Homespun Bride

198 Homespun Bridebe around much after tomorrow. Finn’s getting out.I’ve already spoken to Robert about it.”Oh. The air whooshed out of her lungs. She feltdeflated. Her heart squeezed. “A-are you leaving us forgood, then?”“You knew I couldn’t stay.”She knew. Sadness ribboned through her spirit,taking the joy from the afternoon with it. She straightenedher spine and set her chin. Of course, she had to bepractical. Thad had a whole life to live and dreams tofind.She counted her steps from the rail to the doorknoband when she reached out, her hand found the chinaknob perfectly. “I guess this is really goodbye.”“Not a chance, pretty lady. I’ll be by when Robertis up for a few lessons on handling horses. And I’ll beby to see you, if that’s all right?”To see her? As a friend, she wondered, or as more?She turned the knob and forced her feet to carry heracross the threshold and she counted her steps beforeshe turned to face Thad. She lifted the guards aroundher heart firmly into place. Hurting, yes she washurting, but she forced a smile onto her face. “I’d liketo see you again, Thad. You’ll al-always be a friend.”Utter silence. He didn’t speak. He didn’t move. Nota shuffle or a rasp or an exhale.“Noelle” came Robert’s voice from his chair at the farend of the parlor. “Invite Thad in for a chat, won’t you?”“No,” Thad answered smoothly, quietly, before shecould agree. “I’ve got to get home. Work to do.”“Work?”“Aiden’s land. We’re about done building anotherbarn. Next there’s the fences to mend, harnesses to