A Daughter's Dream Read Online Free PDF Page A

again. “I thought it might be the case, but I didn’t want to get your hopes up until I was sure.”
    â€œAh.”
    Her amusement at his confusion faded and was replaced by concern. “This isn’t how I thought you’d react. Aren’t you happy?”
    â€œ Jah . I mean, yes. Yes, of course.” He took off his hat, closed his eyes, and rubbed a hand over his face. “I’m just surprised. Ittook my mamm years to have a child. I had assumed that would be the case for us, too.”
    Letting go of his hand, she stepped closer so she could lean in for a hug. When he exhaled, she leaned close, enjoying how strong and solid he felt. “You know my mother had five children in seven years. Sometimes these things don’t take too long.”
    â€œI guess not.” With obvious care, he wrapped his arms around her and cuddled her close. At last. “ Danke , Rachel. You made me mighty happy. Before you know it, I’ll be rushing off work to get home to you and our babe, and this classroom will be a thing of the past.”
    His words pinched. But instead of going down that path, she pressed her face into his neck and breathed in his familiar, clean scent. He was a good man. The best. He cared for her deeply and he always had. She had just made him happy. That was what mattered—not that she was going to have to give up her dream of being a teacher far too soon.
    She needed to remember that.
    R EBECCA GOT HOME just in time for supper. After washing up, she helped Darla and Amelia place the country-fried steak, mashed potatoes, thick cream gravy, and roasted carrots on the table.
    A few months ago, she had apologized for not helping to prepare the meals. But when she’d seen the flash of hurt in Amelia’s eyes, Rebecca had realized that she needed to simply be appreciative of Amelia’s efforts. After all, her sister was an excellent cook and an even better homemaker. She didn’t need help cooking their meals. Now, Rebecca simply made sure that she complimented her sister on a fine meal.
    Having Darla in the house was a welcome change, too. When she married Lukas, Lukas had offered to move to her family’s home so she could continue to help care for her siblings.
    But Darla’s oldest siblings, Aaron and Patsy, had firmly pushed aside that idea. After depending on Darla to do so much, they were happy to take over the running of the family. Darla had accepted their wishes without argument. Rebecca thought she was grateful to have some time to concentrate on herself and her new husband.
    Darla’s presence also seemed to ease Lukas’s worries about Levi’s absence. And her large family helped, too. Whether it was because of Amelia’s talents in the kitchen or because Darla was missed, usually one or two of Darla’s siblings joined them each day for the evening meal. Rebecca enjoyed the novelty of having guests for supper. Each one of Darla’s six siblings added something different to the conversation. It was also heartwarming to see how much Darla enjoyed their company.
    Tonight, it was Evan, one of Darla’s younger twin brothers, who stopped by. He was fourteen and had a good sense of humor. After Rebecca, Amelia, and Darla joined Evan and Lukas at the table, the five of them bowed their heads in silent prayer.
    Then the chaos began.
    It had always been like this. When they were little and both of their parents had been alive, whoever was present at dinner seemed to transform once they sat at their old, sturdy oak table. Suddenly everyone had an opinion about everything and had a need to voice it, loudly and proudly. If someone disagreed, they were ignored or talked over.
    Usually Rebecca enjoyed the conversations. They were lively and fun and often a bit humorous, but never without laughter.
    Tonight’s conversation centered on something near and dear to her heart—her bulldog puppy, Oscar.
    â€œMy Oscar is a gut hund