Colin's Quest by Shirleen Davies

Wes, she moved backward, her face contorted in disbelief.
    Steeling herself while casting a contemptuous look at her father, Sarah forced her voice to sound calm. “Your request for my hand is noted, Mr. Bell. Unfortunately, I’m already betrothed.”
    She would have laughed at the look of horror on Wes’s face, except at the same moment, her father threw his napkin on the table and stood, eyes bulging in anger.
    “You will not dishonor me, Sarah. The request of MacLaren was refused, no matter your wishes. You will wed Wesley Bell and no other.” His attempt at lowering his booming voice failed. It echoed throughout the restaurant, surprising the other patrons.
    The only couple who showed any sympathy sat several tables away, their faces awash in understanding. Reverend and Mrs. Olford had always been wonderful to her and Geneen. Besides her sister, Sarah had shared her acceptance of Colin’s proposal with two others, the Olfords, who promised to keep her secret.
    Face burning, she lifted her chin in defiance. “Nae, Da. I will never marry Wes Bell or any man other than Colin MacLaren. It is a promise I made and it shall be kept.” Lifting her skirt, she rushed from the restaurant, running down the street, oblivious to where she headed. All Sarah knew was her life in her father’s house had ended with his deceitful, selfish decision to barter her off as if she were another of his cows. And she had no doubt a barter had been arranged.
    Dougal MacGregor never gave away a scrap of wood without some form of recompense in return. He’d never give one of his daughters away without making certain he obtained significant payment.
    “Sarah, wait.”
    Her breath coming in gulps, Sarah stopped, her hand resting on the side of a building, steadying her shaking limbs. Glancing over her shoulder, she dropped into a nearby bench as Geneen came to a halt beside her. Neither spoke a word for several moments as she took a seat next to Sarah, her own misery as intense as her sister’s.
    “I’ll not be returning home.”
    Geneen nodded, already accepting a rift had been born that would take a miracle to close. She’d never heard Sarah speak to their da in such a way. The stunned silence around the table when she dashed from the restaurant caught everyone unawares—except Geneen. She’d known of the betrothal and Sarah’s determination to keep her promise to Colin, as well as her hatred of their father’s ways.
    “I’ll not go back, either.” Geneen’s calm voice should have reassured Sarah. Instead, it sent another wave of panic through her.
    “Nae, Geneen. You cannot make my burden your own. Besides, I’ve no idea where I’ll stay or how I’ll live. We cannot both be in such a state.”
    “Sarah?” The soft voice of Mrs. Olford jolted them both. Standing, they faced the reverend and his wife.
    “I apologize you had to witness that.” Sarah clasped her hands in front of her.
    “Nonsense, my dear. We’ve seen many family disagreements during our time in River City. I’m sure your father is trying to do what’s best for you.” She reached out, taking Sarah’s hands in hers. “The Reverend Olford has already spoken to him and asked he give you time to consider Wes’s proposal. For now, you’ll be going home with us.” Seeing confusion on Sarah’s face, she smiled. “It didn’t take much to guess you wouldn’t want to ride back to the ranch tonight.”
    “Never.”
    “Excuse me?” Mrs. Olford asked.
    Sarah lifted her chin, her lower lip trembling as she came to terms with what had to be done. “I’m never going back there. I made a promise and it will be kept, even if I lose my family.” She fingered the brooch in her pocket, then made a quick decision to pull it out and secure it on her dress. From this day forward, she’d wear it proudly instead of hiding the proof of her promise.
    “Sarah, dear, you don’t know what you’re saying. It’s understandable you’re upset about how your father and