A Refuge for Her Heart

By Kay Edwards

A set of twins, in desperate need, flee from a corrupt orphanage weeks before their eighteenth birthday. Can a man with a painful past full of regrets keep them safe from a danger that seeks to separate them? In this book, you'll meet Jason Ternell a man determined to keep his sister safe even if it means taking advantage of a man he's never met. Foster Stewart is no stranger to a sister in danger. When he looks into the green depths of "Glen" Ternell's eyes, he knows there's more to the new help he's hired than he was told. Glenda Ternell has never taken a second glance at any man, until, it was imperative she look like one. As secrets unfold and danger closes in, Foster can't help but find his heart drawn to the heart his sister, Dalia, told him to look for. The heart that needs him more is in dire need of refuge, and Foster will do everything in his power to give Glenda that refuge. Where he failed his sister, Foster is determined to succeed for another's. As Glenda and Foster realize their feelings for each other, can Jason trust another man to give his sister what he can't? Can Jason trust Foster to give Glenda a refuge for her heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kay Edwards
• Release date: Jun 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463247334

Kay Edwards

I am a country girl. I grew up along the Susquehanna River in central PA. I am a Christian and not ashamed of it. I have four children and an awesome (according to him) husband. I believe that Christ must be first, family second and everything else as God sees fit to lead you. I absolutely love a great love story and have written many just for fun. After introducing some friends to my writing, I have been encouraged to publish. I will find a way to always put a twist of humor in everything I write, because that is who I am. If it comes into my mind it is usually out of my mouth, which has put me in some absolutely hysterical situations. I look forward to sharing work with people and hope you all enjoy.

Book preview

Chapter One

Eleven Months Later

Foster looked at Troy and Lamar. He glared at the door to the house annoyed. I really wished she would get this done with. Why is this taking so long?

Lamar raised an eyebrow at his boss’s brother-in-law. He shook his head. I’ll be sure to let her know your thoughts when ‘she gets this done with.'

Troy laughed. He was amused with Foster’s behavior. Your sister is having a baby. I’m almost positive your life would end if you said that to her now.

Foster glared at the men as he continued to pace. When Mack opened the door to give them an update, he glared at him. He voiced his frustration. What were you thinking?

Mack looked at the other men. He was not sure what Foster was talking about. That the other men found it amusing was obvious. When?

Glaring at Mack, Foster stopped pacing again. When you got her pregnant, that’s when. I do not like this at all. It’s taking forever. My sister is in pain.

Mack tried not to laugh at Dalia’s brother. His wife was in labor and less distraught than Foster was. He glanced at the others before he answered. Foster, she’s my wife. It was bound to happen. You’ve been married before, right?

Foster waved him away as he started pacing again. What kind of answer is that? He grumbled.

Mack shook his head. He spoke to the other men since it was obvious Foster was in no condition to listen to him. She’s doing great. The doctor says everything looks fine and in a few hours our child will make an appearance.

Foster stopped pacing again. He was frowning once more. His displeasure was, once again, obvious. "A couple of hours…! Mack, she has been doing this all night! Tell the doctor that is not acceptable! Your child needs to come sooner!"

Mack looked at Foster and Dalia’s uncle, Charlie. Can you help?

Charlie frowned at Mack. He had no intentions of helping Mack explain anything. I’m with him. What were you thinking doing this to our sweet girl?

Mack turned at the touch on his shoulder. He looked down at Dalia’s mom. Mack sure did hope Abby could help.

Abby’s voice was soft. I’ll handle these guys. Your wife needs you.

Foster heard her and latched onto her words. Darn right she does. Mack, why have you left her side? You need to go back in and take care of her. Can’t you tell she’s in pain?

Mack rolled his eyes and went back inside. Dalia’s labor was easier to handle than Foster and Charlie.

Foster pulled his sister’s mother into his arms and hugged her. He started roughly patting her back. How is she, Mamma Abby? The wait is killing me.

Abby tried desperately not to laugh. Foster was acting more like a madman than he was the calm man everyone knew him to be. She looked at Lamar and Troy for help. Foster was not going to be easily consoled.

Lamar shook his head. He was ready to tie his boss’s brother-in-law to a chair and leave him there. Foster let go of your mom. She can’t breathe.

Foster was not ready to let her go. He started patting Abby’s back harder instead. I’m trying to cope here. I’m just a bit worried.

Troy gently pulled Abby away from Foster. He wanted to laugh but frowned instead. You’re going to leave bruises on her at this rate. Would you calm down?

Abby watched her husband, Albert, walk toward them. She could tell by his grin that he was well aware of Foster’s bizarre behavior. She was going to go to her husband when Foster’s words stopped her.

Foster looked at the front door. He was almost positive he could help his little sister. Maybe I should go in.

Abby shook her head as she planted herself firmly in front of the door. I’m thinking you should stay right here. Foster, Dalia is smiling. She is tired and in pain, but she is very happy that a baby will soon be in her arms. It’s ok to be calm during this.

Foster nodded. He reluctantly agreed. I guess you’re right.

Abby watched her husband come up the steps. When he leaned down and kissed her softly, she sighed. I love you.

Albert touched his wife’s cheek. I love you too. You go back in. I’ll help out here. Foster will behave.

Foster looked at Abby. He wondered why in the world she was out there. Her daughter needed her mother right now. Yes, you should be in there. Dalia needs you. I shouldn’t have taken you away from her.

Abby shook her head and walked back into the house. As soon as the door was closed behind her, she started chuckling. Her laughter ended when she heard Dalia.

Foster stopped as he heard his sister’s scream. He ran his hands through his hair with a growl of frustration. He started toward the door only to have Albert stand in his way.

She’s fine, Foster. This is all part of having a baby. Albert assured Dalia’s older brother that everything was fine. He could see the scream had intensified Foster’s anxiety.

Charlie nodded in satisfaction. Unlike Foster, he was ready to hear things get louder. That sounds like she’s finally pushing.

Foster looked at the man incredulously. His voice held his disbelief. She’s going to scream the baby out?

Charlie glared at Foster. She’s pushing. It sounds like that is how she is ending her push.

Troy rolled his eyes as Foster started pacing again. When the door opened, he waited for Foster to start getting cranky again. When he saw who opened the door, he looked at Foster. Watch your tone. I won’t allow her to get upset.

Polly smiled at her husband. She loved how Troy defended her. She looked at Foster. Mack said to tell you it will be soon now. He knows you’re concerned.

Foster was getting ready to ask Polly exactly what that meant when the woman winked at Troy and then promptly closed the door in his face. He glared at Troy. You don’t have to laugh. I had a few more questions for your wife.

Troy shook his head. He spoke through his mirth. I do. You’re very fun to watch. Foster, women have babies every day.

Twenty minutes passed before the cry of a newborn was heard. Five minutes later Abby opened the door. She smiled at the men. It’s a boy. A healthy baby boy with is daddy’s hair and his mommy’s eyes… Umm… Someone should catch Foster.

Chapter Two

Foster sat at his kitchen table. The proposition he was looking at seemed off. Foster didn’t feel right if this was exploiting kids. He was not sure it was something they should do. Foster looked at his foreman Daniel wanting more details. If this was helping and not exploiting, Foster could see the good in it. You think this is a good idea?

Daniel nodded. He really wanted Foster to know how much this needed to be done. He knew God wouldn’t give him any peace until he made sure Foster understood it. I do. I can’t stop praying about this. I believe this is God’s will for our ranch.

Foster looked at the letter in his hand once more. He couldn’t help but feel they were taking advantage, but if Daniel was praying about this, he wanted to be open. We’re going to be paying these boys less. I’m feeling off about that. Why not just do the normal thing every spring? Most of the boys in Dallas and Fort Worth have at least a little experience on a horse. We would still be doing a service to those that are less fortunate.

Daniel took a deep breath. He had prayed long and hard about what God had laid on his heart. God had not eased his mind on it at all. If anything, Daniel had been more convicted than ever that they needed to do this. Foster, these kids are from the east. They are going to have a very hard time finding work after they are thrown out of the orphanages. The ones from here will all get snatched up. You know that. These boys need a life. They need a chance to thrive. We can train them. We are in a position to help them. The reason they don’t get paid as much is because we do have to start from scratch. That doesn’t mean we have to keep their wages that low. As they learn and become skilled at their work, we pay them more. This may be their only shot at a decent life.

Foster glanced at Daniel again. He trusted this man with his life. He knew he was a fellow Christian. After hearing his words, Foster started to feel a stirring too. You prayed about this and feel led. What you are saying makes a great deal of sense. I’ll back you up. Go ahead and send the letters. Let’s see if any of these kids bite.

Daniel grinned at Foster. He had stepped out on faith a few days before. I already sent wires to three of the orphanages in Philadelphia. They should have gotten them already.

Foster chuckled. He knew Daniel enough to know he was not being disrespectful in sending the wires without his consent. You were that sure?

Daniel nodded. He never doubted God would prompt Foster to follow His will. I was that sure. I couldn’t sleep until I sent them. I felt like God’s voice was yelling in my head to send them. I think He was letting me know that for a few of these orphans this was their only hope. I didn’t want to let them down.

Foster leaned back in his chair. He regarded the older man beside him. All joking aside, Foster could see how moved Daniel had been on these orphans’ behalf. I’m glad you did then. That is a pretty specific leading. I’m anxious to see who bites first. I have no doubt now that someone will.

Glenda looked at her twin brother. Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap. Her green eyes were full of worry but also full of hope. What he was saying was crazy, but it also might work. Her heart raced as she prayed it would. Are you sure?

Jason Ternell nodded. His identical green eyes held his sister’s. He knew this was the only way. It had been a miracle that Jason had intercepted the wire meant for the man in charge of the orphanage. Jason was not throwing that miracle away. I’m sure. Glen, you aren’t safe here. Once we’re eighteen, I’ll never see you again. Mr. Larson has all intentions of having you taken out at just the right time. He will make sure I can’t intervene. I won’t be able to help you. There is no way we can stay here even without this opportunity. It’s time to go.

Glenda looked at her hands. Her stomach turned at what her brother meant. She swallowed hard trying not to cry. She made sure her twin knew that she was aware of what he spoke of. He has all intentions of letting Holister and his men take me out the back door. I’ll be gone before anyone can stop it.

Jason nodded. Mr. Larson has no idea he received a wire. He will not even know where to begin to look for us. Glen, God let me get this first for a reason. I just know it. Our future is in Texas.

Glenda knew the only reason she had stayed safe so long was due to the orphanage contributors and the money her being there brought in. Mr. Larson made sure he got every penny he could until each child turned eighteen. After that, he tried to get more. The man was greedy and didn’t care how he lined his pockets. If he could make money, he would regardless of who got hurt. Glenda looked at her brother. Once we’re gone, we have to tell someone that the girls are being sold. We have to tell them about them being taken against their will out the back door. This has to stop. Jason, we have friends here that need us to do that.

Jason nodded. He agreed that it was time for someone to stop what was happening. I’ll tell them. You may give yourself away if you say anything, but as soon as you’re safe, I’ll tell them about Holister and Larson’s agreement. I won’t let them continue hurting the girls here.

Glenda looked up into Jason’s face. She voiced her concerns. How do we explain the fact that I’m smaller? We are supposed to be the same age. I look younger, Jason.

Jason shrugged his shoulders. He honestly didn’t think their differences would be a problem. Glenda acted older than eighteen. Jason knew she could pull it off. There’s always one twin that is a bit smaller when they aren’t identical. At least that’s what mamma used to say.

Glenda knew this was her only option. She nodded her head in understanding. Glenda was also aware that they had to leave soon before Larson started guarding against her escape. She knew that meant they were leaving before they turned eighteen. The time to act was now even if that meant they didn’t have shelter. We’ll be on the streets until it’s time to leave, but I guess that was our future regardless.

Jason nodded. "You’re right, Glen, we will be on the streets. But, like you said, it will happen anyway. At least with this plan, we’ll only be homeless until it’s time to leave. By the time we reach Texas, we’ll be eighteen. We won’t be lying to anyone about our ages. I know we aren’t being honest about you being a girl, but you and I both know we have to leave tonight and at least try to take advantage of this opportunity. We can try to find an abandon building until it’s time to go. It’ll be cold, but it’ll also be safer than here."

Glenda read the letter in her hand again. If this worked, it would get them out of Philadelphia and hopefully away from the danger. At that moment, that was preferable to staying even with the idea of getting caught. So, we send a telegraph. We tell them there is a set of twins. If they hire us, they’ll wire money to us. If they don’t, we are no worse off than what we are now.

Jason spoke softly. He was glad that his twin was starting to see the wisdom of what he was saying. We leave first, and then we make you look like a boy. Do not leave your dresses. As far as Larson is concerned, he is looking for a boy and a girl. We will not give them any clues as to what we are doing.

Glenda nodded. I’ll get my things and crawl out the window and meet you at the bottom.

Jason shook his head. They were going to start this escape off right. There was no way he was leaving his sister alone. I’m ready now. We go to your room now together, and we leave together. From here on out, we do not separate. Okay, Glen?

Glenda took her brother’s hand as she nodded her agreement. She trembled with the enormity of what they were getting ready to do. Her heart whispered a fervent prayer for their safety. Where do we sleep tonight.

Jason pushed open the door to the girls’ sleeping area. He walked in tugging his sister after him. He sensed an urgency he could not explain. We sleep where we can. I don’t know why, but I can’t shake the feeling that we have to leave now.

Glenda pushed her dresses into her bag. She watched her brother stand in front of the door like he was guarding it. What are you doing? I thought we were leaving.

Jason tossed her his bag. He changed his mind about her state of dress. Glenda’s dress could make her fall. That alone could cost them their freedom. You need to dress like a boy now. We’ll take care of your hair later. I don’t want to risk you falling because you’re climbing in a dress.

Glenda nodded her understanding and waited until her brother’s back was turned. She quickly dressed as he instructed. She shoved her discarded dress into the bag before calling out to her brother. I’m ready, but I can already see two more problems. We’re going to have to take care of this later too.

Jason turned. He made a face as he looked at her chest. You’re right. Those are sure to be noticed. I have some old rags in my bag. You can bind them to keep them flat.

Glenda grimaced at the thought. She knew that would not be comfortable at all. She also knew it was their only choice. Taking a deep breath, Glenda gave her brother a determined look. Ok, let’s do this.

Jason helped his sister out the window and into the tree. He followed her silently as they made their way to freedom. As darkness fell, the twins disappeared into its’ shadowy embrace.

Chapter Three

Foster smiled as Ben Greenwood guided his horse toward him. He always enjoyed a visit from the mercantile and telegraph owner. Ben was a hefty guy with a big heart. Hello, Ben, what brings you out our way? We don’t usually see you around here.

Ben got off his horse with a ready smile. He took his hat off and scratched his head after giving Foster a piece of paper. Ben knew that it was important that Foster have the information he had received earlier that day via the telegraph. I have a telegram for you. Daniel has me keeping an eye out for this every day. I finally got it today. It seemed imperative that you got this sooner rather than later.

Foster unfolded the piece of paper and started reading it. His prediction had come true. Someone had taken them up on their offer. In this case, two ‘someones’. Would you be willing to stay? I know I need to reply to this promptly.

Ben had some time. Knowing what Foster and Daniel were doing for the orphans made it worth staying. He assured Foster that he was fine. The wife is at the store, and I have no place else to be. You do what you need to do. At least you don’t live as far out as Polly does now, so it won’t take me too long to get back to the store.

Foster laughed. Dalia and Mack do live a bit away from town. With Troy working for them now, that is a long trip for you to take to see her when you’re staying in town. He loves her though. Anyone looking at those two sees a man in love with his wife. I’m glad you have a house closer to Mack’s, so you can see her more often.

That is all I’ve ever wanted for her. Troy treats her like the treasure she is. Distance from town is a bit far, but like you said, at least she’s closer to our house. It’s not too bad when we take Sunday meals with them. Ben chuckled as Foster continued reading. He watched Foster’s face and became concerned. Foster’s face indicated something wasn’t right. Bad news. Anything I can help with?

Foster shook his head. No, it is actually good news for these siblings. I can’t imagine not being close to Dalia. When she was on the run, I was frantic to get to her. Daniel was right. This is giving them a chance at life they may never have had. From what this says, they’re no longer under the care of the orphanage.

Ben nodded at the paper. Are you saying they’re now on the streets? That wire is from Philadelphia. It’s plum cold up there right now.

Foster’s voice showed his concern. "They were able to see