Free Moonlight on the Millpond by Lori Wick Page A

feeling well?”
    â€œNo, it’s not that. I don’t think she expected me to grow up, and when I did, she didn’t care for it.”
    Cathy’s brows rose. They had allowed Maddie to leave home and go all the way to Boston at the age of 17 because she had a dream, so this was not something to which Cathy could relate.
    â€œDid you quarrel?”
    â€œYes—about women.”
    â€œWhat women?”
    â€œNot women exactly, more like a woman—one woman. Eden was frustrated when I refused to tell her whom I would like to see more of.”
    â€œDo I know this woman?” Cathy’s voice had dropped, her heart pounding.
    For a moment Jace looked at her and then admitted, “Better than anyone else in town, I would say.”
    Cathy began to smile but was given no time to speak. Maddie had come into the back room looking for something. Cathy told her where to find the item, and Jace followed her out front.
    â€œDid I see you go up front on Sunday?” Jace had waited around and now asked when Maddie had a moment.
    â€œYes, I did talk to Mr. Sullins.”
    â€œAnd did it help?”
    Maddie only shook her head, her eyes a little sad.
    Jace wished he knew what to suggest, but if their pastor couldn’t help, who could? It occurred to him that maybe she should leave well enough alone. She wasn’t dying. She wouldn’t have to worry about heaven or the afterlife for a long time. He would have suggested this to her, but Cathy needed her just then.
    Seeing that he wouldn’t have any more chance to speak with her or Cathy, he collected his things and went back to the farm. Not until he arrived did he remember that there was one more group in town, even if they didn’t have their own meetinghouse. Jace wondered if Maddie had checked with that pastor yet.

    â€œI just realized I haven’t seen much of Doyle Shephard in the last few weeks,” Douglas mentioned to Alison one morning. “Is he all right?”
    â€œI’m not sure. Doyle and Cathy’s niece is here from Boston to help out, so I think he must be taking things a little quieter.”
    â€œHe’s not dead, is he?”
    â€œNo, we would have heard.”
    â€œI might stop around to see him. He’s been such a huge help in the past with so many supplies. Do you know if he can have visitors?”
    â€œI don’t, but Cathy will tell you. I’m sure of that.”
    Douglas went back to his breakfast, but his mind was elsewhere. His small church family didn’t even have a meetinghouse, and some folks in town thought them different. Most people didn’t stop to find out what he believed, but one day Doyle Shephard had asked a few questions. Douglas wasn’t sure whether he had answered to the man’s satisfaction or not. He’d told him that if there was ever another question, he should just come around and see him, but it had never happened.
    The next chance Douglas had, he’d stop in and see Doyle. He looked forward to speaking with the older man not only because he genuinely cared for him but also to see if his hunger for God had increased since they’d last talked. Douglas prayed for the owner of the general store, asking God for that very thing.

    Jace had finally caught on to the routine. After dinner, Doyle would invite Woody to look at something in the store or barn. Jace knew Doyle enjoyed very few outings these days, and was glad that Woody could be around for a small distraction.
    Today, however, Jace wanted to get Maddie out of the house on his own. He had nothing to offer in the barn or store but suggested a walk. To his surprise, she accepted.
    It had rained in the night, so things smelled fresh and a little wet. Jace walked along the road, town to his right side and trees to his left, and Maddie just a few feet away.
    â€œDid you make that pie today?” Jace asked.
    â€œNo, that one was Cathy’s.”
    â€œIt was certainly