Free Molly Noble Bull by The Winter Pearl Page B

some things she has to do first. Promises to keep.” Dr. Harris turned his smile on Jeth. “And we want you to perform the ceremony. Will you, son?”
    Jeth nodded. “I would be honored. Welcome to the family, Doctor.”
    “Welcome to my family, son.” The doctor patted Jeth on the back. “I guess you’ll really be my son soon, won’t you.”
    “Yes, sir. I guess I will.”
    Jeth was glad his mother had found love again after all these years, and he’d always liked Dr. Harris. But he couldn’t help wondering what would become of the boardinghouse after his mother married.
    Should he start looking for a new place to live?

Chapter Six
    L ate-afternoon shadows darkened the cream-colored walls of Honor’s bedroom. She barely noticed. Turning on her side to examine Jeth’s face, she struggled to keep the heavy, brown and rose-colored patchwork quilt over her shoulders. The wood-burning stove wasn’t lit, but she felt warm and safe under the covers.
    Again, Jeth sat in the chair by her bed. His dark, curly hair looked thick and shiny. Lights flickered in his blue eyes.
    Honor owed Jeth and his mother a huge debt of gratitude for finding her on the road when they did. However, she still hoped to leave as soon as possible. Next time she wouldn’t write a letter revealing her plans. Nor did she intend to give any information about her past.
    Jeth leaned forward as if he had something important to say. “Are you all right, Miss McCall?”
    He placed his hand on her forehead as he’d done before, and she felt his rough fingers.
    “You don’t have a fever, ma’am. I sure am glad.”
    She thought he looked a little flustered as he removed his hand. Had touching her face embarrassed him?
    “Mama said you haven’t been sleeping well—that before you really came to yourself, you tossed and turned a lot. Once she heard you scream like you’d just had a bad dream. As a pastor, I would like to help, if I can. Is something bothering you?”
    “Nothing’s bothering me,” she lied. “But what happened on the stagecoach was frightening. The dreams are probably the result of that, don’t you think?”
    “That’s possible, of course.”
    He cocked his head, and she wondered if he truly believed her explanations. Or did he know her for the thief and liar she actually was?
    “Would you like me to send a message to your uncle so he’ll know what happened to you?” he asked. “I think it might help.”
    “My uncle?” Honor stiffened. “No! Don’t write him!”
    She thought his steady gaze had a skeptical edge to it, and she immediately regretted her response. It had been too emotional, too strong. She should have spoken more calmly, given logical answers. Forcing a smile, Honor tried to swallow the lump in her throat.
    “I would rather you not tell my uncle about the stage robbery or where I am,” she said softly, at last.
    “Why not?”
    She quickly searched her mind for an answer, a lie. “We quarreled and shouldn’t see each other for a while.”
    “Very well.” Jeth frowned. “But you should know that I disagree with you. I think you should contact your uncleas soon as possible.” A skeptical expression remained on his face. “Nevertheless, I will honor your wishes.”
    Her problems with her uncle went far beyond a mere quarrel. Still, it would be too embarrassing if churchgoing people like Jeth and his mother knew the real reasons she never wanted to see Lucas again. Not only would it hurt to admit that Lucas was an evil man, but also Honor didn’t want the Peters to know about her sins.
    “Do you have any other relatives who I might contact?” Jeth placed his elbow on the arm of his chair and propped his chin in his hand. “Like a mother and a father?”
    “My parents were missionaries living in Mexico when they died of a fever. I was too young to remember them. My two older brothers died when my parents did. My aunt and grandmother were the only relatives I had.”
    He grew silent, but an