Read Online Harvesting Ashwood Minnesota 2037 by Cynthia Kraack - Free Book Online Page B

dinner was served without a hitch. I tried to push aside my concerns to enjoy the early meal with my family. More important than our simple entrée and salad, the love of my kids fed me. The boys sat between Paul and Sarah, with Phoebe at my side.
    “Where’s Dad this time?” Phoebe asked as the boys’ perpetual activity stopped to allow food to travel from plates to mouths.
    “South America, sweetie.”
    “He’ll be hot there, just like us.” Her fork stabbed lettuce and pea pods. “When will he call us? I want to tell him about a new way Teacher Jason showed me to study for the exam.”
    “Talking with Dad’s going to be tough this trip. He’s traveling into mountain areas, and his schedule is difficult.” Our lie flowed easily. Phoebe’s shoulders slumped. “I would love to hear all about it tonight. Do you want to take a walk after my call is done?”
    “I need to show you in the classroom.”
    “Great. We’ll still take a short walk.” I gave her a little shoulder bump. “It’s been a long day, but I have to get some fresh air with my favorite girl.”
    A small worry wrinkle appeared above her eyes. She leaned close. “Since Dad’s not here tonight, could I sleep with you?” The pitch of her voice rose. “Please.”
    I knew Sarah and Paul heard Phoebe’s request, waited for my response to signal if they would be on call tonight. “That sounds like a good idea. No pj party games, though. Dad and I were up early, so I’m tired.”
    “And I woke you up with a bad dream.”
    This time I put my arm around her. “True, but we have been really busy today with big problems.”
    An inward look, more adult than childlike, showed on her face, suggesting she didn’t remember anything or had memories of the night terror that she didn’t want to remember.
    “Hopefully we’ll both sleep well tonight.” The boys ignored our conversation. Sarah and Paul sat back with their coffee cups, which reminded me of the days when sharing coffee in the kitchen gave Terrell and me time to develop a great friendship.
    I wondered what Terrell would think of our little girl and realized few in our family would really remember him. “I have a big announcement.” My in-laws loved good surprises as much as my kids did, and their anticipation lifted me from the day’s fatigue.
    “You’ve all heard me talk about my friend Terrell, who was Ashwood’s cook when you three big kids were babies?” Phoebe and my in-laws nodded. “The really great news is that he is coming back here to take over all the estate food management. Even better, he arrives tonight.”
    Phoebe tilted her head. “He sang to me when I was a baby and taught me to count.”
    Her memory astounded me. “Absolutely, sweetie. Terrell had a beautiful voice and knew just how to rub your back when you couldn’t sleep. He taught you how to walk along the wooden bench in the front hall.”
    “The bench Dad made.” We all heard the whispery longing under her words.
    “The most beautiful piece of furniture in Ashwood.” I winked at her. “You kids can split my cookie because I have to go back to work.” Folding my napkin next to my plate, I wanted to stay at the table until everyone was through eating, but I had no choice. “Boys, if Grandma wouldn’t mind, I’d like to read with you two tonight and have Phoebe join us.” I looked to Sarah. “Grandma’s welcome to stick around.”
    “That’s a date,” said Noah in a fake deep voice and wicked smile. “Do I sound like Dad?”
    “No,” exploded from Phoebe as she rolled dark eyes. “You sound like a six-year-old.”
    Their laughter raised my spirits. “Don’t rush, Paul. I’m heading over early to go through notes before we start.” He lifted his cup to acknowledge my comment.
    The sounds of their voices soon mingled with thirty other kids arriving for dinner. Unlike young workers at regular estates, ours receive a wardrobe of seasonal clothes when they joined Ashwood, so each table