Just Keep Sweet (The Compound Series) Read Online Free PDF

baby-blue sweater for Jeremiah was coming together nicely. In fact, she was quite proud of her ability to learn so quickly.
    Their needles clinked softly as the women sat in silence, watching Jeremiah and Ronan play fetch with Scout. With each toss of his tennis ball, Scout would bounce to the edge of the yard, scoop up the ball, and drop it covered in slobber in front of Jeremiah’s feet. And when that happened, Jeremiah and Ronan would dive for the ball, giggling and squealing as they fought over the soaked ball. The winner would toss the ball, and the game would start all over again. Jeremiah’s squeals of delight pulled at the corners of Aspen’s mouth as she studied the dangling yarn hanging against her knees.
    “It’s nice to see your smile,” Pennie said, her words soft. Things had been different between Aspen and her only ally. She wasn’t sure if she could trust Pennie after catching her in spy mode, and their relationship had been strained ever since. Aspen fought the desire to rekindle their friendship. She would knit with Pennie, complete family chores with her, but that was it. Nothing more.
    “I’m not sure what to say to that.” She shrugged, focusing on her yarn, squinting beneath the afternoon sun.
    “It’s nice, that’s all. I know you’re unhappy about Ruthie.”
    “I don’t care to discuss it.”
    “Aspen, please . . . what can I do? How can I convince you to let me back in?”
    Aspen paused, lowering her knitting needles to rest against her tense thighs. “You were never in to begin with.”
    Pennie gasped and her lower lip quivered. Aspen glanced in her direction, just in time to see Pennie scoop her knitting needles, drop them in her canvas bag, and run inside their home. She pressed her eyes tight, knowing that was a lie. Harsh words meant to harm.
    What have I become?
    She sighed, prepared to rustle up the boys and retreat into the home, convinced it would be necessary to mend fences with the only sister wife who attempted to be friendly. The trouble was, she could no longer trust that warmth, that kindness Pennie exuded. For all Aspen knew, she was simply gathering information for the prophet.
    “Jeremiah,” she called, rising to her feet. And then she saw her . . . Holly Black, approaching the front gate. She hadn’t spoken to Holly in months, not since the prophet demanded his wife leave the temple after causing a scene. Aspen and Holly had shared a brief conversation regarding her hesitancy to allow Ruthie to marry so young. She’d felt a kinship with the self-proclaimed black sheep of Clarence’s household, but since that day they’d shared nothing more than half smiles across the pews of the temple.
    Aspen rose to her feet, glancing back at the boys rolling in the grass, tugging the ball away from Scout. Holly stood before the gate, stray hair falling in front of her eyes. She pushed the strands away and greeted Aspen with a smile.
    “Hello, Aspen.”
    “It’s nice to see you,” Aspen said, opening the gate and glancing around to see if they were being watched. All was calm and quiet, but that meant nothing.
    You can’t trust anyone. Not even Holly.
    “You look tired, Holly. Are you all right?”
    Holly pushed the stray hairs off her forehead once again, but they refused to stay put. Her cheeks turned a warm shade of rose.
    “Yes, I’m sorry for my appearance. You must think I’m downright slovenly.”
    “No, of course not, I—”
    “I’ve been in the laundry all day . . . and it’s hot down there, with over a dozen washers going at once.” She shook her head and cleared her throat. “Anyway, I don’t mean to complain.”
    “It’s fine.” Aspen paused, raising both eyebrows. “Is there something I can help you with? Are you here to see Flora?”
    It was common for Janine, the first wife of Clarence, to send the younger wives to relay messages to the first wives of other priesthood members. Many of the first wives sent the rest of the wives on errands