Forever by Your Side (Willamette Brides #3) - Tracie Peterson Page 0,79

guessed doctors were just as human as everyone else.

The next morning, as Tom helped Adam Browning care for his livestock, he couldn’t help but think of Connie. She had felt so right in his arms. All he wanted was to tell her how much he loved her—how he wanted to spend his life with her.

“Tom, check the leg wound on the bay, would you?”

“Sure thing, Mr. Browning.” Tom inspected the wound. “It’s healing nicely.”

“Thanks. Would you mind turning him out in the pen?”

Tom led the bay to the outdoor pen and removed the lead and bridle. Besides thinking of Connie, he thought of the transformation that had happened in his own life. Connie’s father had helped him see that God did exist. It hadn’t happened in one stellar moment, but rather in a long presentation of truth. Adam Browning had used the Bible, but also had proven God in nature and by the word of his own testimony. His patience and kindness toward Tom had struck a deep chord. If his own father had been a godly man, Tom might never have doubted God’s existence.

He turned at the sound of someone approaching and saw a worried-looking Isaac entering the barn. Tom made his way back inside and found Isaac whispering something to his father.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

They both looked at Tom. Isaac glanced around, then spoke in a whisper. “We should get inside. There’s trouble brewing.”

They headed into the house. “Mother?” Isaac moved through the kitchen into the dining room. The aroma of sausage gravy and biscuits filled the air.

Mrs. Browning and Mrs. Kenner sat in the front room, reading the Bible. They smiled when they looked up, and Mrs. Browning asked, “Ready for breakfast?”

“There’s going to be trouble,” Isaac answered. “Where’s Uncle Lance?”

“Upstairs,” his mother replied. “Why?” She frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“Ruth Sheridan died. One of Sam’s friends learned of it and has gone to find Sam. Worse yet, he knows Faith had something to do with the delivery.”

Mrs. Kenner gasped and put her hand to her throat.

Mrs. Browning sighed. “We knew it was a possibility. The tribes all believe that if the doctor can’t save the patient, they too should die. Hope and I were just talking about that yesterday.”

“We should get them out of here. Faith isn’t safe, and Connie might not be either.”

Mrs. Browning nodded. “How long do we have?”

“Not long. Sam was in the north gathering horses, but he’ll leave that in a heartbeat when he hears the news.”

“Then we haven’t much time,” Mr. Browning declared.

A hard knock pounded on the front door. Tom was closest and went to see who it was.

Clint Singleton came inside without invitation, pushing past Tom. “We’ve got trouble.”

“We know,” Adam Browning replied.

Singleton frowned. “You know about the soldiers?”

“What soldiers?” Tom asked before Mr. Browning could.

“There are several companies of soldiers coming our way. No one knows why, but word has spread among the Indians that they’re coming here to kill everyone.”

“The soldiers may actually be to our benefit,” Mercy Browning said. “Faith and Connie helped Sam Sheridan’s wife, Ruth, yesterday. She was in labor, and the baby didn’t make it. Isaac just told us that neither did Ruth. Sam’s friend has gone to find him. He will no doubt demand a blood price.”

“You’re right. The soldiers may well be our salvation,” Clint said. “Where are Faith and Connie now?”

“Upstairs. They had such a rough time of it yesterday that we let them sleep in.”

“You should get them out of here. Maybe you should all go,” Clint said, shaking his head. “I don’t think any of this is going to calm down so long as you’re here.”

Mrs. Browning turned to her sister. Mrs. Kenner was positively white. “Hope, you should pack your things. We’ll get you an escort and get you out of here before Sam can harm Faith.”

“Take Connie with you. If she was a part of this, she won’t be safe either,” Adam declared.

Tom wasn’t sure what part he should play. He wanted to make sure Connie stayed safe, however. “I can help them get away,” he offered.

“Thank you, Tom,” Mr. Browning said.

Mrs. Browning headed for the stairs. “I’ll go wake the girls and get them packing.”

“I’ll get our things packed,” Mrs. Kenner said, hurrying away.

“I’m serious,” Clint said, looking at the men, “you should probably all go.”

Mrs. Browning stopped at this and came back. “I won’t leave, Adam.”

Mr. Browning shook his head. “I don’t believe they’ll hurt Mercy or me, but anyone who is a stranger might be