Free A Harvest of Hope by Lauraine Snelling Page A

too, right?”
    â€œYes, sir. They went in the baggage car.”
    â€œThey’ll be unloading them with the other supplies for here.”
    Miriam smiled back at the conductor and hoped she’d said thank-you. It was like her gaze was locked on the man coming toward her, and she found that she couldn’t look away. Smile, don’t smile. But her lips knew better than her mind as the smile stretched. He was even better looking than she’d remembered.
    He stopped in front of her, his smile taking up his whole face. But about the time she thought he was going to lock her in his arms, just before she could take a step back, if she could take a step back, he nodded. “Welcome home.” Then he offered her his bent arm. “Let’s go make sure your other things are here.” Picking up her bag with the free hand, he strolled off with her as if they’d seen each other just yesterday.
    The sigh she heaved came clear from her toes.
    â€œAre you all right?”
    â€œI’m just grateful to be walking on a floor that doesn’t move.”
    He squeezed her hand against his side. “I was beginning to think you would not return, but my tante Ingeborg assured me that you had given your word and you would keep it.”
    Be honest . “Actually, I tried not to come, but Nurse Korsheski would not allow it.”
    â€œI’m sorry to hear about your mother.”
    The burn started instantly. “Thank you.”
    â€œThe rest of your family is all right?”
    â€œYes. Sad, but I think since they saw our mother suffering more than I did, they were grateful she’s no longer suffering. I am too, but . . . I . . . I wanted more time with her. But not so terribly weak like she was.” She heaved another sigh. “There are no easy answers is one lesson I am learning.”
    She pointed to the boxes piled to the side. “Those go to the hospital. They are medical supplies. I packed a couple of personal things in them, but I can get them when I go on duty.”
    Why was it that whenever he looked at her, her heart rate picked up?
    â€œYour things are all at the boardinghouse. Miss Nester packed them for you. They moved over early last week. Others wanted to come too. I think Miss Wells is on duty.”
    She kept looking around, anywhere, so she wouldn’t have to look at Trygve. “Everyone in Blessing must be at church.”
    â€œWell, not everyone. Dr. Elizabeth is not allowed to go anywhere. Astrid is afraid if she catches anything—”
    â€œIs there something going around?” Their steps kept slowing as they neared the boardinghouse.
    â€œNot that I know of. Oh, I nearly forgot. Tante Ingeborg has invited you to dinner at the farm.” He stopped. “Please. I know you are exhausted, but it would mean a lot to her.”
    I just want to take a bath and go to bed.
    He did not wait for an answer. “I’ll come back and get you.” Together they climbed the three steps to the boardinghouse porch. “I’ll take your bag to your room.” He opened the door and motioned her in.
    â€œWhy, Nurse Hastings, you’re back at last. How good to see you. Good morning, Trygve!” Mrs. Wiste came from behind the desk, her smile of greeting lighting the dimness of the vestibule.
    Trygve was grinning too. “’Morning, Sophie. Where shall I put this?”
    â€œThe lady or the bag?”
    â€œBoth.”
    Miriam was poised to be aghast at the banter when she remembered that Trygve and Sophie Wiste were brother and sister. Was that perhaps why she liked Mrs. Wiste so much? It was going to take some time before she got all the family connections in Blessing straightened out.
    Mrs. Wiste led the way to the stairs. “Your room is all ready. The other two chose to share a room, but I hated to put three of you in together. Especially since you will all be on such different schedules. Will this be