Angel of the Cove Read Free Page A

sad expression darkened her eyes. “You kin tell yourself that, but I know better. I see the loneliness in your eyes.” She glanced back down at the apple she held. “What ever happened to that gal you was sweet on when you was in school?”
    He shrugged, hoping to look as if he’d put the whole matter behind him. “When I had to leave school because my folks were sick, she turned to a good friend of mine. Well, they’re married now, and he pastors a church in Knoxville.”
    She reached out and patted his arm. Leave it to Granny to know the hurt was still fresh. “Then she wasn’t the one God has for you. I hope you’re not still a-pinin’ over her.”
    â€œIt’s not her, Granny. It’s just that sometimes I wonder where I would be and what I would be doing if I hadn’t come back home.”
    Granny pinned him with a steady gaze. “You done what you had to do at the time, Simon, and you cain’t keep a-worryin’ about it. Things happen in God’s own good time.” Her mouth curled into a smile. “That’s why I know there’s a girl somewhere out there for you.”
    Simon leaned over and chucked her under the chin. “Aw, Granny, you know I want a girl just like you. Since you’re a little old for me, I guess I’ll just have to wait for the next angel to come to the Cove.”
    Granny laughed and tossed a long strip of apple peel at him. “Hush your mouth, preacher boy. You say that because you know nobody ever moves to the Cove to live, but the Lord’s gonna find you somebody. I been a-prayin’, and He done told me He’s a-workin’ on it.”
    Simon stood up and dusted off the seat of his pants. He frowned and turned his head when his horse nickered in the front yard. “That sounded like a buggy stopping. You expecting anybody today?”
    Granny stood up and set the pan aside. She wiped her hands on the apron that covered her long dress and smiled. “That must be Doc Prentiss. He’s a-comin’ back today from visitin’ his brother’s family over close to Strawberry Plains. And he’s a-bringin’ me a new helper, his niece. Come on. Let’s go meet ’er.”
    Granny, her feet raising a little dust cloud, hurried around the side of the house as Simon followed after. As he stepped into the front yard, he stopped and stared. Doc Prentiss had just finished tying his horse to the tree beside Simon’s mare. Now the doctor turned toward the young woman who sat in the buggy and offered her his hand. With a smile she hopped to the ground and glanced around at her surroundings. She looked so small standing there, a smile on her lips, her hands clasped as her gaze swept across the mountains surrounding the Cove.
    Her blonde hair was pinned underneath a hat with a brim that shaded her face, but Simon could see her blue eyes. She turned back to her uncle, her lilting voice drifting toward him. “You were right, Uncle Charles. This is a beautiful place.”
    Simon’s breath caught in his throat. He’d never seen anyone as lovely in his life. She tilted her head, smiled, and held out her hand as Granny approached.
    His heart pumped in his chest and he struggled to breathe. He swallowed and walked toward the young woman. I think I’ve just seen an angel , he thought to himself.

Chapter 2
    A nna smoothed her dress into place after jumping from the buggy and studied the woman walking toward her. She had imagined her as short and stout with rosy cheeks, but Granny Lawson couldn’t have been more different. Her straight back and lean body gave evidence of having known physical labor in her life, and her stride matched the length of any man’s. A smile lit her face as she stopped in front of Anna.
    Granny Lawson ignored Anna’s outstretched hand and her arms encircled her, engulfing her in a tight embrace. “Well, bless my soul. If you’re