Enduring Love (34 page)

Hannah leaned against John, unable to stop a flow of tears. No matter what Margaret had done, Hannah felt the woman’s wounded spirit. “I wish she would have listened to me.”

John put his arm about Hannah and squeezed gently. “Me too.”

Hannah looked up at him. “Do you mean that?”

“Yes. I do.”

Quincy strolled toward Hannah and John. “Well, I’ve work to do. In the midst of all the excitement, I’ve neglected the place.”

“Yes. And I’d best get back to the Athertons’. They must be worried about me and you. I saw Perry in town yesterday, so I’m sure he and all the rest are waiting on word of you.”

“Stay,” John said. “Please. Let’s just sit on the veranda for a bit, eh?”

“It’s getting late.”

“Just for a few minutes.”

“I guess it would be all right.” Hannah walked up the steps and sat in one of the cane-backed chairs. “You know I can’t stay. We’re not legally married. And a lot has happened. We’ll need time.”

“I know. And we have time.” John reached across the space between the chairs and took her hand. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Hannah. I have since I first saw you on board that foul ship.” He gazed out over the farm. “And now, with my inheritance, we can have the estate we’ve always dreamed of.”

“I don’t care about that. I’m just thankful for you.” Hannah pressed his hand to her cheek.

“It will be just as it was—you, me, and Thomas. It’ll be grand.”

“That it will be.” Hannah knew now was the time to tell him. She’d been waiting for the right moment, but never imagined circumstance would be so perfect. She allowed her eyes to rest on the golden haze in the sky. “It won’t be just the same.”

“Well, of course things will change—”

“Yes.” Hannah smiled, enjoying hanging on to her secret for one more moment. “Our family will be bigger.”

“What do you . . .” John’s eyes got wide, and he looked more closely at Hannah.

“I’m going to have a baby, our baby, John.”

His shocked expression was replaced by a broad smile. “I thought it looked as if you’d put on a bit of weight. And when you started wearing those shifts, I wondered why . . . but I never imagined.” He kissed her hand. “When?”

“In March sometime.”

John’s eyes pooled with tears. “I thought I’d lost you . . . forever. And now . . . this is more grand than I could imagine.” His eyes turned serious. “I’ve been lost without you, Hannah.” He cupped her cheek with his hand. “I feel I shall burst with joy.”

“I was afraid for you. Thinking that this horrible thing with Margaret would destroy you. I knew you must love her . . .”

“I haven’t loved her for a long time. I tried because of the circumstances, but . . . no. I couldn’t. I loved you.”

He moved to Hannah and pulled her to her feet. “God brought us together. No man can separate us. We shall be together always.” He drew her to him. “Always.”

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I owe Cheryl Van Andel, who works with a superb team of artists, a huge thank-you. Each book in the Sydney Cove series has had a fabulous cover. I also appreciate your allowing me to be part of the process. I deeply admire your work and although we know that “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” your covers have offered great introductions to my stories.

I must thank my usual group of cohorts. Your contributions have helped me create a story I can be proud of. To my critique group, Ann, Billy, Diane, Julia, and Sarah—thank you for working with me through every line of this book. I am truly grateful for each and every one of you and for the expertise you lent to this project.

Once again I must thank Jayne Collins, my research partner who lives in Queensland, Australia. It has been great fun working together, and I’ll miss tossing ideas and questions back and forth across the pond. Although you live far from Oregon, I consider you my friend. Thanks so much.

And to Mary Hawkins, an Australian author who actually lives in Australia, I appreciate your taking the time to read the manuscript of
Enduring Love
and helping to catch the goofy things that sometimes show up in a book.

And a thank-you also to Lonnie Hull Dupont, senior editor for Revell. Knowing that you’ve read through my manuscript and given it your stamp of approval gives me confidence. I trust your knowledge and your instincts for what’s right and for what’s not.

And to Barb Barnes. Thanks for taking care with my projects. You can’t know how much I appreciate your quality editing and your respect for my story, plus the soft touch you use that allows my writing to be mine and still shine.

Bonnie Leon
dabbled in writing for many years but never set it in a place of priority until an accident in 1991 left her unable to work. She is now the author of several historical fiction series, including the Queensland Chronicles, the Matanuska series, the Sowers Trilogy, and the Northern Lights series. She also stays busy teaching women’s Bible studies, speaking, and teaching at writing seminars and conventions and women’s gatherings. Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.

Visit Bonnie’s website at
www.bonnieleon.com
.

Go back to where
it all began . . .

Discover the
Sydney Cove series.

Get lost in these heart-gripping stories about
two people journeying toward forgiveness and love.