From This Day Forward by Margaret Daley Read Free Book Online Page A

time.”
    She struggled to her feet and prayed she did not sink to the floor. Determined not to let this man get to her, she stood straight even though her hands locked about the table’s edge. “Chicken. Afraid of what I shall do?”
    When Faith’s cries pierced the air with her urgency, he said, “You had better see what your daughter wants.”
    We both know what that is . Rachel shuffled toward the bedchamber, barely able to pick up her feet. “This does not mean you don’t have to answer my question. Don’t do anything until I come back.”
    “Yes ma’am,” she heard him mimic Maddy. A tinge of laughter followed his statement.
    After changing Faith’s nappy, Rachel scooped up her child and returned to the main room. “I know this is surprising, but she is hungry. I shall be back in a while,” she said over the cries of her daughter, “to make that cake. I need to learn to cook. Not watch you.” Especially that. It sent her thoughts in a direction they did not need to go.
    “You can sit in here by the fire. I have a few chores I can do before we make the cake.”
    He pulled a chair in front of the fireplace then snatched up a bucket and headed for the door. Rachel patted Faith on the back and whispered soothing words that she doubted her daughter could hear over her renewed wails. The moment she was alone, Rachel sank down onto the seat and unbuttoned the front of her gown. Faith quieted immediately when she started nursing.
    Rachel leaned back and relaxed, a sigh escaping her lips. Cooking is hard work . Now that she had stopped she could acknowledge that kneading, stirring, and beating were exhausting. No doubt that was why Nathan wanted to bake the cake. She was discovering that Nathan was very perceptive, something Tom had never been.
    For a short time she forgot about her circumstances and relished the peace of the moment. The aroma of burning wood laced the air and mingled with the scent of the different ingredients she had used. The warmth of the fire chased away any chill in the cabin. The emotional satisfaction of holding her baby in her arms fulfilled her as nothing before had. The knowledge that she, Faith, and Maddy were safe for the time being left a contented glow deep inside. The Lord had sent her a protector, Nathan, when it seemed all had been lost. Her plight could have ended differently if he had not come along.
    But as much as I owe him, gratitude is all I can give him .
    “Nathan.” The door opened, and a beautiful woman with a bonnet that did not hide her blond curls sailed into the cabin, coming to a halt when she spied Rachel by the fire. The young woman’s jaw dropped for a brief moment before she snapped her mouth closed then asked, “Who are you?”
    Rachel’s surprise matched the lady’s. She quickly turned away and adjusted her dress, thankful that Faith was all but through nursing. Pushing to her feet, Rachel faced the woman, who was dressed in a rose muslin morning gown with a brown spencer. The lady’s mouth pinched with puzzlement. Tension seized Rachel, the momentary peace she had experienced shattered. “Who are you?” she countered.
    The tall lady came farther into the main room. “I’m Nathan’s sister, Sarah McNeal. And you?” One eyebrow rose, reminding Rachel of Nathan.
    She could just imagine what was going through the woman’s mind. Rachel hugged her daughter to her. “I am Rachel Gordon. I had an accident with my cart two days ago, and your brother rescued my maid and me then helped deliver my baby.”
    “He did?” Sarah clapped her hands, a smile appearing, along with two dimples in her cheeks. “That is wonderful. If he delivered your baby, that means he has reconsidered his decision.”
    What decision ?
    Sarah crossed the room to peek at Faith. “She’s beautiful. Are you from around here?”
    Rachel relaxed the taut set of her shoulders. “No…yes.” She laughed. “I mean, I have newly arrived in Charleston and was heading to my