Free Michaela's Choice by Lisa Harris Page A

time to go to school.”
    Michaela wondered about this man, Eric Johnson, who’d spent the last few years not only running a farm, but raising six children alone. She’d noted his relaxed manner during lunch as he mingled among his guests, making sure that everyone felt at home. Somehow, despite the tragedy of losing his wife and being forced to be sole provider and parent for his family, he seemed to have found a sense of peace.
    Sarah nudged between Michaela and Rebecca and grinned like a conspirator. “Did Rebecca tell you she has a beau? His name’s Jake, and he’s here today.”
    “Sarah!” Rebecca gave her sister a firm look, and Sarah quickly closed her mouth. “Never mind about that. What do you do in Boston?”
    “I teach piano lessons. I noticed you have a piano in the front room.”
    “Unfortunately, none of us knows how to play,” Rebecca admitted.
    Michaela laid down her towel and rested her hands against the counter, surprised at the revelation. “You can’t be serious.”
    “My grandmother sent it out here on the railroad,” Rebecca said with a laugh. “She thought it would help us become cultured. She thinks Pa should have moved us all to the city after Mama died. She’s sure we’re going to grow up unrefined and unsophisticated without the benefits of living in a large city like Boston.”
    “Rebecca.” Michaela toyed with an idea that was forming in her mind. “I could teach you how to play the piano. I could teach all of you.” Michaela handed the last dish to Sarah, whose eyes were almost as wide as the plate she now held.
    “You’ll teach us how to play the piano?” Sarah asked.
    “I could come out every Saturday and teach you one at a time.” The more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea.
    Rebecca shook her head. “That seems like a whole lot of work, Mrs. Macintosh—”
    “I love teaching, and what good is your piano sitting in there without someone to play it? Plus, I already miss my piano, and it would give me a place to practice.”
    “I’ll have to ask Father, but it sounds wonderful.” A wide grin covered Rebecca’s face.
    “I’m going to go ask him right now.” Sarah’s enthusiasm got the best of her, and she ran out of the kitchen in search of her father.
    ❧
    “Come on, Mrs. Macintosh, it’s baseball. You have to play,” Sarah insisted a little while later.
    Never being one to miss out on the fun, Michaela had followed Sarah and the others out into the open field behind the Johnsons’ barn, despite the fact she had doubts about the whole thing—including how ladylike the game was.
    “How can you live in the city and not know anything about baseball?” Eric leaned against the wooden bat and shot her a grin.
    “Yes, come on, Mrs. Macintosh, it’s fun.” Sarah, who had followed Michaela around all afternoon, now pulled on her arm.
    “I don’t know anything about baseball,” Michaela protested for the third time.
    “It’s easy!” Adam tossed the white ball into the air and caught it with one simple swipe of his hand.
    “Daniel?” Michaela looked to her brother, hoping he would back her up.
    “Come on. You can be on my team.” He winked at her, obviously not planning to intervene.
    Michaela groaned.
    “It’s simple.” Adam stepped forward and attempted to give her a swift course on the game. “All you have to do is hit the ball and run around the bases, or if you’re playing in the field, you try to catch the ball.”
    The first person up to bat was Eric. Michaela held her glove ready like Adam had shown her. He hit the ball and it bounced right toward her, rolling to a stop between her legs. She reached down to grab the ball, keeping Eric in her line of sight the entire time. He ran toward second base. She threw the ball as hard as she could. Adam ran for her off-centered throw, then tried to beat Eric to the base. She let out a soft groan. He was safe.
    Ten minutes later, her team was called up to bat.
    “You’re up,