by Lisa Harris
All she could do now was pray she didn’t lose another man she loved.
Luke leaned back in the saddle, trying to stretch the weary muscles in his back. It had been almost thirty-six hours since they’d left the Johnson farm, and still they’d seen no sign of Adam. He and Rebecca’s father had been able to follow Adam’s tracks until last night, but now a fresh layer of snow covered the ground. All they could do was rely on what Rebecca had heard and hope they were continuing in the right direction.
He’d hated to leave Rebecca. The two months they’d been apart had seemed like an eternity, and then to see her so briefly before his unexpected departure to find Adam had been torture. At least he was sure of one thing. While he knew she was upset about his decision to go after Adam, he hadn’t missed the obvious joy in her eyes when he’d arrived.
His ride on the train to Cranton had given him plenty of time to think. One thing had become clear. He wanted to marry Rebecca, even if that meant giving up his dreams of having his own shipbuilding business. There were always other opportunities. Boats ran along the Connecticut River, and surely there would be a need for someone with his skills. If not, he’d dreamed of raising horses as a boy. Maybe that was something he could learn to do.
With Rebecca’s father beside him, he kept a steady pace, staying on the main road toward the town of Hayes. He knew it was important to join in the search, but a part of him wished he hadn’t volunteered to come. His leg ached in the cold, reminding him he needed to take things slowly. He was thankful he’d been able to keep up so far, but he wasn’t sure how much longer he could continue the rigorous pace.
A chickadee perched in a nearby tree, attempting to entertain them with his cheerful call. A flock of migrating birds beat their wings above them in the cloudless gray sky. He was amazed at how calm and peaceful the valley was. Except for the crunch of snow beneath the horses’ hooves, it was surprisingly still—and beautiful. Snow glistened like tiny jewels in the morning sunlight. The landscape was a gentle combination of ridges and valleys, where meadows intermingled with thick woodlands, making a patchwork pattern like one of his mother’s quilts. He could see why Rebecca loved this part of the state so much.
“Thanks for coming with me,” Eric said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.
“I’m glad to be able to help, sir.”
“How’s the leg?”
Luke massaged the top of his thigh with his gloved hand. “It aches in the cold, but I’ll make it. Compared to some of the situations I’ve found myself in at sea, I certainly can’t complain.”
Eric’s rich laugh reminded Luke of Rebecca. “You’ll have to tell me a story or two while you’re here. I remember countless nights sitting around the fire, listening to my father-in-law speak of his adventures on the high seas. “
Already Luke’s memories seemed a lifetime ago. “I have a few of my own good tales to spin, I suppose. Stories of mutiny and legends of the monsters of the deep that at times rang true.”
“Have you ever thought of writing your own chronicles?”
Luke chuckled at the thought. During his convalescence Rebecca’s constant reading to him of adventures of heroes and heroines had been enough to discourage him from the idea. “I think I’ll leave that to men like Herman Melville, who no doubt have a better grasp on weaving such tales.”
A bough snapped beside Luke from the weight of the snow, reverberating like the muffled crack of a rifle. His horse started beneath him, and he pulled back gently on the reins to settle him. Scanning the horizon, he shivered in the wind, thankful for his wool coat, but selfishly longed for the roar of a warm fire. And for Rebecca.
“How many miles away do you figure the town of Hayes is?” Luke asked.
“I don’t think we have much farther. Another mile or two at the most. We’ll stop and talk to the sheriff to find out if he’s seen Adam or if he knows about the reward poster. If we can’t find him there, I think we’ll have no choice but to turn back.”
“Unfortunately, I have to agree.” Luke picked up his pace beside Rebecca’s father, still feeling awkward at calling him by his first name as requested. “Finding Adam in this vast wilderness will be difficult without a clear idea of which direction he’s gone.”
“Samuel’s death struck all of us hard,” Eric said, his jaw taut. “Adam’s never forgiven himself for not being able to stop it. In his mind bringing in the killer is the only way to absolve himself for what happened.”
“Right or wrong, I think I’d feel the same way.”
Luke remembered the overwhelming feelings of guilt he’d experienced over the loss of the Liberty. He still had moments when he relived the experience. Moments when he questioned God as to why he survived and others perished. He had no doubt Adam was struggling with many of the same questions. As he’d experienced in his own life, it was a difficult journey to go through. Until he’d stopped trying to fight God at every turn, he’d seen no relief in his future. Maybe God had brought him here for reasons beyond his relationship with Rebecca.
Eric lowered the brim of his hat to block out the rising sun. “We’ve never talked about your intentions toward my daughter.”
Luke wrapped the leather reins around his hand and slowed his pace. He’d been looking for an appropriate time to ask Rebecca’s father for her hand. Now was as good a time as any. “I’d like to marry your daughter, sir.”
“I had a feeling you’d say that.”
Luke caught the slight grin on Eric’s lips and breathed out a sigh of relief. The past day and a half spent alone with her father had been surprisingly amiable, but that hadn’t erased Luke’s feelings of concern, considering he was a virtual stranger to Rebecca’s family and wanted her hand in marriage. “I realize you haven’t known me long, but I love her and promise to take care of her.”
Eric wrapped his scarf around his neck then stuffed the ends into the front of his coat. “My wife knew your mother back in Boston and speaks highly of her.”
“I’m glad to hear that. My mother’s a wonderful lady.”
“Rebecca speaks favorably of you, as well, except for the fact that your letter writing leaves a bit to be desired.”
Luke cringed. “Unfortunately, my mother has a habit of writing letters then forgetting to post them. I have a feeling she did the same thing with the letters I wrote while I was recovering; though, I confess, letter writing has never been my strong point.”
“I’d say that’s true for all of us men.” Eric’s laugh was quickly replaced by a look of concern. “Do you plan to take her back to Boston with you?”
Luke had expected the older man’s question. He could only imagine how he’d feel when the day came for him to face the same thing with his own daughters. “I plan to leave that decision up to Rebecca, sir. Far as I’m concerned, as long as she says yes, I’ll be happy wherever we live.”
“Then I’ll give you my blessing and hope Cranton wins out.”
Luke smiled at his words as they topped another ridge and found the settlement of Hayes dotting the valley below them. Ten minutes later they rode into the sleepy town, dismounted, and tethered their horses a few yards down from the sheriff’s office. The ache in Luke’s leg was intensifying, but he worked to will the pain away. Stepping onto the boardwalk, he turned as two men flew out of the saloon and clattered onto the boardwalk beside him. The blond man landed a solid punch to his opponent’s jaw before stepping into the street. The other man, his lip bleeding, staggered down the steps after him.
“Adam!”
At the sound of his father’s voice, Adam hesitated, giving his blond adversary time to pull a gun out of his holster. Luke threw himself onto Adam, knocking him off his feet as the crack of gunfire split the morning air. The burning sensation of the bullet knocked the wind out of Luke as he slammed into the hard ground; then everything went black.
seventeen
Rebecca knelt on her hands and knees and worked in monotonous circles to finish scrubb
ing the living room floor. She focused on the straight grain pattern of the wood with its occasional knots, trying to control the fear she felt in the pit of her stomach. Four days had passed without news of Adam—or Luke and her father. She should have gone with them. At least then she wouldn’t have been left to imagine what was happening. As much as she loved Luke, she was still furious he would risk his entire recovery to go after Adam. More than likely he was going to end up deathly ill from exposure to the cold because of his weakened condition.
Rebecca rubbed the floor harder, knowing she shouldn’t worry about something she could do nothing about. It certainly wouldn’t bring them back any sooner, and all it had accomplished so far was to give her a headache.
She glanced up as Michaela stepped into the room from the kitchen, her hands resting against her bulging stomach. Despite the tension she must have felt, an expression of peace crossed her face. “You’re going to scrub away all the floor polish if you’re not careful.”
Rebecca wiped away the beads of moisture from her lip. “Sorry.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not complaining.” Michaela smiled then skirted around the edges of where Rebecca worked. “Every time I turn around, you’re a step ahead of me. I haven’t had to do a thing to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner, and everything is ready for tomorrow. I really appreciate it.”
“I’ve needed to keep busy.” Rebecca leaned back on her heels and balanced her arms against her legs. “Do you think they’ll be back in time?”
Michaela rested her hands against the wooden sill and stared out the window overlooking the front yard of the farmhouse. “If they’re not here by tomorrow, then we’ll wait and celebrate once they return. The girls will be disappointed. They’re upstairs right now making decorations for the table.”
Despite Michaela’s optimistic front, the lines beneath her eyes were evidence she was also worried. Winter’s fury had held off so far, but any day could bring signs of another storm.
With the back of her hand, Rebecca wiped the moisture off her forehead. “The pies and other dishes we made today will last only so long.”
Michaela turned away from the window to face her.
“Is anything else bothering you?”
Rebecca let out a long sigh then began scrubbing again. “I’m frustrated at Luke for leaving when he has no business being out there in this weather. How could he risk his life when he doesn’t have to?”
“He did it because he loves you, and Adam is your brother.”
“I know.” Rebecca stood and dumped the rag into the bucket, sloshing water down the sides. “But it seems foolish for him to risk his life to go after Adam when he’s still recovering from his accident.”
Michaela shook her head. “Luke’s not Samuel, Rebecca.
He’s not out there because he’s trying to prove something to you. Samuel made a bad decision and unfortunately paid for it with his life. I don’t think that’s what Luke’s doing.”
“I’m still scared.” Rebecca gnawed on her bottom lip. “They’ve been gone so long.”
“Love makes you vulnerable, and it even hurts sometimes; but when you find the right person, it’s worth the risk.” Michaela pushed back the edge of the red-checkered curtain and looked out the window. “And I’d say your prayers have been answered, Rebecca. Your father and Luke have just arrived with Adam.”
“They’re here?” Rebecca looked down at her stained dress and moaned, wishing she had time to change. “I’m an absolute mess.”
Michaela smiled and reached out to take Rebecca by the hand. “You look fine.”
Rebecca stepped onto the porch, a clatter of footsteps behind her. The girls must have been watching from their upstairs bedroom window, because Sarah, Ruby, and Anna ran ahead of Rebecca to welcome the men home.
She watched as her father got off his horse then reached down to toss Anna into the air. Even Adam looked glad to be home. For the first time in weeks, a smile covered his face. Rebecca’s shoes crunched against the snow as she walked toward Luke. For the moment he was the only person she wanted to see. The scene faded around her until only she and Luke existed. All that mattered now was that he was here with her—and safe.
He slid off the horse, wincing as his boots struck the ground.
She reached out to grasp the edge of his sleeve. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s just a flesh wound—”
“What?”
The wind whipped against them as Luke pulled his coat back to reveal the bandaged shoulder. “I’m going to be fine. “
Anger welled within her. “You should never have gone—”
“Luke saved my life, Rebecca.” Adam stepped up beside her. “I found Samuel’s murderer. Before he escaped he took a shot at me, and Luke pushed me out of the way.”
“I’ll be fine.” Luke grasped her hand, his eyes pleading with her to believe him.
Blinking rapidly to stop the flow of tears, she watched as her father pulled Michaela into an embrace and nuzzled his face in her hair. The look of love in her father’s eyes was unmistakable. Rebecca had always longed for a love like theirs. They faced life with God as the center of their relationship. And they trusted each other completely.
This was what she wanted in a relationship with Luke. He spent his life facing danger. It was a part of who he was and a reality he had learned to cope with. But his risk taking wasn’t based on pride or even revenge. Her parents had been right all along. If she wanted her relationship with Luke to blossom into what they had, she would have to trust him.
Rebecca finished scrubbing the last kitchen counter and listened to the happy chatter coming from the parlor. Thanksgiving dinner had been wonderful, but the biggest blessing was that they were all together. The girls had worked hard at setting the table with their homemade decorations, as well as helping her clean up after the meal so Michaela could rest. The one thing she’d had little opportunity to do, though, was speak to Luke. While his wound was healing, the trip had worn him out, and he’d spent the past twenty-four hours resting.
Adam strode into the kitchen and kissed Rebecca on the top of her head. “Dinner was fantastic, Sis.”
“I’m glad you approve.” She flicked her rag at him and chuckled, thankful for the subtle changes in his attitude since his arrival home. She wasn’t sure what had happened to put the smile back on his face, but whatever the cause, she was grateful.
“And I have to tell you another thing.” Adam leaned back against the counter and crossed his legs. “I really like Luke. Promise me you’ll marry him.”
“That’s none of your business.” Her brother reached for another piece of pumpkin pie, and she slapped the top of his hand. “How many have you had?”
“It’s Thanksgiving. I’m not counting.” He swiped a piece of the dessert. “So are you going to say yes?”
“He hasn’t asked me to marry him.”
“He will.”
“How do you know?”
“If ever I’ve seen a man in love, it’s Luke.” He popped a bite of pie into his mouth and grinned. “Remember—I spent a lot of time with him the past couple of days.”
The reminder of that illfated quest sent a shiver down her spine. “You almost got him killed.”
“I know. And I’m sorry.” All signs of teasing vanished as Adam leaned back against the counter again. “On the way home Luke said some things that made a lot of sense. He shared with me his feelings of guilt when the Liberty went down.”
“You still feel guilty over Samuel’s death?”
Adam shrugged his shoulder. “Maybe I always will—I don’t know. But at least now I’ve decided to try to let go of the guilt. And let God in.”
Rebecca fiddled with the towel between her fingers. “The same way I’m realizing I need to let go of my fears and let God reign in my life.”
She’d begun seeking God with all her heart but had still allowed a web of fear to cover her. God didn’t want her to be a woman steeped in worry. He had called her
to rely on Him.
Wrapping her arms around her brother’s waist, she squeezed him tightly. “I’m proud of you. I know this has been hard for you.”
“In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s someone waiting for you outside.”
Rebecca peeked out the window at the snow-covered terrain, where Luke was harnessing the horses to the sleigh. “What’s he doing?”
“What does it look like he’s doing? I’d say he’s taking you for a sleigh ride.”
Luke’s breath caught in his throat as Rebecca stepped out of the house. She’d put on a hooded brown cape that covered most of her head but didn’t hide her bright smile. Delicate flakes of snow had begun to fall, draping the countryside in their grandeur. She stopped in front of him, her breath leaving short vapors in the frosty afternoon air.
“You look lovely.” He smiled at her and wiped away the snowflake that had landed on her cheek before it melted.
“Thank you.” She took his hand and allowed him to help her into the sleigh. “How’s your shoulder?”
“Sore, but I’m on the mend.” The soft feel of her gloved hand left his senses spinning.
Once Rebecca was settled on the narrow seat, he joined her then wrapped a thick quilt around her. It had been too long since he’d been this close to her. The scent of her perfume tantalized him, and he longed to feel the sweet touch of her lips against his.
The horses started out at a slow pace away from the farmhouse and down the winding road through the valley. A cloudless sky hovered above them, and he could hear the muffled plodding of horse hooves as the snow crunched beneath them. Their sleigh bells jingled through the stillness of the day, a clang-y melody never to be written down.
He glanced at her profile. “Are you still angry at me for going after your brother?”
She shook her head and smiled. “But you did scare me. I’ve been so mad at Samuel for making a foolish choice that cost him his life. Then when Adam ran off, I couldn’t believe he was doing the same thing. Putting his life at risk unnecessarily. When I found out you’d been shot, it scared me. I was so afraid I’d lose someone else I love.”