She squeezed his hand.
The setting sun cast shadows across the yard as they talked about the future, their plans, and God’s goodness to each of them. Moses and Harriet had agreed to stay on at Rose Hill as caretakers and sharecrop the land. Harriet had decided Lottie and little Jude Liberty were part of their family, so she’d also stay. Natalie invited them to move into the big house, but they said the room above the kitchen had plenty of space for their needs. Lottie would settle into a quarter house once the harvest was complete. When Isaac got older, they planned to set him up in the bachelor’s quarters.
Natalie and Levi came to the decision that once the army vacated Langford Manor, she would sell it to help pay the expenses at Rose Hill. Though she’d worried all these changes would bring about a sense of sadness, she felt nothing but peace when she looked at Levi, knowing her future was with this man, no matter where God took them.
As the evening wore on, Samuel and Isaac settled on their papas’ laps, their eyelids drooping, while the adults shared stories. It was just before dark when Ebenezer’s ears perked, and he rose from his place at Levi’s feet. Natalie watched the dog, who stared toward the road. She glanced in that direction, wondering if he’d spotted a coyote or raccoon. She hoped it wasn’t the skunk that had tried to get into the chicken coop a few nights past.
In a flash, Ebenezer bounded off the porch and ran out of the yard.
“What got into him?” Levi asked.
Moses, still sitting on the bottom step with his back against the rail posts, craned his neck. “Look like someone be comin’ on foot.” He set sleepy Isaac on the step and stood.
Natalie strained to see in the dimming light. Indeed, two figures emerged from the shadows of the trees, making their way toward the house. Ebenezer happily trotted beside them.
“My Lord Jesus,” Moses breathed, taking two steps forward.
Harriet stood.
With tears streaming down his face, Moses turned to her. “The Lord Jesus done answered your prayers, wife.” Harriet rushed down the steps and stared at the two figures approaching.
Natalie stood and moved to the edge of the porch. After laying Samuel on the swing, Levi joined her. He put his arm around her shoulders, and she leaned into him.
She could see the strangers now. Two young Negro men trudged through the dust as though they’d walked many miles to get there. A small pack was slung over each weary back.
Moses took off at a run, and Harriet was right behind. Seeing them, the young men broke into a sprint, closing the gap. When Moses reached them, his wide arms captured both men in a fierce embrace, his cries echoing in the still night. Harriet drew up close, and one of the men broke free from Moses and practically fell into her outstretched arms. Her wails reached the heavens. Little Isaac watched the reunion with wide eyes before running to join his family.
“Oh, Levi,” Natalie whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.
His arm tightened around her, and she buried her face in his chest. How many prayers had Moses and Harriet said, asking for this very thing? How many families were yet praying for the sweetness of being together once again?
When she looked up at Levi’s emotion-filled eyes, she touched his face. “You did this. You and Corporal Banks and all the others who fought to end slavery. You gave them freedom. You gave them a new life.”
He cupped her chin, smoothing her cheek. “God did this, my love. For them, and for you, and for me, and for Samuel. Freedom isn’t just for the slaves.” He kissed her forehead and drew her close. “A new beginning awaits us all.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thirty years ago when I married my best friend, I could have never imagined all the adventures life would take us on. Thank you, Brian, for loving me and supporting all my wild and crazy ideas. You are the hero of my heart. Forever and ever, amen.
To my sons, Taylor and Austin, as the dedication of this book says, you are my joy, my pride, my heart. Though you have become tall, handsome, and brilliant young men, you will always be my little boys. While writing the final scene of the book, tears rolled down my face, imagining how I would have felt being reunited with you after believing you were lost to me forever. My heartfelt prayer is that we will live out eternity in side-by-side mansions in glory.
Much thanks to my agent, Les Stobbe, for your trusted advice and faithful encouragement. I’m so grateful to have you on my team.
Long before I send a manuscript to my editors, my amazing critique and prayer partner, Paula Scott Bicknell, reads it. Thank you, sweet Paula, for your friendship, your prayers, and your expertise in all things writing. I’m ever so thankful we met at the ACFW conference in Denver many moons ago.
Thank you to my fabulous editors at LPC. Pegg Thomas and Robin Patchen, working with you both on this project has been a joy. Thank you, Eddie Jones, and all the fine folks at LPC who worked on this book in various ways. I’m honored to be a Smitten author.
So many, many friends and family members have supported and encouraged me in my writing endeavors. I appreciate each and every one of you. A few special mentions are Shirley Shocklee, Steve and Chrys Chaparro, Becky Shocklee, and Kim Ulibarri. You make my heart smile.
A huge, heartfelt thank you to all the readers of The Planter’s Daughter. Your enthusiasm for Adella and Seth’s story is every writer’s dream. Thank you for the emails, the many five-star reviews, and for waiting patiently for the next installment in the series.
I would be remiss if I
