1824-Ypsilanti, Michigan Territory

She dreams of travel…

He a family…

When tragedy strikes and Elizabeth’s stranded with a broken ankle in the midst of a raging snowstorm, is life about to take her down a path she never would have chosen?

~~~~~

As the minutes turned into hours, she grew cold—so cold she could barely feel her limbs. With no reprieve the chilling winds and billowing flakes proceeded to envelop her slender frame as she clung to her unyielding belief that God would somehow deliver her.

A verse her mother used to remind her of played over in her mind, becoming her comfort. God is my hiding place; He will keep me from trouble, and bring me peace and deliverance. Thank you Lord, for my deliverance!

Elizabeth's frigid draw towards slumber muddled her thoughts, sending her into a fitful sleep. Teetering between dreams and reality, she panicked when large hands grabbed at the front of her coat. In her weakened state, her arms flailed in revolt, yet her captor was unyielding. Through half-open eyes, she saw the abominable snow-covered man shake his head. The momentum of being thrown over his broad shoulder left her feeling dizzy and light-headed. Too exhausted to combat his overpowering strength, Elizabeth drifted in and out of consciousness…

~~~~~

Elizabeth awoke with a start! She was lying in a clouded haze on a hard surface with a roof over her head. While her meager surroundings held not a flicker of familiarity, the same snow-covered ruffian who had thrown her over his shoulder was removing her coat, her boots, her wet pants, and her wet shirt. When he reached to unbutton her long underclothes, alarm slammed though her. She came out of her stupor—fighting! Agonizingly, the intense pain in her ankle would not allow her to stand.

What does he think he’s doing? Her brain screamed out in revolt.

Recalling her father's warnings of despicable men's intentions, the blood now raging through her veins began to boil! Swines, brutes, horrible degenerates, they wouldn’t think twice about robbing a woman of her virtue! Understanding the full impact of her father’s warnings, she asked herself, how does he know I’m a woman?

No matter, no one will take anything from Elizabeth Somers—not while I have breath left in me! Curling her fingers in a tight knot, she punched him square in the nose. The scant light from the small window revealed a trail of blood, trickling from his nostrils. Her courage was renewed. His size alone should have kept her from such a brazen attempt, but if determination was indeed a powerful weapon, this could be a close match!

The vindictive glower in his deep menacing eyes strengthened her resolve. As yet he hadn’t lashed out, and while this confused her, Elizabeth would not take chances. His feet were spread apart, poised and ready, waiting for her next move. She would not back down. In one fluid motion, she drew back her uninjured leg and kicked him hard in the shin. He grimaced and painfully dropped to the floor.

As he rose to his feet again, the beat of her heart thudded out of control. His scowl housed the fury of ten men. Out of sheer desperation, she lunged for the poker—but not fast enough! He nailed her to the floor with his huge bulk, bellowing as he wailed on her rump.

“You ungrateful brat! Is this the thanks...?” The split second his thunderous words reached her ears, the tenseness in her body gave way to her weakened state. She calmed—and so did he.

Stunned by “Eli’s” sudden change in behavior, he loosened his hold, but he did not let down his guard.

I know that voice, she thought. He’s unrecognizable wearing all that snow and because she was dressed like a boy, he couldn't possibly know who she was. As her lips parted to speak, an impish thought touched her mind. Having been on the receiving end of his teasing so many times, how could she deny herself this one scintillating moment. As her head spun to face him, her narrowed gaze pierced right through him.

“My brothers will come after you with a vengeance when I tell them what you just did!” She could see the lights go on.

“Elizabeth…Somers?”

At her hesitant nod, Kaleb reached for her brother’s hat and watched as long golden locks tumbled down around her shoulders. His mouth dropped open in shock. Contemplating whether he should be furious with her for taking unnecessary risks or relieved that he had found her when he did, he gave her the benefit of the doubt.

“What were you doing out in this storm? Dressed like a boy no less!”  

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She had never seen him like this. His stern intolerance made her shudder; his revulsion unnerved her. Though she hated her weakness, she could no longer suppress the tears that burned at the back of her eyes.

“Your father and brother would berate me for letting you off with such ease! What were you thinking, Elizabeth?”

He continued to stare. It was more than she could bear. In fact, it shook her to the core. In that instant she knew she had better give account for her actions without further delay. “Kaleb, I’m sorry. I can’t take back what I’ve done, but your anger over me being out in this storm is unwarranted. My father sent me to Ann Arbor for supplies.”

The tenseness in his jaw eased.

“I’m surprised Jesse never told you. Dad makes me dress like a boy when I go alone. It works like a charm, no one has ever bothered me. Truth is, they seldom notice I'm there. I even confuse Mrs. Grant, and you know how hard that is.” Her insides calmed when a lighthearted grin creased his icy face.

“Who does she think you are?”

“A nephew named Eli, here for an extended visit.”

~~~~~

“I am certain the rumors that have begun to circulate are unwarranted, so I want you to understand right off that these are not why I'm here. Kaleb, I've asked you to join us because this concerns you and Elizabeth. Considering her age, you and George should hear me out before the two of you decide how best to remedy this rather delicate situation.”

 Kaleb said, “Pastor, since all of us are speculating, I’d like you to come right out with it.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Kaleb, so I’ll get right to the point. I was in the store a short while ago and overheard a disturbing conversation among several prominent women in town. To make a long story short, these women are convinced that Elizabeth has not only lost her innocence as a result of your stay in the cabin, they are sure that she is in a family way. Need I say more?”

Kaleb’s heart flooded with dread. He hated what this would do to Elizabeth, and not knowing what her father would say left him feeling more than a little uneasy. George’s expression was completely unreadable.

~~~~~

“Elizabeth,” her father began, after seeing that she was seated. “It saddens me to have to tell you this…” He paused, trying to prepare himself for her reaction. “Rumors have begun to circulate concerning your stay in the cabin with Kaleb.”

She didn’t care for the direction this conversation was going, but out of respect she let him go on.

“Elizabeth, your mother and I have discussed this, and we agree. The only way to stop the rumors is for you and Kaleb to marry right away.”

She paled instantly, horrified by her father’s words. How could he even suggest such a thing? An emphatic “No!” was her enraged reply.

“Elizabeth!” he scolded. “I understand that you’re upset, but you will not speak to me in that tone.”

Her father would not tolerate disrespect, yet her brain was screaming in defiance. She wasn't about to marry anyone, let alone her brother's best friend. This outrageous notion needed to be laid to rest, so she persisted, but she did so in a calmer manner.

“Dad, Kaleb is a friend, that is all. I don’t love him and he doesn’t love me.” He nodded in understanding—or so she thought.

~~~~~

A Decision of the Heart is not just a moving story of faith rising above suffering, slander, and life’s circumstances, it’s about a tender love that begins with a decision- A Decision of the Heart.

 

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