LITMIR.BIZ

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and moved away from civilization. In more ways than one.” She was slowly shaking her head. “I can’t say I blame him.”

      “What about the feud stories? Did the families really kill each other’s shirttail relatives?”

      “That’s what they say.”

      “Then how come some survived?”

      Faye shrugged. “Who knows? A lot can happen in sixty, seventy years. The law was stretched even thinner back then than it is now. They were never real keen on stirring up the old fight by asking too many questions, so unless somebody made a big stink, nothing was done.”

      “Unbelievable. I almost feel sorry for Elwood, even though I suspect he’s been poaching.”

      “Do you have proof?” Faye asked, dishing up a plate of spaghetti and meatballs and placing it in front of Maggie.

      “Thanks.” She savored the spicy aroma for a moment before answering, “I thought I did. When somebody took a potshot at the warden today, I was just about positive.”

      “You could still be right,” her mother remarked.

      Maggie forked in a delectable mouthful and nodded. “I could. But it doesn’t explain why I was forced off the road tonight.”

      “Probably just an accident.”

      “That’s what the sheriff said.” Maggie didn’t believe that for a second. She stifled a shiver. Somebody had purposely tried to injure her—or worse—and until she figured out who, she’d have to be doubly vigilant.

      Not to mention trying to keep Flint from seeing her son, she added, growing so uneasy she could barely force herself to continue eating. He was not going to be a happy camper once he realized whose child Mark must be. When Mark was a baby she’d refused to admit anything. However, as time had passed, he’d grown to closely resemble his daddy.

      No one but her mother had speculated aloud about Mark’s origin, at least not in Maggie’s presence. While Flint was away, it had been easier to keep her secret. Now that he was back in town, it was only a matter of time until disturbing rumors reached him.

      Maggie knew she should stay ahead of the gossip and tell Flint everything. And she would. She must. The sooner the better.

      She put down her fork and pushed her plate away. The butterflies in her stomach were keeping the delicious food from settling. As a lovelorn teenager, she’d found that convincing herself that Flint didn’t care helped her cope. Then, as time had passed, she’d hardened her heart by assuming she’d never see him again.

      So, what now? Explain? How? She huffed. Managing that was going to be impossible without making him furious, whether he was happy about being a father or hated the idea.

      “Not hungry?” Faye asked.

      “Too much on my mind.”

      “The shooting or the accident?”

      Maggie shook her head. “Neither. Flint.”

      “That is a problem.”

      “Ya think?” Maggie rolled her eyes before glancing toward the living room where Mark and Wolfie were playing. “Any ideas about what I should do next?”

      “Praying always helps me,” Faye said as she cleared the table.

      “Okay, what do I ask for? I used to pray Flint would come back to me, but he didn’t.”

      “Really?”

      Maggie noted her mother’s raised eyebrows. “I meant when I needed him, not now.”

      “In whose opinion?”

      “Oh, no. No way.” She was shaking her head. “My life is in order and I’m happy. This is a terrible time for Flint to suddenly show up.”

      “Well, he did, and since you say he has a job here, I expect he’s planning to stay. Maybe he’s turned over a new leaf and is hoping you’ll take him back.”

      “That’s not why he transferred.” Maggie pulled a face. “He told me it was because Bess and Ira needed help.”

      “Oh, dear. That certainly complicates things.”

      Maggie agreed. “I had no idea how much until you told me the whole feud story. Elwood may not even care that Flint’s a game warden. He may hate him more because he’s helping his great-grandparents. For all I know, Flint may be living with them on the farm the way he used to when he was a kid.”

      “Sounds like we should both pray for peace before we ask the Lord for anything else. I’ll have a chat with Harlan the next time I see him, too.”

      That comment drew a slight smile from Maggie. “You mean you don’t rely totally on prayers?”

      Faye chuckled. “Prayers come first. But the way I see it, there’s nothing wrong with depending on the people God has put in my life, as well. He gave us brains. I imagine He expects us to use them. And if that means alerting the sheriff, then that’s what I’ll do.”

      “You’re going to tell him everything?”

      “About the feud, yes. Any conclusions he chooses to draw regarding my grandson will be up to him. I don’t suppose there are too many folks who don’t already suspect who Mark’s daddy is.”

      “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

      “Well, don’t be. You made a mistake, turned your life around and God forgave you. Besides, you ended up with a beautiful child. That can’t be bad.”

      “Then why do I feel so guilty?” She began to pace. “If only Flint hadn’t left when he did.”

      “What excuse did he give?” Faye asked.

      “None. One day he was here and the next he was gone. You know that. You helped me pick out my prom dress and then went with me to return it after he stood me up.”

      “Yes. I remember. I just thought...”

      “What?” Pausing, Maggie peered at her.

      “Nothing. My memory of those days is kind of foggy. I had a lot on my mind, what with your daddy’s illness and all.”

      Maggie slipped an arm around her mother’s shoulders and gave her a quick squeeze. “I know. I’m sorry you had to worry about me so much then, too. You had a lot on your plate.” She glanced at the sink. “Speaking of plates, why don’t I help you finish the dishes before we go join the boys?”

      Smiling wistfully, Faye agreed. “Okay. I guess I should be thankful you adopted a dog for Mark’s playmate instead of taming a raccoon.”

      “Or a skunk,” Maggie teased. “Good thing my job teaches me to avoid making pets of my patients. Some of those baby animals are adorable.”

      “Not as adorable as my grandson.”

      Despite herself, Maggie silently added, Or his daddy.

      When Flint had first shown up at the compound, every nerve in her body insisted he was nothing but trouble. Then, after he’d shoved her out of the line of fire, she simply credited his actions to his training and combat experience. But when he’d tracked her into the woods after the accident and offered comfort, she lost her defensive edge. Fortifications she’d erected around her tender heart had been breached. Cracked. Left crumbling.

      She didn’t love Flint, she argued. Not the way she once had. And yet there was something there. Something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

      Something almost as scary as the apparent threats to her continued safety and well-being. And that of her son. Their son: hers and Flint’s. An innocent child caught between the past and the present, whose future might be in jeopardy because of the sins of his parents.

      Maggie finally understood why her own family had tried so hard to keep her away from Flint.

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