Free The Survivor by Shelley Shepard Gray Page B

different.
    Luckily, the door opened, accompanied by a cheerful chime at the front of the glass door. And in came a trio of people, his little sister, Katie, leading the way.
    Uncle John jumped to his feet, his face a wreath of smiles—as it always was when he spied her. “Who could this small person be?” he asked, approaching the little girl well covered in a black cloak, a thick red scarf, bright green mittens, and boots.
    “It’s me, Oncle !”
    A line formed between John’s brows as he obviously pretended to be confused.
    “Who?”
    “Katie! Katie Weaver!” With a whoosh, she unwrapped her scarf from her face. “Do you see me now?”
    After staring at her for a full second, he widened his blue eyes. “Now I see you!” With a laugh, he scooped her in his arms and gave her a twirl. Katie squealed with delight as she clasped her mittened hands on his arms and held on tight.
    After twirling in a circle one more time, John set her on the ground. “I like your scarf, Katie Weaver. Is it a new one?”
    “For sure.” She looked over her shoulder. “Miss Ella made it for me.”
    John stepped back and smiled at Loyal’s wife, who was smiling at John’s antics like the rest of them. “It’s a pretty one,” he said.
    “ Danke. I thought Katie might be needing a red scarf for the holidays. And, someone here wanted to come over and say hello before we went to the library today.”
    “I did,” Katie exclaimed.
    “I’m glad you did. What is going on over at the library this fine morning?”
    “We’re going to be making Thanksgiving crafts.”
    “What kind of crafts are those?”
    Ella grinned. “We’ll be making turkeys out of egg boxes.”
    “I’m going to make a special one, Onkle John.”
    “I can’t wait to see it.”
    Graham stood up. “ Gut morning, Ella. Hiya, Katie. Ella, did I miss you when you stopped by at my house?” He’d been trying to make a point to make sure Ella felt as welcome as possible around their family.
    “ Nee . Loyal picked up Katie at your house and brought her over. But you didn’t miss him, either. Your mamm said you’d already left.”
    He had. He’d worked early in the barn, then had left, anxious to spend some time away from his worries. But here he was surrounded by family again.
    The door chimed, and this time brought in a crowd of Englischers . John became all business, deliberately walking around the counter and smiling pleasantly at the tourists. Katie—being Katie—followed him around the counter, turned on the faucet, and started washing her hands.
    Obviously, she was eager to be her devoted Uncle John’s assistant.
    “Katie—” Graham called out sharply. “Don’t be a pest.”
    “She could never be that,” John interjected. “Let her be.”
    Ella scooted her chair closer. “Your uncle spoils her,” she said with a smile.
    “He does. I need to talk to him. Let him know he doesn’t always have to let her have her way.”
    “Oh, I don’t think he does. I think he’s just enjoying her company. I happen to think they need each other sometimes.”
    “Really?”
    “John is the closest thing she has to a daed . You and your brothers are very good men, but you’re not father figures.”
    “I never thought about that.”
    “Like I said, it’s just an idea.” Biting her lip, she looked him over. “How are you doing, really?”
    He shrugged. “I’ve been better.”
    “Your brother is worried about ya.”
    “I know. But I’ll be fine.”
    “That’s all I needed to know, then.”
    “And you, Ella? How is the haus ?”
    “As messy as ever. I don’t know if Loyal and I will ever have things organized and in proper places. Right now, we’re remodeling the bathroom.”
    “I didn’t think Loyal knew how to do plumbing.”
    “He doesn’t. He’s decided there’s nothing like on-the-job learning.” She laughed merrily, her merriment ringing out loud through the bustling room. One by one, several of the Englischers looked at her,