Free Dawn's Prelude by Tracie Peterson

She closed her eyes and sighed.
    The wheels sank into a deep hole, bouncing the wagon hard. Lydia sprang up as if she intended to jump. She didn’t reach for Kjell, but he put out his arm to keep her in place.
    “Sorry. We do the best we can,” he told her.
    Lydia nodded and remained rigid in her seat. She stole a glance at him, and Kjell couldn’t help but return her gaze. My, but she sure is pretty, he thought. Like a spring blossom. He had to admit he wasn’t in the least bit sorry that he’d been the one to catch her.
    With no reserve strength, Lydia let herself lean on Kjell once again. It went totally against her better judgment, but she couldn’t help herself. Men had caused her nothing but pain and misery— always betraying her trust. Still, despite her misgivings, she felt at ease with this man.
    How strange. I’ve never felt comfortable with any man, and now this total stranger leaves me without concern. It’s almost as if I’ve known him a lifetime.
    Paying little attention to the surroundings, Lydia felt her stomach lurch. She was going to be sick again. “Oh, please stop.”
    Kjell reined back on the horses just as Lydia leaned over the side of the wagon. Her abdominal muscles churned violently, bringing up what little was left in her stomach. To her embarrassment, she felt Kjell’s arms slip around her—steadying her as she continued to be sick. She waited for the misery to end and then drew a deep breath.
    “I’m afraid there’s no ladylike way to do this. I’m sorry,” she said in a tone that came out more whimper than anything.
    “Don’t be on my account,” Kjell said, pulling her gently back toward him. “Lots of folks get seasick. I had a friend who didn’t stop feeling the rocking of the waves for weeks.”
    “I hope that won’t be my case,” she said, shaking her head weakly. “I don’t think I could live that long in this state.”
    “I’ll pray it passes much quicker for you,” Kjell stated softly. She didn’t argue with him. If there was even a remote possibility that God truly cared, she would welcome any help in overcoming this sickness.
    “Do you feel good enough for us to go on?” he asked. “Your aunt’s place is just up the hillside over there.”
    Lydia nodded and tried to see the cabin she would soon call home. It looked quite small. What if it was too small? What if Zerelda had no desire for her to stay there?
    “Are there other places to rent?” Lydia asked. “I mean, if my aunt can’t have me.”
    He chuckled. “You’d be hard-pressed to get away from Zerelda once she sees you. Besides, there aren’t any places available.”
    “It’s just that I hate to impose myself upon her. She might not have the room.”
    “My guess is she’ll make the space if she doesn’t have it,” Kjell replied. “But don’t worry about it. If she won’t have you, there are dozens of men in town who would seek your hand in marriage before the sun goes down. Zerelda gets asked at least ten times a day, I’m sure.”
    “That may be. However, they would ask in vain where I’m concerned. I don’t intend to ever marry again.”
    Kjell surprised her by shaking his head. “That husband of yours must have really hurt you.”
    Lydia met his gaze. “You have no idea.”

Chapter 7
    K jell helped Lydia to the cabin door and knocked. “Zee? You in there?”
    A slender woman opened the door. “Kjell, what brings you here?” Her mouth dropped open at the sight of the woman at his side. “Liddie? Is that you?”
    “It’s me,” she replied in a weak voice.
    “She’s not in good shape. Been sick all the way up.” As if on cue, Lydia’s strength gave out, and Kjell caught her as she started to sink. He lifted her into his arms again. “I think she’d better lie down.”
    “I’m so sorry to be a bother,” Lydia interjected while Zerelda and Kjell took over.
    “Bah, you aren’t a bother. Here, Kjell, bring her right in,” the woman declared. “I got the letter