She stood there with the baby and slowly she realized he was all that was left of her family. She felt a sudden wave of guilt. There was no doubt in her heart that her love for Derek was so overwhelming that life without him seemed impossible. Yet, did she have the right not to protect this child? Who had given her the right to play God? God. She lifted her face to the heavens and silently prayed for the strength to do what she knew He would have her do. She loved Derek with all her heart and soul and every breath she drew, but she could make it without him—without any man—and by God and by heaven, she would do so if she had to. She looked for Sujen and found her as easily as her shadow. Handing her the baby, she whispered, “See if Louella will nurse him. He’ll waken soon, and he’ll be hungry.” Then she hurried after Derek, calling to him as he was about to climb into the supply wagon. Bracing himself for another confrontation, he turned to face her.
