Homespun Bride

Chapter Eighteen“Noelle.”When she held out her hand to him, wet from therain, feelings came to life within his poor heart unlikeanything he’d felt before. True devotion as soft andwarm as a prayer lit him up until he felt as hopeful asa spring dawn. He wanted her. Just her.Only her.“Th-thad. What are you doing here?”“It’s your worst fears come true, darlin’.” He wasn’thurting anymore. He was no longer alone. He was surebeyond all doubt. Rain slanted beneath the porch roof,striking him, and he moved to shadow her from it. Outof the corner of his eye he saw the cousin slip into thehouse and close the door to leave them alone. “I’vecome to change your mind.”“About m-marrying you?” Her heart showed on herface, all of her pure longing and sweet love for him sorevealed to him. His heart wrenched with hope. Thenshe turned away, and sorrow crumpled her face. “Thad,