Free Beyond Hope's Valley: A Big Sky Novel by Tricia Goyer

it cold out?" Aunt Ida tucked her quilt around her lap, even though the woodstove poured out warmth.
    "Not bad. Not compared to Montan—"
    She caught herself. Mem had told her before leaving that the folks back in Indiana wouldn't want to hear about Montana in every other sentence.
    "Not bad," she said again, "but before I get too warm and cozy I best get to choring."
    "I can get Ezekiel next door if need be." Aunt Ida said in a way that told Marianna she didn't want to pay the young man if she didn't have to.
    " Nein , no problem."
    Ten minutes later, Marianna entered the barn and grabbed up a milich stool and bucket. With quivering hands she plopped herself beside the nearest cow. She took the warm teats in her hands and milked as quickly as she could, but her efforts told her she was long out of practice. Being in Indiana again—working around Aunt Ida's barn—was like being in a familiar dream, but one that no longer seemed to fit.
    Looking into the bucket at the warm, frothy milk reminded her of Sarah whipping up cream for the peanut butter pie. As her hands did the familiar work, her mind took her back to the kitchen at the West Kootenai Kraft and Grocery. Were Millie and Jebadiah chatting in the restaurant or had the snow kept Millie home? Was Edgar feeling better? Was Mrs. Shelter still helping to care for Jenny's little girl Kenzie?
    The sound of scampering caught her attention, and she turned to see two kittens chasing each other through the hay bales. Racing by, the second kitten gave up the chase and approached the bucket, gazing up at Marianna.
    "So you think you need a drink, ja ?" She turned the teat toward the kitten and gave a firm tug. A stream of milk shot out, spraying the kitten's face. It meowed and darted, then paused to lick the warm goodness.
    "I sort of feel the same way," Marianna whispered to the small creature. "I thought Montana to be an assault, only to find it a gift." She bit her lip and then swallowed down emotion.
    When chores were finished, Marianna washed up, letting her hands warm up in the basin of water Aunt Ida heated on the woodstove.
    With a wagging of her head, Aunt Ida walked to the kitchen with her hands perched on her narrow hips. "Nearly forgot," Aunt Ida called. "Got a letter from yer mem today."
    The image of her mom's brave wave as Annie had driven them away filled her mind. Marianna lowered her head, blinking fast.
    "I am sure Mem's jest asking about the trip." Marianna tried to keep her tone light. "Either that or reminding me to change my stockings every day." Marianna forced a laugh. "Once a mother, always a mother."
    Marianna waited until after dinner to escape into her bedroom with the letter. She opened it with eager fingers.

Dear Marianna,
My words cannot tell you how thankful I am that you've returned to Indiana and have agreed to marry Aaron Zook. Although I am not thankful you are far away, you've made the best choice. You haven't been gone but a few days, and I miss you already. What I am thankful for is that you have returned to the way of our ancestors, that you did not fall to the temptation of the outside world as I did for a time. You are stronger than I, dear daughter.
There are those our hearts turn to, who will lead us the wrong path. Even as I know it is right for you to return to Indiana, I also know that it may be right for me to stay away. My heart demands a fresh start . . .
     
    Marianna paused, and she thought again of the van driver who'd picked her and Aaron up at the train station. Could he be the man Mem had cared about so long ago? A chill traveled down her spine. He had mentioned her mother, had he not? He stated Marianna looked like her. She hadn't seen him before, but he seemed to know her. Seemed to be a part of her mother's past. She thought about what the driver had told Levi, " Your mother and I were friends for many years. She's a special woman."
    If it was the same man, what would Mem think to know he was back in town? If so, she