Read Online Beyond the Quiet Hills by Aaron McCarver - Free Book Online Page B

that when I saw how thick the caterpillars’ coats were last summer.”
    Jacob found himself smiling briefly. His grandfather put great stock in things like this. Taking his seat at the large oak table, he pulled his chair up close and looked up, saying, “And the acorn shells were thicker than usual this year.”
    â€œThat’s another sign. It’s going to be bitter cold before we’re out of this. You mark my words.” Moving over to the table, James pulled out one of the Windsor chairs and sat down. He was a well-preserved man, firm and somewhat thicker around the middle than when he was younger. Still, there was an alert air about him as he studied his grandson’s face. “How was the party?” he asked, watching the expression on Jacob’s face carefully.
    â€œVery good.”
    The reply was brief, and Jacob was relieved when his grandmother entered carrying a silver bowl with a cover. “Good morning, Grandma,” he said. “Can I help you bring something in?”
    â€œNo, it’s just oatmeal, bacon, and eggs this morning. How was the party?”
    â€œCrowded.” Jacob’s brief reply brought a cautious look into his grandmother’s eyes.
    â€œDid you have a good time?”
    â€œYes, I did. The music was good.” He looked around rather nervously and said, “Where’s . . .” He started to say “my father” but could not bring himself to frame the words. After a noticeable hesitation, he said, “Where are our guests?”
    â€œThey’ve gone to see about Paul and Rhoda’s wedding,” James Spencer said. “I think you ought to attend. We’ll be going.”
    Jacob desperately did not want to attend any function where he would have to look at his father. He had mixed emotions on finding out that his father and Sequatchie were gone. He did not want another scene with him, and yet there was something in him that drew him to his father. “If you say so, Grandpa.”
    The two waited until Esther had brought the rest of the food in, then James bowed his head and asked a blessing. He ended by saying, “We thank thee, O Lord, that you have brought our son back home, if only for a little while. In Jesus’ name.”
    The meal was quiet. Jacob was depressed, not understanding fully why he felt so miserable. He knew his grandparents were puzzled, and even hurt at his behavior. Breaking the silence, he finally said diffidently, “I’m sorry that I have to disappoint my father.” He said the word “father” this time with a distinct effort, then added, “But I don’t really want to have anything to do with him.”
    A swift glance passed between the Spencers, and it was James who leaned forward and put his hands flat on the table as he stared at his grandson. “I think we need to talk about this, Jacob.”
    â€œThere’s nothing to talk about. I’m not going to live with him.” There was a flatness to the young man’s reply, and his dark eyes contained a stubbornness that the older people had learned to recognize. “He abandoned me, and he can’t just come waltzing in here and expect to become a father to me as easily as if . . . as if he picked up a new puppy!”
    â€œIt isn’t like that at all, Jacob,” Esther protested. “Your father’s had his difficulties.”
    â€œYes, he has, hasn’t he? But I haven’t been one of them.”
    There was such raw bitterness in Jacob’s voice that James involuntarily shook his head. He was totally devoted to this young man who had grown up in his house from the day he was born. He had pride in him, too, for he knew that Jacob had strengths that had been emerging all of his life. Now that he stood on the verge of manhood, James Spencer was pained and grieved to think that Jacob was hardening himself in this fashion.
    â€œI think you ought to