Read Online Sarah's Choice by Wanda E. Brunstetter - Free Book Online Page B

I’ll build a fire under her tail, and then she’ll show me some speed
.”
    Elias chuckled. The boy had determination, as well as a sense of humor—exactly what was needed here on the canal.

    When Betsy showed up at Sarah’s much later than usual that morning, Sarah noticed right away that she looked pale and seemed kind of shaky.
    “What’s wrong?” Sarah asked. “Has something happened?”
    Betsy shook her head. “I’m just feeling a bit queasy this morning. I think I might be coming down with the flu. If that’s the case, then I probably shouldn’t be here today. I wouldn’t want to expose you and the children, but at the same time I don’t want to leave you alone all day when I know you’re still hurting.”
    “I’m feeling better now, so if you’re not well, then you need to go home and rest.”
    Betsy hesitated a minute. “I…I don’t suppose Sammy’s come home yet.”
    Sarah slowly shook her head. “I’m trying not to worry, but it isn’t easy.”
    “I’m sure it’s not, but you need to keep trusting the Lord.” Betsy offered Sarah a smile. “When Sammy does get home, send him over to the parsonage to let me know. That way I can spread the word to those who’ve been praying for him.”
    “I will, and if you’re not feeling up to watching my kids when I start working again, let me know, and I’ll see if Kelly’s available for a few hours to help out.”
    “I’m sure I’ll be fine in a day or so.” Betsy placed both hands against her stomach. “It could even be something I ate last night that didn’t agree with me.” She turned and started down the stairs, calling over her shoulder, “See you soon, Sarah.”
    When Sarah returned to the kitchen she discovered that Willis and Helen had gotten out some of her pots and pans and had them strewn all over the kitchen floor.
    “Pick those up and put them away!” Sarah shouted.
    Willis blinked his eyes rapidly, and Helen started to howl.
    Sarah’s head began to pound. Everything seemed to bother her more since Sammy had taken off with Elias. If she only knew whether he was safe or not. If he’d just come home to her now.
    “I’ll tell you what,” she said to the children in a much softer tone. “If you two will put the pots and pans away I’ll take you for a walk to Aunt Kelly and Uncle Mike’s store.”
    “Can we have a peppermint stick?” Willis wanted to know.
    Sarah nodded. “If you do as I say and pick up the pots and pans.”
    Willis went to work immediately, and even Helen put a few of the pans back in the cupboard. When they were done, Sarah got their jackets and led them out the door.
    As they walked the towpath, Sarah felt a cool morning breeze blowing through the canal that ran north and south.
    She glanced at the hills surrounding Walnutport and noticed how green they were. Spring was definitely here, and it wouldn’t be long before the flowers she’d planted near the house would be in full bloom.
    “Look, Mama…a quack, quack.” Helen pointed to a pair of mallard ducks floating gracefully on the canal.
    “And look over there,” Willis said, pointing to a bushy-tailed squirrel running through the grassy area on one side of the towpath.
    Before Sarah could respond, Willis darted through the grass, giving the poor squirrel a merry chase. Helen tried to join him, but Sarah took hold of her hand.
    “Leave that squirrel alone, Willis,” Sarah scolded. “If we don’t keep walking, we’ll never get to the store.”
    Willis halted the chase and joined Sarah and Helen on the path again.
    When they entered the store, the children went immediately to the candy counter, which was their favorite place.
    “What can I do for the two of you?” Mike asked as he stepped out from behind the counter where he waited on customers.
    “Candy! Candy!” Helen shouted. She hopped up and down on her toes, while Willis pressed his nose against the glass and peered at the candy.
    Mike looked at Sarah and chuckled. “These