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

embarrassment, she felt herself responding to him in much the same way she had during their first meeting. “Oh, well . . . it was nothing,” she stumbled.
    â€œI’d still like to hear it. Please.”
    Please. That little word, combined with his intent gaze? Well, it was enough to make her flush.
    Embarrassed by her reaction, she looked down at her bluedress and realized that she’d managed to get some chalk smudged on her sleeve. She rubbed at the mark in order to gain a few seconds’ time. “I was just gonna say that I am pretty good at listening, if you ever need an ear.”
    His gaze warmed. “Danke.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.” She smiled . . . and there went her dimple.
    Still staring at her intently, he swallowed. “About Lilly. I’ll, ah, talk to her more this evening. I’m sure she’ll be offering you a better apology soon.”
    â€œJacob, please don’t.” Taking a chance, she said, “Actually, I think her getting upset with me might have done some good.”
    â€œDo you really think so? How?”
    â€œBecause she was telling me about herself and how she’s feeling. Instead of keeping everything in, she was sharing. That’s part of the grieving process.”
    He nodded slowly. “Perhaps you are right. Like I said, I’ve been grieving, myself. However, I hardly ever talk about my brother. It hurts too bad.”
    â€œIt’s all part of it, I think.” After debating a moment, she decided to share. “Like I was telling Lilly, my father died recently, too. I’m one of four siblings and even though we’re all adults, we’ve been having quite a time recovering from the loss. One of my brothers was really angry, too.”
    â€œI am sorry for your loss, too.”
    Taking another chance, she said, “How are you doing in Charm, Jacob? Are you settling in?”
    He dropped his head, looking down at his work boots, which were coated with mud. After he took a moment, he looked up at her again. “Truth be told, I think I’m doing about as badly as my niece.”
    Her heart went out to him.
    â€œI’m so sorry,” she said. “Why are things going so badly? I thought you were living with your parents.”
    â€œI am.” He glanced around, looking as if he wanted to speak precisely. “I love my parents and I get along with them fine.” He paused. “Well, as well as any grown man would who hasn’t lived in the same house as his parents for years.”
    She smiled. “I bet that has been an adjustment.”
    â€œYou have no idea,” he said with a smirk. “But unlike the rest of the family, I have no experience farming or of living outside Florida. My parents were raised here, moved to Pinecraft when my brother and I were mere babes, then moved back soon after Lilly was born. For the first five years they were here, Marc worked the farm by my father’s side. Then, when Lilly got old enough for school, they moved to Annie’s parents’ farm over in Berlin.”
    She was finally beginning to understand his past. “So that is why Lilly is comfortable with farming but new to Charm.”
    â€œ Jah . When Marc and Anne died, Lilly was kind of left in a bad spot. Anne’s parents are about ten years older than mine. They didn’t want to raise a thirteen-year-old.”
    â€œWhich is why you came here.”
    He nodded. “Don’t get me wrong, Rebecca. I want to be here. I want to raise Lilly. I love her. I want to help my parents, too. But I’m currently an exceptionally poor farmer and an even poorer substitute father.” Looking just beyond her, he muttered, “I thought it would be easier.”
    She couldn’t help but smile. His honesty was refreshing. “I am sorry about that.”
    He looked surprised at her expression. “What did I say that was amusing?”
    â€œNothing. I just