Under Moonlit Skies by Cynthia Roemer

Author:Cynthia Roemer [Roemer, Cynthia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781649170361
Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC
Published: 2020-07-01T06:00:00+00:00

“Good to see you here, Stew. You’ve been missed.”

Stew reached for Pastor Brody’s outstretched palm. “Thanks, Preacher.” He hadn’t the heart to tell him that this, his first week back, would most likely be his last. At least for a while. Yesterday he’d helped Chad put the finishing touches on the well. Then and there, Stew had determined the time had come to find out the truth about him and Esther. All he need do was find the right moment to break the news to Chad.

Guilt pricked at Stew’s middle. Since he’d agreed to work for Chad, he’d been off work more than he’d been on. Other than the well, he’d not been much of a help. Would Chad be annoyed with him for leaving? Stew couldn’t blame him if he gave him the boot for good.

Regardless, it was something he had to do. Not knowing the full truth behind Esther’s leaving was driving him mad. He’d be little use to Chad or the Circle J until his relationship with Esther was resolved one way or another. Otherwise, the matter would continue to eat away at him.

He shook Mrs. Brody’s hand then donned his hat as he stepped outside. Limping his way down the steps, he squinted against the brightness of the sun. Scout stood in the shade of a tree on the far side of the street, seeming more eager than Stew to begin the long ride back to the cabin. He patted the horse’s neck. How Stew hated the thought of leaving him holed up in a livery for days, maybe even weeks, while he was away.

But what else could he do? The trip into Miller Creek and back was taxing enough on his ankle. There was no chance he could make it to Cincinnati. Besides, if he was successful in persuading Esther to return with him, he couldn’t expect her to ride double the whole way. Though he didn’t have a lot of money, he could cover the cost of the stagecoach.

The question was, how could he ever provide for Esther? If she would have him.

“Hey Stew, wait up!” Chad’s familiar voice hailed from across the church lot. Stew turned as the Avery family downed the steps and headed his way.

Stew slid Esther’s Bible into his saddlebag then sauntered toward them. Now seemed as good a time as any to share his plans—especially since he hoped to leave first thing in the morning.

Stepping up beside him, Chad wielded a broad smile. “Come join us for dinner to celebrate the new well.”

Stew twisted his mouth to one side. One last home-cooked meal was more than tempting. He’d grown accustomed to the family’s hospitality, which made leaving all the more difficult. “Much obliged, but I have some things I need to tend to this afternoon.”

Charlotte shifted young Michael in her arms. The boy seemed to grow bigger every time Stew laid eyes on him. “You sure? We’ll have plenty of victuals.”

With a nod, Stew mustered a weak smile. “Yes, ma’am.

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