Nothing Short of a Miracle Read Online Free PDF Page A

steps leading to a set of large double oak doors with enormous fresh scented pine wreaths attached to each panel. She raised the old-fashioned brass doorknocker and let it fall in place. The scent of pine tickled her nose. She took a deep breath, held it, then let it out slowly. She was reminded of the hillsides of Pennsylvania at the family farm and warm memories of the many holidays shared with her sister. She closed her eyes wishing she could experience them again with Nina.
    The door opened wide and a rotund, middle-aged woman greeted her along with a great stream of warm, tantalizing holiday spices. The woman’s colorful Christmas apron, decorated in tiny gingerbread cutouts along the edges, was dusted with flour. It was obvious she’d been in the middle of baking.
    “Hello, I’m Gabriella Rumsey. I’m here to interview for the health aide position with Mr. and Mrs. Hempstead,” Gabriella spoke in a rush. “I’m sorry I’m so late.”
    “That’s okay, Dearie, the Hempsteads are expecting you. I’m Ethel, by the way.” The woman welcomed her with a lilting voice and a ready smile. “Come on in here out of the cold.”
    The entranceway was decorated for the holiday season with a wide ribbon of green velvet intertwined along the curved banister of the formal stairway—it took Gabriella’s breath away. Boughs of evergreens hung at measured intervals. The foyer, carpeted in an intricate wild dusty rose pattern, ran the length of the stairway leading to the second floor.
    “Here, let me take your wee bundle while you get out of your coat.” Ethel lifted Nina out of Gabriella’s arms with tender care, and drew the blanket back. “Oh, what a sweet babe,” the woman crooned.
    Nina opened her eyes and let out a wail.
    Great. What a way to start an interview. The job was as good as gone.
    “I’m sorry. She doesn’t like strangers much,” Gabriella said, reaching for the infant.
    Ethel started bouncing Nina in a gentle, swaying motion, side to side. To Gabriella’s amazement, Nina stopped crying. And gurgled and cooed up at the smiling woman for all she was worth.
    “Why, she’s just a bit tired from being all bundled up in this weather.” Ethel held Nina tight against her ample chest and patted and rubbed her back at the same time. “Follow me, now. Mrs. Hempstead is in the library. It’s her favorite spot next to the fire. I’ll have tea and fresh muffins ready in just a moment. Why don’t I keep this wee one with me so you can have a nice chat without being disturbed?”
    Gabriella followed like a puppy, relieved for the moment that Nina wasn’t fussing.
    “You just go on in while I tend to tea,” Ethel said. “They’ll be waiting for you.”
    Gabriella’s breath caught when she entered the huge lovely library. A soothing, healing sensation of homecoming enveloped her. Shelves of books lined two of the walls, and a large floor-to-ceiling picture window trimmed in solid oak filled another. But it was the enormous stone fireplace that dominated the room with its bright, cheery fire crackling in the open grate. Gabriella had a quick flashback of pilgrims standing next to a big kettle of soup with bread baking on the hearth.
    She didn’t see the couple sitting to the side of the room until the gentleman spoke.
    “The fireplace has the same effect on everyone the first time they see it.” The tall gentleman stood and stretched out his hand. Gabriella’s hand disappeared in his large, sturdy, yet gentle clasp. Without a doubt, Mr. Hempstead was king of his castle and dominated the room with his presence. But in a nice way. He smiled, making her feel welcome. The agency had informed her he’d recently had gall bladder surgery—he didn’t look as if he’d undergone anything more serious than the removal of an ingrown nail. His warmth and ready smile put her at ease.
    “It’s breathtaking,” she said, referring to the fireplace. “I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”
    “No need to