“Nay.” She pushed away from him, gazing up into his shadowed face. The words she harbored for so many weeks suddenly poured from her mouth like a river surging beyond its banks. “’Tis I who must beg forgiveness—”
“Shhh.” He placed a finger to her lips. “There isn’t time, my love.”
“But I must explain—”
“Later. Come, we must take you away from here.” He tugged her toward the door.
“Not yet.” Kitty tugged at his arm. “I must get to Plymouth. They must know what’s coming.”
“Nay, you mustn’t worry about Plymouth.” Nathaniel’s tone dropped. “The British believe you are the second courier.” A smile tilted one side of his mouth. “But you are not.”
The meaning of his words settled upon her like dew. “So, the message has gotten through.”
Nathaniel nodded and the solemn expression in his eyes softened to longing as his gaze lowered to her mouth.
***
Nathaniel dotted his lips to her forehead, fighting the urge to press his mouth against hers. “You have many questions, and I will answer them. Now, I must focus on bringing you home, so you may be my wife.”
“Your wife?” she breathed. The sparkle in her eyes and the way her mouth bowed upward coated his heart like warm honey.
He smoothed his hand over her velvety cheek, yearning to hold her against him. “I—”
“Fredericks, why aren’t you at your post?”
“That’s Henry’s voice.” Kitty jumped and looked at the door, gripping her chest. “Who’s Fredericks?”
Nathaniel squeezed her hand before going to the door. “Stay here, and follow our lead.”
He peeked out of the shack as Donaldson approached. Like an actor resuming his character, Nathaniel closed the door and stood at attention, doing his best to appear normal in the ill-fitting clothes of the enemy.
“Fredericks, why weren’t you at your post?” Donaldson neared until but a few inches separated their bodies. He continued as if nothing were amiss, and looked around before slipping Nathaniel a knife and pistol. “Don’t tell me our prisoner tried to beguile you into freeing her.”
Nathaniel tucked the weapons into the tight jacket. “She asked for water, sir, that is all.”
Donaldson gave a slight nudge with his head to the side and spoke in a voice barely audible. “I’ve found your horse and relocated him in the trees behind the shack. I’ll keep watch while you make your escape.” His jaw hardened. “You must move quickly.”
A thickness settled in
Nathaniel’s throat as he stared at the man who, for the second time, had saved their lives. He spoke no louder than the sound of the drops that fell from the roof of the shack. “We will forever be in your debt, Donaldson.” He swallowed the lump in his throat and allowed a small grin to peek out from the side of his mouth. “I never thought I would put my life in the hands of a Redcoat. Twice.”
Donaldson held his mouth together, wrestling a smile. “You—”
A rustling behind the shack jerked Donaldson around and he reached for his sword. Nathaniel gripped the pistol and widened his stance, his pulse thundering, but only an eerie stillness approached from the shadows.
“Go now.” Donaldson turned and stood at attention as Nathaniel ducked inside the shack. He motioned for Kitty then put his finger to his mouth and spoke to her ear. “Stay with me.”
Nathaniel put his arm around her shoulders and led her into the night. The urge to carry her to safety—and keep her there—sent jolts of fire through his legs. He bolted for the horse, but Donaldson yanked on his arm, halting him.
Nathaniel froze and pushed Kitty behind him. Questioning Donaldson through his eyes, Nathaniel scowled.
Donaldson shook his head and spoke over his shoulder. “Something isn’t right.”
All the blood in Nathaniel’s body slowed.
“Someone’s watching.” Donaldson scanned the forest, as if he could see through the mists of darkness that veiled them. His voice scratched against a whisper. “Run. Now!”
Yanking Kitty beside him, Nathaniel fled to the forest. From behind the shack a soldier darted in front of him, his pistol pointed at Nathaniel’s chest.