Never Far From Home (The Miller Family 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

tourist season ahead of us, I’m sure the wreaths will be a hit. We’ll just change some of the bows to blues and greens.”
    “Do you mean it, Mrs. Dunn? That would be ever so nice of you.” Now it was Emma’s turn to clap her hands.
    “I’ll ask James to load the loom into your wagon. I can use that space for a new knitting display I’ve been anxious to set up.”
    “Hold up here a minute.” Hannah raised a hand as though stopping traffic. “I think we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves. We shouldn’t take anything home until it’s fully paid for.”
    “But I promise to work very hard to pay every dime I owe as soon as possible,” Emma said.
    “I’m sure you will, dear, but I also know how your daed feels about buying on credit. We shouldn’t make this transaction without checking with him first.”
    Emma wanted to argue—to point out it would save them an unnecessary trip back as well as free up valuable shop space, but after one look at her aunt’s face, she bit the inside of her cheek instead. Besides, she didn’t want to appear argumentative with James Davis lurking in the open doorway to the dock.
    “Yes, ma’am,” she murmured to Hannah. To Mrs. Dunn she said, “Please keep my profits for the wool on an account here—like layaway in the big furniture store. I’ll send a note with my father’s decision.”
    “Splendid!” Mrs. Dunn said. “Shall we have another cup of coffee and a slice of pecan streusel before you head for home? I’m longing for a piece but I never allow myself to indulge alone.”
    “Excuse me,” James interrupted. He pulled a sheet of paper from his shirt pocket. “My mom gave me a list of stuff to buy at the bulk food store.” He scratched his head while reciting the items, “Stone-ground buckwheat pancake batter, dried yellow currents, Havarti cheese, apricot chutney salsa…I don’t even know what these things are, let alone where to find them. They’re not like a gallon of milk and box of corn flakes.”
    The three women laughed while James slicked a hand through his hair.
    “Emma, do you think you could help me find them?” he asked. “The store is just one block from here.”
    “No,” said one voice.
    “ Jah , sure,” answered another.
    Hannah and Emma had spoken simultaneously, but Hannah continued, “I need to stop at that store too. We’ll both help you with your mother’s list.” She turned to face the shopkeeper. “We appreciate the streusel offer, and it sounds delicious, but we had better be on our way before it starts getting dark. Goodbye for now and thank you, Audrey.”
    Hannah tugged Emma’s sleeve all the way to the door, calling to James along the way. “We’ll meet you inside Blanchey’s Bulk Foods, Mr. Davis. I want to move our wagon out of the loading zone.”
    Emma stole a glance over her shoulder, but James had already gone out the side door. Drawing in a deep breath, she tried to calm her fluttery nerves. It would not do if anyone knew how excited she was about going shopping in a grocery store!

     
    Hannah breathed a sigh of relief when their wagon pulled out of the hilly town of Sugar Creek and headed north. There hadn’t been anything particularly bold or improper about Emma’s behavior in Blanchey’s; nothing she could admonish the girl for. It had been more of a feeling Hannah got each time she spotted her niece scanning the shelves with the young Englischer .
    Did she have to giggle when they both grabbed the handles of the shopping basket and headed in different directions?
    Must she appear so interested in the ingredients he was comparing between two brands of marinated vegetables?
    Why had she tried to act so knowledgeable about baking apples when Julia could barely get her to pare off the skins when making a pie?
    Although they did not stand too close or act inappropriately familiar, still Hannah didn’t like the way they leisurely walked up and down the aisles…so like a couple!
    Emma was not yet