Read Online Love Finds You in Daisy, Oklahoma by Janice Hanna - Free Book Online

Seconds later, the other one—probably nine or ten—joined in. Rena did her best not to cry, though tears willed themselves to come. She drew a deep breath and did her best to stop shaking.
    The sheriff grabbed the boys by the ears and pressed them in her direction. “Miss Jewel, meet my two boys, William and Jacob. They’ve got a dozen or more friends nearby, I’ve no doubt.” He paused and looked around. “Might as well c’mon out. Miss Jewel will likely forgive you for the impromptu baptism if you ask nice and proper, but I wouldn’t hold to her sticking around very long if you don’t.”
    From around every corner they came. Scraggly-looking boys, mostly, but three girls too. A ragtag lot of them, wearing clothing in sizes that made no sense to their bodies. The girls, pretty as they were, needed someone to tend to their matted hair. And whatever did they do for shoes? One of the girls—the one with the long, blond hair—wore a little locket around her neck, which she fingered as she gazed Rena’s way.
    The children put Rena in mind of street urchins, though she never would have voiced that sentiment aloud. She took them in with a gaze—every last one of them—and the water incident slowly faded from her mind. All that mattered now were these precious children. Their darling faces shone with excitement. At least it looked like excitement. A couple of them, both girls, muttered something that sounded like an apology. The boys stood back, their arms crossed at their chests, and glowered.
    “You think you’re ready for this?” The sheriff turned her way, a hint of panic in his eyes.
    She nodded, reaching down and squeezing the excess water out of her dress. It dribbled onto the floor. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
    An older woman in a flowered blue dress appeared in the opening leading to the hallway. She rushed Rena’s way, her hands clasped together over her chest. “Oh, you poor, sweet girl. Whatever have these little monsters done now?” She took one look at Rena’s wet attire and began to cluck her tongue at the children. They responded with more giggles.
    “I’m Carolina, honey. Gene’s mother.” The woman brushed back the loose gray hair around her face. “I do hope you’ll forgive the way I look. I had to make a quick dash to my place for some butter. I was only gone a few minutes.” She looked Rena over and shook her head. “I can see now that they just wanted to get me out of here to accomplish this dastardly deed. How they managed to get that bucket hung in such a short amount of time is nothing short of miraculous. We could fault their actions, certainly, but I’ve got to admit, they’re very efficient. They know how to get things done in a hurry.”
    Rena hardly knew what to say. Apparently a great deal of effort had gone into her welcome. The children must be delighted with themselves. Should she counter their move with quick, strong discipline, or turn a blind eye?
    The youngest of the girls smiled, and Rena’s heart melted like butter left out in the afternoon sun. She would turn a blind eye, at least for now.
    “Well, c’mon in, hon,” Carolina added. “I’m going to have the girls draw you a bath while I finish making your supper. You look exhausted. No point in feeding you until you’re clean and dry. Sound good?”
    “Sounds wonderful. I’m long overdue for a good soak.”
    Carolina sent the three little girls upstairs with Rena’s bags in hand. They were given specific instructions to draw her bath as well. Rena began to relax, finally letting her guard down. She gave the parlor another quick glance but then wished she hadn’t. Nothing about the place held any appeal, from the worn curtains to the torn paper on the walls to the uneven floors.
    “Gene, why don’t you give Miss Jewel the grand tour and then point her in the direction of her room? Her bath should be ready in a few minutes.” Carolina retied her apron and turned back toward the kitchen.