New Beginnings (New Beginnings Series) by Doreen Winona Logeot Page A

you are better you can stay in my guest room. You can stay as long as you like. If you feel you want your own place, I own a few houses in Brandon. But we’ll wait and see.”
    “I can’t leave my chickens out here. They will freeze when it gets really cold.”
    “Oh, I’ve thought of that too, so there are no excuses to stay here. I set your crates out. I’ll catch them in the morning. They can stay in the stable, I like fresh eggs.”
    “I guess I can’t say no, can I?”
    Sam pulled her closer and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, “I’m not going to let you go, Sara Gardiner, each excuse you can make, I’ll find an answer for it.”
    “And what do we tell Mary and all the other busybodies in town?”
    “Someone must have really hurt you.”
    “When your husband starts visiting the ladies of the night and you can’t keep your babies alive, mix that with a knowledge of herbs and such with healing powers … well, let me say I’ve heard occult mentioned several times. That’s why I stopped going to church regular.”
    “Oh Sara, no one believes in sorcery anymore.”
    “I don’t know. They sure like to talk.”
    “You worked magic with this supper, anyway,” Sam rubbed his full stomach. “Maybe you could work for me,” he added with a playful raising of his eyebrows.
    Sara’s only answer was a shy smile. Never before would she consider being a mistress but under these circumstances, she understood why a woman might do it. She never wanted to feel lonely again, yet she could not risk another pregnancy. She stood up and went to a cupboard to find a package Sam brought with the other supplies. She emptied some of its contents in a dish and placed it on the table.
    He took a piece of the dried fruit and looked at it, “You were supposed to eat this, not save it.”
    “I thought ... maybe …if the baby lived … I would need it more then.”
    “So the thought did cross your mind.”
    “Just for a second.” She sat down next to him and he pulled her close. She ate a couple slices of apricot, “Nearly as good as fresh Saskatoons … not quite, but almost.”
    Sam started stacking the dishes after a look at his pocket watch. “These can wait ‘til morning. You better get some sleep. We’ve got a long trip to make tomorrow and it is going to three in the morning.”
    Sara went into the next room to change, but quickly came back into the kitchen carrying her nightclothes. “It’s too cold in there.” She placed the gown on top of the warming oven for a few minutes while she proceeded to remove the top dress she put on earlier to go outside. Sam had already shed his outer clothes and lay down in the bed, watching her. She turned down the lantern and with her back to him removed the top of her dress, guided the nightgown over all, then pulled the dress out from underneath.
    Sam turned back the covers as she climbed in beside him, “You’re pretty good at hiding, too!” He placed his arm around her as she put her head on his shoulder. “I could get really used to this,” he whispered.
    “Me, too,” she gave his cheek a quick peck, “Goodnight, Sam.”
    He drew her a little closer, wanting to stay awake so their time alone could last longer, but they were both exhausted and sleep was inevitable.
    Sara awoke with a start the next morning, suddenly aware she was alone in the bed. From the south window she could see the night was starting to give way to a clear day. She stepped out onto the porch in her bare feet and flannel gown, the fear of once again being left alone creating a sense of urgency.
    A glow of light came from the small hen house and Sam unexpectedly appeared through the door on his way back to the house. He was astounded to see her standing there, so inadequately clad. “What are you doing out here?” he asked rather sternly as he opened the door and ushered her inside. She didn’t speak but he could see her eyes were filled with tears threatening to spill. “When are you