Read Online Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson - Free Book Online

going?” Aunt Miriam’s severe tone stopped Abrianna’s escape.
    Abrianna cringed. It wasn’t to be. Aunt Miriam would have her moment, and there was nothing to do but take her punishment. Turning with a smile, Abrianna awaited her aunt’s lecture. Pity the elders couldn’t have stayed for refreshment.

5

    A nd I want to put a large work table along the back wall by the stove,” Abrianna instructed.
    For all intents and purposes, she sounded as though she were planning an affair for the governor rather than the friendless. But Militine knew better than to comment. Once her friend got a bee in her bonnet, she was hard-pressed to be convinced that anything else might need attention.
    â€œOh, and, Wade, I’ll need you to vent the stove and get it working right away. I want to serve our first luncheon on Monday.” The instructions continued from their fearless leader.
    Militine worked hard not to laugh or offer a salute as she pictured Abrianna in a captain’s uniform with a ruler in hand.
    Thane threw Militine a smile. It was almost as if he could read her mind, and while she found their growing friendship a comfort at times, Militine knew better than to believe it could last. Friendships were for people without pasts.
    â€œThane, I looked over the drawings you made for positioning the cabinets. I think they’ll work perfectly. Can we get them up today?”
    He straightened from where he’d been nailing together oneof those very cabinets. “I’m not sure I can have all of them built today as well as get ’em nailed in place.”
    â€œWell, it’s only Friday.” She turned her attention to her list. “I figure if we work into the evening, we can have the entire place painted and the new floor laid tonight. Tomorrow we can finish building and painting the tables and benches. Militine and I have convinced Aunt Miriam to let us have six of the old tablecloths we used to use at the school, as well as two very nice gingham curtain sets.”
    â€œHonestly, Abrianna, we could hold off opening this place for another week. I do have work to do at the shop, as well.” Wade’s exasperation was clear in his tone.
    Abrianna stopped and looked at him. “I am sorry. I know I’ve been pressing each of you to give above and beyond all reason.” She lowered her paper. “If you need to leave and tend your other duties, I’m certain Militine and I can figure this out.”
    Wade shook his head. “You know I won’t leave you here alone. I suppose the sooner we complete your instructions, the sooner we can get back to our own responsibilities.”
    Abrianna reached out and took hold of his arm. “It is for the poor, Wade. They haven’t anything, and another week might well see the death of many a soul. I know I haven’t the right to ask this of you, but it’s more important to me than anything. I’ve prayed and prayed about it. I know that the Lord has this ministry for me, and I would be a terrible steward if I were to ignore it for my own comfort.”
    Wade was no match for her. Militine had seen this time and again. He was like clay in her hands, molded and formed to Abrianna’s will. Thane had seen it, too. They had even discussed it. Thane believed Wade to be in love with Abrianna, but Militine wasn’t convinced. He definitely was devoted to seeing her stay out of trouble, but Militine couldn’t say that it was love.
    But what did she know of love? Her life had been void ofthat since the death of her mother. Her father’s bitterness and dependence on the bottle gave him no time for such insignificant matters, and there was no one else.
    â€œYou look troubled,” Thane whispered against her ear.
    Militine jumped back, her arms extended as if to ward off blows. Thane looked at her in confusion. Thankfully Abrianna had pulled Wade off to the far side of the room to show him yet another