Read Within the Candle's Glow for Free Online Page B

imprisoning grasp. She snuggled him close, pressing her lips to his sun-warmed cheek.
    “Do you like candy?” She watched his solemn dark eyes light up.
    “Yes.” He twisted in her lap and placed little hands on either side of her face. “Sugar candy?” Dark curls hung in his eyes.
    “Yes. Look, we’re here.” She brushed aside his curls and pointed. The horses turned onto a dirt lane leading to the log church.
    They circled the building to a grove of shady oaks and maples. She craned her neck to catch a glimpse of families seated under the trees. Horses, mules, and a few scrawny oxen fed in the flat field of waving grass beyond the picnic area. They had either been staked or hobbled so they wouldn’t wander. Wagons stood empty, wooden tongues dropped to the soil, reminding her of tired hunting dogs.
    She grabbed the sideboard as the wagon rumbled over exposed tree roots.
    “Watch your heads!” Mr. Beckler waved at them when the wagon passed under a low oak.
    The riders ducked and giggled as they fell against each other.
    Ella hugged Adam and kept him from tumbling to the ground. Then she spied Jim leading his black horse to the high, windswept grass. His wide shoulders accented the narrowness of his hips. He brought the tall horse around, patted its shiny neck, and bent to stake the animal.
    When he straightened, he faced their wagon and waved his hat in the air.
    She smiled, lifted her hand in greeting, and fought the urge to jump off the bouncing wagon. Instead, she bowed her head and snugged Adam’s squirming body close to her chest.
    Silly goose. He didn’t wave at you. He waved to everyone.
    Shouts and whistles of welcome rang out from other picnickers. Velma beamed with shy pleasure.
    Under the trees, the large quantity of blankets and multi-colored quilts testified to the number of families gathered for the picnic and fellowship. A fresh breeze, blowing the length of the cove, fluttered the tree leaves. Makeshift tables, of hewn boards and skinny logs forlegs, reminded Ella of newborn calves—standing on wobbly legs in the parched, yellowed grass. Every available surface functioned as a place to set wooden bowls, tin plates of food, and baskets of goodies.
    All food brought to the picnic went on the temporary tables, so neighbors could share and taste one another’s recipes. A barrel of cool spring water flattened the tall grass where it stood. A gourd dipper, available for filling cups and jugs, bobbed within the barrel’s wide opening. It was too early for ciders and most berry juices.
    By craning her neck, Ella Dessa got another peek at Jim. He shook hands with a man and turned to a dark-haired girl in a white dress.
    Sophie Wald!
    Ella had to twist sideways to continue watching Jim, because Mr. Beckler decided to circle another tree with the wagon. A stab of jealousy caused her to catch a breath. Jim had bent to listen to whatever the pretty girl said. Ella fancied she heard a soft peal of laughter as Sophie touched Jim’s arm.
    Why torture myself?
    “This is good.” Mr. Beckler reined the horses into shade under a huge maple. “No one will get sunburned here.”
    Ella jumped to the grass before the storeowner could change his mind. She placed Adam on his feet, patting his backside. “Don’t you stray.” When she turned to search for Jim, he was gone. Sophie had taken a seat on a quilt occupied by her parents and younger brother.
    Like the hum of honeybees, a sweeping murmur of whispered questions filled the air around them. But Velma held her head high. She stood in front of the wagon box, leaning forward to place her hands on Mr. Beckler’s hefty shoulders.
    “Listen to the gossip blossoming.” With a triumphant smile, he lifted her down. He chuckled deep in his throat as his hands released her thin waist. “Why, I guess they’ve never beheld a group this large in one wagon. Here comes my sister, Agatha. She and the girls are joining us. They caught a ride with Rebecca and Lyle