Free A Measure of Mercy by Lauraine Snelling

help me be welcome here?”
    “Oh, I think you needn’t worry. The people of Blessing always welcome those new to the area.”
    “You have to admit, I’m not exactly new.”
    “True, so then welcome home.”
    “You’re the second person to say that.”
    “Really? Well, I guess that’s part of Blessing.”
    “And the people who live here.”
    “Well, without the people, we wouldn’t have much of a town.” Astrid Bjorklund, can’t you think of something more brilliant to say?
    “True.” Joshua swung her in a circle so that her hand clutched his shoulder.
    “What brought you back here?”
    “It’s a long story. Someday I’ll tell you.”
    “Oh.” Who taught you to dance? This is heavenly . “Do you have any brothers and sisters?”
    “Yes. I have one sister, Avis, who is the oldest, and two brothers. I am in the middle of my two brothers. Avis was, or rather is not happy that I left. She wanted me to marry her best friend and settle on the farm next to that of my folks.”
    I’m glad you didn’t . She barely caught the thought before it became words and made it out of her mouth. “I’m sure they miss you.” There, that was far more proper.
    “Perhaps.”
    She tilted her head back to look up at his face. Was that unhappiness she saw in his eyes? Possibly, with such an enigmatic comment. She watched as his face cleared and he smiled down at her.
    “Will you be in church tomorrow?” he asked.
    “Unless we have a medical emergency. It has happened more than once.”
    “I heard about the young man who died.”
    Astrid blinked. One more reminder. “Yes.” Even to her ears her voice sounded curt. Who would have been filling him in on the news of Blessing? Most likely Sophie. What else had she told him? What a blabbermouth. Ignoring the argument that wanted to take over her mind, she nodded up at her partner, enjoyed one more turn, and as the music stopped, stepped out of his arms.
    “Thank you.” His voice sneaked in past the guard on her mind and made itself at home.
    She nodded and turned at the sound of a male voice, raised in what surely sounded like anger.
    “Toby Valders, you stay away from my girl.” The frown on Gus’s face matched the tone of his voice.
    Toby stepped back, his hands raised. “We were just dancing. Since you weren’t here, I . . .”
    Astrid almost laughed at the glint in Toby’s eyes. For certain he knew what he was doing, and Gus had fallen right into the trap. She nudged Grace, and the two grinned at each other with a slight nod.
    “I . . . ah . . .” Maydell stamped her foot as her fists slammed into her waist. She glared back at him. “If I am your girl, and I’m not saying for sure I am right now, then you better act like I’m your girl and not go off with the fellows, smokin’ and doin’ whatever out behind the barn.”
    “I wasn’t smoking. What’s the matter with you?”
    Astrid saw a couple of the men moving closer to the two of them.
    Maydell narrowed her eyes and stared right at him. “How am I supposed to know I am your girl?”
    “Well, because I told you so.”
    “That was weeks ago.”
    “That’s telling him, Maydell,” someone hollered from the sidelines.
    Gus glared at her, but the glare had lost its impact.
    “Show her who’s the boss,” someone else said.
    “Then we better be getting married before you make a fool out of both of us.” Gus grabbed her hand and started across the barn floor.
    Maydell started to resist, but then as his words sunk in, a grin lit her face. “Why, Gus Baard, you finally got it right.” She waved to a crowd that was beginning to laugh and clap.
    Astrid groaned. Leave it to Maydell. She was getting her wish, although it was doubtful she’d ever live it down. At least from the look on Mrs. Valders’ face. One might think of apoplexy when watching her. Astrid glanced around. Toby had managed to disappear, either as planned or for protection.
    “Can you believe that?” Deborah asked as she joined