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“I’m okay. I’ll have Everett do an exam later on, but I feel fine. There’s no cause for concern.”

Nancy patted her hand. “Good. Let’s get you something to eat.”

She disappeared into the cramped kitchen where Doris worked. Ben took the seat beside Jen.

“She really cares for you.” He’d watched the exchange.

“Nancy and Everett have been like family to me.” The moment the words were out, she wished them back. Ben was her family and she hadn’t trusted him. She touched his jaw. Ran her fingers along the stubble of his beard and thought how truly blessed she was to have him. “I’m sorry.” She felt the need to keep apologizing. Ben had risked his life for her multiple times.

Taking her hand, he kissed her knuckles. “Don’t apologize, babe. We both made mistakes, but they made us realize how much we love each other. I’ll never make that kind of mistake again.”

She forced a smile. Nor would she. She’d do everything in her power to keep it from happening again.

Doris brought over bowls of stew for each of them along with cornbread. “It’s venison stew. Isaac took down a deer earlier.”

The stew brought back memories. Jen had grown up hunting and fishing with her dad until she’d gone off to college. Her parents had died in a car accident soon after, along with her younger brother. She’d suddenly found herself alone in the world. But then God sent her Ben. She spooned the stew and tasted it. “This is delicious.” She looked to her husband who was staring at her. “What is it?” She wiped her mouth thinking she’d dropped something.

He smiled and shook his head. “Nothing. I just love looking at you.”

She chuckled. “That’s nice, but you need to eat. It’s been hours since any of us have had a warm meal.”

He didn’t answer but tucked into his stew with relish.

Jen considered the man they’d brought with him. He’d been defiant the entire way up the mountain. “Do you think you can get the man to talk?”

“I hope so, but to be honest, I’m not sure how much he knows. He’s a foot soldier just following a command, and right now, everyone in the world believes we are the traitors, not Legion.” He shook his head and finished his stew. “I’m going to check in with James and Cole and see if there’s been any news about the president. If we can find the man alive, we can prove that Kincaid lied. He’ll be arrested for treason, then perhaps we can break the back of Legion. Or at least send them into hiding.”

She was amazed by his ability to find something positive out of everything that happened. “That would be wonderful. I’ll come with you.”

He climbed to his feet. “Jen, you should let the doctor check you out first.”

She gave in because he was right. “Okay, but then I’m joining you.” She held her hand up when he would have protested. “Ben, I was an Army medic once. I’ve dealt with this type of situation before and I can handle it. I realize I have to be careful because of the baby, but I’m not helpless.”

Ben pulled her up beside him. “I know I’m being overly protective but when you got shot—” his voice broke with emotion. “I was so worried you wouldn’t make it.”

She wrapped her arms around him and held him close. “I know, babe, but I did and I’m going to be okay.”

He clutched her tighter. “It’s just I feel so helpless right now. We’re being forced into retreat and I hate it.” He sighed deeply. “We can’t stay here long term. Our rations will dwindle. There are too many people to support. We must find another place soon, and we have to find a way to fight back. We can’t let them silence us.”

Jen pulled away and gazed into his passionate eyes. “We won’t. You’ve got a great team here, Ben. Together, we can figure out a plan of attack. Whatever Legion throws at us, we’ll be ready for them.”

He slowly smiled. “You’re right, we will.” He kissed her briefly and let her go. “I’ll go ahead of you and get started. Once Doctor Simpson has a look, you know where to find me.”

She did.

Still holding his hand, he started away, but she didn’t let it go. She couldn’t imagine her life without him in it. How had she ever wanted to walk away from Ben’s love? If only she’d known what he was facing. Instead of causing him more grief, she could have helped him. Jen would spend the rest of her life regretting that choice.

Ben’s brows lifted as he continued to watch her.

She smiled and let him go. “I’ll see you soon.” She watched her husband, the man she loved with all her heart, a true man of valor, walk out the door.

A faint sound beside her made her spin to find Sidney close.

“You love him very much, don’t you?” Sidney asked quietly.

Jen inhaled in a deep breath. “I do. I made so many foolish mistakes that almost cost us our marriage, and yet he forgave me.”

“Because he loves you, too.”

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