Holding on to Heaven Read Online Free PDF

her and she thrived in the balmy air of spring.
    Frequent guests arrived at Full Circle, neighbors and friends seeking a short respite from the hard rigors of running farms and ranches. Aunt Estelle was the perfect host, just as Lauren's mother was. An assortment of homemade sweets made the rounds on these occasions—teacakes, slivers of pie and squares of cobbler, washed down by cold lemonade, coffee and tea. Estelle insisted every guest leave the ranch with a full belly.
    Lauren realized how much her life had changed since leaving Beaufort. At Grand Cove, she met every day with detached resignation, knowing tomorrow would bring more of the same. At Full Circle, she awoke every morning eager to face the day, her heart light, her thoughts pleasant. She had to admit, ranch life suited her best.
    This morning, while in the midst of her chores, Uncle Mason poked his head into the barn. "Your aunt and I are off to New Ulm for supplies. A new hotel just opened and they serve fresh trout every day at noon."
    "Is that an invitation?"
    He winked. "Time you show off Adobe."
    Uncle Mason and Aunt Estelle rode in the buckboard while she trailed behind on Adobe. The vivid blue sky accommodated their outing by shooing down a soft breeze. The snow had melted and the river had overrun the massive slabs of ice. Spring had arrived in earnest. The land formed a level plateau surrounded by deep streams and tributaries, another breathtaking view.
    "New Ulm is nestled into a scenic valley surrounded by green hills and inhabited mostly by German immigrants." Uncle Mason followed her gaze. "Agriculture drew them and the rich, fertile soil."
    She drank in the beauty of the landscape. "They were well rewarded by their wanderlust."
    When they arrived at the main thoroughfare in town, Mason turned the team toward the general store, a one-story structure in the middle of the block. The sign over the entry, Knapp Mercantile and Dry Goods , sported a fresh coat of red paint.
    Estelle climbed from the wagon. "Let's get the new ribbons you wanted before we head to the hotel to eat."
    Lauren dismounted and tied Adobe to the railing. A jangle of bells announced their arrival when they opened the front door. Her aunt didn't seem the least surprised when a young woman standing by the front counter waved to them before turning to the clerk again. The girl looked familiar and the man looked, well, love struck came to Lauren's mind.
    Estelle removed her bonnet. "Hello Em and Frank. Allow me to introduce my niece from North Carolina, Lauren McCain."
    The young woman straightened and turned to her with a warm smile. She realized then, Em looked like Creed.
    Estelle continued. "I believe you met her brother, Creed." Her aunt nodded toward the man. "And Frank Knapp is Emily's beau."
    Casual greetings were exchanged while Lauren's stomach twisted into a knot. She wondered if the insufferable man had accompanied his sister into town.The moment the thought entered her mind,the door opened and Creed walked in. A handsome, young man followed him.
    Directing his conversation to her aunt, the Greek god nodded in Lauren's direction. "This is a pleasant surprise, Estelle. I didn't expect to see you in town today."
    "Afternoon, Creed." Estelle lifted her chin and peered over his broad shoulders. "Finn." Her aunt flashed the boy an engaging smile. "Nice to see you again."
    When a full grin spread his lips, Lauren smiled too.
    "May I present Master Finn, another dashing lad from the Gatlin brood?" Her aunt liked the boy. "And you remember our Creed, don't you?"
    Our Creed, indeed. Lauren gave the eldest brother a curt nod, but flashed her best smile for Finn. An unruly cowlick jutted from the golden-brown locks of his forehead and his smile would melt the coldest of maiden's hearts. Lauren extended her hand. "Nice to make your acquaintance, Finn."
    The boy removed his hat. "It's nice to see you Mrs. Morse." Still clasping Lauren's hand, he turned to her. "My pleasure, Miss