Free Ever Bound by Odessa Gillespie Black

her lips over the shaft of one.
    “Grace.” Mrs. Rollins turned a glare on her daughter, then back to her husband. “Charles, I think maybe this is a subject we should speak with the Kinsley’s about at a later date. But it’s a kind offer.”
    Charles waved his glass and wobbled. “I’m sure they’d be pleased to see their son doing more than hauling manure.”
    I almost choked.
    “And it would give him the opportunity to court ladies with a much higher social standing. After such a generous offer, it’d be in his best interest to choose wisely.” Grace chopped the green bean in half with her teeth.
    “That’s a kind offer, Mr. Rollins. One I’ll take into consideration.” I stood and slid my chair under the table. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to turn in early.”
    “I can’t believe you.” Mrs. Rollins gripped Grace’s arm with a gloved hand. “I’m sorry, everyone. Grace hasn’t been quite herself lately. And Charles just gets a little excited when it comes to education.”
    Forks clinked and glasses tinkled as they were placed on the table. Once again, Grace had made a spectacle of herself, and this time had done a wonderful job of pulling me into it.
    Annabeth stared straight ahead as I rounded the table and made my way to the door.
    Mrs. Rollins’s long earrings dangled as she jerked her head toward me. “I’m so sorry, Colby. We’ll talk soon.” She regarded the dinner party. “If you’ll excuse us for a few moments, I’m going to settle Grace into her room for the evening. I’ll return as soon as possible. Carry on with dinner.”
    I slipped into the hallway and leaned against the cool stone walls. I’d never been so embarrassed.
    Mr. Rollins wobbled toward me, his stomach making him front heavy. “My intentions were to honor your hard work. Not to embarrass you. After a few drinks, I forget myself from time to time. And Grace just says what she’s thinking without…thinking. I’ll admit I’d hoped if you were molded into a gentleman, you might decide to marry her. She’s told me of your affections.”
    I almost lost what little dinner I’d been able to eat on his shiny shoes.
    “With all due respect, sir, I don’t have any sort of affections for Grace. Your offer is kind, but I can’t accept.” I left him standing there, not caring if he fired me.
    Grace Rollins would never have me.
    I would run away with Annabeth on my arm if I had to.
    Afraid my legs wouldn’t carry me to the cottage, I waited for use of them again beside the patio door facing the rose maze. The fountain splashed in lulling tones and eased my nausea.
    Holding her skirts as if she were prepared to run, Annabeth rushed out the back door. She scanned the property.
    I took a minute to gaze on her as she scanned the yard. She was too beautiful to be true. Would we ever be together? Would her family allow it?
    Her mother seemed to be the only one with decency. Maybe she’d see my love for Annabeth and allow me to prove I was good enough.
    I clasped my hands around her waist, covered her arms with mine, and brought my lips to her cheek.
    Annabeth gasped, then rested her weight against me. “Please don’t leave. I’m so sorry. My family is crazy.”
    “It’s not your fault. I have to warn you, though. Your sister is going to try anything she can to come between us when she learns of my devotion to you. I’ve never been scared of anything, but I’m terrified of that day. She has your father uncommonly wrapped around her finger.”
    Her arms went around my neck, and she pressed her cheek against my lips. “I’m ashamed to call them family at times. And I’m not worried about her. I’ll fix her when the time comes.” Annabeth turned in my arms and held my face in her hands. “I want you to know I didn’t know the dinner was in honor of you. To my understanding, it was to announce that Mrs. Peachtree had told Father how well you’d done in school, and considering it was your last year, she had