Joachim Books

 

  Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week we have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma." This one might surprise you...at least I hope it will. Don't forget to read all the wonderful Tuesday Tales stories HERE. Thanks for coming. Please leave a comment -- they are always welcome.

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“You look a mite flushed,” Martha said, casting a keen gaze on her granddaughter. “Must be the sun. Be careful, it’ll burn your skin.”

Sarah caught her mother’s sly grin before she looked away. “Yes, Gram. I’ll wear a hat next time.”

“Next time?” Martha cocked an eyebrow. 

“Uh, next time I have to go out or do something or help someone or…”

“Next time I send her on an errand,” Abigail chimed in.

“Yes. Mama. Yes. Thank you.”

Martha furrowed her brow, narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “You two are up to something. Hmm. Painting an innocent picture. I’ll find out what it is, eventually.”

Sarah busied herself preparing bread dough and avoiding her grandmother’s gaze. After supper, she went to fetch logs. Although it was late May, the early mornings were chilly.

“Psst.”

She stopped. Was that a snake hissing?

“Psst.”

There it was again. No snakes out at night.

“Sarah!”

She whirled around to see Josiah Quint steal from around the corner of the Inn. He took her elbow.

“Come with me. I need to talk to you.”

The half-moon didn’t shed much light.  She followed along, tripping over the larger weeds and rock outcroppings. Holding her to his side, he kept her from falling. The strength of his arm around her made her heart flutter. He smelled of fresh pine from the wood he’d cut and a bit of sweat. She inhaled deeply, enjoying his scent.

When he reached the edge of the woods, he stopped, drawing her into the shadows with him.

“What do you want?”

“I want to say I’m sorry for the other night. I never meant to get you in trouble.”

“I’m not in trouble.”

“Nasty rumors are all over town. They’re saying awful things.”

“Lies. They're all lies.”

“I know that and you know that, but I doubt anyone else will believe it.”

“Some will. The people who know us. Our friends. Others, well, I don’t care what they believe. I know the truth. And so does my family.”

“Still. I think I ought to do the right thing.”

“The right thing?” She raised her eyebrows.

Josiah dropped down on one knee. “Miss Sarah Chesney, will you marry me?”

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That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by. 

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