“Oh, you mean crawfish. That’s what we call them in the south. Crawfish cornbread was my dad’s favorite. Now that I mentioned it, that sounds so good my mouth is watering, but Dr. Beckham recommended I that I shouldn’t eat them during the pregnancy.”
“Did you ever try catching them as a child?”
Vivian shook her head. “No, my governess would have never allowed me to play in creeks. It was considered unladylike.”
His eyes twinkled at her. “Well, now’s your chance.” He started taking off his boots and rolling up the bottom of his trousers while explaining. “Now, you have to wade into the water and slowly lift the rocks. When you see one, grab it between your fingers, but watch out for the claws. It really smarts when they pinch you.”
She let out a nervous chuckle while removing her shoes and stockings. “All right. I’m ready.” Vivian waded into the creek with Micah, taking ginger steps to avoid hurting her feet on the rocks. The cold water was exhilarating and to her relief, most of the rocks were smooth from the water constantly rushing over them.
Micah pointed to a larger rock. “That looks like a good one. How about you lift it slowly and I’ll see if I can catch one.”
She agreed and lifted the rock as he asked. The crawfish swam out fast, kicking up a cloud of mud in its wake. She put her hands on her hips and scoffed. “Well, those little critters are sly and fast as lightning, aren’t they?”
He grinned. “That’s all right. It might take a few more tries.”
They waded around for about ten minutes, making several failed attempts. Then Micah finally caught a nice sized one. Vivian cheered before watching him let it go. “All right, now it’s my turn.”
He nodded as they waded to another rock. “Ready?”
“Yes, she answered, crouching close to the water.
When he lifted the rock, the granddaddy of all crawfish was waiting for her. She grabbed for the creature, but it scurried out of reach in a cloud of mud, obscuring her view. Then she felt it come to rest directly on top of her foot. Vivian squealed and tried to run away, but slipped on the mossy rocks beneath her feet. Micah caught her, but the momentum took them both backwards into the deeper part of the creek. Her skirts ballooned in the knee-high water as they sat together, sputtering and laughing.
She gasped, remembering his injuries. “Did I hurt you?”
Micah smiled and shook his head. “Only a little.” He stood and helped her up with him. “Making memories with you was worth it.” He pulled her into his arms, giving her a long, passionate kiss, before leaning back to sweep some wet hair off her forehead. “Are you ready to go home and dry off?
She nodded in agreement and kissed him one more time.
Chapter Sixteen
“You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way.”
Song of Solomon 4:7
The next morning, Micah listened to Vivian’s musical laughter as she put some of her famous flaky biscuits in the oven. “I do have to say, our adventures catching crawfish were fun yesterday.”
“Was it worth falling in the cold creek water?”
“Oh, certainly! I’d do it all over again.”
“You mean, almost drowning your new husband?”
She grabbed a pot and put it on the stove top before turning toward him with her hands on her hips. “You did not almost drown, Micah Russell. I tripped and you tried to catch me.”
His eyebrow arched in amusement. “All right. To avoid an argument, I’ll go with your version of the tale.” They both dissolved into laughter as Micah approached and pulled her into his arms, stealing a kiss.
“You are hopeless. Have I ever told you that?” she said, leaning back to smile at him.
“Only because I just love hearing your laughter.” He kissed Vivian’s neck, causing more giggles to bubble out of her mouth before releasing her. “What can I do to help with breakfast?”
“You could set the table if you’d like.”
He did as she asked, selecting two plates, forks and cups before centering them on the colorful placemats she’d just finished sewing a few days before. Then his eyes drifted to the rest of the room. He saw Vivian’s morning star quilt displayed on their wall, the blue curtains framing the windows and the basket of colorful fabric by one of the rockers, which would soon be made into new rugs. In the short week since she’d come to live in the cabin, his plain bachelor’s dwelling had transformed into a family home.
When Micah was finished, he leaned against the wall, admiring his new bride as she hummed a happy little tune while whipping up some pepper gravy on the stove. She was glowing, becoming more lovely to him with each passing day. He never imagined he could develop such a connection with someone in a month’s time, but it was clear, God had planned for them to be together. Vivian and the precious baby growing in her womb were wonderful and unexpected blessings in his life.
After eating breakfast, he offered to wash the dishes while Vivian finished a second cup of tea. He’d just rinsed off the plates when he saw a wagon approaching through the window.
Vivian noticed a moment later and put down her tea. “Are we expecting someone?”
He recognized Emmett and Caroline as the wagon came closer and grinned. Had it been a week already? “Yes, I forgot. I have a small wedding gift for you. Something for the farm you’ll enjoy.”
Vivian clasped her hands together. “Oh Micah, you are so sweet to me!” She kissed his cheek before they headed out the door hand in hand to greet the Rileys.
He grinned as Vivian rushed forward to hug Caroline and he greeted Emmett with a warm handshake at the same time. “Thank you for making the delivery today.”
“You’re welcome. Glad to see you are recovering well.”
Micah nodded. “Yep, the doctor said as long as I refrain from doing any heavy lifting I can come back to work on Monday.”
“I’m happy to hear that. We’ve missed you, but remember, there’s no rush. We’ll make due if you need more time.”
“Thanks, but I’m ready to be back.” Micah rubbed his stomach with a grin. “With all Vivian’s good southern cooking, I’m becoming lazy and fat.”
Emmett lifted an amused eyebrow. “Now, I’d never believe that. You’re the hardest worker I know around these parts.”
“Can I see my surprise yet?” Vivian asked from beside the wagon. “I feel like I’m going to burst!”
Micah chuckled while approaching her. “Close your eyes.”
She did as he asked, grinning a mile wide as he led her to the back of the wagon. “What are you up to?”
“Just hold on.” He and Emmett took four crates with holes in the top and sides out of the back of the wagon and set them in the grass. “All right, open your eyes.”
She obeyed and studied the crates. “What’s in there?”
“Why don’t you open one and see?”
She let out a nervous giggle and lifted one lid, jumping back when she saw red feathers and heard soft clucking. Grinning, she peered inside again. “You bought me chickens?”
“Do you like them?”
“I love them!” She hugged him before peering into the other two crates. “Oh, they’re beautiful. Thank you, Micah.”
“You’re welcome.” Micah and Emmett carried the crates over to the barn and they let the chickens free.
Vivian laughed as a proud mama hen with black and white striped feathers came out with her brood of five gray fluffy babies scurrying close behind. “They’re adorable. What breed are they?”
Emmett spoke up from beside them. “Barred Rocks. They’re very friendly, plucky, and excellent layers when they’re grown.”
When they opened the other two crates, some red and golden feathered birds inched their way out, eyeing their new home cautiously. They weren’t as plump as the mama hen and had smaller waddles and combs. Emmett explained they were young Orpington and Rhode Island Red pullets who would start laying eggs soon. Then last, a handsome Orpington cockerel strutted out, r
eleasing a high-pitched haphazard crow that made everyone laugh.
“His crow will grow with him,” Emmett reassured. “One day soon he’ll be a good guardian for the hens, too.”
After helping the chickens settle into their new home, Micah and Vivian thanked the Rileys and headed back toward their wagon to see them off.
“So, will we see you both tonight for the Independence Day dance?” Emmett asked.
Micah’s eyes widened. “That’s tonight?”
Emmett shared a brief glance with Caroline and laughed. “Didn’t I tell you the newlyweds wouldn’t remember?” Turning back to them he continued. “It’s at seven tonight and you are both invited, but we’ll understand if you’d rather have alone time.”
Micah turned to Vivian and rubbed his chin. “I’m a little rusty at dancing. It’s been a long time, but I’ll try my best not to step on your toes if you’d like to go.”
She nodded with a grin, tightening her grip on his arm. “Sounds like a bully idea to me!”
Vivian released a contented sigh while sharing a slow waltz with Micah in the Riley family’s barn. Not being able to dance with him at their wedding reception because of his injuries, made the night even more special for both of them. Her red dress with the embroidered stars swished back and forth elegantly as they rotated around the floor, surrounded by other couples. She gazed into his blue eyes as a smile curved on her lips. “You dance pretty well, Mr. Russell. I believe you were being modest before.”
He shrugged with a grin. “Or perhaps God just gave me the right partner.”
She chuckled softly, resting her head against his chest. “He gave me the right one, too.”
They enjoyed one more dance before stopping to rest and sip glasses of sweet tea. Then they stepped outside and sat on the grass, gazing at the stars twinkling above them. After a few moments, she felt a tiny flutter in her stomach and placed her hand over the place with a small gasp as it happened a second time.
Micah turned to her with concerned eyes. “What’s wrong?”
She grinned at him with happy tears clouding her vision. “I think the baby just kicked.”
“Our baby,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around her. “I can hardly wait to meet him or her.”
They held each other, lost in the beautiful moment. It was heartwarming Micah already saw the baby as his child. Then the sound of horse hooves caught their attention. Micah stood and greeted Sheriff Mills as he approached. “You’re late, but don’t worry. There’s plenty of food and fun yet to be had.”
The Sheriff shook his head with a grave expression. “I’m afraid that will have to wait. I have some bad news. I just received word, Hank Reed and his sons escaped while being transported to Springfield.”
Chapter Seventeen
“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Psalm 37:7 NLT
After the sheriff’s news, Emmett and Caroline ended the dance early. While everyone was leaving for home and the Rileys were busy cleaning up, Micah took Vivian aside and hugged her close to him. “I think you should stay here with the Rileys. Mrs. Clark and Solomon and his family are staying, too. There will be more protection here with Emmett, Solomon, Thomas and the sheriff’s deputy.”
She clung to him, trembling. “And where will you be?”
He leaned back to look into her brown eyes. “I’m going back to our property with Sheriff Mills and Mr. Clark.”
“No, I don’t want to be separated. This is what they want…to scare and intimidate us. I want to go home with you.”
“We can’t risk it right now. The sheriff told us Mr. Reed and his sons had been bragging about taking their revenge shortly before their escape. Our home would be the first target. Someone has to be there to witness it if they do try anything.” He caressed her cheek and attempted to keep the tremor out of his voice. “I won’t be able to concentrate unless I know you and the baby are safe.”
To his relief, she nodded. “All right, I’ll stay. Just promise you’ll be careful.”
“I will.” He pulled her in for a tender kiss and then he turned away quickly, not giving her another opportunity to talk him out of the plan.
Vivian stepped out of the barn and watched him depart with the other two men as a tear dripped down her cheek. “God, please watch over Micah and everyone involved. Protect us while we are apart and let it not be long before we are reunited again. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
She felt more at peace after her prayer and went to bed in the guest room soon after. Still, it was a long night and she found herself waking at least once every hour, listening for strange noises. When the sun rose and she smelled food being prepared in the kitchen, she knew they had all made it through the night unscathed. Vivian offered up a prayer of thanksgiving. Then she readied herself for the day and headed downstairs to help Caroline. She knew it would take a lot of food to feed all the unexpected guests in the house.
The next day, Micah didn’t know how to feel. It was both a relief and a disappointment the Reeds hadn’t shown up yet. He was ready for them to be caught and for life to return to normal. He missed Vivian, but to keep his mind off being lonely, he spent time checking the perimeter of the property for any suspicious activity and taking care of the animals. He also spent time in prayer. He knew God’s word said not to worry. It accomplished nothing, so he tried to focus on praising Him for the good, knowing the current circumstance they were in wouldn’t last forever. Soon, he’d be reunited with Vivian in their home for good.
Late afternoon, the weather took a turn for the worst with high winds and thunder in the distance. He made sure all the animals were accounted for and had just bolted the door shut when he heard two gunshots in the hills behind the cabin. Micah grabbed the pistol tucked under the belt behind his back and rushed toward the sound, hiding behind trees periodically as he made his way up the hill.
Mr. Clark had gone home to work at the store again, but the sheriff was around, scouting the perimeter. Micah’s heart pounded, wanting to call out and make sure he was all right, but knowing he’d risk giving away his location. He’d be no help to anyone if he was shot in the process. When Micah reached the crest of the hill, he heard a groan and his heart sunk. Then he caught sight of Sheriff Mills. To his relief, he was uninjured, kneeling beside a man on the ground. Moving closer, he recognized him as Mr. Reed’s youngest son, Jeb, who was around seventeen. The sheriff was in the process of bandaging a gunshot wound in his thigh.
When Sheriff Mills saw Micah, he let out a relieved sigh. “I sure am glad to see you. I’m going to need help moving this young man down the hill. He needs the doctor.”
Micah put his gun away. “What happened?”
“Him and one other came out of the woods and pulled guns on me, but it looks like I’m the better shot. The older one took off and left him.” Jeb cried out in pain as he tightened a makeshift bandage around his thigh. “Once you heal up, you’re going to jail along with your father and brothers. But you’re young and can still turn your life around. If you help us out and tell us where they are, I’ll try and convince the judge to go easier on you.”
The young man shook his head, wincing in pain. “My pa said I had to do this for our family. I didn’t have a choice.”
“Well, you do now. Your pa and older brothers are going to jail for a long time, but your ma and little sister are going to need a man in the house. Now are you going to do the right thing and help us or not?”
Thunder rumbled louder and the wind caused the trees to sway as the young man considered the sheriff’s words. After a few moments Jeb nodded. “All right. My father and eldest brother were headed for the Riley Farm.”
Micah’s heart sunk as he made eye contact with Sheriff Mills. “We have to go now and warn them.”
“I agree.”
They helped Jeb down the hill and into his wagon. Then Micah rushed t
o the barn to collect Thunder and Lightning. When he came back out with his team of horses in tow, he caught sight of the sky. It had turned an ominous shade of green and he could see the clouds rotating in the distance. Any other time, he’d be rushing down to the cellar for safety, but he couldn’t do that now—not with Vivian and his friends in danger. They would have to move quick. There was no time to lose.
Vivian was outside helping Caroline collect the dry laundry from the clothesline before the storm, when she heard a bang in the distance. At first, she mistook it for thunder, but when another bang echoed from the hills leading to her home, she met her friend’s concerned gaze. “Were those gunshots?”
Caroline bit her lip. “I think so. I’ll go find Emmett and Thomas. Will you carry the laundry in?”
Vivian agreed and did as her friend asked, heart racing as she made her way inside. After setting down the basket of clothes, she checked on the children who were busy doing activities with Ma Riley, Felicia and Esther. After whispering a warning about the storm into Ma Riley’s ear, she came out on the porch and paced as the clouds turned darker and thunder boomed in the distance.
The barn door of the carpentry shop caught her attention. It was wide open and swinging in the wind. She saw at least the shadow of one person inside. Had Emmett and Thomas returned from their perimeter check and if so, where was Caroline?
She aimed an anxious glance at the sky, which had started to turn a menacing shade of green. There was no time to waste. She had to discover if Caroline had found Emmett and Thomas.
Against her better judgement, Vivian descended the porch steps and dashed across the yard. The rain started to pelt down as she ran, stinging her face, but she didn’t stop until reaching the entrance to the barn.
“Caroline…Emmett?” She called while stepping inside. A lantern was lit on the table by the entrance, but the rest of the shop was shrouded in darkness. Vivian heard a muffled whimper over the wind whistling through the door. She picked up the lantern and took a few more steps forward, tingles running up her spine. “Caroline?”
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