Free The Restoration by Wanda E Brunstetter Page A

hope you told him no.”
    “I didn’t say he could, but I didn’t say no, either.”
    “What did you say?”
    “Said I’d ask you if it was okay.”
    “Well, I’m glad you respected me, Jared, but unfortunately, it’s not okay. Your so-called friend is nothing but trouble, and I don’t want him staying here, so you’d better call him right back and tell him not to come.” Cora pursed her lips. “I can’t imagine Chad’s parents allowing him to drive all those miles—especially with the cold, snowy weather we’ve been having.”
    “Chad’s folks are goin’ on a cruise the day after Christmas, so they won’t care what he does.”
    “Well, they should care. He’s only seventeen. No wonder Chad gets into trouble, the way his parents let him do whatever he wants. They must not believe in parental supervision.”
    “Chad turned eighteen a few weeks ago, Mom. He graduated from high school in June.”
    “What’s he done since then, Jared? Does he have a job? Is he attending college somewhere?”
    Jared turned his hands palms up. “Beats me. He never said. I didn’t ask.”
    “Figures. He’ll probably sponge off his parents for as long as he can.” Cora sighed. “I want you to call Chad back as soon as we’re done eating and tell him not to come.”
    “Okay, Mom, whatever you say.” Jared grabbed his hamburger and took a big bite.
    Cora felt relieved. At least Jared hadn’t argued about her decision. Their house was barely big enough for the two of them. The last thing she needed was Chad coming around and undoing all the good that had developed between her and Jared this past month.

CHAPTER 10
    A dam went to the office to get his jacket and hat. He was anxious to get home early because they were celebrating Linda’s eighth birthday. Since Scott and Jared had already arrived, he was leaving Ben in charge of overseeing the boys and closing up for the day.
    Adam opened his filing cabinet drawer and retrieved the gift bag with the book he and Leah would give Linda for her birthday. He was glad the store had this particular book about birds specific to the state of Illinois—especially since Leah had recently hung out a suet feeder. They both felt Linda would enjoy learning from it.
    “See you in the morning,” Adam called as he waved good-bye to Ben and headed out the door. Already, he imagined how good the house would smell once he got there. Leah probably had the cake made, and the meat loaf was likely in the oven. Adam’s favorite dessert was brownies, but chocolate cake with peanut butter icing was high on his list of favorites, too.
    “Come on, Flash. Let’s get moving.” Adam clucked to his horse. Leah’s parents were no doubt there already. This was one evening when he wouldn’t mind if Flash felt frisky.

    Everything was going according to plan when the girls got home from school Friday afternoon. Even though this was Linda’s first birthday without her parents, she seemed to be handling it well. Amy and Carrie were excited about their sister’s birthday, too.
    Leah had baked Linda’s birthday cake earlier in the day, while Carrie was napping. Adam was the only one aware of the three-layer chocolate cake with peanut butter icing. Even the corn on the cob, hidden in the lid-covered pot on the stove, would be a surprise for the girls.
    Leah glanced at the clock, noting Adam should be home shortly.
    “Danki for bringing the corn,” she told Mom, who stood at the counter, mashing potatoes.
    Mom smiled. “You’re welcome. We had an abundance of corn in our garden this past summer, so I was able to freeze and can quite a bit.”
    Leah peeked out the window. “I see Dad’s still chopping wood, and Coal’s there to keep him company.”
    “Jah, he likes to keep busy. Bringing in more wood for you is his way of helping out.”
    “It’s appreciated.” Walking back to the stove, Leah double-checked all the food. “Everything should be ready as soon as my husband arrives.” She