Daylight Comes by Judith Miller Page B

face, Grace thought she’d become mentally unstable. Best she not dig any further or Grace would mention her questions to Jarena.
    The remainder of the evening passed in a blur. The guests came and went, the food trays were continuously filled and emptied, well-wishers offered their congratulations, and laughter filled the house. Late in the evening, Truth surveyed the roomful of remaining guests. From outward appearances, all seemed well. She doubted anyone could surmise that a thorn of betrayal had lodged in her heart.
    Though Truth had privately protested, Moses insisted the family remain for the night. The hour had been late when the final guests departed, and he’d pointed out there were ample accommodations for everyone—including Lilly. Truth had shivered at the prospect of having her aunt’s belongings moved into the house. Truth was sure Lilly would view that act as an invitation to remain as their houseguest.
    The following morning the entire family gathered in the dining room for breakfast, thanks to Jarena’s efforts. Exhausted by the previous day’s activities, Truth had remained abed as long as possible. In fact, had Moses not awakened her, she would have slept through breakfast. She truly wanted sleep more than food—or company.
    Once seated at the dining table, Truth settled into her role of hostess and casually inquired into her aunt’s future plans. Lilly helped herself to a spoonful of scrambled eggs and explained she’d made no definite plans other than to get out of Colorado before the winter snows set in.
    Ezekiel speared a piece of ham and dropped it onto his plate. “Where you two gonna live when you’s in Topeka, Moses?”
    Moses wiped his mouth with the linen napkin. “That’s still to be decided. I thought we’d travel to Topeka sometime in the next week or two and see about finding a place. If I can arrange to have Harvey Boyle take over the newspaper here, I’d like to get settled in Topeka as soon as possible. I’m planning to go to Hill City today and visit with Harvey.”
    His response came so quickly Truth wondered if her father and husband had prearranged the question. Likely they wanted to prepare her for the inevitable. Besides, she had come to realize that discussing their departure from Nicodemus was easier for Moses when others were present.
    Truth wanted to visit the doctor before setting their timeline for departure. She’d experienced a small amount of bleeding over the past week, but she didn’t want to blurt out such personal information in front of the entire family. How could she fashion a reply without appearing obstinate? “If you want to travel to Topeka and secure a house for us, I won’t object, my dear. However, I wouldn’t wish to depart before Christmas. I don’t know when we’ll be able to return home for a visit; besides, Grace couldn’t depart now, either.”
    “Uh-huh, she’s right about that,” Grace affirmed. “I already promised Silas I’d wait until after the holidays to leave.”
    Lilly tapped a finger to her lips. “I’d be pleased to go along, Moses. I can assist you in finding a suitable house. And if I like the town, I may decide to settle there in the capital city.”
    A deafening silence followed the revelation. Lilly’s surprising announcement could mean only one thing—trouble.

CHAPTER

8
    Hill City , Kansas
    Macia had been waiting at the newspaper office for at least an hour. Though she’d told her brother she needed to speak with him, she knew he would continue with his printing until the job was completed. Thankfully, it appeared he would soon finish.
    Outside, the wind tumbled loose brush and debris down the street while gray clouds hung heavy in the sky. Macia wondered if Hill City would soon be covered in a blanket of snow. Even though a warm fire blazed nearby, she shivered at the thought of the approaching winter. November was much too early for snow—at least as far as she was concerned. However, snow arrived in