Everlasting Light - A Civil War Romance Novella Read Online Free PDF

“You!” With that she gave the top of his head a good swipe with her red-checkered napkin.
    Braeden sat up and spun around on his tailbone. He bent his legs, resting elbows on knees, and a sudden, earnest expression crossed his face.
    “Laina, war is coming to South Carolina.”
    “War?” She let out a huff of exasperation. “That’s all you men talk about these days.”
    “It’s a grave concern. South Carolina seceded from the Union last December. Since then, other states have followed suit, including Texas. The Union has made it clear; it won’t stand for what it considers our rebellion .”
    “I know all that.” Aggravation sliced its way into her heart. Why did Braeden have to ruin a perfectly wonderful afternoon with this senseless talk about secession and the Union? She heard plenty from her father and older brother, William.
    “Laina, look at me.”
    She refused and continued picking at the imaginary lint on her skirt until Braeden took hold of her chin and forced her gaze to meet his troubled, amber eyes.
    “I’m a man torn in two over this, Laina.” His soft tone erased the irritation she felt.
    “You’re torn? Why?”
    He appeared both relieved and satisfied that he’d gotten her attention. He dropped his hand and a heavy breath left him. “I’m a simple farmer but a true-blooded South Carolinian. I was born and reared here, and I love my land. I will fight for the new Confederation because my heart is here. Here, where my Irish grandfather carved out a life, a legacy. But therein lies the problem.”
    “No, Braeden, don’t fight. It’s not worth it.”
    “But it is.” He stared off into the distance. “I’m not sure if I agree with all the aspects surrounding the slavery issue. I’ve seen terrible abuse inflicted upon some Negros by their masters. Then I think of Ezekiel and Abraham, and the opposite is true. We boys all grew up together and I can recall their mammy giving me a well-deserved licking or two right along with them. We have our differences, but they didn’t stop us from working side by side in the fields. While I reckon they’re our property under the current law, I love them as much as I love my family and our farm—a love so fierce that I’m prepared to die for the right to keep what’s mine.”
    “Don’t say such horrid things!” Alaina’s insides knotted. Her heart crimped. “I can’t bear the thought of you dying.”
    “Would you miss me if I died, Laina?”
    What was wrong with him? “Silly man, of course I would!”
    A mischievous glimmer entered his eyes. “How much would you miss me?”
    So he was fishing, was he? “Mmm, let me think—” She’d teach him to toy with her sensibilities. “Actually, I wouldn’t miss you one bit, Braeden McKenna.” She plucked a handful of grass and threw it at him, striking him in the chest.
    “Imp!”
    “Hardly.” She laughed and moved to stand, but he caught her upper arm, pulling her toward him. She sat so close now that Alaina could feel his breath on her forehead. She watched the mirth fade from Braeden’s expression.
    “Truly, would you miss me, Laina?”’ His eyes searched hers.
    “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, I truly would.”
    ******
    Alaina awoke still feeling the delicious warmth of her dream. She rolled over and reached for Braeden—only to feel the cold sheet on his half of the bed.
    Stark reality settled upon her. “Oh, Braeden …” The whispered words came on the tail of a sob. “I wish I would have known just how much I’d miss you.”
    But then she would have never let him go.
     

Chapter 5
     
     
     
    Alaina could still recall the brisk morning of April 12, 1861. She was washing clothes in the yard with her mother and Melissa. Patches of snow still covered the ground, residue from the freak snowstorm only weeks earlier.
    She heard horse’s hooves pounding the gravel road leading up to the house. She exchanged wondering glances with her mother and sister just as Braeden came