The One Who Waits for Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

kindness in his words. She might have never fully gained faith in God, but Joanie’s belief never wavered. If it were Beth lying in the road and Joanie were watching, she’d be on her knees petitioning Him for her sister’s life. Slipping to the ground, she clasped her hands and bowed her head, hoping that if there was a God He’d see that she was trying. She hoped He’d hear the black man’s prayer.
    Finally, Beth heard her sister’s breath catch in a whoosh. Fighting now, Joanie tried to stave off Pierce’s supporting hands. Beth rose and half crawled, half walked to her sister’s side, where she knelt and whispered, “It’s okay, Joanie. You’re going to be fine.” Joanie’s questioning gaze searched the captain’s eyes. The coughing started again.
    Preach whispered, “That was close.”
    â€œToo close.” Pierce rose, his height towering above Beth’s. “Saddle up. We have to get her out of this smoke.”
    He carried Joanie to her uncle’s horse and lifted her onto the saddle. She seemed to be breathing a bit easier, and she smiled at him appreciatively. Once he was sure she wouldn’t collapse again he glanced around. Moving to Beth’s side, he gently tapped her nose. “You didn’t actually think we were going to ride off and leave you to fend for yourselves?”
    Beth found her voice. It was a sputter. “Ye…Yes!” She had never met a man that would stand up to Walt Jornigan. Her eyes focused on the other two men, who were tying up the troublemakers.
    Pierce reached for the saddle horn of Bear’s horse and pulled up on the reins. “You don’t talk much, do you?”
    â€œOnly when I have something to say.”
    He handed her the reins and motioned for her to mount up. A mischievous split-lip grin met her. “I take it you’re not much interested in talking to me.”
    â€œNo, sir.” She glanced away as he lifted her effortlessly onto the seat. “No offense intended.”
    â€œNone taken.” He mounted his horse and picked up his own reins. “Come on. We’re getting out of here.”
    â€œWait.” He’d have to know about the woman she and Joanie were headed to meet. They couldn’t ride off and leave her. The fellow cotton picker was waiting beside the road, no doubt gasping for breath in the heavy smoke. She knew Trella wouldn’t move until she and Joanie came. “I…I have to tell you something.”
    He nudged his horse forward. “It’ll have to wait until we get clear of the smoke.” Leather creaked when the other soldiers mounted up.
    â€œIt can’t wait.” She grabbed his hand and forced him to look at her. “Trella is waiting up the road.”
    â€œTrella?” Wrinkles between his nose and forehead deepened.
    â€œOur friend.”
    His jaw dropped. “Another female?”
    She nodded.
    â€œMore kin?”
    â€œNo, a field worker who also desperately wants to escape Uncle Walt.” She took a breath. “I set fire to the homestead, but the wind came up and the field caught—”
    â€œI guessed as much. But what’s this about Trella? You didn’t mention her earlier.”
    â€œI was meaning to mention her. She’s waiting about a mile up the road.” I’m doing this for Trella. Joanie and I don’t need to be a burden on these strangers , she told herself. The brush with Uncle Walt and Bear had been close, but Beth was sure they were safe now. She’d take Joanie and find their land, but Trella would need help. She was defenseless, especially with the war not long past. She glanced at the captain again, deciding. She’d let him think she was depending on him for her safety—for the time being. Then she and Joanie would break away.
    Pierce put his forefingers to his lips and whistled. The sharp sound caught the others’ attention and they