Redeeming-Love-By-Francine-Rivers

Twenty
Of all base passions,
fear is most accurs’d.
S H A K E S P E A R E
Michael worried about Amanda’s growing attachment to the Altman family.
John still talked about Oregon as though it were heaven, and spring was
closing in fast. As soon as the weather stayed clear, John would be ready to
move on. Michael knew he couldn’t count on John’s women holding him
back. Good land was the only way to change his mind.
Young Miriam clearly adored Amanda like a sister, and Ruth was her
constant shadow. Elizabeth thought her youngest’s attachment to Amanda
was endearing, but Michael saw danger in it. Amanda was opening her heart
a little more each day. What would happen to her if the Altmans pulled up
stakes and left?
He straightened from digging around the stump and looked back toward
the cabin. Amanda was toting two buckets from the creek. Elizabeth had a
fire going and a big washpot over it, and Miriam was sorting through the
basket of wash. Little Ruth skipped along beside Amanda, chattering gaily.
What she needs is a child of her own, Lord.
“She really took to her, didn’t she?” John said, resting on the pick handle
and watching Ruthie and Amanda.
“Sure did.”
“Something worrying you, Michael?”
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