Chapter 21

Having been kept in the dark, Natalie was stunned yet felt a surge of indescribable bitterness within her. "Don't come near Natalie again. Charity isn't something you use as leverage. The Swift family's supplies will be airlifted here in an hour. And until then…" Wesley warned. For the first time, Wesley, who usually looked gentle, radiated an air of superiority. "Get your trash out of here." He seemed to sense the subtle shift in Natalie's expression, so he gave her a long, steady look. Then he squeezed her hand firmly and strode past the stunned Nelson, heading straight for the beat-up pickup outside. The two of them rode in silence. The truck crept up to the same high ground they had visited that afternoon. The night fell, and moonlight spilled across the city. Wesley swung the door open and pulled Natalie out. Under the pale glow, Broda River shimmered, reflecting in his honest, unwavering eyes. He took both of her hands and said seriously, "Natalie, I never meant to hide