Savannah’s
Promise
By: Lynn Landes
By:
Lynn Landes
Published by:
Landes Publishing
Edited by:
Shane Landes
Cover art by:
www.roseannawhitedesigns.com
This book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, and events portrayed in this novel are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2019 by Lynn Landes
http://[email protected]/
All rights reserved.
Other titles by Lynn Landes:
Mercy’s Promise
Dust & Dreams
Stolen Dream's
Perilous Dreams
The Angels Covenant
Covenant Breakers
Blood Covenant
Fae Queen
Shadow King
Serenity’s Song
Arctic Moon
Don’t miss Book 1 in The Promise Series
Mercy’s Promise
by Lynn Landes
Glenn Ward needs a miracle. His wife is dying and leaving behind twin newborn sons. He returns from the war a changed man. Guilt stains his soul, and anger is growing in his heart.
Anika Coltrane needs a miracle of her own. After burying her husband and newborn daughter on the same day, she is in a desperate situation. How will she care for her six-year-old daughter?
An answered prayer brings two families together. Anika agrees to become a wet-nurse for the family. Delaney needs a safe place to grow up, away from sorrow and fear. Will they find shelter with the Ward family?
Two broken-hearted families must find a way to move past the pain and choose forgiveness. Will they feed the shadows growing in their hearts or allow God to heal their wounds?
Chapter 1
Fall Fair
Pennsylvania
1870
“These are exactly what we were looking for, Miss Ward. The quality is exceptional. We couldn’t ask for more.”
“That’s excellent,” Savannah replies and sips her hot tea.
“Except, that we will ask for more,” Ned Samberg, the lawyer interjects with a laugh.
“Tintypes from the war are selling faster than we can find them. How did you come by these?” Alex Traysor asks.
“I worked as a nurse during the war. Photography is a… hobby of mine.”
Both men fall quiet for a moment as they try to process this bit of information.
“I hope that’s not a problem, gentlemen?” she asks softly and places her cup on the saucer.
“Unusual, yes. A problem? No,” Alex insists and glances at the tintype in front of him again. “Your commission is spelled out in the contract,” Alex Traysor explains and slides an envelope across the white table cloth to her.
“Excellent.” Savannah tucks the envelope into her bag on the floor beside her and draws out a group of new tintypes. “I’m glad you’re pleased. I brought a few of my favorites for you to look over.”
Both men eagerly accept the new tintypes. While they look over them, Savannah glances around the Dahlia Restaurant. It is part hotel, part restaurant and usually busy. Today is no exception. All fifteen round tables are full, and the bar is standing room only.
With the Fall Fair happening in town she came early to secure a seat, and it’s a good thing she did. It was conveniently located a few blocks from the hotel her family is staying in. Hopefully, they won’t notice she’s gone. Everyone was exhausted from the day at the fair and horse race today. She slipped away after the race. Surprise flickers for a moment when her eyes collide with a familiar pair of dark eyes across the sea of round tables in the room. Her stomach drops and nerves erupt.
Once, before the war, she used to imagine a world in which he would look at her the way he does other women. That was before she grew up. Dayton Patrick is never with the same female for long. Glancing at his frustrated companion, Savannah feels sorry for her. Dayton is a longtime friend of the family and business associate of her brother Glenn, and a potential problem for her. Savannah nods at him and returns to her companions.
Dayton jerks in surprise when he recognizes Savannah Ward across the room.
“You’re so funny, Dayton,” his date giggles.
“Yes,” Dayton replies and his eyes trace over Savannah and pauses on the color of her hair as if anyone could miss it. It’s always fascinated him, and so has the woman. The setting sun chooses that moment to strike her with its golden beam, Dayton frowns, as if she needed help to glow. Savannah has always stood out to him with her kindness, compassion, and grace. While some men would be put off by the pale complexion and freckles sprinkled over the bridge of her nose, he finds her lovely. Dark-blue eyes set off by long black eyelashes, a pert nose, and lush, full lips. Definitely attractive, and he isn’t the only one to notice, he thinks with a frown. She went to war a young girl and came back a stunning woman.
Savannah feels Dayton’s eyes studying her. She ignores him as if she needs to look at his gorgeous face. Once you look at Dayton, the image is burned into your memory. He’s gorgeous, with dark tousled hair, olive skin, clean-shaven face, and he knows it.
Savannah jerks herself back to her companions and laughs at something the young man sitting across from her says. Dayton’s eyes narrow at the unfamiliar flash of jealousy and his body stiffens when one of them slides her an envelope. What exactly is she up to now? He’s aware that she traveled with the Sisters of Mercy as a nurse during the war and was home for good now.
It was apparent when he visited her brother a few months ago to buy his horse that she wasn’t interested in him. As a family friend and business associate, he respectfully kept his distance, but watching her
