I had to find April and be out of town as soon as possible. Downstairs most of the guests had left and I was able to slip into the kitchen unnoticed. Luckily she was alone, washing dishes in the kitchen.

I moved quickly and I called out her name and it startled her, she let out a little gasp as she spun around to face me.

"I didn't mean to startle you."

"Yes sir, what can I get for you." her voice sang to me. Her eyes appraised me as she dried her hands with a cloth.

"Please don't call me sir, my name is Franklin," I asked, as I near her, and then I took her delicate hand, pressing it to my mouth, kissing her warm savory flesh.

"Can you step outside and sit with me for a moment?"

I watched her look me over with those doe eyes; I can only assume she was trying to figure out my intentions. She seemed pleased that I addressed her in a manner that was neither demanding nor demeaning.

Her eyes shifted, unsure of what was actually happening. "I-I don't think Massa would want me to do that Franklin."

I knew she wanted to talk to me by the way she smiled at me; it was truly sincere, warm and so inviting. I wondered how she could ever smile with a life like this. I walked over to her and placed my hand on her shoulder. She didn't seem to mind my touch which truly pleased me.

"Please come with me April." She glanced over the room to see if anyone was watching us. And to my delight; she took me by the hand.

As we walked April told me about the numerous advances of men and how Steven was kind enough to protect her from them. At least that's what Steven had thought. He had no idea that April was more than capable of taking care of herself. I could sense how resilient the beautiful woman is.

Out into the field for about an acre, we sat down on a rosewood bench, by a large oak tree a few yards into the pasture. I could have just walked with her all night in silence, holding her hands looking at the full moon. We shared a comfortable silence as if we'd know each other for a lifetime.

Unfortunately, time was running out. Sunrise was approaching. I must ask her right away.

"April, go way with me to Mississippi, I will take care of you there. You won't have to fight off advances, endure mistreatment from that retched Rebecca or anyone else."

"I don't even know you, Franklin." I could get into a heap of trouble too- I could be killed."

She looked at me with pure curiosity in her eyes, and then up into the night sky, she took a long deep breath. I could not take my eyes off of her. I was satisfied in knowing that the breathtaking beauty was at least pondering my proposal.

"I will never let anyone hurt you," I assured her.

"How do you know so much about me Franklin?" She asked still holding my hand; I found this gesture so endearing.

"I made Rebecca tell me all about you." You and I both know she's retched, I believe she is determined to make your life very difficult if you stay here".

She nodded her head in agreement." She tries to all the time, that's fa sure."

"So your answer is yes?"

"I don't know you, Franklin, how do I know you won't try to hurt me too."

"I know we don't know each other, but you cannot deny what we are feeling right now, if you did not feel it, you would have stayed in that kitchen and sent me away."

She agreed, she could not deny it, she felt it from the moment their eyes met. He was the one she dreamed would come for her.

She smiled at me and said, "Meet me at this very spot tomorrow night at this very hour." I knew the sun was approaching because I felt very tired. I kissed her hand. She smiled a sweet smile and waved at me as I jumped on my horse and left. I dreamed of my beautiful April that night.

I hadn't dreamed since I was a human.

After attending my business the next night I rode back to the plantation on horse and buggy. I waited several hours under that tree for April and finally just before morning she kept her promise and joined me.

We made haste to the cabin I was lodging in a cabin owned by Jacob, a werewolf of Russell's. When we arrived I noticed that some of my things were out of place, luckily all my important documents were still well hidden.

One of my many skills is hiding things so they are never found.

Nevertheless, Jacob would have to answer to me. If he would not confess that someone has been snooping around, he would be held accountable by Russell.

I took off my coat and shoes. My sweet April lit the lantern on the table and sat down at my side as I lay in the bed.

She picked up my Sherlock Holmes book and was proud to tell me that she could read. She asked me if I would like her to read to me. Before I could answer she began, I listened to her enchanting voice read the chapter I had just finished the night before.

I smiled at her, I dared not interrupt. She was having such a good time. I wanted to tell her what I am and get that out of the way, but I did not want to ruin the moment. I lay my head in her lap, it was morning and I soon fell into a deep slumber.