Wanted: A Family Read Online Free PDF Page B

the firmness of his stride, the power and energy he barely contained.
    That first day she’d suspected he wasn’t a believer. How could she be drawn to such a man?
    Martin had possessed faith, well, faith of sorts. Not much for combing Scripture, he’d left his edifying to the preacher at those times he didn’t snooze in the pew. In the two years they’d been married, they’d never shared a spiritual discussion.
    Yet within hours of meeting, she and Mr. Smith had touched on their faith. From what he’d said, the man needed God. She would not get emotionally involved with a faithless man, but with God’s help, she could try to fill more than his stomach. She could nourish his soul. Help him find the answer to the pain she sensed lurking beneath the surface.
    Callie gulped. As long as that answer wasn’t her.
    Aunt Hilda had said Callie possessed a keen intuition about others’ feelings. Except for that one terrible exception with Nell, Callie had found her assessment true. She’d learned to observe people. Saw what they needed, how she could bring a smile or ease a worry. Perhaps she could give that strategy a try with Jacob Smith.
    As they approached a hump in the walk, he took her arm. “Watch your step.”
    A jolt shot through her. The startled look in Mr. Smith’s eyes said he’d felt that same wild reaction. She quicklyreleased her hold on his arm, yet felt strangely bereft. She groped for a safe topic. “You’re an excellent carpenter.”
    “Carpentry comes easy to me,” he said in a husky voice, “like building a nest comes easy to you.”
    “Building a nest?”
    “Yes, making a home, a welcoming place for friends like Elise, even an outsider like me.” His eyes warmed. “That’s a gift. I’ve seen my share of places and the people who live there. Your hospitality isn’t something I encounter often.”
    Everything inside her turned to jelly. Why did he have such an effect on her? The answer came. He understood what she valued, the importance of home and family.
    “My house is a gift from God and way bigger than I need. I want to share it with others.”
    As if he doubted that God gave gifts, he didn’t respond. She’d do what she could to share her faith. And leave the outcome to the One who controlled the universe. In the meantime, she’d focus on the arrival of her baby, on giving refuge to unwed mothers and ignore this transient man at her side.
    As they passed Elise’s family home, Callie’s steps slowed. In the shadows of her porch Sarah Langley sat on the swing. She was a good Christian woman and Callie always thought the same way about Mr. Langley, but Elise’s decision to keep her baby called for strong support from her father, not opposition.
    Sarah waved. “Callie, can you spare a minute?”
    Callie glanced at Jacob Smith. “Elise’s mother may have something important to say.”
    “I’ll walk on ahead.” He strode off, his lanky, easy gait eating up the distance to town, leaving a baffling void. A void she would ignore.
    Sarah left her porch, motioning Callie toward the shelterof her lilac bushes. Did she think neighbors would report the conversation to her husband? “I hoped I might catch you on your walk to the post office.” She fingered the collar of her dress. “When the baby decides to come, get word to me. If I can sneak away…” Her voice trailed off.
    New lines of worry etched Sarah’s plump face. Shots of gray Callie didn’t remember seeing before streaked her auburn hair. “I understand.”
    “I talked to Doc Wellman. He’ll let me make payments on his fee. Get him to help Elise when it’s her time.” She dug into the pocket of her apron, then thrust a stack of bills at Callie. “This is for diapers, a dress.”
    Callie put the money in her purse. “This will mean the world to Elise. After our doctor’s appointments tomorrow afternoon, we’ll go shopping for the baby.”
    “I know that girl can eat.” Sarah gave a shaky smile. “Wish I could