Read Online A Sister's Hope by Wanda E. Brunstetter - Free Book Online Page A

home and taking over the role of his mother.”
    “But I’ve been working as Abe’s maad for some time.”
    “Even so, a maid’s not the same as a new wife for Gideon’s father.”
    “True.” Ruth’s gaze dropped to the floor.
    “Is there something else troubling you?”
    “Jah. I’m afraid for my family. We’re still being attacked, Aunt Rosemary. The last act of vandalism included a threatening note.” Ruth drew in a shuddering breath. “Abe thinks I’ll be safe living at his place, but even if I am, I’ll still be worried about my family. What if the attacks get worse? What if—”
    Rosemary lifted her hand from the soapy water. “You mustn’t borrow trouble.”
    More tears filled Ruth’s eyes. “But you know what happened to Martin and me. The attacker rammed us off the road, and—”
    Rosemary shook her head. “You don’t know that the person who rammed your buggy is the same one responsible for the attacks against your family.”
    “I—I don’t know it for a fact, but I feel it in my heart.”
    “Worrying about your family won’t solve a thing.” Rosemary dried her hands on a clean towel and touched Ruth’s shoulder. “Your folks wouldn’t want you to set your happiness aside and continue living here just because you’re worried about their safety. If something’s going to happen, it will happen whether you’re living here or not.”
    “I suppose you’re right.”
    “Was the sheriff notified after the last attack?”
    “No.”
    “Why not?”
    “Dad didn’t think it was necessary. He thinks if the sheriff really wanted to put a stop to the attacks, he would see that the area is patrolled more often.”
    “After I get settled into my new home, I might pay a call on Sheriff Osborn. In the meantime, I want you to commit everything to God and start counting the days until your wedding.”
    Ruth gave Rosemary a hug. “It’s real good to have you back, Aunt Rosemary.”
    “Thanks. It’s good to be here.”

A s Luke crawled out of bed on Thanksgiving morning, a wave of nausea hit him with the force of a speeding horse. He groaned and clutched his stomach. They were supposed to have dinner at his brother Henry’s home, but the thought of eating all that Thanksgiving food made him feel even worse.
    Another wave of nausea came, and Luke dashed into the bathroom just in time to empty his stomach. When he stepped out several minutes later, his stomach lurched again at the smoky odor of bacon coming from the kitchen. He felt light-headed, and his legs trembled so badly he could barely stand. He inched his way down the hall to the kitchen. “Have you got a bucket I can use?” he asked his mother, who was at the stove.
    “What do you need a bucket for?” she asked over her shoulder.
    “I’m grank, and I don’t think my shaky legs will keep taking me to the bathroom.”
    Mom whirled around. “Ach, Luke, you must be sick. Why, your face is paler than a bucket of goat’s milk!” She quickly pulled out a chair at the table. “You’d better sit down.”
    He grasped the back of the chair and shook his head. “I—I just need a bucket so I can go back to my room.”
    “I’ll get one right away.” Mom opened the door to the utility closet and handed Luke the bucket she used for mopping floors. “Do you think you’ve got the flu?”
    Luke grimaced. “Sure looks like it. Either that or I’ve got a bad case offood poisoning. Even the thought of food makes my stomach churn.”
    “I don’t think it could be food poisoning,” Mom said. “You ate the same thing your daed and I ate for supper last night, and neither of us feels sick.”
    “John and I had lunch in town yesterday,” Luke said. “It could have been something I ate there.”
    Mom slowly shook her head. “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. Guess you won’t be up to going with us to Henry’s this afternoon.”
    “No, I just want to go back to bed.” Another wave of dizziness hit Luke, and he closed his