Read Online Summer of Secrets by Charlotte Hubbard - Free Book Online Page A

my very own miracle served up at the Sweet Seasons, this Thursday past. Would ya believe it, Sheila? That Tiffany ya read about is the little daughter I thought we’d lost in the flood, back in 1993. Except she’s not so little any more.”
    The floodgates opened once again. While Miriam shared her excitement at finding Rebecca, along with the shock of seeing this Tiffany Oliveri decked out in so much black dye and clothing, she smiled and cried a little and answered Sheila’s surprised questions. “ Jah , it’s a blessin’, all right,” she agreed as she dabbed at her eyes. “And I hope Rhoda and Rachel will come to see it that way real soon. I ... over the years, I couldn’t seem to find the right words to tell them about their lost sister, and Jesse urged me to just leave it be. So I’ve got some fences to mend.”
    “But what a story! What a joy, to have your long-lost daughter restored to you!” Sheila blotted her eyes on her sleeve and sniffled loudly. “That’s the nicest thing I’ve heard in a long while. So you’re taking a hamper of food to them today? To get better acquainted and to meet Mr. Oliveri?”
    “That’s the plan, jah . Hope it won’t blow up in my face, for stickin’ my nose into their business.”
    “But it’s your business, too, Miriam. And the fact that Mrs. Oliveri saved the dress Rebecca was wearing, the same as you saved Rachel’s and Rhoda’s, tells me you two women have been on the same wavelength all along, without even knowing each other. That’s just—well, it is a miracle, Miriam. And I’m really honored that you’re sharing it with me .”
    “ Denki , Sheila. Can’t thank ya enough for sayin’ it that way.” She nipped her lip as they came to the turnoff for Morning Star. “I just hope Bob Oliveri is half as understandin’ as you’ve been.”
    Sheila steered off the county road and then entered Morning Star, a well-kept little community where a mix of Amish and Mennonites lived amongst the Englishers who ran most of the local businesses on Main Street. As the van ventured farther into town, past the car dealership, a Laundromat, and the post office, Miriam reminded herself to breathe ... to keep Mr. Oliveri’s concerns foremost in her mind so she didn’t run off at the mouth with her own questions and concerns—if he was even home, that is.
    She gazed nervously ahead as Sheila turned down a street of modest older homes. “Probably woulda been the polite thing to call ahead, to be sure he didn’t mind me comin’. But I ... wasn’t sure I could stand it if he said no. Even so, Tiffany might not want to see me again.”
    Her driver reached over to squeeze her arm, smiling kindly. “Who could refuse you , Miriam Lantz? Not only are you bringing a hamper of your wonderful food, but you’re the kindest woman I know. I’m guessing this fellow will be relieved you broke the ice. Quite happy to talk to you.”
    “About earlier days, anyway. I’m guessin’ the Tiffany who showed up at the café with her black hair standin’ on end and eye makeup that could pass for road tar isn’t the same sweet child he snatched from the river.” Miriam’s smile faltered as they pulled into a driveway at the end of the street. “I’ve been so blessed, havin’ Rhoda and Rachel helpin’ me all their lives. Especially after Jesse’s passin’.”
    “And they’ll stand by you no matter what comes of this surprise reunion, too.” Sheila turned off the ignition, encouraging her with a smile. “Shall I wait here? Or come to the door with you?”
    “I—I’ll knock. But would ya mind terribly comin’ inside if they’re home?” she asked in a wavering voice. “Just seems more proper, and maybe more comfortable for them. Tiffany—my Rebecca—gawked at our Plain dresses and kapps as much as we tried not to stare at her black clothes and metal jewelry.”
    “It’ll all work out fine, Miriam.”
    Be in my mind and in my heart, dear God. You know how I want this