Free Married by Christmas by Karen Kirst Page B

Throughout the long recovery, not once had she abandoned him. Devotion like that was rare. And Adam had turned his back on it as if it meant nothing.
    “Why did he leave?” he asked.
    The blade lifted from his skin. Jade eyes penetrated his. There need be no explanation as to who he was. “He said he’d changed too much to be the husband I needed him to be.”
    “You tried to convince him otherwise.”
    Betrayal flared deep in her eyes. “He didn’t believe me.”
    “Becca, I—”
    “No more questions.” Her lips firmed. And seeing as how she wielded a sharp weapon in her hand and he was her least favorite person in the world, he complied.
    She was just finishing up when boots sounded on the porch, followed by a sharp rap.
    Caleb tensed.
    “Relax.” She laid aside the razor. “It’s probably Louis and the others.”
    But it wasn’t Louis or the sheriff or even Doc. It was Reverend Monroe. The sight of him troubled Caleb, though why it should he couldn’t quite pinpoint.
    “Reverend,” she exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”
    * * *
    Rebecca clamped her lips together. That sounded incredibly rude. And a touch guilty? “I—I didn’t expect to see you today.”
    While she liked and respected him, he would surely share Louis’s opinion about their situation. A lot of folks in Gatlinburg knew her and Caleb well enough not to suspect them of wrongdoing, but there were those who made it their business to judge and condemn. Knowing that appearances were everything in their society, would he try to convince them it was in their best interest to marry?
    Shrewd eyes set in a kind face slipped past her to where Caleb sat wiping the remaining bits of shaving cream from his lean cheeks. It didn’t take Reverend Monroe long to assess the cozy, domestic scene. Her stomach clenched. What unfortunate timing.
    “I was at Doc’s office when Louis stopped by and explained what happened. I wanted to check on young Caleb here, as well as you and Amy.”
    Through the open doorway, Rebecca saw the sheriff dismounting his horse and Doc descending the squat, black buggy, medical bag in hand.
    “That was considerate of you,” she forced the words out. “Please, come in.” She pulled the door wider, masking her upset with what she hoped was a casual expression. “Can I take your hat?”
    Handing it to her with a nod of thanks, he smoothed his short silver hair and proceeded to slip the buttons of his bulky coat free. This was to be a long visit, then.
    “How are you holding up, Rebecca?” he asked quietly.
    “Fine. Just fine.” She pressed clammy hands to her midsection. “Would you like coffee?”
    “That would certainly chase the chill away.”
    She ignored the questioning look Caleb shot her as she swept past. Going through the motions of heating water and setting out mugs, her hands shook. There’s no reason to be nervous. I’ve done nothing wrong. Even if the subject of marriage comes up, no one can force me into it. Besides, Caleb would never agree.
    Soon her tiny cabin was overrun with virile males. Doc Owens was extracting bottles and instruments from his battered leather bag. The reverend had taken up residence on the settee, petting a blissful-looking Storm while speaking with Amy, who’d come to investigate the commotion. The aloof and ruggedly handsome Sheriff Shane Timmons held himself apart, sharp gaze missing nothing. There was no sign of Louis.
    The middle-aged physician took Caleb’s wrist in hand to check his pulse. “I’ll need to take a look at that wound, son.”
    Color etched Caleb’s chiseled cheekbones. He was clearly unhappy being the center of attention. No doubt his current state of helplessness grated, too. He’d never been patient with his own limitations, pushing himself to the edge and beyond. She used to think he did it for the thrills. Now she wondered if there wasn’t some deeper, hidden reason.
    Rebecca approached the wingback chair where her sister sat. “Amy, let’s