Read Online Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Novel by Ann Shorey - Free Book Online

folded across his chest. “Please allow me to drive you home.”
    Faith’s grandfather frowned at him. “I’ve traveled these streets for many a year. I’m perfectly capable.” He removed his hat from a peg.
    “Yes, sir, but it’s going on full dark. You and Miss Faith would be safer in the buggy.”
    Faith put a hand on her grandfather’s arm. “You’ve been quite content to accept rides to church. The distance is almost the same.”
    “It won’t take long to hitch the horse,” Curt said. He took a few steps toward the rear of the house, then paused, waiting for the judge’s response.
    “Well, Faith is probably tired. Might be good for her to ride.” Judge Lindberg dropped his hat over his bald spot and leaned on his cane.
    Faith’s blue eyes met Curt’s. “Thank you. I appreciate your kind offer.”
    He dared a smile in her direction. “No trouble.”
    Once they settled in the buggy and started across town, Judge Lindberg’s head drooped forward. A sideways glance told Curt that he’d fallen asleep.
    Faith’s soft voice reached him through the darkness. “Grandpa rises at daylight. It’s a struggle for him to stay awake much past seven.”
    “I noticed he looked worn out.” He kept his attention on the reins. For some reason, the surrounding darkness untied his tongue. “Has he had more trouble with his memory since his fall?”
    “Little things. Now that he’s not busy with the mercantile, the changes aren’t so apparent.” She sighed.
    Curt guided his horse around the courthouse square and angled left on High Street. Lightning bugs flashed under the spreading limbs of a cherry tree in front of the Bennetts’ house.
    “Your granddad told me he’s writing a memoir. Is that a fact?”
    Her skirt rustled as she turned toward him. “Indeed he is.” Her voice carried an edge of impatience. “It’s good that he’s keeping busy, but I wish—”
    “Wish what?” Faith’s grandfather sat up straight.
    “That you had someone else to read your pages. I can’t pay proper attention when I’m busy in the store.”
    “Why didn’t you say so? I won’t bother you anymore.”
    Curt heard the anger in the judge’s response. “Well, here we are,” he said with false cheer. He reined the horse to a stop in front of the Lindbergs’ home, then hurried to assist his passengers from the buggy.
    When Faith took his hand, a surge of warmth traveled up his arm. She was so small and helpless-looking. He wished he could stand between her and all danger, but how could he? He couldn’t control his own memories.

     
    Curt carried a lantern to light his way from the stable to the back porch. Through the kitchen window he saw Rosemary seated at the table with a covered teapot in front of her. She smiled when he entered.
    “I brewed some chamomile tea. Thought you might like something to help you sleep.” Two teacups rested in matching saucers next to the pot.
    “Sounds good. Thanks.” Curt sank into a chair, heat from Faith’s hand fresh in his senses.
    Rosemary filled their cups. “It was kind of you to take them home. I could see Judge Lindberg sinking by the end of the evening.” She grinned at him. “It saved the old gentleman’s pride to pretend it was Faith who was tired.”
    “He wasn’t pretending. Didn’t you notice her yawning?” Curt stirred honey into his cup, watching the sweet threads dissolve in the hot brew. “Wish I could spend more time with him. Miss Faith said something tonight that made me think she needs more help with her granddad than she lets on.”
    “Why don’t we have a picnic on Sunday and invite the two of them?” Rosemary regarded him with a knowing look in her eyes. “You can’t go on claiming the judge is the only reason you spend time at their house.”
    He tapped her shoulder. “Don’t start matchmaking. I’m better off single. Miss Faith wouldn’t want me if she knew about my . . . spells.”
    Rosemary stood, hands on hips. “You’re