Terri Reed - Her Christmas Protector

“It’s good to have friends,” Luke remarked, once again plagued by questions about this woman.

“Uh-huh.”

The noncommittal answer made him frown. “Did you leave many friends behind?” he asked.

Visibly tensing at his words, she clasped her hands together, the knuckles turning white. “Some.” The single word echoed in the barn.

“It’s hard leaving behind the people you love.” He said it more as a statement than a question, knowing firsthand how hard it was to walk away from the important people in his own life. And how difficult it would be to do again.

“Yes, it is,” she agreed softly.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

She shook her head, her expression wary.

“I’m a good listener.” What was he doing? He’d told himself he wasn’t going to do this.

She gave him a tentative smile. “Thanks, I’ll remember that. Actually, I was hoping you’d help me get your mother downstairs when you have a chance. She’s been walking around upstairs but she’ll need help negotiating a flight of stairs. The first time we try, I feel you should be present.”

“Sure. When I finish here I’ll be right up.”

“Great. Dottie will be so pleas—” She stopped and cocked her head to one side.

The crunch of gravel sounded on the drive. But from where they stood they couldn’t see the vehicle.

“Are—are you expecting someone?” Faith’s voice changed.

Luke heard and saw the fear sweeping over her. “No, but people—friends—stop by all the time.”

The vehicle on the drive stopped and the sound of a door opening and closing echoed in the chilly air.

In one swift, graceful motion, Faith darted to a darkened corner of the barn where she pressed her back against the wall, her hands fisted at her sides.

“Faith, you’re safe here—” Luke was silenced by the finger she put to her lips and the look of terror on her face.

“Okay, God, please cover me,” Luke mumbled and moved closer, positioning himself between Faith and the door. A brief look of comprehension passed across her features before they heard the heavy footfalls coming toward the barn. Each step drew the unknown closer.

Luke tensed in response to Faith’s palpable apprehension. But how could he protect her when he didn’t know what she was afraid of?

A small, panic-born whimper escaped her as a man stepped into view.

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