Excerpt from the Book
She returned to her throwing spot without making eye contact. “My father told us that the regiment will be leaving tomorrow to meet Jackson and his fresh troops at Talladega.”
“The new recruits are only sixty-day volunteers. As frustrated as Jackson was by enlistments running out before he concluded things to his liking, no one is surprised that he’s not waiting for spring to find the Red Sticks.” He watched as she closed one eye and balanced her arm back and forth.
She stopped and looked at him. “No, the surprise was that you and your men posted at Turkey Town were going.”
His face tightened. “This was not my choice.”
“We both seem to have a lot of that, don’t we?” She took aim again.
“Susanna, would you please…stop a minute?” He placed his hand on her elbow, but she jerked away. “Believe me, I protested being pulled from guard duty here. I fear for the chief’s safety if we go. But Jackson expressed concern over taking green troops into battle and needs every experienced fighter he can get.”
She pushed a strand of hair the breeze had tugged loose behind her ear. “I am sure he does.”
“I was told you are leaving the following day, regardless.” Sam stepped closer and shook his head. “So what does this change?”
For a long moment, Susanna stared into his lash-studded dark eyes, searching for confirmation that she hadn’t imagined he shared her feelings. She had stupidly hoped if they had a day or two together after her father left, something might merge their diverse paths. Something might be spoken. Something might be done.
Apparently, the desire for that had never crossed his mind, or he wouldn’t ask what he did. And if it had, he had no business pressing her to vocalize her feelings. No, she must harden the shell around her heart.
“You are right. Thank you for all you have done for my family and me, but we…I…don’t need you anymore.” She turned from a flicker in his gaze, took aim, and released her knife. Dead on.
Jutting her chin up, Susanna stalked to the target and grabbed for the dagger’s handle. But Sam on his silent feet reached it at the same time. They fumbled over the weapon, and it fell into the dirt while a stripe of red appeared on both of their first fingers.
The cut stung like fire. With her left hand, Susanna searched her pocket for her handkerchief. Before she could get hold of it, Sam grabbed her right arm. He pressed his sliced finger over hers, holding the wounds firmly together as he stepped within inches. His gaze followed her gesture, and her heart pounded.
“I do need you.” His whisper both soothed and wracked her soul. “But Susanna…I do not see the way.”
With a final press of his hand that gave her Cherokee blood, Sam’s square jaw firmed, and he walked away.
Want to know more about the book?
A Cherokee lieutenant, a colonel’s daughter, and a desperate fight to protect both land and love.
Sam Hicks may be the educated son of a Cherokee chief, but his command of multiple languages and diplomatic skills can’t erase the prejudice he faces as a mixed-blood warrior. When he’s tasked with guarding Colonel Moore’s spirited daughter, Susanna, at a wilderness fort, he never expects to lose his heart to a woman he can never have.
Susanna Moore dreams of making her own way on the frontier like her Cherokee stepmother. The last thing she wants is an arranged marriage to the fort’s stuffy doctor—especially after she meets the noble and intelligent Sam Hicks. When she’s captured by a turncoat warrior during a Creek uprising, Sam risks everything to save her.
Their shared values and growing love give them hope—but with the Creek War raging and cultural pressures mounting, can a Cherokee lieutenant and a colonel’s daughter overcome the loyalties and prejudices set against them?
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About the Author
Denise Farnsworth, formerly Denise Weimer, writes historical and contemporary romance mostly set in Georgia and also serves as a freelance editor and the Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books. A wife and mother, she always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.
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