Secret Promise

Caroline is in hiding. She knows that lying in her bed seems too dangerous. If the wind blows, the curtains will fly open. Anyone passing in the yard will see her. She pulls the bed sheets and quilt onto the floor to make a pallet. Then she snuffs out the candle and finds her way to her makeshift resting place.

Caroline prays for God's protection as she lies holding her pistol. Soon the morning will come, but the sky is still dark. Clump-clump. Clump-clump. It isn't the milkman; the horses and the wagon sound different.

The wagon pulls into the back driveway, and a man's thudding steps come closer, closer, and closer. He pushes against her door. Stuck-this door is stuck. How will Caroline escape?

* * *

She watches the front room through the crack by the kitchen door. She feels a strong attraction to the handsome young man.

Years ago she made a promise, which she will honor at any cost, even if she has to live a Cinderella life.