Read Though My Heart Is Torn: The Cadence of Grace, Book 2 for Free Online Page B

there wasn’t much brush or bramble—no shelter.
    Frustrated, he lifted his shoulders. “We’ll keep moving and keep a lookout for cover in case this gets worse.”
    Lonnie peeled her soaked shawl away from her wet skin and draped the matted mess over Sugar’s back. Kicking himself for not having offered it sooner, Gideon tore off his coat and handed it to her.
    She shook her head, but he held up a hand. “Take it. It’s oilcloth. It will keep you both dry. I’m already soaked.”
    If Lonnie could keep Jacob quiet and comfortable, they would survive the day. The trail, though not steep, was slick. Gideon’s boots squished in the mud, and more than once, he clutched Sugar’s harness.
    “Watch your step,” he called over his shoulder.
    Turning around, he held his breath as Lonnie stumbled forward. Jacob jostled in her grasp, but she held him fast and did her best to keep Gideon’s coat over the child’s damp curls.
    “I’m all right.” She staggered toward him. “Keep going.”
    Lonnie ran her hand beneath her nose and sniffed. Her stockings hung loose around her ankles, and the hem of her dress was caked in mud.
    Jacob’s nose and cheeks were raw from cold. He was soaked through.
    “I think I see something. Let me take Jacob.” They traded one tired mule for a crying, wet baby, and Gideon ducked through an opening in the trees.
    The ground, once firm beneath his heavy boots, suddenly gave way in a shower of wet leaves. Gideon gritted his teeth and clutched his son to his chest. He was falling, and one thought raced through his mind: Jacob was in his arms.
    Time seemed to pass slowly. Somewhere in the distance, Lonnie screamed.
    Then, with a
crack
, he struck the ground and rolled. Pain shot like a hot bullet through his shoulder. Air left his lungs. Jacob’s shrill wails echoed in his ears. Gideon held the boy as tight as he could, doing all in his might to keep from crushing the baby beneath his own weight as he rolled down the muddy embankment. Finally, his body stilled. Jacob’s cries faded until Gideon heard nothing at all.

    “Gideon.” Lonnie’s voice was faint and far away.
    Pain ripped through his arm as he rolled onto his back.
    “Gideon!” she called again. His name, now louder, rang in his ears.
    He opened one eye, then the other. He blinked against the rain that fell on his face and saw Lonnie leaning over him, her wet braid dangling toward him. “Gid,” she cried, shaking him. “Are you all right?”
    Struggling to sit up, he felt Lonnie’s arm slip behind him and hoist him forward. Gideon shook his head and tried to fit the pieces together in his mind. “Where’s Jacob?”
    “He’s here. He’s fine.” Lonnie lifted the boy from her lap. “He might get a few bruises, but he’s fine.”
    Gideon stared at his son. He could not tell the tears from the rain, but under the circumstances, at least the boy could offer him that. Gideon felt a wave of relief wash over him.
    “How long was I out?”
    “Just a few moments.” Still on her knees, Lonnie inched her way closer.
    “I’m just glad Jacob’s not hurt.” Gideon leaned forward and gasped. He grabbed his shoulder as pain thundered through his back and down into his hand.
    “But you are.” Lonnie lifted his arm into her lap. “How bad does it hurt?”
    Gideon grimaced and she pursed her lips. Lonnie passed her hands over the bones of his wrist, and he winced.
    “I think it’s just a sprain.” Gideon pulled his wrist into his lap. “My shoulder’s what really hurts. I think it might be out of the socket.”
    Lonnie held a hand to her mouth. “What do we do?”
    He peered down at his mud-soaked shirt and let his breath out in a gush. “Pop it back in.” He looked at his young wife but knew the answer before he spoke. “Do you know how?”
    Her face seemed to pale, and she shook her head. Scooting Jacob onto his leg, Lonnie rose to her feet. “Let me see what I have.”
    Gideon heard fabric tear, and she sank back