Free Song for Silas, A by Lori Wick Page B

painting I was against it, but I realized this was pride. I’ve had to face the fact that right now I can’t climb that ladder and may never be able to again. Well, I wasn’t about to let you finish the painting, so you can see I didn’t have many options. Amy,your fear is understandable, but everything is going to be fine. God will take care of Silas.”
    Grant stared at Amy as she studied the carpet in silence.
    She was a young replica of Maureen. In fact, they were so much alike he even knew what she was thinking. Her silence meant she was still pondering over the situation and praying it out—so like Maureen.
    Maureen. Even now a pain went through his chest. His precious Maureen—oh, how he missed her. How proud she would have been of Amy, grown into a beautiful, godly young woman.
    Suddenly, almost desperately, Grant wanted Amy to know the kind of love he and Maureen had shared.
    What was the matter with Thomas Blane? For him to have Amy’s love and reject it was beyond comprehension. Would Amy ever give her love again?
    Movement at the back of the house drew his attention, but Amy didn’t change positions. Silas Cameron. A smile broke across Grant’s features. For the first time Grant was very glad Thomas had broken off with Amy. He tried to slow his mind down, but it didn’t work. Silas was the perfect man for…
    “Dad, are you alright?”
    Grant started and moved to see Amy looking at him with concern. “I’m fine, honey. I was just listening to Silas bump around out there and thinking.” He reached over to pat his daughter’s hand, and Amy looked relieved.
    Amy stood. “I think I’ll head out and see how he’s doing.”
    Grant’s voice stopped her at the door. “Amy, if you want to talk about anything, you know I’m here.”
    Amy saw the look of tender concern on her father’s face and wondered exactly what had brought that on, but she simply thanked him and went out.

18
     

     

    Silas stood over the basin in the kitchen and scrubbed at the paint on his right hand with a small brush. It felt as though he were removing more skin than paint. He figured he could take more time tomorrow and use some turpentine, so he put the brush down and finished washing up for supper.
    Silas had already helped Grant to the table, and he and Amy were waiting patiently for Silas to sit down. Grant’s spirits, which were already high, soared when Silas told him he had finished the back of the house and would concentrate on the trim the rest of the week.
    They talked about the planting which could be started next week if the good weather held. Grant could see that Silas was starving, so he took pity on him and held his conversation for dessert.
    Silas was on his second piece of cake when Grant said, “I’d like you to head into town this week, no later than Thursday. There are a few things you’ll need for next week. Even if we get rained out of our plans, I’ll feel better when we have what’s on that list.”
    “That’s fine. Amy, do you need anything from town?”
    “Yes, about six items if you think you’ll have time.”
    “I’m sure I will.” He smiled and Amy smiled back. As the day progressed, the two of them seemed to be back on old terms—warm, friendly, and a bit teasing.
    After Silas thanked Amy for the meal and complimented her cooking, he turned to Grant. “Grant, where would you like to be?” Silas asked the older man, able to tell he was not at all taxed from his time at the supper table as he usually was.
    “I thought you’d never ask,” Grant said with a twinkle in his eye. “I’d like to go into the living room and listen to my daughter play the piano.”
    “Well, do I have anything to say about this?” Amy said with a teasing tone. She, too, could see that her father was in fine form this evening.
    “No, you don’t. You just do as you’re told or I’ll see you out to the woodshed.”
    “But Dad,” Amy said with a laugh, “we don’t have a woodshed.”
    “I know,