Page 20 of The Gift of Seeds
She moved past several foursquare houses, shaded by trees starting to cast their glowing leaves to the ground, and then she turned up the road that ran perpendicular to Main Street.
A large, broad-shouldered man and a blonde woman carrying a basket, the handle looped over her arm, strolled from the opposite direction. As they came closer, Hester could see a small child atop his shoulders, blond curls bouncing, and the slight swell of the woman’s belly.
The couple, so tall and handsome, made Hester feel child-size, even though the woman really was only a few inches above her in height.
The expectant mother gave her a big smile and hurried forward a few steps, her blue eyes shining. She stopped in front of Hester. “Miss Smith?”
Hester nodded, wondering how these strangers knew who she was. Was everyone here familiar with all the town’s inhabitants, so a newcomer stood out?She didn’t like the idea.
Her husband took two long steps to stand by her side. Under his broad-brimmed hat, his brown hair waved to his shoulders. His blue eyes gave her a warm glance.
“We are Frey and Grace Foster, and this—” the pretty blonde reached up to pat the child’s leg “—is Braga. We live on the same street as you, just in the opposite direction.”
Braga? I’ve never heard such a name.
Frey reached out to take Hester’s hand with the biggest hand she’d ever grasped.
Not that I’ve clasped hands with many men to compare.
He gently squeezed. “Miss Smith, welcome to Sweetwater Springs.”
Hester gave the couple a tight smile and pulled back her arm, her face heating with embarrassment and shyness. “Lovely to meet you.”
The boy played with his father’s hat. He knocked it to the side, making a happy crowing sound.
Frey reached up to straighten the brim. “We’re very sorry for your loss. Your brother was a good man.”
She couldn’t recall Jimmy writing about the Fosters and hoped they’d tell her how they knew her brother.
With a jiggle of the boy, Frey gave her a concerned look. “I’m only sorry we can’t be more hospitable. But we’re leaving tomorrow for an extended visit with my family in Minnesota and will be gone until after the New Year.”
Grace patted her stomach. “Any later, and I won’t be able to comfortably and safely travel.”
Frey flashed Hester a charming grin. “I’ve finally given in to my mother’s begging to see her grandchild and, of course, havemy family meet my beautiful wife.” He smiled lovingly down at Grace.
Grace beamed up at him, their bond obvious, before turning her attention back to Hester. “And I’m to meet my husband’s Viking-sized parents and brothers and sisters, all, if you can believe it, Miss Smith, with Norse names.” Her eyes sparkled with humor. “Frey tells me there’s no longboat on the lake. But I will keep hoping.”
Ah, that explains Braga.
Frey winked at Hester. “Right strappin’ Minnesota men and women every one.” His expression became solemn. “We won’t be here to help you settle in and that doesn’t sit right with me.”
Why would they feel the need to help me?Her confusion must have shown on her face, Grace chuckled. As you will come to find, Miss Smith, in this town, we help each other out. Why, when Frey was in Crenshaw, overseeing the building of a house he’d designed?—”
“A stay that extended far longer than I’d planned,” Frey interjected with a frown, apparently still bothered by having left his wife alone for so long.
“Mr. Smith was kind enough to help me dig up the garden, without my even asking. Actually, there was no “helping me,” at all. He insisted I give my attention to the baby and allow him to do the labor.”
“You see,” Frey elaborated, “I’d asked Mr. Smith to keep an eye on my family while I was gone. I never had a chance to repay your brother for the favor.”
Anxiously, Hester raised her hand a bit and waved back and forth. “My brother would never have thought of repayment.” She managed to overcome her nervousness enough to reassured him. “Nor do I. Please, don’t give it another thought.”
“We will giveitsome thoughts when we return.” Frey’s firm tone brooked no argument. He reached up to settle his squirming offspring.
Grace let out a sigh and tilted her head up at her child. “Can you imagine this one on a long train ride? I pity our fellow passengers. I wish we could chat more, Miss Smith, but I’m afraid we must be off. So much still to do before we leave.”
Miss Smith.Hester wondered if she should tell them to call her by her given name.But I’m an old spinster. They’d probably feel uncomfortable with taking such liberties.“I wish you safe travels.”
Frey tipped his hat to her. “Until the New Year, then.”
