Raspberries and Vinegar (A Farm Fresh Romance Book 1) Read Free Page B

more than I’ve said to you for years, Zachary John. I told you they’d rot your teeth out one day.”
    “Yeah, well. According to her, the whole earth will collapse on account of my food choices.” And she’d looked so earnest saying so.
    “The whole earth? I suppose I can’t expect her to care about your teeth.” Mom sat at the table across from Zach. “So, tell me. Is she as pretty as Sierra?”
    Zach stifled a groan. When would she let up trying to find him a wife? “Not looking for anyone right now, remember? Not here, not anywhere.”
    “But you’re twenty-seven. We had two children when your father was your age.”
    Yeah, he’d heard the story a dozen times. But look where that had landed his folks. Four offspring and always too broke to go on vacation or fix up the house. The kitchen still sported old painted cabinets and metal-rimmed countertops with no space for a dishwasher.
    “You’re not getting any younger. Now that you’ve got your veterinary degree...”
    Zach sucked in a deep breath. How many times had they had this discussion? “I need a job first.”
    “I’m sorry, Zachary. I just want to see you settled. Happy.” The kettle whistled, and Mom rose to fix the tea.
    Time for a subject change. “What did the doctor have to say about Dad’s condition? Give me the details.”
    Mom’s shoulders slumped. She set two ceramic mugs on the table and sank back into her chair, burying her face in her hands. “He’s weak as a baby. He can’t even stand up without support.”
    “I’m sorry.” Zach reached over and gently pulled her hands away from her face. He rubbed his thumbs along her palms. “I’m sure they’re doing all they can for him. What happens next?”
    She tugged loose and reached for a tissue. “Physical therapy. Weeks. Maybe even longer.”
    Weeks he could handle, probably. More than that? “I see. Long-term prognosis?”
    “Most... victims... resume normal life within a year.”
    Victims. Ouch . “A year? That’s a long time. How will you manage the farm with Dad out of commission?” So much for changing the subject.
    Mom blew her nose. “I haven’t talked to him about it. He’s too busy trying to keep his head up as it is. But I thank God you were able to come home at all. Maybe you’ll stay and help out as long as it’s needed?”
    As he suspected. Obviously it was time to clear the air. “Right now I can’t promise a year. I can give you a few weeks, maybe more, depending on the job situation. Remember, I have quite a few résumés out. Someone is sure to call soon.” If they could balance his receipt of the president’s award with the fact that he didn’t have a recommendation from his last employer. That smarted.
    “I’m trusting God you’ll do what’s right.”
    Zach clenched his fingers against his knee to stop the jittering. “I’m supposed to put my future on hold?”
    She bit her quivering lip. “I wasn’t thinking of it as on hold. More t hat God could provide what you need right here in Galena Landing.”
    His mother knew this wasn’t what he wanted. How could she pray against her own son? Zach didn’t have much of an in with God these days. Of course, it was entirely possible He wouldn’t answer her prayer anyway. Didn’t He have bigger things to worry about than this little farm so far north in Idaho they nearly bumped the Canadian border?
    Zach pushed his mug of tea aside. “How about praying for one of my sisters to move back here?”
    Mom twisted the tissue into knots. “You loved the farm so much wh en you were a boy. And your sisters are already seeking God in everything they do.” She sighed. “I wouldn’t say no to Cindy and Tom bringing the grandkids closer. You know I miss being a part of their life. But God called them to a vital ministry in Denver.”
    “And I’m not doing anything important because I’m not a youth pastor? Or teaching ESL in Thailand?”
    “Oh, Zachary. That’s not what I meant at all.” She