Free Michaela's Choice by Lisa Harris

he’s in charge.”
    “How do you do, Adam?” It wouldn’t be long until he was as tall as his father.
    Adam pulled at the collar of his shirt. “Just fine, thank you, ma’am.”
    “Adam is sixteen, and last but not least is Sarah. She’s my only blue-eyed beauty,” finished Eric. “She takes after her mother’s side of the family.”
    Sarah, with corn silk–colored hair to match her blue eyes and fair skin, looked as if she were about to burst.
    “Isn’t this the most exciting day?” Sarah took a step closer to Michaela and clasped her hands in front of her. “Except for Christmas when you get presents, of course. Personally, I think this is the best day of the year. There’s so much good food and games and. . .”
    Michaela was sure Sarah would have continued indefinitely if her father hadn’t glanced in her direction. Sarah quickly closed her mouth.
    “I’m looking forward to this day, too, Sarah.” Michaela stifled a laugh. “How old are you?”
    “Nine.” Sarah gave her father a crooked grin, then looked away.
    “Make yourself at home,” Eric told Michaela. “I know there are quite a few people looking forward to meeting you.”
    Michaela followed Emma inside the house, her attention immediately drawn to the piano in the corner of the large room. The dark wood shone like it had just been polished, and Michaela longed for a chance to play, already missing the calming effect the music brought.
    She crossed the hardwood floor past a grouping of chairs and colorful rugs. Two large windows with bright red gingham curtains gave the room a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A stone fireplace took up most of the far wall and stood as the focal point of the room.
    The women were finishing lunch preparations in the kitchen. Emma quickly made the introductions, and several commented on the cakes Michaela had baked for the festivities.
    “I think I’ll forget lunch and just have a thick slice of your cake, Michaela,” said Mary, a young woman with a pleasant smile, as she shifted the infant on her hip.
    “I think I’ll join you,” another woman who’d introduced herself as Mae chimed in.
    “Tell us about Boston.” Several of the women gathered around and listened for the response to Mary’s request. “It’s been forever since any of us have been to the city.”
    Michaela felt instantly welcome and at home with these women as she talked about her hometown and answered a variety of questions ranging from fashion to transportation to church. Before long, lunch was ready, and Michaela helped carry the dishes out to the backyard, where several tables had been set up.
    Lunch was wonderful—chicken, beef, ham, and all of the trimmings. Michaela’s cakes received rave reviews, and she promised to make another one for the next gathering. She ate until she could hardly hold another bite, and before she knew it, it was time to clean up again.
    In the kitchen, Michaela was happy to be partnered with Rebecca, Eric’s oldest daughter, in drying the dishes.
    “Do you enjoy school?” Michaela asked.
    “Very much.” Rebecca’s smile confirmed her answer as she handed a dry dish to Sarah. “My favorite subject is math. I’m thinking about becoming a teacher, though I also love to sew.”
    “My mother was a teacher.”
    “Where does she live?”
    Michaela felt the slight aching of her heart as she fingered the towel between her fingers. “She died when I was fourteen.”
    “I’m sorry.” Rebecca handed Michaela another dish to dry. “My mother died several years ago. I still miss her.”
    “I miss my mother, too.”
    They were both silent for a moment, until Michaela decided to ask another question. “How much more schooling do you have left?”
    “This is my last year. Then I can work on my teacher’s certificate.” Rebecca reached for another dish from the soapstone sink and began to wash it. “Father’s been very supportive. He even found someone to help out with the house so I could have