Abby was utterly speechless.
Hickory came to stand next to her, caught up in the excitement that suddenly filled the room. “Is that where I’m gonna live?” His innocent question was almost more than Abby’s heart could take.
Ian lifted the boy to stand on a lamp table, closer to eye-level. “I was blessed with a very good father, Hickory.”
Hickory dropped his whirly-gig to focus on what Ian was saying.
“My father made it his lot in life to see that my brothers and I grew up to be decent, responsible men.”
Hickory scratched the side of his cheek.
“I’d like to be that for you.” Ian waited for the boy to take in what he was saying. Finally, a slow nod came in acknowledgement. “I got a telegram a couple of days ago from some important people in this state. It said I’ve been appointed your permanent legal guardian.”
At Abby’s gasp, Ian reached over to squeeze her hand.
“That means I will be your father. And as soon as I can get Abby to marry me, you can come live with us both as our son. So we can love you and help you grow up to be a good man someday.”
“You mean I get to be a real Saberton? Can folks call me that?” His excitement tore a sob from Abby’s lips.
“Hickory Barnaby Saberton. Has a rather nice ring to it, don’t you think?” Tori smiled.
Hickory put one arm around Ian’s neck and the other around Abby’s.
“Abby? Would you be my mama?” Hickory’s question caused her to laugh through blurred vision. She put her arm around his small waist and kissed his sweet face. “Of course.”
“The prettiest one in town.” Ian asserted.
“Uh huh!” Hickory agreed before jumping down and motioning for Rachelle to follow. “Come on, cousin. Let’s get some food.”
The two ran off down the hall and their laughter was music to Abby’s ears.
The others followed as the delicious smells of Christmas dinner beckoned them.
Ian was only here for a couple of days, but that was long enough for Abby to make him officially hers. “On Christmas Day, I become your wife.” She said it aloud, more for her own benefit than his. She still had a hard time believing all she’d been given today.
“My lady will have a Christmas wedding.” Ian took one last sip and set his cup down before pulling Abby into a hug.
As if they weren’t the only two in the room he spoke close to her ear. “Have I mentioned that I’ve loved you since the first time you launched a bucketful of water at me?” Ian looked down at her and grinned. “And that I plan on loving you ’til I’m old and gray, still dodging your Irish temper?”
His deep chuckle resonated through her as he teased a loose curl that escaped her Christmas updo.
“Best not tempt fate, Colonel.” Abby gave a small jab to his rib with a finger.
Pressing into his hug, she laid her head against his chest and was overwhelmed by the love she had for him.
“Angel?” An afterthought caused him to pull back, and she saw concern furrow his brow.
“Yes?” Abby rubbed his arm hoping to ease whatever had him worried.
“If Mrs. Oberhaus should ever leave us … it’s probably best if we get Eliza Jane to do the cooking.” He lifted his head and gave her a mock shiver. “At least the mashed potatoes, anyway.”
No doubt about it. Ian Saberton had to have been a most difficult child.
And Abby couldn’t wait to have seventeen more just like him.
THE END
A Note From the Author
Macon, a city resplendent in Southern charm. Though the scale of 1864 Macon was much grander, I chose to focus on a single workable quadrant. Rich in history, this city on the banks of the Ocmulgee River was a hub of activity as two major railroad lines crossed within its borders. Detailed accounts were left for us to experience the hopes, fears, outrage, and dismay of Macon’s citizens as they awaited Union siege upon their beloved city.
Like most Americans, I have ancestors who fought on both sides of the war between the states. The atrocities for which the Civil War is known are horrendous and rightly challenged. As I delved into countless personal journals, memoirs, and family accounts, I discovered multi-faceted people deeply committed to God, family, and home on both sides. I would have been remiss not to display the good in Georgia’s history, and her people, along with obvious injustices. Of the 1.2 million soldiers who have died defending our country, 620,000 of them died in the American Civil War at the hands of fellow countrymen. Needless to say, the Civil War left lasting scars on the heart of our nation.
Folklore has it, Georgia’s women really did help save several townships from Sherman’s devastation. Some are rumored to have had past love affairs with the general, therefore he spared their homes. Others say, as in the case of Savannah, wives of Confederate Officers banded together to meet with the general and offered a peaceable surrender in exchange for their homes and livestock.
General William Tecumseh Sherman caught me by surprise. When I started research for this book, I was certain I knew who he was, and had preconceived notions about why he was (and still is in some parts) despised by the South. His unconventional show of force effectively brought demise to the Southern Confederacy. However, when I dug deeper, I found accounts of his compassion and uncharacteristic mercy that I wasn’t expecting.
As a child, he was farmed out to neighbors when his father died, and his mother was unable to care for her children. Julianne Sherman McFadden was purely a figment of my imagination. Although the general had a great fondness for his sisters, blood and adopted, Abby’s mother was a fictional character created solely to enhance the story.
Any dialogue I attribute to him in regard to the war, or that of any other of the actual generals making an appearance in this book, was taken from quotes from the men, themselves. Otherwise, I took storytelling liberties to develop and benefit the story as a whole. Field of Redemption was inspired by both historical accounts and fictitious events, artistically embellished to edify certain Biblical truths—which are unchanging and eternal.
FOR FURTHER READING
1. Jacqueline Jones, Saving Savannah, The City and The Civil War, Vintage Books 2008
2. Richard W. Iobst, Civil War Macon. Mercer University Press 2009
3. Eliza Frances Andrews, The War-Time Journal of a Georgia Girl, Cherokee Publishing Company 1908
4. Janet E. Croon, The War Outside My Window, The Civil War Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham, Savas Beatie 2018
Books available in The Saberton Legacy Series:
True Nobility
Field of Redemption
Keep up with the latest on the release of Zachery and Aurora’s Story, Book Three of the Saberton Legacy, coming early 2020!
www.loribateswright.com
My Heartfelt Appreciation
As with the first book, I had assistance from many talented people along the way.
Thank you to my cherished mentor, Lena Nelson Dooley, for her trusted purple pen. You make my scattered commas behave, and keep my time period authentic. Always with an encouraging word. I love you dearly.
To Roseanna White of Roseanna White Designs for another stunning cover design. You absolutely amaze me.
To my critique group friends, Becky Wade, Lynn Gentry, Kelly Scott, Sherrinda Ketchersid, Deborah Clack, Kay Leonard, Stacy Simmons, and Shelli Littleton. You challenge, inspire, and never let me get away with “good enough,” but push to make every line better. Then you give me chocolate!
Beta readers, Carol Bates, Bonnie Sanchez, Cindi Cannon, Erica Wright, Sheri Raymer, Roxanne Wright, and Betty Wimpy. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You are the first ones to read my stories and your sweet comments keep me going. I love and appreciate every one of you!
Even though we don’t get together much anymore, I’m so grateful for my writer friends, Laurie Westlake, Conni Cossette, Tammy Gray, and Dana Red. You were the first ones to convince me I can do this, and I love that we’re still
only a text message away. I treasure your friendship.
Enduring gratitude to my husband, Daryl Wright, who spends many a solitary evening when I’m in deep writing mode. You believe in me like no other. Always encourage me to keep going, and promote my books to anyone who will listen. Love you, D.
Once again, I am so very thankful for my daughter, Ashley Espinoza. This book was challenging on so many levels, yet you helped keep the ship afloat. Whatever hat I need you to wear, you put it on and own it. Your knack for what works and what doesn’t is instinctive. Your organizational skills keep me from rabbit trailing too far off track. Your graphics and promotional ideas make me proud. Thank you, Sis, from the bottom of my heart.
Father, to You be the all the glory. Always.
Field of Redemption Page 28