Read Online The Divided Family by Wanda E. Brunstetter - Free Book Online Page A

gave Anna his deepest smile, gazing into her eyes. Hoping to ensure success in his endeavor, Joel placed his hand on hers and gave her fingers a tender squeeze.
    Blushing further, Anna gave a slow nod. “I … I appreciate you coming by. It means a lot to me.”
    “Good.” He moved away from her, shuffling his feet and feeling a bit guilty for coming here with an ulterior motive. He hoped she hadn’t gotten the wrong impression.
    Joel hadn’t actually lied to Anna; he did feel bad for hurting her in the past. But if not for the stipulation in Dad’s will, he probably never would have apologized.
    “Guess I’d better go and let you get back to whatever you were doing. See you around, Anna.” Joel turned from the desk.
    “Remember, if you’re not doing anything tomorrow evening, you’re welcome to come to our Christmas program,” Anna called sweetly.
    He lifted his hand in a parting wave. “I will try to be there.”
I’ll only be coming for Scott.

    Charm
    Feeling rather pleased with himself, Joel whistled a tune he’d learned as a boy and turned onto the road leading to Dad’s place. He felt good about his visit with Anna and was confident that when he told Aunt Verna, she’d be impressed. If she agreed what he’d done met the condition of the will, then surely his sisters would, too. Since Anna was Doris’s friend, Doris would no doubt be pleased to learn of Joel’s apology.
    As Joel sat in his truck on the hill above Dad’s house, he was tempted to get out and wander around, reflecting on his childhood a bit. He could sit on his old rock-seat and daydream awhile, but it was really too cold for that. Besides, Joel was anxious to speak with his aunt.
    Turning the steering wheel, he drove down the driveway and parked his vehicle near the barn. When he stepped out and heard the horses whinny, he was tempted to lead them into the barn, as he’d done for a good many years while growing up. But it wasn’t his job anymore. Glen was staying here, and he’d take care of the animals when he got home from work, if he wasn’t here already.
    Shaking his thoughts aside, Joel hurried up the front porch and knocked on the door. He waited several seconds, and when no one answered, he knocked again, a little louder this time. If Aunt Verna was here, she may not have heard him.
    A few more seconds passed. Joel was about to try the door when it suddenly swung open. Aunt Verna, wearing a black scarf on her head, looked at him quizzically. “This is an unexpected surprise. Have you been working in the area today?”
    “No, I …” Joel paused and moistened his lips. “Is it all right if I come in?”
    She cupped her hand around one ear. “What was that?”
    Joel repeated himself, a little louder this time.
    “Of course you may.” She opened the door wider, and Joel stepped inside. “Should we go in the kitchen? I was about to fix myself a glass of buttermilk. Would you like some?”
    His lips puckered, thinking about the soured milk his dad used to drink. Apparently Aunt Verna liked it, too. “No thanks. I’ll take a glass of water, though.”
    “No problem.”
    He followed her to the kitchen and took two glasses from the cupboard. After handing one to her, he filled his glass with water and took a seat at the table. Once Aunt Verna had her buttermilk, she joined him. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” she asked.
    Joel took a quick drink and set his glass on the table. “I just came from the schoolhouse in Farmerstown.”
    “Oh? Did you see your nieces and nephews there?”
    “I talked to Scott for a few minutes, but I didn’t see the others. I went there to speak with their teacher, Anna Detweiler.”
    Aunt Verna peered at Joel over the top of her glasses. “Are you two getting back together?”
    Joel shook his head. “I went there to tell Anna I was sorry for the hurt I caused when I broke up with her seven years ago.”
    “Could you repeat that, please?”
    “I went there to tell Anna