Read Online A Daughter's Dream by Shelley Shepard Gray - Free Book Online Page A

better.
    â€œLilly, you owe Miss Kinsinger an apology,” he called out. “Right now.”
    Looking pained, Lilly said, “I was just doing that.”
    â€œI heard what you were sayin’. As apologies go, it was a mighty poor one,” he stated as several other men and women passed them on the sidewalk. “Now, try it again.”
    When Lilly’s eyes watered, Rebecca stepped in. “She doesn’t need to try again,” she protested, not wanting to make the awkward situation even worse than it already was. Not only had she brought up a sensitive subject, she’d brought it up without considering Lilly’s privacy. She should have known better. “I overstepped myself.”
    â€œI doubt that. From what I overheard, you were only trying to be nice,” Jacob said as he drew to a stop in front of both of them. “Apologize now, Lilly.”
    Frustration flashed in her eyes, but she dutifully did as he asked. “Like I said, I’m sorry.”
    Rebecca attempted to smile. “That’s okay.”
    Jacob shook his head. “Not hardly. Lilly, your father raised you better than this. And don’t you start telling me how he ain’t around. Believe me, I know he’s gone.”
    Oh, but this was terrible! Why hadn’t she just left this girl alone? “Please, Jacob. I would really like to drop this conversation.”
    â€œShe owes you better manners, Rebecca. Her parents raised her better than this, and her grandparents and I expect better of her, too. Being sad and angry at the world is no reason to be mean to everyone else.”
    Rebecca knew he had a point. But she also knew that she could have handled the teenager better. “Lilly, you don’t owe me anything. I’ll see you next week when I volunteer again.”
    After a long moment, Lilly nodded. “Okay,” she whispered at last. Then she raised her chin to meet her uncle’s gaze. “Oncle Jacob, I was going to go to the market to get Mommi’s apples.”
    Visibly regaining his composure, Jacob nodded. “That sounds like a good idea.” His voice far more quiet and patient now, he patted her shoulder. “Go on then. I’ll catch up with you and wait for you outside the market, then we can walk to the farm together.”
    Without answering, Lilly strode down the street toward the store.
    When he and Rebecca were alone, Jacob sighed. “I am sorry for the way she spoke to you. There is no excuse.”
    â€œOh, I think there might be,” she replied. “Jacob, I meantwhat I said. I approached Lilly uninvited, started walking by her side even though I knew I was making her uncomfortable, and then proceeded to badger her with questions without even asking if she’d mind me talking to her. The poor girl was just trying to walk to the store.”
    â€œI hear what you’re saying, but her behavior ain’t your fault. Lilly needs to learn that she can’t take out her hurt on everyone else.” After a second’s pause, he said, “She also needs to remember that she isn’t the only person who has lost a loved one recently.”
    As she noticed a new thread of pain cross his features, Rebecca realized that she had forgotten that he’d lost a brother. “I am sorry about that.”
    â€œNo need to feel sorry for me. I’m okay.”
    For the first time since she met him, she realized that he looked vulnerable. It was a bit incongruous; he was tall and well-built. He looked strong and healthy. Capable of tackling any task put in front of him. But maybe he needed a friend as much as his niece did. “If you ever want to talk about things . . .” she began, before turning silent. What was she doing? Offering to counsel him like she had tried to do with Lilly? “Never mind.”
    His green eyes sharpened. “Rebecca, what were you going to say?”
    He’d gentled his tone. To her