My Guardian Knight Read Online Free PDF Page B

Matthew was telling a particularly exciting story, holding his arms wide and demonstrating the wings of a bird.  Suddenly, he lost his balance and tipped to the side, heading straight for the hard wood floor.  Before Amanda could even react, Sebastian’s strong arm shot out and grabbed the boy’s shoulder, steadying him.  Amanda smiled her thanks, but the near fall didn’t even interrupt Matthew’s chatter.  She sighed, wondering what her life would have been like had she found someone like Sebastian years ago.  Would every day be spent like today, with warm conversation and smiles that were never strained, never forced?  Would the underlying contentment she felt today extend over the years, their friendship growing stronger with every day they faced together?  Would he smile at her like that every morning when she woke up and every night before she went to bed?
    Amanda closed her eyes and berated herself for her thoughts.  Just because every glance from his deep blue eyes made her insides turn to liquid was no reason to daydream for something she couldn’t have.  She knew what she must do, and she would do it--eventually.  She had taken this one day from her worries to enjoy life with her son, but she could not fool herself into thinking that she could ever have a future with Sebastian.  Indeed, with any man.  How could she when she had no future herself?  When her past caught up with her, her life would be finished.  She could only pray that she was able to find a good home for Matthew before that happened.
    Sebastian studied Amanda over the rim of his coffee cup while he half-listened to Matthew’s chatter.  She ate silently, smiling at Matthew from time to time, but it was obvious she was not aware of what he was saying.  She had retreated deep inside herself, for some reason or another.
    The woman was an enigma.  It was apparent to him that she was unsure whether she could trust him or not.  One moment, like on the train, she seemed openly fearful and unapproachable.  Then in the next moment, like last night, she was warm and friendly.  Now Sebastian knew, had known from the beginning, that she was running from something.  As a lawman, he’d learned how to discern a situation simply by gazing into an outlaw’s eyes. The same fear and desperation was evident in Amanda.
    He wanted to help her.  After years of chasing outlaws and dealing with every kind of scenario a marshal could imagine, oftentimes helplessly watching the guilty walk and the innocent punished, he’d had enough of trying to aid his fellow man.  All he’d wanted to do was go back home to Marissa.  But now, he had the inexplicable urge to protect Matthew and Amanda from whatever it was that so terrified her.
    It was a long ride to St. Louis.  Maybe he could drag the information out of her before their arrival.
                  Setting his cup down, he stood and held his hand out
    to Matthew.  “Are you ready to see the festival?”
    Matthew jumped off the chair, placing his hand trustingly in Sebastian’s.  Smiling at Amanda, Sebastian held out his arm, “Shall we?”
    After a slight hesitation, she accepted his offer and placed her hand lightly on his arm.  For a fraction of a second she felt lightheaded, so great was her reaction to Sebastian’s touch.  That unexplainable warmth and peace stole over her as it always did whenever they made contact of any sort.
    Matthew raced out the door and jumped down the steps to the ground below.  “Look, Mama, there’s lots of people down the street!  Oooh, I smell something yummy.  Let’s go see.  Come on!” he urged as the older couple followed at a slower pace.
    Although she knew she should, Amanda just could not force herself to let loose of Sebastian.  He strode confidently beside her; his attention focused once again on Matthew.  She glanced up at him through lowered lashes.  Oh, but he was a sight to behold!  Just then, he looked down at her,