Page 76 of A Secret Heart
“He managed to work the whole bandit story around for his good.” Drew picked up his glass for another drink, then replaced it.
“Did he make another offer to buy us out?” Isaac asked, voice grave.
When Drew shook his head, Isaac muttered, “He ain’t done with us yet. He’ll try for the land again.”
“We’ll be watching for whatever he tries next,” Drew said. “And keep trusting God’s plan.”
Isaac’s eyes were banked with a smoldering fire. “We may have to fight.”
Tillie burst into the room, interrupting the men’s serious talk. “It’s ready.”
Kaitlyn rounded the corner with plates of cake in her hands.
Thoughts of Kaitlyn and Rebekah partnering to run the newspaper hit Ed in the gut. Rebekah always wanted to print the truth. Her other articles had put her in danger with the bandit. What might lie ahead?
Balancing more plates of cake, Rebekah followed close behind Kaitlyn, cheeks glowing. Ed kicked the negative feelings away as she moved closer. There’d be plenty of time for dealing with Quade later.
The faint scent of Rebekah blended with the sweet aroma of cake and berries as a loose ringlet of her hair spilled over her shoulder. Her eyes held his, and he’d never been more seen. Never felt more full of joy and life and laughter than in this moment.
Something swelled inside of him. He’d never ask her to give up what she loved. He’d do everything he could to protect her. From this day forward.
* * *
The palpable tension between the men surrounded Rebekah as she settled a plate in front of Ed.
He kissed her cheek to no doubt ease the questions in her raised brows.I’ll explain later, he mouthed.
A new sensation of warmth filled her. There were no secrets between them anymore.
“Aren’t you going to take the first bite?” Tillie wore an expectant look, no doubt finding it hard to wait.
After breaking off a bite of cake with her fork, Rebekah looped her arm with Ed’s as they fed one another the first bite. A rousing cheer rose from the table while Tillie shoved in her first taste of the cake. It’d obviously taken every ounce of willpower for her to hold off eating.
Rebekah reached her napkin up to brush a crumb away from Ed’s cheek, and he caught her hand to kiss her fingers. She could get lost in his eyes. For years, she hadn’t given him a chance. God had known better. And brought them together.
As everyone finished their cake, the children hurried off to go play. A low conversation ensued among the adults, but little of it registered with Rebekah as she focused on Ed’s profile. He glanced over at her and smiled. A smile that spoke more than any words could say.
Scanning the other faces at the table, she noticed one person had gone missing.
“Did Isaac leave already?”
Kaitlyn frowned. “He left a while ago.”
Drew reached out for his wife’s hand. “Seems our plan to draw him back in didn’t work quite like we planned.”
A heaviness settled over the room. Kaitlyn had confided in Rebekah about their worries for Isaac. She shared in the feeling, a sisterly concern.
A gentle tug from Ed’s hand brought her hand to his mouth. He kissed the back of it, his eyes meeting hers as he did. “I’m not sorry the plan failed.”
He winked, and heat rose up her neck.
“He’s grieving.” Nick fiddled with his fork.
“I still say a woman’s presence in Isaac’s life could bring the softness he needs.” Kaitlyn shared a look with Drew.
“Too bad there weren’t any other letters,” Drew said absently.
“There were.” Ed’s voice broke the silence.
