Free Secret, The by Beverly Lewis Page B

Mammi Adah had once hinted about Mamma’s own courting days, Grace wondered if Yonnie and her own mother had something in common.
    Dear Mamma . . .
    Grace stepped out of the tub and dressed, then wrapped her hair in a towel. She opened the door, nearly bumping into Adam, who stood right outside. “Ach, you scared me . . . for goodness’ sake!”
    He grinned, his sleepy eyes meeting hers.
    “Time to rise and shine.” She moved away.
    “I’ve risen . . . just not shinin’ yet. ’Twas a rough night in the sheep barn.” He wandered in and shut the door, and she heard the water running for his shave. Then, nearly as quickly, the door opened and he poked his head out. “Someone’s a year older, and it sure ain’t me!” With a sleepy-sounding chuckle, he again closed the door.
    Grace felt warmed by her brother’s humor as she rushed through the kitchen and sitting room toward the center hallway, making her way to the stairs. She flew to her room, needing to towel dry her hair before winding it into a bun. Letting it down long past her waist, she was glad it wasn’t as thick and hard to untangle as Becky’s or even Mandy’s, who had the prettiest color she’d ever seen—like sun-kissed strawberries and harvested wheat all mixed together. Her sister certainly stood out in a crowd. Years ago, when Mandy was only fourteen, Mamma had complained about the number of times Mandy had sneaked away to Singings, hoping to pass herself off as older. “All in harmless jest,” Mandy had assured them when she’d been caught. Still, both Mamma and Dat had given her a good talking-to.
    Even though Mandy presently had several nice fellows interested in her, Grace wasn’t entirely sure whether her sister cared for any of them, or vice versa. She only knew what she’d observed at Singings, where the boys sought Mandy out. Her sister’s popularity was no secret, but despite her cheerful birthday greeting, Mandy’s pensive brown eyes revealed an uneasiness. One Grace had observed often lately.
    She dealt with an uneasiness of her own. Life just felt so unpredictable. Between Dat and Mamma, especially. As much as she wished they’d be more content with each other, she’d seen similar signs of aloofness in Becky’s parents. She’d begun to worry that many married couples were equally distant.
    I’d like something far better . . . if I ever marry.
    When she heard Mamma cooking downstairs, Grace hurried back down, aware of the tantalizing smell of chocolate as she came to the landing. Can it be? She went through the sitting room, to the kitchen.
    Seeing her, Mamma quickly attempted to hide the package of unsweetened chocolate.
    “ Gut mornin’,” said Grace, trying not to smile too big.
    “You weren’t s’posed to sneak up on me,” Mamma said, a sparkle in her eye. Gone was the sadness of the days before.
    “I sure like your chocolate waffles.”
    Mamma gave a nod, her eyes still on Grace. “I made some peach delight for you to take with you to work, for your lunch today.”
    Grace was relieved that her mother was sounding—and acting—more like her old self.
    “That’ll be ever so tasty. Denki, Mamma.”
    So, Mandy was right—surprises a-plenty!

    It was midmorning when Grace glanced up from the cans she was shelving and spied the top of a man’s head. Rising to her tiptoes, she was startled to see Henry Stahl entering the store, his light brown hair combed ever so neatly.
    She looked down at her hands and wondered what to do with the tins of tea. And why on earth was she shaking so?
    Quickly placing the cans on the shelf out of order to be free of them, she moved down to the end of the aisle, near a display of the B family of vitamins. Her heart sped up as she watched him move through the store.
    Of all things, he’s come to see me here!
    “Oh, Grace . . . there you are.” He glanced about, his eyes darting nervously. Standing there, she couldn’t help wondering why he’d worn his for-good black trousers