Tracie Peterson Read Online Free PDF

please.”
    Zandy had to suppress a smile at the little boy’s recitation. Her heart had always held a soft spot for George, as he had been the baby for four years before Molly’s arrival.
    “George has that right,” Burley stated. “But they only managed to get away with several thousand dollars instead of the hundreds of thousands that had been there the day before. We had just decided at the last minute to send the money out on an early train to Denver, and it’s a good thing we did.”
    “God was looking over us once again,” Ruth added. Molly began fussing at all the ruckus and attention, so Ruth motioned them to join her. “Let’s get out of the cold and head home for something warm to eat. I would imagine you all could use a good rest before we have much more conversation.”
    Pamela had remained so quietly fixed in the background that Zandy had near ly forgotten her. Noticing her blank stare as she surveyed the town around them, Zandy quickly reached out to pull Pamela into the circle of family.
    “This is Pamela Charbonneau,” Zandy introduced. “She’s a good friend of Riley’s and mine, and I invited her to come along with us. I hope you don’t mind the fact that we didn’t let you know ahead of time that she’d be joining us, but we were so anxious to get here.”
    “Any friend of yours is welcome,” Ruth said, shifting Molly in order to shake Pamela’s hand. “We’re pleased to have you. Fact is, it’s Riley’s and Zandy’s house anyway. We just take up space there and do our best to keep things running smoothly.”
    “Don’t let her fool you,” Riley said with a grin. “This woman is pure organized energy. If you don’t believe me, just ask her husband.” Everyone, including Ruth, laughed at this, while Pamela forced a weak smile to her lips.
    “I’m pleased to meet you,” she murmured and followed the entourage to their waiting carriages.
    ❧
    Pamela was still miserable even after soaking in a hot bath and eating a hearty meal of the most succulent roast pork she’d ever tasted. She found herself in the company of Zandy and Ruth after the children had been dismissed to play. The housekeeper came and whisked Molly off for a nap, leaving the women to catch up on all the latest news.
    “I knew Riley and Burley would be office-bound the minute you got here,” Ruth began. She poured tea for Zandy and Pamela before sitting down to her own cup.
    “So did I,” Zandy remarked. “That was one of the reasons I was glad for Pamela’s company. This whole town mess has Riley completely consumed. His spirit is bothering him something fierce, and I know that God is trying to help him put it all in order.”
    “Riley has certainly changed,” Ruth said, then glanced hesitantly at Pamela.
    “Oh, Pamela knows all about Riley,” Zandy assured her stepmother. “In fact, it was Riley’s coming to God that gave Pamela the courage to take the same step.”
    “Truly?” Ruth questioned, rather surprised.
    Pamela ventured into the conversation only half-heartedly. “Yes. I felt moved by the things Zandy told me.”
    “Pamela is having a most difficult time,” Zandy went on. “She had hoped to marry her young man in Kansas City, but her parents are rather overprotective and separated the two. They fear he’s just after Pamela’s inheritance.”
    “But it isn’t true,” Pamela jumped in. “Bradley would never do such a thing. He loves me.”
    Ruth smiled sympathetically. “I’m sure he does, but you must bear with your parents. We tend to fret and worry over our children, hoping and praying for the very best. I’m sure your mother is no different.”
    “My mother is a snob, Mrs. Stewart,” Pamela promptly answered. “She is only concerned with what the Kansas City newspapers will say the morning after.”
    Ruth was taken aback by the young girl’s bitter words, and Zandy tried to smooth the matter over. “I’m sure I’ll be just as protective when my baby