Sweet as Honey Read Online Free PDF Page B

horror. “You’ve never read Where the Red Fern Grows? That’s a tragedy.”
    â€œI didn’t read much growing up. But since I’ve been home, I’m starting to get interested. I think it will help me feel closer to my mammi, reading all the books she loved so much.”
    Lily curled the corners of her lips. “We read Where the Red Fern Grows together several times.”
    Dan shuffled his feet. “I thought maybe I could read it, and we could talk about it. Together. You and me.” His grin drooped, and he suddenly looked uncertain.
    The request caught her off guard. She didn’t like Dan Kanagy, but she never could resist a good book. Besides, he seemed so eager. She would never forgive herself if she single-handedly killed Dan’s budding interest in reading.
    â€œI suppose that would be all right.”
    He bloomed into a smile as bright as a whole lawn full of dandelions. “That would be wonderful- gute. You’ve always had such a kind heart.”
    What would Paul think of her reading with the enemy?
    Maybe he’d never find out—like the jeans thing.
    It was only one book.
    Lily lovingly clutched the book to her chest. “ Denki for bringing this to me. It was very thoughtful.” How much time had passed? More than thirty seconds. “I should probably go away now.”
    Go away? She didn’t need to go away. He did. What kind of strange thing was that to say?
    He took a step back and thumbed his suspenders, looking slightly crestfallen. “ Jah . Of course. You have plenty to do without me around to bother you.” He pointed to the pile of weeds he’d pulled from Poppy’s flower bed. “Where should I put these?”
    â€œI’ll take care of them later.”
    His lips twisted playfully. “Why should you, when I’m here to help?”
    Still clutching her book, she tilted her head and gave him a half smile. “This way,” she said.
    Dan scooped up the generous pile of weeds and followed her north past the birdbath and three-acre vegetable garden. Poppy had planted cantaloupes, peppers, and cucumbers, and raspberries bordered the entire north side.
    â€œThat’s quite a garden,” Dan said, pausing to admire the meticulous row of caged tomato plants. “Not a weed in sight. How do you sisters do it all by yourselves?”
    She felt a little ruffled by the look of admiration in his eyes. She certainly didn’t deserve any such thing. “As you can see by your armful of weeds, we don’t always keep up.”
    â€œI found a few measly weeds in that huge bed of flowers. I’d say you’re wonderful- gute at keeping up.”
    She turned her face and pretended to inspect the raspberries so she wouldn’t have to try to make sense of that look in his eyes. She just wanted him to go away. “Poppy is in charge of the gardens and beds yet. We help her weed, but their beauty is all her doing.”
    â€œShe’s got the muscles for it,” Dan said, grinning as if Poppy hadn’t assaulted him earlier.
    Lily should probably apologize that Poppy shoved him, but he’d deserved it and Lily was grateful that her sister always stood up for her.
    He didn’t seem to expect an apology. “Poppy used to go after me on a regular basis in school. I was never sure why.”
    Lily worked hard to keep the disbelief from her face. He was never sure why Poppy slugged him at recess? Were boys really that thick?
    â€œShe warned me to stay away from you. I guess she was being protective. She probably saw how much I liked to hover around you.”
    Hover around her and call her cruel, cutting names that left invisible scars.
    She led him to the barbed-wire fence that separated the Johnsons’ pasture from their property and pointed over the fence. “The Johnsons gave us permission to throw all our weeds over here. It’s their old horse pasture, but they don’t keep