“They understand, Reed.”
“I knew they wouldn’t believe me. I shouldn’t have come home.”
She pressed his arm. “No.”
“I couldn’t protect them from him. I tried. He was too big. After he died, I thought that if I stayed away, they wouldn’t have anyone to fear, but John convinced me it was my duty to take care of my family. That they needed me to set things right. He was wrong.”
“No, Reed. He was right. Ye protected them in there like no one else could.”
“I would never—”
Ann touched her hand to his cheek drawing his gaze to hers. “I believe ye.”
Agitation ceased. The wheels that had spun so furiously stilled. “What did ye say?”
“I meant it.”
“Say it again.”
“I believe ye. It will take some time for yer family to heal, but they will.”
He took a step closer. She opened her arms to receive him. He curled himself around her nuzzling into her neck. In that instant, her heart opened and joined itself to his.
“Annie.” His whisper sent a shiver down to her toes.
Her feet left the ground as joy surged through them. He spun her so fast and strong she thought she’d take flight.
“I see.” Catherine’s sneer brought them back to earth.
“I suggest ye keep still.” Reed admonished through clenched teeth.
~*~
After a dinner of turkey and oysters, Ann sat with her basket in the pink glow of a west-facing window.
“Are ye ready?” Hugh announced into the room.
Griff took a stand beside Hugh in the doorway.
“I will stay here.” Jacob looked at Mattie, who smiled at their joined hands in her lap.
“Where are ye off to?” The Vicar asked.
“Emerson’s Tavern in Tappahannock. A group of old friends getting together to celebrate.” Hugh smirked.
“Oh, well.” The vicar rubbed a hand across his lapel. “Betsy and I are heading home in the morning so we’ll have an early night tonight.”
Reed cast a worried glance at Ann. It was plain he expected her to renege on what she’d said. But she did believe in him. The work the Lord had started in him had borne fruit. The self-control he’d exhibited with Catherine proved it. If she loved him. And she suddenly realized as a sunny glow emanated from her heart, that she did love him. If she did love him, she would have to believe in him and trust him. Believe in his ability to do the right thing no matter the company in which he found himself. Even Hugh’s. How else could they make a life for themselves and their children? She offered him a smile and wink.
His eyebrows raised and he nodded. He followed Hugh out of the room.
“I see ye’ve tamed my nephew,” Clementine said in her usual loud tone. “Are ye worried?”
Ann tensed. “No, I’m not.”
“Well, I am. My son just left in the company of two who were considered quite a wild bunch in their younger days.”
“People change.”
“Not often and not that much,” Clementine pronounced. “Protect yerself.”
“Everything will be just fine,” Ann replied, though a little squiggly line started to worry her belly.
“Clementine.” Mrs. Archer stiffened in her seat. “Really. If ye could have seen Reed the other night with Mother ye wouldn’t say that.”
“If ye say so Margaret. Smith was my brother, but ye lived with him. Ye know better than anyone what he was. My observation is that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
“Mrs. Foster.” Mother Gibson stood from her rocker, Mary carefully nestled in her arm. “I will hear no more slanderous talk of my grandson. When God forgives He forgets.” She pointed a crooked forefinger at Clementine. “It would behoove the rest of us to give it a try.” Mother Gibson crossed the room to claim the empty seat next to Ann and took her hand. The presence of her words calmed the squiggle.
“Don’t worry about him, child,” she whispered. “God has work for him tonight. Let us pray together the work is done to His satisfaction.”
Ann closed her eyes, clasped the old hand, and prayed for Reed. She stopped when Mother retrieved her hand.
“What are ye carving?” Mother peered at the shavings in the basket.
“Knife handles. It’s a late gift.”
“For Reed?”
