Homespun Bride

Jillian Hart 271done the only thing she could do, and it was the rightthing.But her life without him was dark. It was like beingblind all over again.Outside on the doorstep, the wind gusted with aspray of wet. Raindrops fell like striking lead, ricochetingoff the earth, making it hard to hear thehorse’s progress up the road. Bleakness washed overher like the heart of the storm. She gripped the porchrail, letting the rain strike her. Would Thad beworking in this gale anyway? Would he be workingon that house of his? Or in the fields turning sod withhis brothers?Wherever he was, she hoped he was happy. Shewould gladly give all of her happiness through herlifetime to him.Matilda joined her at the rail. “If you married Thad,I could help you. It’s not far at all to his new place atthe falls, and I can drive now.”“Oh, Tilly. You’re like a sister to me. I don’t wantthat life for you, always having to help.”Noelle hung her head, letting the rain batter her.Why wasn’t Matilda’s offer reassuring her? Why did itonly make her feel more panicked?Because your blindness isn’t the only reason youcan’t marry Thad. She swiped the wet from her facewith trembling fingers. She no longer felt safe, nolonger sheltered. The storm turned angry, beatingagainst her so hard, it was a surprise it didn’t blowaway her fears like last autumn’s leaves.“It looks as if it won’t last long. It’s starting to breakup to the west.” Matilda moved away from the rail.“Oh, there’s someone at the stables.”