Samuel sat there, silent, his guilt consuming him. He felt he had no other choice.

If he wasn't sick, if his family wasn't pressuring them to have more children, he would not have chosen to leave his wife and daughter.

"Think it over carefully. I'm leaving," Sophia said, turning to leave. "But I won't keep this secret for you. I'm telling Eli. If she comes to you, don't push her away again."

Without waiting for a response, Sophia glanced at William and ...