Harvesting Ashwood Minnesota 2037 Read Online Free PDF

supervise a vendor arrival,” Magda said as she gathered her things. “We’ll talk about the day crews later.” David stepped aside to let her pass, then closed the door.
    Our son had David’s dark eyes, his grandfather’s high eyebrows, and the large hands of my father. Paul sat with his back to the estate map hung on one wall of my office while my regular chair allowed me to look out the windows.
    “I received notice that this is a top-security mission to Paraguay.” David closed one eye and looked at his father. “They’ve given me a few additional hours to clear up other project work. I’ll be gone at least ten days.”
    “Let’s not tell your mother about the security aspect.” Paul spoke directly to David. “She’ll think about her brother getting caught in that Afghanistan aid business and worry.”
    Under Paul’s words, I heard a tone that suggested he wanted to protect me as well. “It’s not the first time you’ve been in a top-security mission,” I said. “Think of China and the month you spent inside Ukraine.”
    “I don’t know what’s going on in Paraguay, but it’s different.” David’s words came out slowly as he clenched one hand and released it.
    I wanted to calm him, to put my hand over his, but I knew the need for comfort was mine. David and Paul continued to talk as I watched, hearing under the conversation that there was information my husband couldn’t share. I decided not to become worried unless he passed the DOE/U.S. military starred security packet to me before leaving. Those were the times I feared.
    “We’ll be out of communication for the entire assignment.”
    I groaned at David’s news, anticipating Phoebe’s anxiety during this kind of absence.
    “With my departure time moved back we have a chance for us to speak.” He gave me a “be brave” smile. “Maybe we’d better let Dad in on your visitor this morning?”
    Paul sat back in his chair. I could see the worry he’d carry about David’s safety in small tension lines hidden in creases above his eyebrows that didn’t release once we moved to a new topic. While my husband was still attractive in his mid-forties, his father was a handsome outdoorsman with close-shaved silver hair and an easy smile. He tilted his head and raised a few fingers, cuing me to share.
    Trying to be succinct, I recounted Clarissa Smithson’s story and claims and Milan’s response. “So, I might have a son we’ve never met or someone trying to draw me into caring for a surrogate who is no blood relation.”
    “You’ve been rescuing kids as long as we’ve known each other, Annie. Think of having your boy come home.” His voice was genuine. “Shows God is still ruling the universe.”
    “I don’t know yet that he is my son, Paul. Clarissa isn’t the first adult to come here with some version of this story.” 
    “Well, what do you think?” Paul asked. “You’ve got good maternal instincts. What did you feel when this boy was born?” He quirked an eyebrow upward. “And what’s his name? Did you meet him?”
    “Andrew.”
    “The warrior.” Paul interrupted. “My grandfather’s name. He flew bombers in World War II.”
    I nodded, mystified by my father-in-law’s interest in this boy. “David can tell you that I find Andrew’s birthday difficult each year. Does that mean I’m his mother?”
    Paul reached across David to pat my hand. “If he is your son, he’s a lucky boy. And I’ll have another reason to be pissed as hell at the bunch of assholes who have been running this government.”
    “Thanks, Paul.” I pulled my hand back slowly. “I appreciate your support.” Their enthusiasm was governed by pure emotion, as if this child was a stray cat and not a person who could influence the entire future of our family. “Legally I have no obligation regardless of the boy’s biological relationship. But if he is truly my child, I will want him here to be part of our family.”
    “Whatever you decide,