Free The Quilter's Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter Page A

this in good shape and that our boppli will be born healthy, but I’ve got a nagging feeling that something’s not right.” He reached under his straw hat and rubbed the side of his head. “I haven’t shared this with anyone, but I’m afraid something bad is going to happen to our family again.” He paused and moistened his lips. “Don’t think I could stand it if I lost this wife or the child she’s carrying.”
    Jacob sat there with his hands clasped in his lap, staring at the ground like he was mulling things over. After a few moments, he spoke. “In the book of Psalms, David went through many tribulations. Yet in chapter 31, verse 14, he was able to say this to God: ‘But I trusted in thee, O L ORD : I said, Thou art my God.’”
    Abraham nodded. “I know I need to have more faith and learn to put my trust in God, but that’s easier said than done. Especially when things ain’t lookin’ so good.”
    “Which is why you should pray every day and read God’s Word. That’s how my faith has been strengthened.” Jacob clasped Abraham’s shoulder. “Take one day at a time, my friend. Commit your wife and unborn child to God and enjoy each moment you have with your family. None of us knows when our time will come or what the future holds.”
    Abraham blew out his breath. “You’re right about that. If I’d known my boy was gonna be kidnapped, I’d have stayed home from the store that day and watched his every move.” He glanced over at Jacob and smiled. “I appreciate your friendship more than you know.”
    “And I appreciate yours,” his friend said with a nod.

    “Hope you don’t mind me cleanin’ the living room while you rest,” Nancy said to Fannie, who reclined on the sofa.
    “No, no, not at all,” Fannie replied from her place on the sofa. “It is hard for me to lie here and watch you work, though.”
    Nancy shrugged. “It’s nice to have your company. Edna will probably be here soon, then I’ll have to let the two of you visit while I get some bakin’ done.”
    “Humph!” Fannie scoffed. “Some company I am these days.”
    “Just because you’re not able to get up and work doesn’t mean you’re not good company. I’ve always enjoyed visiting with you and hearing stories from when you were a girl.” Nancy gave the broom a couple sweeps in front of the rocking chair, and then moved over to the couch.
    “It has been fun doing some reminiscing,” Fannie said with a smile.
    Nancy swept under the sofa and Fannie cringed at the dust balls clinging to the broom. I used to keep the house spotless, but Nancy probably didn’t think to clean under there before.
    “Hey, what’s this?” Nancy bent down and picked up an object, which she held out to Fannie in the palm of her hand.
    “Looks like a wooden block.”
    Nancy squinted, and her forehead creased. “Why, I haven’t seen this in some time. Must have been stuck under the couch.”
    “Whose block is it?” Fannie asked.
    “It was Zach’s.” Nancy closed her fingers around it and slowly shook her head. “We’d best not let Papa see this.”
    Fannie swallowed around the lump in her throat. Was Abraham still grieving for his lost son? He rarely spoke of Zach anymore. Maybe talking about his missing boy brought back too many painful memories. Fannie figured her husband would always miss Zach, and so would the rest of the family. She squeezed her eyes shut. Oh, Lord, let this child I’m carrying heal any remaining pain in Abraham’s heart.

I f you’re ready for lunch, maybe we can take our noon break together today.”
    Abby looked up from her quilting project and smiled at Naomi, who stood inside the door that separated their store from Mom’s quilt shop. “Were you planning to go out or eat in?”
    “Since Sarah’s sleeping and things are quiet in the store at the moment, Caleb said it would be okay if you and I went out someplace to eat,” Naomi replied.
    “That’s fine with me. I could use some fresh air to