Read Beyond the Quiet Hills for Free Online

“Are you really expecting trouble from the Indians?”
    â€œNot really. Especially with Sequatchie along.” He ran his fingers through his hair and began to pace the room anxiously. There was not much room, and his big form seemed to make it even smaller.
    Elizabeth had already grown very conscious of Hawk’s moods in the short time since they had been married. She had always been a sensitive woman, and now she looked up and saw that his face was tense. “What’s wrong, Hawk?”
    â€œWrong? Why, nothing’s wrong.”
    Elizabeth rose and went over to him. She put her hands on his chest and said, “Tell me.”
    Hawk covered her hands with his own and chewed on his lower lip thoughtfully. “I guess I’m worried about Jacob.”
    â€œI thought that might be it.”
    â€œIt’s almost his birthday. He’ll be sixteen—no longer a boy.” He stroked her hands and seemed to find comfort in them, but his eyes were troubled. “I don’t know what to say to him, Elizabeth. I’ve treated him shamefully. If he never speaks to me, it will be just what I deserve.”
    â€œYou mustn’t think like that. You were wrong, and you confessed it to God, and now you need to make it right with Jacob.”
    â€œI know God’s forgiven me,” Hawk shrugged, “but I’m not sure that Jacob has. It’s asking a lot of a sixteen-year-old to accept a father who abandoned him.”
    â€œWe’ll pray every day that God will work in Jacob’s heart. He’s your son,” Elizabeth said firmly, “and God is able.”
    The two stood there for a moment, and Hawk put his arms around her, saying quietly, “I don’t deserve a wife like you.” He thought for a moment and then smiled. “No one else does, either, so I’m glad I got you.”
    He bent to kiss her, and she drew back, slapping at him playfully. “That’s enough. I’ve got to make breakfast. I’m going to make you the best breakfast you’ve ever had.”
    She left the bedroom, followed by Hawk. He built a fire quickly while Elizabeth began to gather the ingredients to make breakfast.
    Hawk went over to stand behind her, put his arms around her, and whispered, “I hate to leave you, Elizabeth.” At that moment a knock at the door sounded, and immediately it opened. Sequatchie entered and stood still, looking at the two. He had spent the night in Hawk’s old hut, and now he stood gravely studying the pair. Hawk was never quite sure what lay behind Sequatchie’s impassive features. Most Indians could put on a poker face, and Sequatchie accomplished this better than most. Now Hawk thought he saw a gleam of amusement in the dark eyes of his friend.
    â€œWe can leave if you’re ready,” Sequatchie said.
    â€œNo, you’re not leaving now,” Elizabeth said, pulling away from Hawk. “You’ve got to have a good breakfast first.”
    The two men sat down, and Elizabeth, in her determined fashion, threw herself into the task of preparing the meal. Huge slabs of bacon were soon crackling and sputtering in the frying pan over the fire; potatoes and eggs were sizzling in bacon grease; corn cakes and fresh sourdough bread, which Elizabeth had prepared the night before, filled the room with the scent of baking along with the strong aroma of coffee. She began putting the food on the table, setting out fresh butter and honey for the bread.
    They were halfway through the meal when the Stevens family arrived with Andrew and Sarah. The two youngsters had been staying with them for a week so that Hawk and Elizabeth could have, more or less, a honeymoon. They had seen the children every day, however, and now Elizabeth said, “Come in. There’s plenty to go around.”
    The Stevenses sat down at once, as did Andrew and Sarah. The table was crowded, but a warm, pleasant air filled the cabin. As Hawk ate, he