Free The Widow's Choice by Gilbert Morris

dangerous and hard times. She thought of how in August 1939, Germany and Russia had shocked diplomats everywhere by signing a nonaggression pact, which meant, as far as Alona understood it, that the German army, which was now the largest in the world, would be able to concentrate on the western front of Europe without worrying about fighting Russia on another front. They had already begun in September 1939 by invading Poland. This invasion broke twenty-one years of rather shaky peace in Europe, and the Germans had, with their blitzkrieg or lightning war, defeated Poland easily. Britain and France had declared war on Germany at once, but America stayed neutral.
    With the world teetering on the brink of a war, the likes of which had never been seen, Alona read the papers each day and listened to the broadcasts with a sinking heart. Shewondered how her boys might be affected if the war ever moved beyond Europe. She hoped it would never come to that.
    Alona’s life had gotten somewhat easier since moving to Jonesboro. She was surprised to find that she was becoming quite good at assembling radio parts, and the steady income, with no rent payments, was easing the financial strain. She loved the house that she lived in and had paid a visit to Mrs. Cunningham to thank her personally and deliver some homemade bread. Mrs. Cunningham was in her late eighties but was in possession of all her faculties, and it had been a joy for Alona to visit with her and thank her for letting them have the house rent free. Mrs. Cunningham had told Alona that she had been widowed herself thirty years ago and understood the loneliness that came after being married to a good man.
    The sound of Tim’s voice broke into her thoughts, and she quickly looked up as he delivered his lines. “We need a room, innkeeper.” She was proud of Tim. He was not outgoing enough to make a good actor, but he did his best. The thought occurred to her that Zac might have made a better Joseph. He would have banged energetically on the innkeeper’s door and boldly asked for a room. But he was too young for such a role and was thoroughly enjoying playing a shepherd boy.
    When the rehearsal was over, she and the other few parents who had been watching applauded. She stood up and waited while the boys gathered around her, grinning broadly.
    “You are doing so well. All of you.”
    “Aw, it’s duck soup, Mom,” Carl boasted. Which it was, since he had only one line to speak.
    The four of them started out of the church and were intercepted by Oscar Moran. “Hello. How are you fellows tonight?”
    “Great, Mr. Moran,” Zac said, speaking for the others. “How are you?”
    “I’m fine, Zac.” Moran turned and said, “How are you, Mrs. Jennings?”
    “Very well. I’ve been watching the rehearsal.”
    “I caught a little of that before the deacons’ meeting. You fellows did fine. It’s going to be a great pageant.”
    “If they don’t forget their lines,” Alona said with a smile.
    “Aw, Mom, we never forget our lines. That’s those other dumb kids,” Zac announced.
    “Don’t call kids dumb,” Alona reprimanded him.
    “That’s right,” Mr. Moran said. “You must always be polite.” He turned to Alona. “It’s cold outside. Let me give you and the boys a ride home.”
    Before Alona could speak, Zac popped up. “Mr. Moran, maybe we should stop and get some ice cream cones at Stanley’s Drugstore.”
    “Zac, where are your manners?” Alona admonished. “Besides, we have the chocolate cake at home that I made last night.”
    “Why, I think ice cream is a fine suggestion,” Oscar said. “Or maybe we should get something even bigger. Like a chocolate sundae or a strawberry milk shake. You know,” he said, sounding serious, “I’ve often wondered how much ice cream a boy could eat. Never have found out. Maybe I could experiment on you.”
    “Sure,” Zac said instantly. “I’d be glad to be an experiment!”
    “Me too!” Carl said.