To Love and to Cherish Read Online Free PDF Page B

steps back so they could pass. “It’s nice of you to come.”
    “Don’t worry, we’re not staying.” Mr. Cramer shifted, but he didn’t enter. “I just wanted to say again how sorry I am for what happened.” His voice choked. His eyes reddened. “Worst thing that ever happened to me.”
    To him? Worst thing that ever happened to Emma and her family. She choked back the words. “Do you need a glass of water?” she asked.
    “You’re so sweet, dear.” Mrs. Cramer whipped past Emma and set the pie on the nearest chair. She immediately returned to her husband’s side. “What my husband means to say is if we can do anything for you, anything at all, please call—I mean come by…You know what I mean. Just ask.”
    Emma opened her mouth. Closed it. The sound of steps behind her gave her a reprieve. Luke appeared at her side. “There you are. The twins need your attention.” His words trailed off. “Mr. Cramer. How kind of you to come. Would you like to come in?” He frowned at Emma but didn’t remark on her lack of hospitality. “The viewing is almost over. We’ll be leaving for the cemetery soon, but you’re welcome to join us.”
    “No, no.” Mr. Cramer’s face turned a red so dark it looked purple. “I was just telling your sister if there’s anything you need, you just holler. I noticed you still got wheat out there. You need help harvesting, you let me know. I’ve got equipment and farmhands. We’ll get you taken care of in a jiffy.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.” Luke smiled, nothing in his response reflecting the fact that they could never use the farmer’s equipment. “I appreciate the offer, sir.”
    “Least I can do.” Mr. Cramer ducked his head. “If it weren’t for me—”
    “Everything is as God planned it.” Luke held out his hand. “I told you. You’re forgiven.”
    How could he do it? How could he be so forgiving? Shame coursed through Emma. She framed the words, but nothing came out. Her voice was locked in a painful battle with her heart.
    Mr. Cramer grabbed Luke’s hand and pumped it. Luke winced, but managed a smile.
    “We won’t keep you.” Mr. Cramer doffed his hat at Emma. He and his wife walked down the steps toward an old green truck. They held hands.
    The wind caught Mrs. Cramer’s high voice and whipped her words in the air. “See, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”

    The line of buggies stretched as far back as Thomas could see. He reined in the roan a little. She kept trying to pick up the pace as the funeral procession moved slowly behind the wagon carrying the caskets. Thomas, too, would have liked to hurry—hurry to find a way to be close to Emma. To provide her with support, if nothing else. Finally they made the turn and entered the cemetery. Eli and Rebecca fidgeted on the seat behind him. “We’re here.”
    “Finally.” Eli leaped down.
    “Son, behave yourself. This is a sad occasion. Children are not to be heard.”
    “Jah, Daed.” Eli threw the words back as he trotted away, probably looking for Mark and the twins. Knowing Eli’s kind nature, he would try to make them feel better with a little story or the pretty, smooth pebbles he’d picked up along the creek.
    Thomas tied the reins to the hitching post and swung Rebecca to the ground. Without a word she put her hand in his, and together they made their way through the gathering crowd. She’d been quiet since he’d told her about the deaths of their neighbors. Ruth Shirack hadalways been so nice to his children, treating them like they belonged to her brood. At six, Rebecca was too young to remember her own mother. “Are you all right, Rebecca?”
    She nodded, her face solemn. “Is this where my mudder is?”
    Even after four years, his heart twisted. “Jah.”
    She stared up at him, so like Joanna with her blue eyes and the dark hair that wreathed her head under her kapp. “Can I see her?”
    He cleared his throat. “You can see her gravestone.”
    “Will William and Ruth