“Saul took her,” she cries and starts struggling again. Glenn puts his face beside her ear and whispers, holding her tight to his body.
“No, Saul is dead. He’ll never hurt you again. Delaney is at home, let’s go home.”
“Home?”
Glenn presses a kiss to her forehead. “Home,” she sighs, and her teeth chatter. “Glenn, why am I so cold?”
He laughs softly and releases her arms. Glenn rests his forehead on hers, “Because you decided to go swimming.” Anika wraps her arms around his neck, holding him in place.
“You’re wet,” she murmurs as she kisses his mouth softly, “you taste good, feel good.”
Glenn groans and grabs her arms, unwrapping them from his neck. “I have a blanket,” he climbs up from her, ignoring her protests, and hurries to his horse.
When he turns around, he finds her walking towards him, and his mouth falls open. He should turn around, but part of him wants to burn this image in his mind's eye. To say she is beautiful is an injustice to the word. “Anika, you're killing me.”
“I’m cold, won’t you warm me up?” He takes two steps towards her before he makes himself stop.
“I’d love to, come here,” he demands.
Anika smiles and rushes into his open arms. Glenn wraps her in a blanket and pulls her against his chest.
“Let’s get you dressed and home.”
Anika pushes back and starts to unbutton his shirt.
“Not yet,” she grumbles.
Glenn laughs and grabs her hands. “Anika, we have to go.”
“Don’t you want me Glenn?” she says pressing her breast into his chest.
“More than the air I breathe, but not like this.” He steps back drawing the blanket tighter around her and turns to his horse, grabbing her clothes.
“He didn’t want me either,” she says swaying on her feet. “Saul said no man would ever want me again.”
Glenn's head drops, “He was a fool, and you deserve better.” Anika pulls on her skirt and jacket, she doesn’t bother with her stockings.
“I don't feel well, Glenn.” She runs to the bushes and vomits. Glenn is beside her to help keep her from falling over, and after they are home, he stays with her when she weeps through the vomiting and pain, he promises to make sure Martha doesn't hurt her again.
“Is Mama going to be okay?” Delaney asks from the doorway. Glenn tucks the covers around Anika and puts a basin near his bed.
“Come here, sugar.” Delaney runs to him oblivious of her tears she buries her face in his neck and sobs.
“Please don’t let my Mama die.”
Glenn holds her close, and his heart swells with joy at the trust she is showing him.
“I promise, Delaney. Everyone gets sick sometimes. No one will ever hurt her again.”
“Okay, Mr. Glenn, but why is Mama in your bed?” she sniffs.
“Well, I thought it would be the best place for me to take care of her. How about I get you tucked into bed and read you a story. If we leave the door open, I can hear her.”
“Do I get to pick it?” she teases.
Glen chuckles, “Of course. You get into your nightgown, while I finish up and I will be right there.” He sets her on her feet, smiling as she pads from the room.
Delaney stops and watches how tenderly he cares for her mother as he dips a clean cloth into fresh water and wrings it out before washing Anika’s face. She groans and clutches at her head, rolling away from him.
“Mr. Glenn, can we pray for Mama?” Delaney asks before she leaves.
“Of course. Come here.” He reaches for her hand and rejoices in his heart when she grips it. His voice is hoarse as he starts to pray, but it grows stronger with each word.
“Heavenly Father, we pray that you will lay your healing hands on those who are sick. Have compassion on all who are suffering so they may be delivered from these dreadful circumstances.”
“In Jesus name, Amen.”
Delaney sighs, “Amen.”
Chapter 18
Old man Sutton hears the warning whistle from his sons and steps from the barn with his shotgun. He walks swiftly towards the stump in front of the house and leans his gun up against the porch before picking up his ax to chop wood. Eli, his oldest son, helps him gather the split pieces and stack it.
A bird call sings across the morning air, informing him of the number of men coming. ‘Three’
Their horses round the last bend in the roughhewn road giving them a view of the cabin overlooking the valley below. “Good morning, Mr. Smith,” Sheriff Austin calls, keeping a close eye out for trouble.
Scrubbing a hand over his beard, Sutton glares at them and sinks his ax into the stump. “What can I do you for?”
Eli grins and reaches for the ax only to stop and glare when Glenn's hands go to his rifle. Behind him, the second brother raises up his gun. “You don’t need to do that, son.”
Old Man Sutton stares at Glenn and then smiles broadly, “Allen, good to see you. How’s Mrs. Daisy doing? Can I offer you some coffee?
“Just fine and as beautiful as ever, I’d love some coffee, thanks” Allen steps from his horse and pumps his hand, laughing.
“Forgive my son, he still has to learn to not judge so quickly.”
“They always thinkin', they know more'n us, don't, they?” He turns to Glenn. “Son, I was sorry to hear bout your wife, I hope your sons are well?”
Glenn stares at him and looks back to his father in confusion before answering, “Thank you, sir. My boys are getting fatter every day.”
“That’s good, come inside.” He grabs his rifle and hobbles up the small porch going inside.
“Eli, I hope your family is well?” Allen says following
