And Then Came Spring Read Online Free PDF

“I feel sad too.” She studied the boy’s pale face.
    Eddie sniffed but still no tears. “I didn’t say good-bye,” he said.
    She swallowed hard. “I didn’t either.” Saying good-bye had been the last thing on her mind. For several moments neither spoke. Finally she asked, “Does your uncle know you’re here?”
    â€œHe’s gone. Out looking for the man who killed Pa.”
    It was all she could do to keep her temper. What was the matter with the man, leaving his young nephew to fend for himself? “Don’t you have other relatives? Someone to care for you?”
    He slid a glance in her direction. “I don’t need a nursemaid.”
    â€œNo, I don’t reckon you do.” She pushed a strand of hair out of his eyes. “But surely you have family.”
    â€œJust my uncle.”
    â€œI see.”
    One of the candles sputtered and went out. Soon they would be left in darkness.
    â€œI know why Pa didn’t tell you about me,” he said.
    She arched a brow. “How do you know he didn’t tell me?”
    â€œI heard my uncle tell Deputy Barnes.”
    â€œEavesdropping, eh?” She studied the boy. “So why do you think he didn’t tell me?”
    â€œâ€™Cause he hates me.”
    Hates . Not hated . He still hadn’t accepted his father’s death. That would explain the lack of tears. Not that she blamed him. She was having trouble believing it herself.
    â€œI don’t know why your pa didn’t tell me, but I know he didn’t hate you.”
    â€œDid too!” he said. “He hates me for what I did to Ma.”
    His sudden outburst surprised her. “What . . . did you do?”
    â€œI gave her smallpox. I got sick and gave it to her.”
    â€œOh, Eddie.” She laid a hand on the side of his face. “You poor sweet boy. Don’t you know it was an accident? You weren’t to blame. No one was. It wasn’t your fault.”
    â€œDad blames me.”
    She drew her hand away. “Did . . . did he say that?”
    â€œNope, but I know that’s what he thinks. That’s why he won’t . . .”
    â€œWon’t what?” she prodded gently.
    â€œHe won’t take me fishing no more.”
    She moistened her lips. “I’ll tell you what I think. I think your pa stopped taking you fishing ’cause he was sad. When adults are sad they stop doing fun things.” She certainly had after her first fiancé died. She took the boy’s hand. It felt like ice. “You’re cold.” She pulled off her shawl and wrapped it around his thin shoulders. “It’s late. You better go home.”
    â€œI don’t want to. I’m . . .”
    â€œYou’re what?” she urged.
    â€œNothing.” He hesitated. “I don’t want to leave you here all alone. There are bad men out there. One of them shot Pa.”
    Scared. The boy was scared. Maybe for her, but mostly for himself. “Your uncle will protect you,” she said.
    â€œHe won’t be home till tomorrow.”
    She chewed on her bottom lip. “Do you think he would mind if I spent the night at your house?” She couldn’t think of any other way to make the boy go home.
    Eddie brightened. “You can sleep on the couch.”
    â€œWell then.” Compared to the church pew, the couch sounded like heaven. She stood and gathered her carpetbag and sewing machine. “Lead the way, young man. Lead the way.”

Chapter Five
    It was well after midnight by the time Tom Garrett reached Mrs. Hoffmann’s Boarding House, a two-story brick building just outside of town. A headwind not only slowed his journey but chilled him to the bone. April sure had come in like a lion.
    Normally he would have flopped down in an out-of-town hotel for the night, but he didn’t want to leave the boy any longer than necessary. It was