Read Online Alaskan Summer by Marilou Flinkman - Free Book Online

crackers she had put on a plate.
    “Would you like to come to the table, or should I set up a tray?”
    “No need for that fuss. I’ll come to the supper table.”
    Ruth liked the noodles and ate well. “Do we still have some cake?”
    Laurette poured hot water into the teapot. “Sure do. This tea will be ready in a few minutes to go with it.”
    “I invited Ryan to come to dinner tomorrow night.” Laurette put a slice of cake in front of her friend. At least Ruth remembered baking. “There is still cake and I bought ice cream to go with it.”
    “Doesn’t he like chocolate milk?” Ruth asked.
    Now why would she remember something like that and still stand in the rain until her clothes were soaked? “Yes, I bought some of that, too. You go ahead and relax. I’ll clean up the kitchen.”
    “All right.” Ruth went back to her chair. “Will you read to me later?”
    “Of course.” Laurette tossed the washed clothes into the dryer before starting on the dishes. Please, Jesus, show me how to take care of this sweet lady. I place her in Your protection, Laurette prayed as she put the dishes away.
    ❧
    The next morning the office staff laughed when Laurette described Ruth watering flowers in the rain. Ryan sipped his coffee thoughtfully and did not join in the merriment. He noted that Rette seemed uncomfortable with her coworkers’ jokes. “She really loves that sweet old lady,” he murmured before draining his cup .
    Ryan wondered if he should talk to John to find out if he knew how bad his mother’s mind was getting. Taking care of Ruth might become too much for Rette. He shoved such thoughts to the back of his mind and started assigning tasks for the day. Tyler had been called to supervise the loading of a log ship in Hyder and left Ryan in charge.
    The gray day matched Ryan’s mood until it was time to leave the office. The closer he got to Rette’s house, the more his spirits lifted. After hanging his raincoat in the outer room and kicking off his waterproof boots, Ryan entered the cheery kitchen. Ruth looked up from putting plates on the table. Rette turned from stirring a bubbling pot on the stove.
    “Welcome,” Laurette said, putting down her spoon. “Almost ready. I just need to toss a salad.”
    “It’s nice to have you back,” Ruth added.
    Ryan handed Ruth a small bunch of flowers he had purchased at the grocery. “To my favorite girlfriend,” he teased.
    Ruth rewarded him with a glowing smile. “What a thoughtful boy. Do we have something to put these in?” she asked Laurette.
    Wouldn’t she know what was in her own house? Ryan wondered. He watched Rette take down a glass vase for her.
    Ruth fussed with the flowers as though they were the finest roses. “I do love flowers,” she said with a bright smile.
    Enough to stand in the rain to feed them, he thought. “I’m glad you like them. Can I help?” he asked Rette.
    She put a bowl of green salad on the table. “Just find a seat, and I’ll bring over the food.”
    Ryan seated Ruth in her favorite spot. Then he watched Rette take garlic bread from the oven before placing a bowl of spaghetti in front of him. “Smells good,” he told her.
    The three held hands while Ruth said grace.
    The food tasted as good as it smelled. “I’m hungry. Didn’t have time for lunch today.”
    “Too often you make do with a carton of milk,” Laurette scolded him.
    He grinned as he took another piece of bread. “I like it when you worry about me. Maybe you’ll cook for me more often.”
    “I like to have you eat with us,” Ruth said. “Laurette fixes me a nice supper every night, and it’s fun to share.”
    “And Ruth baked a cake,” Laurette said, getting up to make a pot of tea. “Would you like more milk?” she asked Ryan.
    “Sure, I’ll have some with Ruth’s cake.” He rose and helped her clear the table.
    ❧
    Ryan relaxed in the warm atmosphere. He pushed back his empty dessert plate and patted his stomach. “Best meal I’ve