Free The Bride Backfire by Kelly Eileen Hake

all the blows that day, this hit the hardest. Worse even than the smash of the butt of Pete’s shotgun against his skull in response to his outburst.
    Disoriented, it took everything he had to remain on his feet. Feminine protests broke against male pride, and Adam knew it wouldn’t be long before he met his Maker. The fog cleared to a vicious throbbing that must have affected his hearing. How else to explain what Opal was saying?
    â€œWhat?” Four other men exploded with the question he would have asked if his vocal chords cooperated.
    Tears poured down Opal’s cheeks. She stared at him, imploring him to understand the impossible as she repeated, “You can’t kill the man who’s going to be the father of my child.”

CHAPTER 9
    â€œShe’s overset—doesn’t know what she’s saying.” Elroy grasped at straws to excuse her declaration.
    â€œI know full well what I’m saying!” Opal also knew full well her face turned bright enough to rival a raspberry. Adam didn’t say a word, which showed she’d been right about him catching on quickly. If he’d acted surprised, the jig would be up. Instead...
    â€œYou die now, Grogan.” Pa shoved the barrel of his shotgun in Adam’s gut. “Opal, you should’ve told me the day this filth laid a hand on you. Don’t worry about a thing. We’ll take care of everything.”
    â€œNo!” Opal thrust herself between Pa and Adam, dislodging the gun. “How can you take care of it?”
    â€œHe took advantage of you, we take his life.” Ben tried to pry her away, murder in his eyes. “It’s not your fault he forced you.”
    â€œAdam would never force a woman!” Indignation on his behalf filled her. “Apologize right now!”
    â€œYou—” Pa grappled before abandoning the words. “Willingly?” Disbelief mingled with hope, making Opal realize her father loved her so much he’d rather she betray him with his enemy’s son than suffer what he feared.
    A fresh wave of tears shook her. “I swear to you he never forced me.” She couldn’t stand to think what her brothers thought of her now. “Adam wouldn’t hurt a woman.”
    â€œ That’s true.” The emphasis Adam placed on the first word made Opal wince.
    â€œWe should still kill you”—Elroy practically shook with the force of his emotion—“for showing disrespect to our sister. Opal deserves better.”
    â€œAbsolutely.” Adam’s swift agreement took the wind from her brother’s sails for a moment, making Opal wonder.
    Does he mean I deserve respect, or is he saying I deserve someone other than him because he doesn’t want me—even if it spares his life? Sorrow swamped her at the idea.
    â€œYou’re sure?” Pa stared at her midriff. “You’re going to make him a father?”
    â€œGod willing.” Opal prayed for forgiveness. She knew where this would lead—and that if she bore children, Adam would be their father. In the strictest sense, she hadn’t told a lie. Deliberately misleading her father was more than enough to haunt her. “I’m so sorry, Pa.”
    â€œToo late for sorrys.” Elroy’s mutter sliced through her heart. “What are we gonna do now?”
    â€œAin’t it obvious?” Pa didn’t so much as glance at her. “Get the preacher.”
    ***
    â€œYou can’t be serious.” Midge, realizing her mouth hung open, snapped it shut. Though, come to think of it, she’d never seen Peter Speck look so solemn.
    â€œPa sent me to fetch the preacher and a witness.” He shoved his hands in his pockets, as though bracing for a blow.
    â€œOpal said she’s carrying Adam Grogan’s babe, and your Pa’s got a shotgun trained on him while you bring the preacher?” She wanted to be sure she had the facts right. “ Opal?