Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE

Another round of sleet hurtled across the ridge, pelting my face and hands with shards of ice as painful as shattered glass. Soon, I would have to admit that my promised task couldnt be finished. One long row of carrots remained to be lifted and the growing darkness was coming to put an end to my efforts.

I turned toward the main building of the convent and whispered a plea for a last bit of strength and stamina. What came to me instead was real help, my beloved husband, Cade. I could tell that he was angry as he came down the row to meet me.

He scowled from the twists of muffler wrapped around his neck. Sara, I had no idea youd gone back out this afternoon. I thought you were curled up in front of the fire, napping. Why do I always seem to find you tangled with the forces of nature in some gigantic battle of wills? What can I do to help you finish?

At least hed brought some common sense back into my world, and I was thankful once again for his steadying influence in my life. I shrugged my shoulders in defeat.

We cant finish. In fact, what we should do is just hill up the last row with soil and mark it with sturdy stakes. Then, well pray that some dear little novice from the Middle West will come out here into the garden next spring and have something to do, while she weeps with homesickness for her family and the life she left behind.

We were loading the last carrots, when I realized how close I was to hypothermia. I need to get inside, Cade. Im freezing cold and have no reserves left.

He didnt wait to discuss it. He walked with me down the hill to the back door of the kitchen and then returned for the wheelbarrow of carrots. There was only one entrance he was allowed to use, so I made some scalding hot tea and went there to wait for him. My hands were beginning to swell in the warmth of the room as he slipped in the door and accepted his mug in silence.

Wed come to Willow Run seeking respite from the constant roar and thundering of the huge planes from Mountain Home air base in south Idaho. They flew twenty-four hours a day now since September 11th. Cades plumbing skills had come in handy again, as he traded our board and room for some needed repair work in the convent bathrooms. It was already late October and we planned to head east to Pennsylvania and the tiny town of Campbells Point soon, before the weather turned too bad to travel.

I asked him, Are you about done with the work that you promised Mother Alice Marie?

I finished this morning. Ive been doing paper work this afternoon getting ready for our next move.

I took his hands in mine. Could we leave tomorrow morning? This weather has really spooked me. Im worried about the traveling we have ahead.

He took a little longer to answer than I expected, as though he were measuring his words with care. I had a phone call from Johnson early this morning. He asked if we would be willing to come back for a while to help out with the dogs so he can go to get Anna. Tim wants to be home by Thanksgiving and it should be possible to work it out.

Yes, of course. Ive had my respite and Im ready to go back into the world again. Ill go start packing.

You wont need to. Ive already done it. Lets say some very short goodbyes and head out within the hour. We need to get to the ranch by tonight.

I had a feeling that there was more to this quick trip back to Mountain Home than he was telling me. I was filled with increasing dread, the closer we got to the ranch. At least it was a little warmer in the valley and I was finally warm after my dangerous day of outdoor work.

The dog business was going well and I could see thered been several new litters of pups born since we left. I was Johnsons silent financial partner as well as his sometime helper, but thanks to Tim Campbells coming from Pennsylvania, I was able to leave with a clear conscience. Tim was out doing the last of the chores. He looked up and waved as we went by. Johnson met Cade at the back door and they went off to the office together.

I stopped in the kitchen to see about supper. The men would be glad to have me back doing that chore, as well as the others in the pens. The soup was ready to dish up when everyone, including my dear German shepherd, Violet, gathered in the kitchen. Tims smile was as sunny and sweet as ever. His brilliant Campbell red hair was a little shaggy but he looked contented and happy.

Maam, its great to see you. We sure missed you and the Commander. Its not as much fun with just two guys. I cant wait to get Tricia out here and show her what the West is like. People are really different, more independent and a little less trusting. You get used to it.

Tims chatter continued, as I stopped in my tracks. How could I have been so foolish as to believe that my new husband, Cade, was only a plumber and only guarding me for his brothers sake? Of course he would have been in it up to his ears all these years, just like his brother Michael. What a perfect cover he had forged, and now Id found out from the mouth of a babe.