Read Online The Lumberjack's Bride by Jean Kincaid - Free Book Online Page A

to her chest, rocking back and forth, barely stopping the moan threatening to escape. Her gaze moved back to the men. Displeasure showed briefly in their expressions before they melted into the trees, taking the woman with them.
    Julianne began to shake and found it difficult to stand. Keeping her eyes on the forest where the Indians disappeared, she backed toward the river. As quickly as her trembling body would allow, she tossed the clothes and empty bag into the basket. She laid Jonathan on top of the clean clothes and ran back through the woods to the cabin. Her heart pounded and her chest felt as if it might burst as she hurried up the steps and through the door.
    Inside, Julianne set the basket and baby on the floor and dropped the bar over the door. Would it be enough to keep the Indians out?
    She scooped up Jonathan and hugged him close. He was so tiny and she’d put him in grave danger. When had the baby become a part of her? Never in her life had she been so afraid for another human being.
    He cried out at being awakened so roughly. Julianne didn’t mind the noise. She was just thankful he was safe as she changed his diaper. Even after his eyes began to close, she refused to put him down. Julianne stared into his face, memorizing his precious features. She’d put him in danger by her disobedience. A beating in the woodshed wouldn’t begin to erase the pain in her heart if something had happened to her baby.
    Her baby. She felt a mother’s intense love for this child. The shock of this discovery hit her full force, and she took a quick breath of utter astonishment.
    Someone began pounding on the door.
    Julianne jumped from the chair, then froze, fearful the slightest movement might alert the person outside to her whereabouts in the cabin. Had the Indians followed her home? Had the woman changed her mind and returned for the baby? Well, they could not have him. She looked around the room for a weapon of some type.
    â€œJulianne, let me in.” Maggie’s voice penetrated the door and the fear.
    Her relief altered instantly into action. She ran across the room, opened the heavy door and pulled Maggie inside.
    â€œWhat took you so long? I’ve got to get back and start supper for those men. Wish I had more time to jaw with you, but I don’t.” She looked into Julianne’s face. “What’s wrong girl?”
    Julianne placed the bar back into the metal slots on each side of the door.
    â€œNothing. I’m just tired.” Julianne hugged Jonathan’s small warm body to her. The lie tasted bitter on her tongue, but she didn’t want to tell anyone about the scare she’d experienced.
    Worry laced Maggie’s face. “Has the little tyke been giving you a hard time?”
    â€œA little.” Julianne smoothed the shirt over his small back.
    â€œWell, it does my old heart good to see you caring for him as if he were your own. I was afraid you might not take to the little feller. Here, why don’t you let me hold him while you get those clothes ready?” Reluctantly Julianne transferred Jonathan’s warm body into Maggie’s waiting arms. Maggie took the baby and sat in one of the kitchen chairs.
    Her eyes followed Julianne’s movements. “You look plumb tuckered out.”
    â€œI am a little.” Julianne carefully placed the clean clothes into the drawstring bag that was still a bit damp. “The baby doesn’t sleep well at night. He seems to have a permanent tummy ache that keeps him from resting both day and night. Is there something I can mix with his milk to help him, or should I water it down so it isn’t so strong?”
    â€œWell he seems to be okay right now.”
    Julianne glanced briefly at Jonathan then jerked her gaze back to him. He lay quietly in Maggie’s arms staring up at her, his eyes wide and alert. Julianne rushed to Maggie’s side. “Hello there, JoJo,” she cooed softly. He