Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page A

her, ruffling her skirt. “How long do you think it will be before we can go back to the store?” Faith hated herself for asking, but the only time Grandpa had closed the mercantile was when they received the news from Westport.
    “ ‘We’?”
    She nodded. “Grandpa has asked me to take over for him. Now . . .” She waved a hand toward the rear of the house. “I can’t be in two places at once.”
    “Nor should you be. I thought your grandfather was rambling when he said you were running things. I don’t know what possessed him—a young lady such as yourself involved in commerce. It’s not proper.”
    His tone riled Faith. “I can manage the mercantile, and I plan to. What’s proper has changed since the war.”
    “Things haven’t changed that much, missy.” He wagged his finger at her. “I’ve known you since you were born. I’ll thank you to show some respect.”
    “I could hardly refuse my grandfather’s wishes, could I?” She stifled her irritation. “Can you suggest a person who might be able to stay with him so I can tend the store?”
    “Absolutely not. Your place is right here.”

     
    The following morning, Faith jolted awake at the sound of her grandfather’s cane tapping across the downstairs floor. She flung the covers aside and dashed halfway down the stairs to the landing in time to see him fully dressed, walking out the front door. Gray daylight outlined his form as he moved out of sight.
    “Mercy sakes! Grandpa!”
    If he heard her, he didn’t stop.
    No time to don a robe. She flew down the stairs after him and caught up just as he crossed at the end of their block. The mud in the street squished between her bare toes and wicked along the hem of her nightgown.
    Grandpa stared at her with astonishment. “What are you doing out here? You’re not even dressed.”
    “Grandpa, what are you doing out here? You might fall again. Come with me, and let’s have some breakfast.” She slipped her arm under his.
    “Eggs and potatoes. Not that oatmeal pap.”
    “Eggs it is.”
    As the sun crested the horizon, roosters crowed insults at one another from behind nearby homes. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a curtain drawn back in their neighbor’s window. She turned her head and waved, grinning. Might as well give folks something new to discuss.
    After eating, Grandpa paced back and forth in the entry hall. “You sure August said I have to rest at home?” He addressed the question on one of his trips past the kitchen door.
    Faith turned from the basin where she was washing the breakfast dishes. “The doctor was very clear on the subject. ‘Rest for a few days,’ he said. He’ll be here later to check on you.”
    Grandpa settled onto one of the kitchen chairs, a glum expression on his face. “I can’t be still for that long. He’ll have to tie me down.”
    Her heart stirred. Maybe there was a solution for both of them. “Would you like me to bring you your papers? You can work here.”
    “Would you do that?” He brightened for a moment, then his moustache drooped. “What about the mercantile? We can’t leave it closed. People depend on us.”
    Faith crossed the room and dropped a kiss on his bald spot. “I have an idea.”

     
    Dr. Greeley arrived a few minutes after ten. “How’s your grandfather this morning?”
    “He’s stopped asking about his accident. But he’s restless. He’s not used to being idle.” Faith hung the doctor’s hat on the hall tree. “I told him I’d bring him some papers from the store, so he’d have something to do.”
    “Good. No reason he can’t be up and around, but he needs to refrain from strenuous activity for a bit.”
    “That you, August?” Grandpa stepped out of the parlor.
    “None other.” He studied his patient. “Except for that bandaged head, you look like you’ve recovered.”
    “Nothing wrong with me. A sore head’s all. You got time for a game of checkers?”
    Faith recognized opportunity. Before the