Chapter 19

Mark heard shouting, but it was from far away. A searing heat ripped into his shoulder, making him gasp and swear. He couldn't see from the smoke, and his lungs struggled for breath.

Abby lay under him, unconscious, and he knew he had to get them out of this damn barn before it was too late.

He tried to push away the beam that had fallen on his left shoulder. Groaning with the effort, he didn't want to touch it with his hands and injure them as well. But the combination of smoke inhalation and his own weak left arm rendered him useless.

"Abby," he muttered, eyes streaming. "Abby, don't leave me. Baby, wake up."

She groaned, but otherwise she didn't stir.

Mark heaved with all of his might, his body screaming in pain everywhere. The beam finally shifted. Yet it wasn't enough to free them.

They were going to die here because he couldn't muster the strength to save the woman he loved.

"Abby, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I'm an idiot." He didn't know if his eyes were streamin