Madelyn woke up the instant Brand attempted to steal himself from bed. More than any noise, the faint shift of the mattress roused her surely. She turned and bolted upright in a second and instantly regretted the haste as a sharp dizziness swam through her head.
"Where are you going?"
He turned and to her utmost surprise, and joy, smiled. "Good morning to you, too."
She flushed with embarrassment. "I am sorry. Good morning."
He crossed to the other side of the room to stand in front of the mirror, looking at his shoulder. "I am needed at the storehouse. A note arrived yesterday. I did not read it, but I can well imagine its contents."
"Oh." She inhaled, not wanting to think of the catastrophic words he might utter next. But he might not. After all, who gave such a smile to someone they might send away soon?
"Madelyn?"
Her heart hammered wildly. "Yes?"
