situation he'd grown used to, and where he felt safe, won't solve anything." She squeezed his wrist gently. "He doesn't know you, but I think he wants to."

Everything hinged on building a relationship with a son who didn't know him and who he didn't know.

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