Bouquet for Iris Read Online Free PDF Page A

cousin.
    She thought of Paul’s promise in Romans that
“all things work together for good to them that love God.”
When she was younger, she’d thought the verse meant that only good things would happen to the people who loved God, but now she thought that Paul was trying to encourage early Christians by explaining that all things—the good events as well as the bad ones—were tools God used to bring blessings to His people.
    She reached into the pocket of her skirt and pulled out the familiar newsprint advertisement. How many times had she unfolded it and read it? How many nights had she clutched it in her hands as she prayed for guidance. Iris dreamed of making her life count for something more than attending parties and bobbing for apples. Would she be able to find God’s path for her life like Kamama had done? Or would she waste away here, an object of pity to her neighbors? When would her time come? Or would it? Would her family shield her from danger so assiduously that she never had the chance to fulfill her dreams?

    Iris bent over the buckskin breeches her young brother had torn, punching her needle through the thick hide. “I wish Eli would be more careful with his clothing.”
    Ma stirred a large pot of stew that smelled wonderful. “He’s too busy to be careful, dear. A lot of work didn’t get done while he was laid up in bed with that terrible fever last week.”
    “I was worried he would never stop coughing, but that nasty-smelling salve really eased his congestion.”
    “Thank the Lord.” Ma bowed her head, and Iris knew she was repeating her thanks to God. After a moment she looked up and smiled widely. “I’m so thankful the rest of us avoided catching it. I can remember past winters when it seemed that you and your sister and brother passed sickness back and forth for weeks on end.”
    “That must have been hard for you, Ma. How did you cope with all three of us being sick at the same time?”
    Ma moved to the table and diced a few more potatoes. “Although I spent a great deal of time worrying about you and praying for your recovery, the actual work wasn’t difficult. When you have your own children, you’ll understand.” She added the potatoes to the stewpot and began stirring once more. “Now that Eli’s fully recovered, his appetite is back. Whether he’s careful with those breeches or not, he’ll soon outgrow them.”
    “That’s true,” Iris agreed. She set a final stitch, tied a knot in the thread, and cut it with a satisfied smile. She held the breeches up to inspect her work. “Should I also let out the waist?”
    Ma shook her head. “Those ought to have enough room for now. But I’m sure your brother will need them loosened in a month or so.”
    Iris leaned back in her chair and breathed in the pleasant aroma of the bubbling stew. “Is Pa going to bring us some sassafras root to boil? I’ve been wanting some for weeks now. Ever since Aunt Dolly’s Christmas dinner, as a matter of fact. She always has the best tasting sassafras tea.”
    The sound of hoofbeats stopped their conversation. Ma put the lid on her pot and turned to the door. “Speaking of your pa, I imagine that’s him now. He went into town early this morning.”
    Iris would have asked why, but the door swung open as her pa walked into the house.
    “How are the most beautiful women in Davidson County doing this fine morning?” He caught his wife in a hug and placed a loud kiss on her cheek. Then he turned to Iris and grabbed her from her chair, swinging her around like she weighed only a few pounds. “I have news that both of you are going to want to hear.”
    When Pa placed her back on her feet, Iris put her hands on her hips and looked at him. “What is it, Pa?”
    “Yes, tell us your news, Asher.”
    Iris wished she could stop time and savor this moment. Her ma practically glowed with love now that Pa was home. And Pa, dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and black cravat, was the very picture