Homespun Bride

142 Homespun Bridebut she was offering Thad money for his work here,but he wouldn’t take a cent.” There was a clink ofironware and a rustle as Sadie moved closer. “He saidhe wasn’t the kind of man who stayed on to take advantageof a family in need.”That did not surprise her in the least. That was theman she used to know. “Did he say why?”“He said as much as he needed a wage, he wasn’thelping out for money.” There was a clatter and clinkof ironware. “Considering the way Thad looks at you,I thought you ought to know.”Emotions swelled in her throat until she couldscarcely speak. “How does he look at me?”“Like you are Sunday morning dawning, all brightand new. Well, now, I’ve got to get this up to the mister.”Sadie breezed on by and left the door swinging in herwake.The thud, thud, thud, clink seemed to echo in thestillness, and the emotions tangled in her throat hurtuntil her eyes teared. Why was he doing all this? Andfor no gain for himself? This was the Thad she’d fallenin love with all those years ago.She forced her feet to carry her forward and downthe cool hallway. The north wing felt especially coldthis morning. She shivered, but it wasn’t the kind ofcold a fire could warm. With every step she took, thesound of Thad’s ax faded into silence. She was thankfulfor that.Leave the past where it belongs, Noelle. She ran herfinger along the hallway wall, counting the doorwaysso she could find her way. Silence seemed to close inaround her, bringing with it all the sore, raw edges ofthe questions she was too afraid to ask. She could no