Read Snowfall for Free Online Page B

youngest child’s back, she smiled at the children and then walked to stand beside Martin.
    Martin could only stare as they walked into the kitchen together. “I’ve never seen all six of them look so happy to be doing anything together,” he said under his breath. “I’ve certainly never seen them all be quiet at the same time.”
    One eyebrow rose. “Oh?”
    â€œThey are a squirrely lot. Grace, I mean, my wife and I learned to give them a little bit of wiggle room in order for them to behave,” he said. Only after mentioning her did he realize that he’d broken his cardinal rule. He never talked about Grace. Never .
    He braced, preparing himself to feel the usual sharp pain that came whenever he let himself think of her. Instead, all he felt was a new sense of peace.
    â€œWhat did you do to them?” he asked, only half joking. And, of course, secretly wondering what she’d done to him. For the first time in months he was feeling optimistic.
    â€œNot a thing.” Looking down her nose at him—no small feat, considering she was at least six inches shorter than him. “I’ve only been doing what you asked me to.”
    â€œBut you made supper. And cookies. And the kitchen is mopped. And they were all sitting around you on the floor. Even Frank.”
    â€œFrank goes wherever the kids go. Plus, I think we wore him out.”
    â€œYou wore out the puppy?”
    â€œ Jah . He’ll be okay, though. Don’t fret. I just don’t think he’s used to playing tag.” Ignoring his look of wonder, she continued on. “And as for the book? Well, that’s no mystery. It’s a good story. Everyone likes A Christmas Carol , I think,” she said as they stopped in the mud room next to her coat. “So, would you like me to come over the same time tomorrow?”
    â€œ Jah . That will be just fine,” he said as he watched her slip on a wool coat, red wool scarf, and mittens.
    When she picked up her hamper, she gave him a little wave, then walked out the door.
    â€œWait! I’ll go help you hitch up your buggy.”
    â€œThat’s not necessary.”
    â€œI’d like to help you if I could. It, ah, would be my pleasure.” He had a feeling his face mirrored her confusion. Where had those words come from? He didn’t usually speak like that.
    Actually, he never spoke like that—not since his courting days. Maybe not even then.
    When her eyes met his, they softened. Making her look even younger, and almost vulnerable. “ Danke ,” she replied, just as he heard a crash from the other room.
    Martin grimaced. “One second.” Rushing to the door of the hearth room, he said, “What happened?”
    â€œDaed!” Karin called out. “Gregory touched me!”
    â€œDid not. I stepped on her, ’cause she wouldn’t move. Tell her to leave me alone.”
    â€œMake me!”
    Martin groaned. Turning into the hearth room again, he glared at his sweet children who were now looking—and behaving—like their usual selves. “I will talk to each of you in a moment. But for now I’m going to help—”
    â€œIt’s all right, Martin,” Ruth protested from behind him. Quickly, he turned and saw that she’d already put on a black bonnet over her kapp . “I don’t need your help.”
    â€œBut, this won’t take a minute.”
    â€œI’ve been hitching up my buggy on my own for years now. Why don’t you go see to your kinner ?”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œI’ll be just fine. I promise.”
    He was about to argue when he heard yet another crash, followed by a thud and a screech. “I had better go. There’s a good possibility one of them might have drawn blood by now.”
    Ruth gazed at him, her pretty blue eyes warm. “Good night, Martin,” she said softly.
    Only after he closed the door did he whisper,