The Christmas Bargain by Shanna Hatfield

included lively discussions. As she grew more comfortable around him, she engaged more in conversation. Luke enjoyed talking to her as much as he enjoyed visiting with anyone.
    Sometimes, when they were discussing a political standpoint or new idea, he took an opposing view just to watch her become animated as she defended her position. She was clever and witty and never ceased to make him smile. Marrying Filly had been about the best decision Chauncy had forced Luke to make.
    Ripping open the envelope, he quickly read through the message, then read it again. The envelope addressed to Chauncy and Abby fell to the counter.
    Luke stuck the milk back in the ice box then ran to Filly’s room. Pounding on the door, he flung it open and noticed her neatly made bed was empty. Nothing appeared to be missing from the room, but then he wouldn’t expect her to take anything she hadn’t brought with her. He hoped she at least had sense enough to put on a coat when she left.
    Racing to his room, he hurriedly pulled on jeans, boots and a warm, woolen shirt. On his way out the door, he grabbed his wool-lined coat and a thick scarf as he slapped his hat on his head.
    In record time, he had Drake saddled and hustled out of town, heading toward the Booth farm. Luckily, the moon was full and provided ample light. He was about half-way to the farm when he spotted a lone figure walking down the road. He was chilled from the fast pace of his ride and could only imagine how cold Filly would be.
    Riding up beside her, she turned a tear-stained face his direction before gasping and taking off running down the road. He nudged Drake and quickly overtook her. Leaning from the saddle, he grasped her under her arms and pulled her up onto his lap, making her drop the bundle she carried in her arms. She struggled briefly, but he held on and she soon stilled.
    “What in blazes are you thinking, woman?” Luke yelled, relieved at finding her, angry she would sneak off in the night, and furious with Melanie for causing the problem in the first place. “Have you lost all your good sense? Are you trying to freeze to death? How could you sneak off like that?”
    Holding her tightly by her arms and looking into her face, Luke watched her shrink inside herself at his raised voice. She turned her face from him and cringed, like she expected him to slap her.
    Remembering her past, he sighed and loosened his hold on her. Pulling her to his chest, he cradled her against him and kissed her forehead.
    “Filly, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell,” Luke said softly, kissing the crown of her head.
    Her response was to bury her face more deeply against his coat while sobs racked through her.
    “Filly, darlin’, please don’t cry,” Luke said, rubbing her back gently and feeling miserable, knowing he’d scared her. He murmured soft words to her and finally the sobs stopped and she raised her face to his.
    “I can’t stay with you, Luke. I have to leave,” Filly said, looking at him with pain-filled eyes. “Just let me go back to Pa.”
    “Never. Not while there is a breath left in my body will I let you go back to your father,” Luke said, shaking his head. “I don’t want you to leave. I’ve already gotten used to you being in the house, to your delicious meals, to seeing you across the kitchen table. Don’t be upset by what Melanie said. She was being spiteful. No one thinks ill of you. No one will think anything except I was a very smart man for marrying you.”
    “But Luke, she said…” Filly tried to explain why she felt she must leave, but Luke cut her off.
    “I don’t want to hear another word about what she said or implied. Now, I’m taking you home before we both freeze,” Luke turned Drake around and started back toward the road, but Filly began struggling again.
    “Luke, please stop. Please!” she pleaded, trying to wriggle off the horse.
    “What? What is it?” he asked, pulling Drake to a stop and letting go of Filly.
    She slid