The Storekeeper's Daughter Read Online Free PDF

bear.”
    He shrugged. “Aw, it doesn’t look so bad yet.”
    “Have you looked in the mirror lately?”
    He wiggled his eyebrows. “Yep, whenever I brush my teeth. And the other day, I noticed a couple of gray hairs poking through my dark tresses.”
    She studied him intently, until he broke out laughing. “I had you worried there, didn’t I?”
    Linda playfully squeezed his arm. “I wouldn’t care if you turned prematurely gray—just don’t lose these hunky biceps.”
    He kissed her again. “Don’t worry; as long as I keep on painting, I’ll have muscular arms.”
    Jim stepped out into the garage and opened the door of his work van. He knew Linda wanted him to stay, but if he didn’t leave now, he’d be running late. Jim had owned Scott’s Painting and Decorating for the past six years, and they’d been living in Puyallup, Washington, a year longer than that. Jim’s business provided them with a good living, and he’d recently hired three new employees, which gave him a crew of six. He and Linda had everything now—a successful business, a nice home. The only thing they lacked was a child, and Linda wanted that more than anything.
    With each passing day, Jim had watched her sink slowly into depression. They’d been married eight years, and she hadn’t been able to conceive. At first, Linda believed there was something wrong with her; but after she and Jim both went to the doctor, it was determined he was the reason she couldn’t get pregnant. He tried not to feel guilty about it, but Linda wanted a baby, and Jim couldn’t give her one. Two years ago, they decided to adopt. They’d hired a lawyer who specialized in adoption cases, but so far everything had fallen through. Now they were in limbo again, waiting and wondering if it would ever happen.
    As Jim backed out of the garage, he waved at Linda and mouthed the words, “I love you.”
    She lifted her hand in response and stepped into the house.
    If only I could make her smile again. Suddenly, an idea popped into Jim’s head. Maybe I’ll call Mom in Ohio this morning and see if she can find Linda an Amish quilt. She’s wanted one for a long time, and it might make her feel a little better.
    Jim snapped on the radio. On second thought, maybe I’ll see about taking some vacation time so the two of us can go to Ohio for a visit. I’ll take Linda on a tour of Amish country, and she can buy that quilt herself. He smiled. Besides, it’ll be nice to see Mom and Dad again.
    ***
    Naomi scrubbed at the spot on the bathroom floor where Mary Ann had recently vomited. “Ick! I’d rather slop hogs than clean kotze .”
    She didn’t see how her life could get any busier, but for the last several days, things had been even more hectic than usual. Her two younger sisters were both sick with the flu and had to stay home from school. Since Naomi needed to care for them, she couldn’t go to the store, which she knew did not set well with Papa.
    Naomi didn’t enjoy home chores nearly as well as the tasks she did at the store, but there was little she could do about it. Her brothers Matthew, Norman, and Jake had to work in the fields; and Samuel, the youngest boy, complained how unfair it was for his sisters to stay home when he had to go to school. To make things worse, Zach was cutting another tooth and fussed continually.
    “I’m sorry I’m sick and my kotze didn’t make it to the toilet.”
    “It’s not your fault you got sick.”
    “But I should have been faster to the bathroom.”
    Naomi washed her hands at the sink, then turned to face her six-year-old sister. “Come here.” She opened her arms.
    Mary Ann snuggled into her embrace. “You aren’t mad at me?”
    She shook her head. “How could I be mad at someone as sweet as you?”
    The little girl leaned her head against Naomi and sobbed. “I hate bein’ grank. I’d rather be in school.”
    “It’s never fun being sick, but soon it will go better.” Naomi felt the child’s forehead.