Promise Lodge Read Online Free PDF

him.”
    Isn’t it just like Noah not to talk about what’s on his mind? Deborah thought as they approached the cabin nearest the lodge. A few bright new shingles stood out on its green roof and a new coat of chocolate-brown paint made it appear fresher than the other cabins down the row. It was small, yet she hoped it would be a haven where she could pull her life together again—
    Unless the truth is more than these folks will tolerate.
    Phoebe swung open the door and gestured for Deborah to go inside. “We figure to have new families stay in these cabins while their homes are being built,” she explained. “Everybody’ll eat in the dining room and get to know each other while they settle in.”
    â€œWe’re living in the lodge, along with the Schwartzes and Preacher Amos, until enough men arrive to start building houses,” Laura piped up. “From our room, we can see Rainbow Lake and the pasture where the cattle graze—right, Mamm?”
    Christine Hershberger snapped a curtain rod into its bracket and turned. Her slender face brightened and she rushed over. “Look at you, come to visit us here in Promise!” she said as she embraced Deborah. “Nothing’s so sweet as the face of a longtime friend.”
    â€œIt’s gut to see you, too. You’re making such a nice new home here,” Deborah replied as she returned the hug. The longing in Christine’s voice told her to keep the conversation light. No need to reveal the tragic details about the fire at the Bender place yet.
    Christine, however, eased away to gaze into Deborah’s eyes. “I couldn’t help overhearing the bad news when your voices drifted out the kitchen windows,” she murmured. “While I would love to visit our friends in Coldstream, I doubt I’ll ever go back there. I—I couldn’t bear to see another burned-out barn. It’s best for us to remember the Bender farm—and our own place—as they were in better days.”
    â€œOh, Mamm, we didn’t mean to upset you,” Phoebe insisted as she slung her arms around her mother and Deborah.
    â€œWe’ll focus forward, like you’ve told us to,” Laura said staunchly. She joined their huddle and shared in a collective sigh that filled the little cabin.
    Deborah realized then that her recent tribulations were an ant hill compared to the mountain of misery the Hershbergers had climbed these past several months. “Whatever I can do to help, you tell me, all right?” she insisted. “We’ve shared so many things over the years—the fun stuff as well as the work—and I’m ready for some more of those gut times. Nobody makes me laugh the way you three do.”
    Their grateful smiles told Deborah she’d said the right thing. Maybe you can give as much comfort to Laura, Phoebe, and Christine as you were hoping to receive. Maybe you were led here to be a blessing.
    Deborah gazed around the homey one-room cabin. A lingering lemony scent suggested a top-to-bottom cleaning. Two cozy old chairs flanked a simple table, with a braided rug between them on the wood plank floor. The double bed was made up with a colorful quilt and fresh sheets. Through an open door, she saw a small bathroom with a toilet, sink, and a shower. The cabin reminded Deborah of the one her family had rented during a family reunion in a state park.
    â€œThis is really cozy,” she murmured. “If you’ve got new families coming in, though, I don’t want to be in the way when—”
    â€œThis is you we’re talking about!” Laura interrupted. “You’ll never be in the way, silly goose. This is the smallest cabin—too cramped for a family with kids. So stay as long as you want!”
    â€œLet’s show you around. Then we can catch up on what’s going on back home while we plant a second patch of sweet corn,” Phoebe suggested. “With