“Oh, Keturah.” Daniel’s voice was soft and gentle as he placed a hand upon her forearm. “You said at Skaggs’s Station that you knew what it was like to be blamed for your mother’s death. Was it your father who blamed you?”
Keturah’s stomach dropped, and she swallowed. Would Daniel understand? Surely, he would. “Aye. In tryin’ to gain his respect an’ acceptance, I encouraged a dangerous river crossin’ that only he wanted to pursue. Me mither an’ me brother both died that day. Me mither was swept away by the current, an’ me brother went back in to try an’ save her.” A single tear slipped down her cheek. “I blamed meself as well until I met me friend Margaret an’ she helped me realize ’twas not me fault.”
Given how Daniel’s past aligned with hers, perhaps he would hear the relief in her voice and realize that he, too, could be free of the shackles of guilt. But there was still so much pain in his eyes when he met her gaze. So yes, he truly understood the sting of blame and rejection. Of never being good enough.
“It is sometimes difficult to remember the truths of reality when you are being fed a lie. When loneliness seems your only companion.” Daniel’s mouth pulled into a thin line.
Keturah’s heart seemed to twist within her chest.She scanned her husband’s face, taking in every ounce of hurt and pain before she ran her fingers along his jawline. “Now ye dinnae have to be so lonely.”
Daniel slid closer to her on the bench seat. His lips tugged upward as he caressed her cheek with his thumb. Keturah closed her eyes and leaned into his touch. Maybe a husband such as Daniel would be more of a blessing than she ever could have imagined. Not only was his touch so loving and tender that it sent sweet ripples through her middle, but now she had a companion and confidant. One who seemed to fill a broken place inside her. A place that had been lonelier than she ever realized.
But now, as she nestled into her husband’s embrace and accepted his touch, a craving awakened within her soul. A craving for the closeness and understanding he offered. Lifting her eyes to Daniel’s affectionate gaze, she moved closer and placed her hand upon the soft, smooth-shaven skin along his jaw. He closed his eyes for only a moment, and when he opened them, they were filled with the same heat and longing she felt within.
His lips came down to meet hers. They melded so perfectly together, it was as though they had been made for each other. Was it possible God had created this man for her and she for him? After all, what were the chances that two people whose stories coincided so well would find one another?
As she leaned into the sensation of healing that came with Daniel’s kiss, she felt more whole than she had in months, if not years. The homestead was far from her mind as hope for her marriage and her future with her husband bloomed inside her chest. Could there be more to her life than she had ever imagined?
CHAPTER 8
June 30, 1782
Daniel grunted as he and Iain lifted the twelve-foot timber into place. Sweat slid down his chest below where his linen shirt hung open at his neck, and he gave the log a final shove to lock it into the one beneath it. Standing back to admire his work, he rubbed the back of his arm over his brow.
“She’s a’comin’ together.” Iain nodded, his own sleeves rolled above his elbows.
“Thanks to your help.” Daniel clapped his comrade on the shoulder. If it were not for Keturah’s friend, Margaret, and her husband coming for an extended visit, the barn would not be more than halfway complete as it was now.
“We are glad to be here.” The corners of Iain’s blue eyes crinkled as he gave Daniel a weary smile. Thoughthe man’s help had been invaluable, the couple’s actual reason for visiting was to share their joyous news—Margaret was expecting. A tiny addition to the Donegal family was due to arrive in early winter.
“And we are glad to have you.” Daniel returned the man’s smile, then nodded to where the sun hung low over the tree line. “Though I suppose we should wash up before the women call us in for supper.”
“Aye. That we should.” Iain ran a hand through his hair, causing it to stick out at all angles.
Better not to know how disheveled and unpresentable Daniel himself appeared. ’Twas an aspect of frontier life he had come to accept. There was no sense in worrying over one’s presentation when toiling on your own property—or among friends who understood the same. Still, he would wash up and don his waistcoat before they dined with their guests. He had not missed the appreciative glances Keturah sent his way when he wore it.
Iain followed Daniel into the house, where Scamper greeted them with a chorus of happy barks. Daniel bent to ruffle the growing pup’s ears while Iain swooped in to give his wife a kiss. Margaret did not seem to mind that her husband was covered in sweat and grime. Instead, love reflected in her warm gaze as she captured Iain’s hand and rubbed the back of it affectionately.
Daniel’s gaze lifted to where Keturah was setting the table with plates. Her green eyes caught his and she stilled, lips parted. The corners of his mouth lifted asshe ducked back to her task and a flush colored her cheeks.
Over the past month, they had discovered the wonders of intimacy a marriage held. But Keturah appeared a bit insecure in expressing her affections since the arrival of their houseguests. He could not blame her. It was all so new. Unlike the seasoned couple whose toddler played on the floor near the hearth, they were still discovering what love meant. In fact, they had yet to share those exact words with one another. But tonight, Daniel planned to remedy that. After supper, he would give Keturah the ring and declare his love for her.
“Let me finish that, an’ ye can go spend some time with yer husband.” Margaret placed a hand on Keturah’s arm and gave her a knowing smile. Keturah blushed for what seemed the millionth time since her friend’s arrival, but managed to purse her lips and raise her brow.
“Ye dinnae need to be washin’ these dishes for me.”
Margaret chuckled. “Ye know good an’ well a woman cannae stop washin’ dishes simply ’cause she is with child. An’ after all, that is the last one.” Her friend’s lips twisted into a smirk as she pointed to the plate in Keturah’s hand.
Keturah groaned and relinquishedthe dish into Margaret’s care. She had become so caught up attempting to act normal in front of their guests that she had done the complete opposite.
“Ye dinnae need to be afraid to show yer love in front of us,” Margaret added.
She snuck a glance to where Daniel sat on the floor with Iain and his son. Daniel marched little wooden animals across the floor while Alexander imitated their sounds. Her hand went to her stomach. Would their own union be blessed with children soon? Her heart warmed at the idea, and for the first time in a while, prayer came easily.Lord, thank Ye for blessin’ me with such a man, an’ please continue to bless our marriage.
Daniel looked up at her and smiled as though he read her thoughts. Then he excused himself and came to her, offering his arm. “Would you care for a moonlit stroll, m’lady?”
Warmth and affection blossomed in her chest. “Gladly.” She grinned as she accepted his arm and allowed him to usher her from the room. Oh, how this man made her smile.
Out into the refreshing night air he led her. Above them, tiny stars blinked out from an inky black sky. Slowly and silently, they strolled over the dew-dampened ground. The night could not be more perfect. Good friends, mild weather, and a man who loved her.
