A difficult journey, March, 1780: Aspen

I sigh softly, exhausted. The large war horse under me is clearly just as tired as me. I close my eyes, shivering against the cold. I've been riding for two days straight and I'm definitely not wearing riding clothes. I probably have a fever and my head is spinning. I just want to sleep. 

Suddenly, I hear the sound of horse hooves on the road and quickly pull my horse off the rode and to the tree line. If it's more redcoats, I want to do my best to avoid being seen.

Relief fills my chest when I see the continental blue I have grown so accustomed to. I ride at the side of the road and signal the young man. He sees me immediately and pulls his horse up next to mine. Bright blue eyes meet mine and I quickly recognize my fiance on his dapple grey horse, Scout. 

He pulls his horse up and climbs off quickly. I slowly climb off my horse and stumble over to him as he runs to me as quickly as he can. He scoops me into his arms and holds me as tight as he can.

"Oh, you're alright! You're alright!" He looks down at me and gently kisses my forehead. "We received work that the carriage had been attacked by bandits. The officer that found it said there was blood on the seats. I feared the worst..."

"Not bandits." I say softly. "Redcoats. They spoke to the footman for a moment then shot and killed him without hesitation. I managed to hide under the carriage before knocking one of the men out and taking his horse." I hug him again. "How did you get word so fast."

"The messenger took the old post road. I left as soon as I found out." He says, putting his uniform coat around my shoulders. "It's only been a little more then an hour. Let's get you home."

With that, he hoists me onto his horse, grabs the black horse's reins and climbs onto his horse behind me. He hold me tight as we ride in silence. I'm not sure when I fell asleep, but when I wake, I'm in my childhood bedroom, wrapped in blankets with a fire going in the small fireplace in the room. 

My entire body aches, but I feel better then I did earlier. I look around and spot Daniel, half asleep be side the bed. I gently touch his hand, causing him to look at me. A tired smile appears on his lips. 

"Your awake..." He says, relieved.

"How long was I asleep?" I ask softly.

"Almost three days." He says, taking my hand gently. "You gave me quite the scare, y'know."

"I'm sorry, love." I hum. "Three days... That explains why I feel so much better..."

He smiles. "I'm glad you're feeling better." He says softly. "I've written General Lafayette asking for a few weeks leave. We can get married once your strong enough and your father has written to your brother as well."

"Are your brothers and sister and father coming?" I asks. 

He nods. "It'll be perfect, Aspen." He says. "I promise."

I smile. 

I am soon strong enough to get out of bed. Family starts showing up and the wedding planning begins.

It's finally time.

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I'm going to try and get the wedding chapter done and I'll probably do the wedding night chapter tomorrow or tonight if I have time. Love y'all!

-Your favorite weirdo <3 <3 <3