Alaskan Summer Read Online Free PDF Page B

depend on.”
    “Let me wash the dishes. Why don’t you go sit in your chair and I’ll be there shortly.”
    Laurette carried her bags and boxes to her bedroom. When she unpacked her laptop computer, she decided to e-mail her parents. She typed a quick note and went to the living room to plug the modem into a phone jack so she could send her message.
    “Is that one of those computer things?” Ruth asked.
    Laurette nodded as she shut the machine down.
    “My granddaughter Marty is one of those computer people. She says she’s a nerd, whatever that is.”
    “Does she live around here?”
    “Oh, no. She works in Seattle. I think she’s married to that computer. Nearly thirty and not even a boyfriend. I don’t think I’m ever going to have great-grandchildren. John’s boy is no better. Craig’s in the Coast Guard.” She picked up the book in her lap. “Marty sent me this. Said I could read the big print.”
    Laurette looked at the red leather Bible. “Does the large print help?”
    Ruth scowled. “Yes, but I still like the King James better. Just an old-fashioned old woman, I guess.”
    Laurette jumped up. “Let me get my King James and I’ll read to you.”
    “Bless you, dear.”
    ❧
    The evening passed quickly. When Ruth’s head started to nod, Laurette put the Bible down. “I need to be up early. Time I got some sleep. Good night.” She kissed Ruth on the cheek and went to her room.
    Laurette glanced at her watch and muttered, “Too late to unpack. I’ll pull out enough for tomorrow and get settled later.”
    The house was silent when the alarm went off. Laurette showered and dressed as quietly as she could. Finding cereal, she poured herself a bowl and made a note to check the cupboards. “I don’t know whether Ruth eats regularly, so I’ll start doing some cooking,” she whispered to herself.
    The pattern of her days didn’t vary. Only the tasks to be done to help keep the cruise ships working smoothly changed. She learned to keep her day pack with her. When she took a passenger to the medical clinic, she could read while she waited for them to see the doctor. Tyler explained that there were doctors aboard the ships, but insurance coverage made it necessary for some passengers to seek medical care while in port.
    On Sunday, Tyler suggested Laurette take time off to attend church. “Diane will meet you in the parking lot. That way you’ll have someone to sit with.”
    “I wouldn’t recognize your wife, but I’ll recognize Kate and David from the pictures on your desk,” Laurette quipped. “Your children are adorable.”
    Tyler beamed with pride even when he protested the four-year-old girl and six-year-old boy were both imps and always into mischief.
    Ryan had been filling his coffee cup during this conversation. Laurette took her own cup over to be topped off and asked, “Do you go to the same church, Ryan?”
    “Not much for church anymore. My mother used to play the organ at church, but I haven’t gone back since she left. I’ll be around here to take care of business.” He sipped his coffee and headed for an incoming fax.
    ❧
    Laurette had disappeared when he returned from picking up luggage at the airport. Tyler had gone aboard a ship with immigration papers. Ryan knew his boss did that so the immigration officer could have time off. He picked up the local paper and opened the carton of chocolate milk he had purchased on his way back to the office.
    “I wonder if Laurette likes music,” he mused. “The annual music festival will be here in a couple weeks.” The phone rang, and he put down the paper.
    Later that day, Laurette greeted his invitation with the cheerful enthusiasm she seemed to have for everything. “What kind of music will this be?”
    “The emphasis is on chamber music. It’s an annual thing with professionals coming in from around the country. I’ve got tickets for Tuesday night at Centennial Hall.” Her smile warmed him. I’m glad I asked her, he