Read Online More Than You Know by Nan Rossiter - Free Book Online Page A

different ring and a card in her jewelry box. The card was signed: Always, David. ”
    Rumer’s eyes grew wide. “Really?!”
    Beryl nodded. “Come see.”
    Rumer followed her sister across the hall and Beryl pulled open the drawer of their mom’s jewelry box. The sapphire ring sparkled brightly. “Oh, my,” Rumer said softly. Then her expression changed from one of amazement to one of puzzlement. “How come I never saw Mum wear this?”
    “I don’t know—I didn’t either,” Beryl answered, reaching for the card. “That’s funny,” she said, “the card’s not here.” She looked behind the dresser and then under the bed and found it surrounded by dust mice. “I must have dropped it when I ran outside to get Flan before . . .” She looked at her sister and shook her head. “Long story—anyway, that’s it.”
    Rumer studied the delicate painting of the cardinal and then opened it to read the inscription. “I have no idea who David is . . . or was. Maybe Isak knows.” Just then, a car door slammed and they looked out the window to see a red Ford Mustang parked next to the Mini. “Speak of the devil,” Rumer said with a grin.

8
    T he morning clouds melted away as Mia’s daughters stood in the driveway, embracing, smiling, and crying—all at once—their grief overwhelming them as they realized their beloved mom would never stand in the sunlight with them again—to hug . . . or cry . . . or laugh.
    “Listen,” Beryl exclaimed, pulling back tearfully. “Do you hear that?” Her sisters stopped talking and listened. “Peepers!” Beryl exclaimed, her heart lifting. “Mum loved that sound.” A chorus of high-pitched chirping filled the air and Rumer and Isak smiled, remembering all the times they’d scooped clear, gelatinous eggs and pond water into jars and watched the little black centers of the eggs hatch into tadpoles. Then they’d pulled on their muck boots, marched dutifully back to the pond, and gently released the tadpoles into the cold, gray water. A month or so later, on a warm, sunny afternoon, they would trip down the driveway from the school bus and hear the cheerful, welcoming sound of peeping. And night after mild spring night, they’d drift to sleep listening to the wonderful sound of new life. “Mum is smiling too,” Beryl said matter-of-factly, and Isak and Rumer both nodded, knowing it was true.
    Suddenly realizing there was another new guest, Flannery trundled over from the direction of the pond and jumped up on Isak’s tan slacks. “Oh, Flan,” Isak groaned, leaning down to brush away the muddy smear. The old dog looked up and wagged her hind end, blissfully unaware of any wrongdoing. “I would’ve said hello to you. You didn’t have to jump up,” she said, scratching her big blocky head.
    Beryl smiled and picked up Isak’s suitcase while Rumer clicked out the handle of the rolling carry-on. Isak followed them, stopping to look up at the old farmhouse and then, with Flan at her heels, went inside.
    They set the luggage just inside the door, and Isak ran her fingers lightly over the kitchen table and shook her head. “Some things never change . . .” she said wistfully as new tears spilled down her cheeks. “And some things will never be the same.” Beryl put her arm around her and Isak leaned against her little sister. “And you had to weather the worst of it, Ber. I’m so sorry.”
    “It’s okay. You got here as soon as you could,” Beryl reassured her. “There was no way to know how quickly she would go.”
    “And . . . how bad was it?”
    “It was sad . . . and really hard, but she wasn’t in any pain, and I’m glad I was there.”
    Isak nodded, wiping under her eyes. She smiled through her tears. “Thank goodness for waterproof mascara and hemorrhoid cream.” Rumer and Beryl both looked puzzled and she laughed. “Didn’t Mum ever tell you? Hemorrhoid cream works like a charm for puffy eyes.”
    “Really?” Rumer asked incredulously.
    Isak