Free Autumn's Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher Page A

stepped into the aisle, waiting for the children and Luvena to exit the pew.
    What choice do I have but to leave? I must marry. I’ve no other option .
    Outside, the air was golden on this late September day. While they waited for the Dubois family to come out of the church, Clay introduced Luvena to a few people she hadn’t met the previous Sunday. He should have been introducing everyone to her as his wife instead of as Miss Abbott.
    The thought stung, and her melancholy increased with each forced smile, each nod of the head, each shake of the hand.
    Ask him. Talk to him .
    Ask him what? Talk to him about what?
    Shannon Dubois—holding a toddler of about one year, the little girl wearing a frilly dress and bonnet—stepped into the sunshine. Matthew followed right behind his wife, bent at the waist as he held the hand of a small boy, perhaps three years of age. Shannon said something to her father, then came down the steps to the street. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
    â€œYou didn’t,” Luvena replied, glad for the interruption from her thoughts.
    â€œCome along then. We’ll make the rest of the introductions once we reach the house. That’s it on the hillside there.” Shannon pointed toward their destination.
    They set off walking, the two women leading the way.
    â€œI’m so glad you agreed to come.” Shannon shifted the little girl in her arms, now bracing her on a hip.
    â€œWhat’s her name?” Luvena asked.
    â€œAdelyn, after my mother. We call her Addie.”
    â€œShe’s adorable.” Luvena touched the little girl’s soft cheek with her fingertips.
    Shannon laughed softly. “You won’t hear any argument from me.” She cast a quick glance behind her. “You have a fine family too. Your sister’s children. Is that right?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œMy husband’s sister was widowed in the war, and after she died, her son came to live with us. He was like our own son from the very start. I promise you, raising your nieces and nephew will be worth whatever sacrifices you have to make.”
    â€œIt’s no sacrifice.”
    â€œI know better, Luvena. You must have given up a great deal to care for them after their parents died.” Shannon’s expression was both kind and solemn. “There is always sacrifice involved when one loves another. Child or adult. Always. But as I said, it’s worth it.”
    Luvena missed having someone to confide in, someone she could trust with her deepest secrets and most private thoughts. Her sister had filled that role in her life for as far back as she could remember. But Loretta was gone; Luvena felt so alone without her. If she could have stayed in Grand Coeur, she and Shannon would have become fast friends. She was sure of it.
    As if reading Luvena’s thoughts, Shannon asked in a near whisper, “Why aren’t you staying?”
    Because Clay doesn’t want to marry me, and I must find a man who does . She swallowed the ache that rose in her throat.
    Shannon’s discernment continued. “You could change his mind, Luvena.”
    â€œNo, I don’t think so.”
    â€œHave you tried? Have you told him how you feel?”
    How I feel? I’m not sure how I feel .
    Perhaps Shannon would have said more, but they arrived at the Dubois home right then.
    Luvena didn’t know if she was glad or sorry for it.
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    Dinner was a slightly chaotic event with so many children seated around the table, especially the two Dubois youngsters, but Clay couldn’t help thinking this was how families were supposed to be. Not the chaos, in particular. He’d seen plenty of that as a boy growing up with four younger half brothers. But the laughter, the smiles, the genuine affection evident on everyone’s face.
    Happy families. Lucky kids. The way Matthew and Shannon loved their children and nephew. The way Luvena loved her