Read Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Novel for Free Online Page B

today.”
    Curt’s sweat-soaked shirt clung to his body. He took a bandana from his pocket and mopped his forehead. It was too soon to think about courting a girl.

6
     
    O n Sunday morning, Faith spent extra time trying to decide what to wear to church. If indeed she’d seen Royal Baxter on Tuesday, he might be among the worshipers today. She wanted to look her best.
    She slipped a flower-sprigged purple chintz garment over her head and fastened the cloth-covered buttons. Given her unfashionably stocky frame, the trim lines of the bodice made it the most flattering of her dresses. Gathering her shawl and bonnet, she descended the stairs. Mr. Saxon would arrive any moment to take them to church, and she didn’t want to keep him waiting.
    Grandpa bent over a table in the parlor, writing. Sheets of paper were strewn across the green and blue patterned upholstery on the sofa. He looked up when she entered. “That your new dress?”
    “Not completely new. I finished it a month ago. I haven’t worn it yet.”
    “I see.” His eyes crinkled with amusement. “Well, I won’t tell Saxon it’s new, then.”
    “Grandpa! You don’t have to tell him anything at all. What does he care about girls’ dresses?”
    He wiped the nib clean and set his pen aside. “If he doesn’t arrive soon, I’ll be telling him he’s late.”
    Faith glanced at the mantel clock. They should have been on their way by now if they were walking. She bit her lip. Morning clouds promised a shower or two—not the best day to wear her prettiest dress.
    She pushed the parlor curtains aside at the moment a covered buggy came to a stop in front of the house. To her surprise, Rosemary Saxon, rather than her brother, descended. She wrapped the horse’s reins around a hitching rail and walked up the path.
    Before she could knock, Faith swung the door open. “Good morning.” She peeked around Rosemary’s shoulder and didn’t see Mr. Saxon on the buggy seat. How curious. “When your brother offered to take us to church, I assumed he’d be driving. I hope we haven’t inconvenienced you.”
    “Not at all. Curt had a restless night and awakened with an acute headache. He asks your pardon.”
    Grandpa stepped next to Faith’s elbow. “It’s not every day I attend church with two pretty girls. What is your name, young lady?”
    Faith flushed at her lack of manners and made introductions while they walked to the buggy.
    “Rosemary Saxon. Hmm.” Grandpa rubbed his moustache. “Heard that name somewhere before.”
    Rosemary’s mouth tightened. “I’m the nurse everyone’s talking about.”
    “That’s it. I remember now. Good for you, miss. If you ask me, this town needs more helpers and fewer talkers.”
    Proud of him, Faith took Grandpa’s free hand and squeezed it.
    Bells pealed from the white steeple on the square brick church as the three of them entered the vestibule. Reverend French greeted them inside the door. “Judge Lindberg, Miss Faith. I see you’re acquainted with Miss Rosemary. Excellent.” He beamed at them.
    Turning penetrating gray eyes on Rosemary, he asked, “Where’s your brother this morning? I’ll miss his fine bass voice during the hymn singing.”
    “He didn’t rest well last night.”
    A meaningful look passed between them. “Ah. Please let him know I’ll call on him this afternoon.”
    “I will. Thank you.”
    Sunshine flooded through the row of rectangular windows on Faith’s right, bathing the oak pews with buttery light and spreading to a vase of dogwood blossoms in front of the pulpit. At the piano, Reverend French’s wife, Clarissa, moved her fingers over the keys in a gentle medley of hymns.
    Faith followed Grandpa up the center aisle, smiling as he responded to greetings from townsfolk. She didn’t see Royal Baxter anywhere in the congregation. When she thought about it, she’d never seen him in church before the war. Feeling foolish, she ran her hands over the crisp fabric of the dress she’d