6
Outside the temple, Carol told me to be
patient. “Stay away from them.”
I hugged her arm.
“Mom, don’t worry. I’ll stand up for myself. If I
don’t, they’ll take advantage of us.”
L
177
Carol smiled. “You’re something else!”
We cut firewood and talked about my family
and the Johnsons.
I told Carol about my mom breaking ties with
- me.
Carol said she knew I was adopted and
worked hard for the Lees.
Carol comforted me. “You’ve suffered. In the
McCarthy family, I’ll treat you like my own
daughter.”
I told her, “I know I’m not good enough for
Peter, but I’ll be good to you and loyal to
him.”
Carol told me, “Peter wanted to marry you. I
liked Ashley. Her dad worked at the store. But
Peter said he wanted you. He wouldn’t marry
anyone else.”
Peter and I weren’t close, so why me?
Ashley wanted me to be a widow.
A few days later, Peter came back with his
superiors.
He had earned a medal in battle and was
injured, so he was on leave.
The leaders gave us awards and gifts.
That night, after everyone left, I took off
Peter’s shirt.
<
He laughed.
“Can’t wait?”
I blushed. “I want to see where you’re hurt.”
Peter hugged me and kissed my head.
“You’re my lucky star. The charm you gave
me saved me. An enemy’s knife hit it, but I
was okay.”
I hugged him.
“The charm doesn’t matter. You’re safe.”
I looked up at him.
“Where were you hurt?”
L
He was attractive, and I wanted to bite him.
“I twisted my ankle, but it’s fine. The leaders
know I’m married and gave me a break.”
I hugged him. “We were worried.”
I cried.
I was relieved and scared.
Peter held me and kissed me.
Then, we made a baby.
I couldn’t sleep.
I hugged Peter and asked, “Why did you want
me? I’m not important to the Lees.”
I remembered his red eyes on our wedding
night.
Even if he was happy, he wouldn’t be so
emotional.
Peter wasn’t emotional. He was polite to
everyone else, but he showed his feelings to
- me.
Peter didn’t answer.
“If you’re not sleepy, we can make another
baby.”
