Read Lauri Robinson for Free Online Page B

Too long. “Tonight?”
    It was obvious he wanted to fly across the porch and wrap those powerful arms around her. She wanted it, too, but in the end, he said, “All right then,” and then turned to rush the girls into the house. “Change of plans, girls, we got work to do, lots and lots of work to do.”
    Della giggled, not slighted in the least that he hadn’t rushed to her side. That was just one of the things she loved about him. His restraint. That, and the fact he’d make up for it later this evening. They both would make up for years of restraint. With happiness practically bursting through her skin, she skipped down the stairs.
    She folded her arms around Otis. “So, you’ve heard the news.”
    He gave her a long hug. “Yes.” When they separated, Otis asked, “But all’s well?”
    “Very well,” she admitted.
    “He’ll be good to you. Deputy Monroe will take care of you and those girls long after I’m gone. You’ll never have to worry again. Neither will I.”
    She’d thought her heart was full, but it swelled more. “He asked me to marry him.”
    Otis nodded.
    “He told you?”
    “No. Didn’t have to. It’s been written on his face for years. Yours, too.”
    “I love him.”
    “I know you do. I’m happy about that.” Otis patted her cheek, and his eyes grew serious and misty. “I’ve a favor to ask of you, Miss Della. And if you say no, I’ll understand.”
    Her heart skipped a beat, but she vowed, “Anything, Otis, what is it?”
    “I’d like to walk you down the aisle this time. I’d like to give you to Deputy Monroe.”
    Her world couldn’t be more complete. Della wrapped her arms around Otis’s massive shoulders and kissed his weathered cheek. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
    Otis hugged her tight for several minutes, and then said, “Well, I best go round up the parson.”
    Upon entering the house, Della was met by Rachel. “This way,” the woman insisted, pulling Della toward the stairs. “We have a wedding gown to pick out.”
    “But—” Della started, dragging her feet and looking for Spencer.
    “He’s out back, hauling in more water,” Rachel said, tugging harder.
    “For what?”
    “Your bath. By the time we have a gown picked out, the girls will have it full of hot water,” Rachel supplied.
    A giggle from the kitchen sent a flutter of remorse mixing with her bubbling insides. “The girls,” Della said. “I have to tell them about Isaac.”
    Rachel took Della’s hands. “Please forgive me, but I told them this morning. Mrs. Agnew told me the news when she brought Thomas to school. I know it wasn’t my place, but I was afraid he might say something to them.”
    Della shook her head. Thomas Agnew was a little terror, everyone knew that. “There’s nothing to forgive. Thank you. I know they don’t really remember Isaac, and that, too, is my fault.”
    “You’ll have time to talk with them tomorrow. Right now they’re very excited about the wedding. Let them enjoy it,” Rachel said.
    All of a sudden bubbles of excitement exploded inside her. “I’m getting married,” Della whispered. “To the man I’ve loved for years.”
    “I know. And he loves you.” Rachel pulled her toward the stairs. “Come on, we have a lot to do.”
    Half an hour later Rachel carried a long ecru colored dress, decorated with pearls of the same shade and yards of pale pink lace downstairs to be pressed. And as the sun set outside the window Della sank deep into a tub full of steaming water.
    Eyes closed, she was working a good frothing of suds in her hair when the doorknob clattered and the hinges creaked. “Goodness, Rachel, you are a wonder. I haven’t even washed my hair yet. I swear you just left a minute ago.”
    “Rachel did leave a minute ago.”
    Della’s eyes flew open, but the sharp sting of the soap had her squeezing them shut after catching only a blurry glimpse of Spencer. Splashing her face with water, she asked, “What are you doing up