A Place Called Home Read Online Free PDF

Susanne’s attempt at tactfulness. She topped both of these women by a good six inches. Christine was still smiling when she spoke. “I appreciate your kindness and effort. It’s hard to judge a person’s height when she is in bed.”
    Both women returned her smile with great relief, and the tension in the room evaporated.
    â€œWell, now,” Maggie spoke in her no-nonsense way. “We’ll have to look for something else while you get your bath and have breakfast. Maggie handed the clothes back to Susanne and stripped the bed. “Now, my dear, you sit back on the bed and I’ll be back up in a minute with your bath.” Both women moved out the door.
    Christine was seated on the bed when Susanne stepped back into the room. “You must think me terribly rude, Christine. I didn’t even ask how you felt.”
    Christine responded to the genuine concern she heard in Susanne’s voice. “I’m a little stiff, but I guess that is to be expected.” The women exchanged smiles and Susanne moved out the door again.
    Christine knew a moment’s embarrassment as Maggie assisted with washing her hair. The only person who had ever helped her was Mrs. Hall. But Maggie’s efficient way soon had Christine at ease.
    Christine had just finished breakfast and was seated on the edge of the bed, wrapped in a sheet, when Susanne returned. She handed Christine some undergarments.
    â€œPut these on and I’ll help you with your hair.”
    Christine opened her mouth to protest, but Susanne had already turned away to hang the dress and move the chair in front of the mirror.
    Christine sat in silence, feeling a bit strange at having this woman, really a stranger, do her hair. But if the truth were known, her shoulder and arm were not up to it. So she was grateful.
    Susanne worked in silence except for an occasional comment on how thick Christine’s hair was or what a lovely color. Susanne would have laughed to know Christine was admiring the shining blonde curls on her own head with a bit of envy. As Susanne moved to Christine’s side, Christine’s eyes fell to her swollen stomach. She had made an effort not to stare, but she had been around so few women with babies that she was fascinated. Her cheeks burned as she raised her eyes and met Susanne’s, knowing she had been caught staring.
    â€œDo you like children?” Susanne asked quietly.
    â€œYes.” The reply was just as quiet.
    The only sound for a time was that of the brush moving through Christine’s hair.
    â€œMaggie may have told you that this is our second child. We have a little girl, Emily, who is with her Grandma Em today. Mark has never said, but I’m sure he hopes for a boy. I guess most men want a son. But either way we’ll love and cherish this one too. Children are a special gift from the Lord.”
    Christine was quiet for awhile, digesting Susanne’s last statement. Susanne left her to her thoughts.
    â€œHow old is Emily?”
    â€œShe’ll be four before the baby is born.”
    â€œWhen is the baby due?”
    â€œAbout seven weeks,” Susanne answered as she set the brush down. “But at this point it feels like seven years.”
    Susanne turned and brought the dress over for Christine. “Here, try this for size.”
    It was a beautiful dress, plum-colored with small white flowers running through it. Christine looked down at herself and then in the mirror. It wasn’t too short in the sleeves or the hem, and she was amazed. Her feelings must have shown because Susanne laughed and said, “Mark has a sister about your height.”
    The words were sobering for Christine, her pride reminding her that she did not even have money for clothes. The thought saddened her. Susanne didn’t seem to notice. “Put your shoes on and I’ll show you the house.”
    Susanne led the way out and next door to Emily’s room. All thoughts of