Wild Innocence by Candace McCarthy

back.”
    â€œNot anxious to sleep in the woods again?”
    Her friend chuckled as she glanced toward the window. Turning to gaze outside, Rachel stiffened as she saw the door to the cabin across the road open and a young woman step outside. It was Amelia.
    â€œWhy, there’s your sister now,” Miranda commented. “She looks well.”
    Rachel stared at Amelia and felt an overwhelming rush of love. “She looks wonderful,” she said huskily. But she doesn’t look like she’s with child.
    She experienced a jolt. Amelia wasn’t going to have a baby. She had dreamed that the Indian had told her her sister was expecting. Their conversation hadn’t been real.
    â€œDon’t you think you had better go down there and greet her?” Miranda reached to open the window. “Unless you want to call her from here—”
    â€œNo, don’t!”
    Miranda straightened. “Then you’d best get dressed and see your sister.”
    Rachel nodded.
    â€œAre you going to wear that?” Miranda was studying a gown that was draped over the back of the chair.
    Glancing toward the garment, Rachel felt the blood drain from her face. It was the garment she’d chosen to wear in her dream, when she’d confronted the Indian in the dark, near her sister’s cabin.
    She transferred her gaze to her clothes trunk, which looked as if it had been closed in a hurry, as the lid wasn’t shut tight. A blue sleeve from one of the gowns hung over the side of the chest.
    She looked around the room for the gown she’d worn yesterday. She spied it on a hook next to the bed, where she remembered hanging it when she’d undressed for her bath. A trembling invaded her body. Dear God, had it all really happened? Her meeting with the Indian? Had she really awakened in the night, gone outside, and spoken with a savage?
    No, it couldn’t have happened!
    â€œRachel, what’s wrong? You look ill all of a sudden.”
    She managed to summon up a weak smile for her friend. “I’m all right. I guess I’m just feeling the effects of missing supper.”
    Miranda made an exclamation of sympathy. “You’d best get dressed and get something to eat then. You can see your sister later.”
    â€œYes,” Rachel replied gratefully. “That’s a wonderful idea. Have you eaten?”
    Miranda nodded. “Best biscuits I’d ever tasted. Mrs. Treehorn is a great cook.”
    Perhaps she’d be better able to face the day if she had something substantial to eat. “Would you tell her I’ll be down in a few minutes for breakfast?”
    â€œBreakfast! It’s time for the midday meal!”
    Rachel gasped. She had slept the entire morning away. What on earth was the matter with her?
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    â€œAmelia.”
    The young woman, who had opened her door a few seconds ago, looked stunned. “Rachel! My goodness, is that you?” She shook her head as if to clear it. “It can’t be you.” She peered at her sister more closely. “It is you!”
    Rachel grinned, then leaned forward to hug her sister.
    â€œI don’t believe it!” Amelia gasped. “When did you come? How did you get here? Who did you come with?”
    Rachel moved aside, and Miranda stepped into view.
    â€œMiranda?” Amelia blinked.
    â€œHello, Amelia. You’re looking well.”
    â€œI can’t believe this!” Amelia cried.
    â€œCan’t believe what?” a deep male voice said from inside the cabin.
    Rachel tensed as a man joined Amelia at the open door. “What’s this?” he asked pleasantly.
    â€œOh, Daniel,” Amelia gushed. “You’re never going to believe this, but my sister is here! My sister Rachel and her friend.”
    Daniel raised his eyebrows. “Your sister?” He studied first Miranda, then Rachel, before his gaze went to Miranda. “You must be Rachel,” he said to