Read Online Vow Unbroken by Caryl Mcadoo - Free Book Online

on your way.”
    â€œCome on, Henry, ain’t no reason to argue with her.” William handed his empty plate to Lizbeth.
    She held her hand out for Henry’s, too. “It was so good to see you, Henry. Hope you’ll come back through once Mis’ess Baylor’s cotton is delivered.”
    Levi and the two oldest Aikin boys jumped up as well and headed for the barn.
    Henry tipped his hat to Lizbeth before putting it back on. “Can’t never get enough of good people and good food.” He held Lizbeth’s eye. “I’ll be back, but some handsome young man will probably have you wed in no time.” He grinned atSue, then Martha. “You and William have a fine family, ma’am. Thank you for all your hospitality.” He turned and went after the boys.
    The girl started to follow, but her mama spoke up. “Lizbeth, gather up these dishes now and get ’em to the kitchen while I say my good-bye to my neighbor and new friend.”
    â€œYes, Mama.”
    The woman then turned to Sue. “Want you to know I’ll be remembering you in prayer every day until you come again.”
    â€œWhy, thank you, Martha. Can’t ever have too many prayers going up. And I’ll surely be back, as I have some fabric to deliver.” She winked at the six-year-old.
    It pleased her that no one objected to leaving, and that in no time the men and boys had hitched the mules and her cotton was back on the trail. The midday rest seemed to have revived the mules; it looked like they pulled the load with less strain. Perhaps that the terrain steadily fell toward the Sulphur bottoms helped. Whatever the reason, the pace elated Sue.
    The second hour, when her turn came to walk, she fell back to speak with Henry. “Aren’t we moving along at a much better clip? Won’t we make Cuthand today at this rate?”
    He nodded. “I figure upwards to a mile and a half, maybe two an hour, but I still plan to stop and make camp in the next hour or so. We’ll put into Cuthand midmorning tomorrow.”
    â€œWhat? Why? Why would you think of quitting so early when we’re making such good time?”
    â€œWe’ll have almost eleven miles behind us for the day, and that’s a good mark. It’ll be best to make camp this side of the trading post.”
    She stared up at him, but he never looked down.
    Who did he think he was? “Mister Buckmeyer, I’d count it a privilege to know why you think that you’re the one making all the decisions around here.” He looked down, but didn’t say a word. “Why is it that you act like you’re king of the world or something when I’m the one paying your wages?”
    He looked hurt and a bit shocked, then his eyebrows furrowed and he shook his head. He appeared to steam, and she had no doubt he held his tongue for what seemed like an hour, though it was most likely only seconds. When he finally spoke, it was forced. “I apologize if I’ve offended you.”
    Without another word, she stopped in her tracks and let his wagon pull ahead. It was like the time when she was six years old and Daddy caught her playing with her mother’s face powder. Foolish and stupid and wrong! But Henry wasn’t supposed to be making the decisions. She was the boss, so how did he do it?
    The cotton belonged to her, and this trip—her trip—was all about taking her crop to market. She’d hired him to help, not take over. She clearly remembered saying she needed help.
    The more she dwelt on his blatant egotism, the more her face burned with anger. Or was it shame? The earlier peace had slipped easily away, replaced by a desire to slap Mister Patrick Henry Buckmeyer right across his arrogant face.
    By the time he hollered “Ho” to the mules, she was the one steaming and fit to be tied.
    Had she been driving the front wagon, she never would have stopped it until dark. Then Mister