Free Simple Choices by Nancy Mehl Page A

green farmland and lush trees that made up Harmony. But my mind was filled with thoughts other than the beauty of the countryside. Where could Hannah be? Was she safe? I tried to keep my promise and cast my care on the Lord, but uneasiness filled my heart. Of one thing I was certain: no matter what Pat Taylor said, I would do everything in my power to find the young Mennonite girl and bring her home.

Chapter Seven
    S am made it back to my place by two. A little after three o’clock I heard a car door slam outside and rushed to the front door. I flung it open in time to see my father get out of his car. When he saw me, he smiled widely and said, “Hi Snicklefritz!”
    I ran down the steps and flung myself into his open arms. Even the use of a nickname I hated couldn’t take away my joy at seeing him. There’s something about fathers and their daughters. I can’t explain it, but every time I see my dad I instantly feel safe.
    “Don’t lean on him,” my mother exclaimed loudly. “His leg is still giving him problems.”
    I let go of him. “I thought your leg would be completely healed by now.”
    “It’s getting stronger every day,” he said. He scowled at my mother. “You hush, Bev. You’re making me sound like an old man. I’m fine.”
    “Phooey,” she retorted. She reached into the car and pulled out a black cane. “He still has pain. The break hasn’t healed just right, and the doctor told him to take it easy.”
    She came around the car and handed the cane to my dad who took it reluctantly. “Well, bum leg or not, I’m still glad to see you.”
    “Me, too, Dad.”
    As I hugged my mother, I could smell her perfume. Chantilly. The only scent she ever wore. “I’ve missed you so much,” I whispered to her.
    “Not as much as I’ve missed you.”
    I looked toward Sam who had come down the stairs and stood watching us. I ran over and grabbed his arm, pulling him toward my parents. “Dad and Mom, this is Sam.”
    My father stepped forward and stuck out his hand. “Sam, I’m happy to finally meet you. I’m sorry it took us so long to get together. First I couldn’t travel, and then Gracie spent all those weeks in Wichita. I regret that. I don’t like meeting my son-in-law-to-be only two weeks before he marries my daughter.”
    I looked closely at Dad. There was an edge to his voice I recognized. He’s a very civilized man, but I can always tell when he’s upset. Sam obviously noticed, too, because his smile tightened.
    “I’m sorry about that, too, sir,” he said. “I would have come to Nebraska to meet you, but it seemed like every time I could find the time to leave the farm, Grace was in Wichita. I hope we’ll have some quality time together before the wedding.”
    “I hope so, too.” My father’s serious tone matched his expression. An uncomfortable silence was interrupted by my mother’s cheery voice.
    “Well, I’m certainly grateful we’re getting together now.” She shot my father a quick look of disapproval. “We would have come to visit before now, but Daniel’s leg and his attitude toward Harmony prevented it.”
    My father started to protest, but my mother hushed him. “Now Daniel, why don’t we let Sam help us with our bags? You need to stretch that leg out, and it wouldn’t hurt you and Papa to take a nap before dinner.”
    In the excitement I’d almost forgotten about Papa Joe. My father opened the car door to the backseat and held out his arm.
    “’Bout time,” my grandfather said as he climbed out of the car. “Thought you were gonna leave me in there all day.”
    “Papa Joe,” I cried. “I’m so glad to see you!”
    Although he was frailer and his hair was much thinner, his smile reminded me of the grandfather I remembered. I was thrilled to see the old familiar twinkle in his eyes. I rushed over to hug him. He felt thin beneath his Windbreaker.
    “I’m glad to see you, too,” he said.
    “It’s Gracie, Dad,” my father said loudly.
    I let him go