Reverie (Hollow Hearts Book 1) Read Free Page B

give to find someone to love and share my life with who embraces the same warmth and kindness. Isaac shook his head and dismissed the thought. No point in dwelling on what will never happen. I’ve made too many mistakes. Unforgivable mistakes.
    “I need to head to town this afternoon to deliver that chair to Mrs. Calhoun. Why don’t I stop into the mercantile and see if Mr. Davis knows of someone that might be looking for work. It would at least help to spread the word so we can get someone to help as soon as possible.”
    “Oh, please send Alma my best. I haven’t seen her since I stopped helping at the orphanage. We’ve all been so busy, but I wish I had time to visit with her.”
    “Of course, Mother. Do you need anything else while I’m in town?”
    “No, my dear. I was hoping to take a nice walk with Lottie this afternoon, but the rain does not make for good walking weather.” Elizabeth rose from her chair and gave Isaac a hug, only grazing the broad shoulders of her oldest boy. “I remember when I used to be the taller one.”
    “I may be taller, but everyone knows you’re the one in charge.” He leaned in and gently kissed her forehead.
    “Please let Elias know when you leave. And I think maybe Lottie and I will bake cookies instead!”
    Isaac hugged his mother and headed outside to find his brother. As he walked toward the barn he looked around at the acreage his family had acquired. The soft rolling hills were a thing of beauty. Hard work. That’s what it had taken. His father had built the ranch from nothing with sweat and muscle. His mother, ever the supportive wife, had done her share to be sure his father always had a home to enter at the end of each day with a hot meal and a scripture reading to nurture his spirit and his belly. Together they’d worked side by side to build the legacy that was now part of his and Elias’s future.
    Elias was the one with the gift for ranching—a love of the land and a satisfaction in working it. He did all this to ensure his daughter, Lottie, was safe, secure, and surrounded by family after the death of her mother. Isaac’s dream hadn’t been tied to the land, but nurtured in the trees that grew on it. From a young age he found he held a gift in turning the trees into smooth wood and the wood into intricate and sturdy furniture. The wealthier residents in Hollow coveted his creations, and he’d even shipped a few pieces as far as New York. It was a blessing that his brother’s passion for ranching allowed him the freedom to pursue his. As he walked into the barn he saw Elias grooming his favorite horse, Silver, speaking softly to the creature as he brushed his mane.
    “Elias, I’m tempted to think you like that horse more than you like most people.” Isaac smiled.
    “More than most I’d say, but not as much as some.” He turned to face his brother. “Are you heading to town this afternoon?”
    “Yes. In fact, I wanted to talk to you before I head out.” He attempted to hide his worry from his brother.
    “Is something wrong? Is Lottie okay?” Elias asked.
    “Lottie is fine. I think Mother was planning to do some baking with her this afternoon. Nothing to worry about there.”
    “Then why the troubled face?”
    Isaac ran his fingers through his dark waves and blew out the breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “We need to find some help for Mother.”
    Elias laughed, surprising Isaac. “What are you talking about? Mother is fine. She’s moving a little slower these days, but she’s much better than she was just a couple of months ago.”
    “Elias, I’m serious.” Isaac watched his brother’s smile turn a bit more sour and his brow crease slightly.
    “I don’t understand, Isaac.”
    “Look, you’re busy on the ranch from sunup until sundown. You see Mother quickly in the morning and some evenings not at all if you’ve been working some of the farthest fields. She’s tired, Elias. She’s struggling with her workload. Cooking and