Rebecca (Angel Creek Christmas Brides #15) - Lily Graison Page 0,45

that how’d she’d made it through the storm?

She chewed her bottom lip, her thoughts racing. If she could get to that sled, then she could get out of town the same way Diana Hale had come in.

And what makes you think the owner of the sled will do that for free? You know people aren’t as kind as you’d like them to be.

She groaned and buried her face in her arms. How many times had she asked for help? For a crust of bread? Only to be scorned and yelled at? People were self absorbed and thought of no one but themselves most of the time. Only a select few would help those in need.

The people she’d met here seemed kinder than most. Maybe whoever owned that sled would take her to the next town, wherever that may be.

Wiping her face dry, she stood, her bones stiff from sitting in such a tight position for so long. She eased her way to the door and turned her head, putting it near a gap in the boards. She listened for long minutes but heard nothing. No one was calling her name.

You mean Diana’s name.

She pushed the thought away and eased the door open. A bone-cutting wind nearly took her breath. She needed to find a coat or a blanket—something, or getting out of town would be the least of her problems. She’d come close to freezing to death once before and the pain was unbearable until the body went numb.

Snow and ice crunched under her boots as she headed across the backyard of the house she was behind. She hurried to the row of buildings that lined the street and made her way along them until she got to the church. The breath she’d been holding exploded from her lungs when she spotted the sled. Whoever owned it was still there.

She ran across the road, the snow getting deeper by the minute. She’d never ridden in a sled before. It had to be more comfortable than a stagecoach.

A dark brown piece of cloth sat folded on the seat of the sled. A blanket if she had to guess. Other than that, it was empty. She eyed the building, blowing into her hands while contemplating going inside. Would someone who knew Caleb know who she was? Would they want to know what she was doing? Why she wanted to leave?

The plan to hitch a ride on the sled started to fall apart the longer she stood there. If whoever was in that building knew Caleb, then they’d know about her and there was no way they wouldn’t ask why she was leaving with nothing but the dress she wore. Would they send someone to run and fetch Caleb?

The thought hadn’t even fully formed in her mind when she heard his voice. The sound of it caused her entire body to lock down tight, her limbs freezing. She whipped around and saw him a moment later. He stepped around the corner and thankfully ran in the opposite direction.

“Diana!”

She ducked her head, the misery she’d felt running away from his home hitting her all at once. She had to leave. Now. Lie low until the storm passed then get out of town.

The sound of Caleb’s voice faded into the distance and Rebecca raised up into a half crouch. She saw him heading down the street and watched him until he turned the corner.

Go to him. Maybe he won’t be mad.

The thought was followed by, you lied to him, deceived him and his family and friends. Why would he not be mad?

Her heart clenched. He wouldn’t be looking for me if he was mad, would he?

The sound of voices made her pulse jump. She saw shadows moving near the corner of the building across from her. She ducked her head and searched the street. Run, Rebecca.

She grabbed the blanket from the seat of the sled, turned and ran. She had no idea where she was going but one thing was certain—she couldn’t stay.

Chapter 13

The sun had been down for hours. Caleb’s steps were slow as he climbed onto his porch, his heart weary. He paused at the door, leaning his forehead against the cold wood, the fear he felt leaving him numb.

He let himself in. The room was quiet, the fire banked. Amanda was on the sofa wrapped in a blanket fast asleep. His mother’s eyes were closed where she sat near the window, a heavy shawl draped over her shoulders.

The floorboards creaked as he