“That’s ridiculous,” Stephanie hisses. “Have you tried talking to him?”
“Oh, Stephanie, we are way past that. Ten years of marriage, and he still feels like a stranger.” Abbie sighs and glances at her friend.
“Maybe if you…”
“No,” she interrupts her. “Burton blames me for not giving him a child. He’s rarely home, and when he is, well, he’s so distant.” Abbie swipes a stray tear.
“I’m so sorry, Abbs, I didn’t know things were so bad.”
“I know. I didn’t want to believe it. I’ve tried to talk to Burton about adoption before he left, and he shouted at me. I’ve never seen him so mad.” Abbie grows quiet.
“Why would he get mad?”
“He said that I failed him, Stephanie,” she whispers and glances away.
“That’s ridiculous. God’s plan isn’t always our plan, Abbilene. Come have dinner with us,” Stephanie pleads. “Oz will be home soon.”
Abbie smiles at her, “No, I should get home in case Burton comes home. I’ll have the flour delivered first thing in the morning.”
Stephanie hugs her tightly, and Abbie turns and takes two steps when the sky erupts in flames. The ground rumbles, and she stares in shock. All the noise surrounding her fades away, and she stares at the smoke and flames rolling up into the sky.
People rush into the street around Abbie, and they all look in the direction of the Mill.
Abbie starts running without thinking. Two more explosions rock the night, but she doesn’t stop running. Abbie hears a wagon beside her.
“Abbilene! Get in!” Stephanie’s husband, Ozwald calls to her. Abbie climbs into the front seat, and Stephanie pulls her close.
“Go!” Stephanie shouts.
Oz doesn’t need to be told twice. He snaps the reins, and the horses break into a gallop.
Gilbert Mill is a half mile outside of town, set on the banks of the Tar River. Men are already working a bucket brigade of water, trying to stop the flames when they arrive.
Abbie jumps from the wagon as it slows to a stop, ignoring Stephanie and Oz when they shout for her. She picks up her skirts and runs towards the burning building, screaming Burton’s name.
Strong arms grab her and toss her to the ground, just as a third explosion erupts. A large body covers her, shielding her from the flames and debris.
Sobbing now, Abbie doesn’t fight him when he picks her up and runs back to safety. Stephanie and Oz run to meet him, and she knows they are speaking, but everything fades to silence. The hissing of the flames taunts her as it licks its way through, up, and over the building.
Stephanie stays back with Abbie while the decision is made to wait out the fire. “Take her home, Stephanie.” Tucker orders. “We will let you know what we find.”
“No! I’m not leaving him,” Abbie declares.
“Who?” Sheriff Tucker Manning asks.
Abbie turns to look at him and blinks in surprise. “Tucker?”
He squats down in front of her with a frown of disapproval.
“What were you thinking, Abbilene, running towards a burning building like that?” He demands.
“Tucker!” Stephanie snaps at her brother and attempts to shove him back from her.
“I was thinking of getting to my husband,” she turns back to the flames and tremors rack her body. “Burton’s inside,” she points.
Tucker glances back at the engulfed building and sighs, “I’m sorry, Abbie. You should go home.”
“No!” Done with everyone trying to send her away, she stands up and stomps closer to the building.
Two hours later, the Mill is still burning. Ashes dance on the wind and the glow of the burning building sends an eerie coloring skipping around the night air.
Sheriff Tucker Manning and his deputies are struggling to keep the families back and away from the heat and flames. Many of them have gathered to see if their loved ones are inside, and Abbie sits with them.
“Here’s a blanket, Stephanie. I’ve kept one for Tucker when he takes a break,” Minnie says softly.
Stephanie accepts it and stares at her in surprise. “Thank you, Minnie. I don’t think he’ll be stopping anytime soon.”
She walks away and drapes a blanket around Abbie’s shoulders, while others gather close.
Father Jacobs walks through and stops in front of Abbie. “Mrs. Gilbert,” he squats down in front of her and takes her cold hand in his. “Can you tell us how many men work the night shift.”
“Yes, Father. Eight,” Abbie begins, but a voice interrupts her.
“Eight, I have their names here, Father,” Sterling Gilbert is the general manager of the Gilbert Mill and Burton’s cousin. “I’m the General Manager. Any further questions will be directed to me, not Mrs. Gilbert.”
“Sterling!” Abbie jumps up and rushes to his open arms.
“It’s going to be alright, Abbilene,” he presses a kiss to her head.
Dressed in a suit, with not a single hair out of place. Sterling leaves an impression of all business. He typically leaves Abbie alone when Burton is traveling, allowing her to run the Gilbert General Store.
“Abbie will be going home. My carriage is waiting.” He leaves no room for argument. Stephanie stiffens and steps back to look up at him.
“No. I’m not leaving my husband,” Abbie snaps.
Everyone falls quiet for a moment as Father Jacobs speaks.
“This fire will burn long into the night child. Even through the day tomorrow. There’s nothing for you to do here.”
Abbie looks past them at the raging inferno and her gaze trails around as everyone works together with buckets trying to keep the flames from spreading towards town. They work desperately to keep the debris from catching anything else on fire.
“I suggest we get to work, then.” She pushes past them, draping the blanket around a mother
