Savannah pauses at the door when his words strike home. Truth rushes through her, and she covers her mouth with her good hand. “No,” she gasps.
“I know, it stinks when we realize we have some work to do,” his eyes soften when he watches her turn back to look at him. They are brother and sister in a battle for their souls.
“What do I do, Eli?” she pleads.
“You pray, and then you release this blasted promise.” Gently he takes her good hand and pulls her back into the center of the room. “You live, you laugh, and you find love.” he smiles. “What you don’t do is hide any longer!”
“I’ll try.” Savannah smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes yet.
“Not good enough.” Eli looks at her, “I need a promise from you.”
“What?” Savannah huffs.
“Yep, you heard me. You gave one to Oliver, and now I want one from you. I want you to trust me with these images. Trust me to honor the sacrifice my brother made, the sacrifice you made in bringing them home to us. Let me take care of these, and I promise that you won’t regret it.” Eli is so intent on her that he sees the relief enter her eyes and his heart rejoices.
“Really?” she sobs, “Eli, it’s not an easy thing to carry,” she glances at the bags, Oliver’s and hers nestled together on the table.
“You’ve carried it long enough. Promise me that you will release this burden and carry on with the life you were meant to live.”
“I shouldn’t do it, but I’m ready to let it go, Eli.” Savannah straightens her shoulders and smiles, but this time her eyes shine with relief. “I promise.”
Eli grins and pulls her in for a hug. “Thank you,” he whispers. “For everything.”
“You’re welcome.”
Dayton sits with the Marshall in the kitchen, going over the details and supplying the evidence needed to build a strong case against Senator Buren. “Do you think it’s enough?”
“Hell yes. This is what we needed. Irrefutable evidence. Are you coming with me? The train for Washington leaves in two hours.”
Savannah enters the room hearing the last sentence and stares at Dayton. Fury, fear, anger, and guilt, all beat at her. She knew he would leave her at some point, she’s just not ready yet. “Gentlemen, excuse the interruption, I’m just on my way out to enjoy this beautiful spring day.”
Dayton scans her, surprised to see that she’s no longer wearing the sling and his mouth falls open in shock when he realizes she is wearing denims with a white shirt and boots. Savannah rushes from the room, and he jumps when Deidrick starts laughing. “I can see the answer to my question.”
An answering grin spreads across his face. “Washington no longer holds the appeal it once did.”
“I can see that,” Deidrick teases.
“I’m not afraid to admit it. I’m not letting her out of my sight.”
“I hope it works out for you, Dayton. I’ll try to get this wrapped up quickly so I can visit this race I keep hearing about. News is spreading fast and excitement. Do you think you can win?”
“Hell, yes. I’m a Patrick. We never lose,” Dayton sits back with a grin.
Kristin runs inside the kitchen looking upset, and sags in relief when she sees Dayton. “There you are! Dayton, I tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen.”
Dayton leaps to his feet, heart pounding, “What’s wrong?”
“Savannah took a horse. The doctor cleared her yesterday, but if she falls wrong, well…”
Dayton burst from the house, followed by Deidrick. They run around the back of the barn and skid to a stop. Savannah is leaned low over the horse, whispering to it, encouraging it to run, and it’s a sight to behold. Horse and rider race across the field, as if one unit. Her long red curls burst free of the band holding them, and his body reacts instantly. Savannah’s laughter wraps around him, and he watches her enjoy the freedom of the moment. She looks like a wildfire bursting across the fields.
“Damn,” Dayton says and runs for his horse, followed by the sound of Deidrick’s laughter.
“I think this Patrick has met his match.”
Chapter 34
Savannah leans low and whispers to the mare, giving her some freedom and drawing on the energy she feels wrapping around her. What is that feeling? Her laughter bursts free, “Its freedom!” She sits on her mount, allowing the wind to blow her hair and wash away all her doubts and worry.
A new promise has taken hold in her heart, and she means to keep it. A Ward always keeps her word, she reminds herself and slows the horse. Glancing around on the hilltop she surveys the land before her.
‘I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born. Isiah 66:9’ The verse floats through her mind and excitement ripples. Hope is a flame, burning inside of her.
Glenn sent a telegram explaining that they are going to Virginia for a week to finish up the sale of Anika’s family land. They will be delayed for a week. Truthfully, she is grateful for more time with Dayton.
Meeting the Irwin’s has been awful and wonderful all at the same time. She closes her eyes and gives a quick prayer, thanking God and asking him to watch over her family on their journey.
Pain flutters at the back of her mind, but she pushes it back. Her headaches are gone now, and her the doctor said she was free to remove the sling, reminding her to use it as needed. She swings her legs down from the mare and ties the reins to a heavy stick, while she chews contentedly on some grass.
Savannah stretches, lifting her arm the
