Read Love Finds You in Daisy, Oklahoma for Free Online Page B

the day my son adopted two of the most challenging boys at the Atoka County Children’s Home, I knew I had my work cut out for me. William and Jacob are a handful, to say the least. That said, I’m up to the challenge. After all, I did a fine job in raising their father. Of course, my hair went completely gray when he reached his teen years, but that’s another story. And speaking of gray hairs, I’ve figured out why the good Lord gives children to the young. He knows that we older folks would rather give in than take the time to discipline. When my grandsons act up, I simply refer them to their father. After loading them up on homemade cookies and candy, of course.
    —Carolina Wyatt, Daisy’s Favorite Grandma

    Rena rested a few minutes and then began the journey to the dining car. As she made her way through the other cars, she observed her fellow passengers. All around her, people laughed and talked—whole families enjoying each other’s company. Children wrestled and played together while mothers appeased them with sack lunches. Fathers read newspapers while little boys vied for their attention. And all this happened to the ever-present clack-clacking as the train rolled ever northward toward Oklahoma.
    For a moment, a pang of homesickness gripped her. But just as quickly, it faded. Gulfport wasn’t her home anymore. No, she must focus on her destination, not the roads leading her to this point.
    She shivered in spite of her wrap, noticing that the air had cooled a bit. Of course, the farther north the train went, the colder it would be. October in Oklahoma would be a sure sight cooler than in Gulfport.
    “One for dinner, miss?” a waiter in a black suit asked.
    “Yes, thank you.”
    He disappeared for a moment and then returned. “I’m afraid we don’t have a table for one. Would you mind joining a party of ladies who happen to have an extra space? They’ve assured me you will be welcomed, and one of them told me to promise you that they don’t bite.”
    For a moment Rena thought about rejecting his offer. Then her empty stomach growled. “I suppose that would be fine.”
    She followed behind him to a table of rambunctious and somewhat rotund older women, who explained that they were on their way home to Tulsa after a wondrous adventure along the Gulf Coast. The ladies introduced themselves as Amy, Jamie, and Mamie—sisters, and very much alike in every respect, particularly when it came to their colorful attire and lavish hats.
    Rena found herself caught up in their chatter, particularly when they began to share the stories behind the peculiar hats they were wearing. Only when Mamie asked about her destination did she feel comfortable chiming in.
    “I’m headed to Daisy, Oklahoma, to work with children.” She shared the story of finding the sheriff’s letter, her enthusiasm growing as she went along. Mamie appeared to listen in rapt awe. The peacock feathers atop her large round hat moved back and forth as she fanned herself.
    “Oh, you sweet girl.” Amy, the sister with the black feathered straw hat, rested her hand on Rena’s. “What you’re doing is so admirable. Giving of yourself like that to those poor babies—what a sacrifice. I’m honored to know such a giving person.”
    “I don’t really consider it a sacrifice,” Rena said, a little startled by the woman’s words of praise. “I’m sure it will be pure delight, in fact.”
    “Well, perhaps.” Jamie, the sister with the bright red hat, looked flabbergasted at this proclamation. “But orphans? And most of them boys? You couldn’t pay me enough!” She chuckled. “What a life that would be.” Jamie speculated about the possibilities, and before long all the women were laughing.
    Rena found herself affected by their what-if stories. “It will be quite different from what I’m used to,” she said after a moment’s reflection. “But I feel sure it will be an adventure.”
    “That it will,” Mamie said. “I’ve no