Seasons of Sugarcreek 02. Spring's Renewal Read Free

you know.”
    “I…I met them.” Even as he uttered the words, he winced. Oh, could any man sound more feeble?
    For a moment, her eyes held his. Then, as a faint red flush appeared in her cheek—the cheek that looked as soft and perfect as the petals of a May rose, she turned away. “I’d better be going.”
    He didn’t want her to leave. There was something about Clara that calmed him. He appreciated her serene demeanor. So much so, he yearned to keep her close. “Would you like me to walk you the rest of the way home?”
    “There’s no need. I walk by myself all the time.”
    “Ah.” Now he was embarrassed. But not enough to not risk getting to know her better. “Are you married, Clara?”
    Her eyes narrowed in surprise—and with a bit of distrust. “No.”
    “Courting anyone?” Oh, but it was a forward question. What had possessed him to ever ask such a thing?
    Hurt filled her gaze. “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
    She was right. It was not. He’d been unforgivably rude.
    “I must be going.” Before even waiting for a reply, she turned her back to him and started walking briskly toward the small white house in the distance.
    Too affected by his impertinence, Tim simply stood silently and watched her walk away. Within minutes, she’d gone up and down a hill, then faded from view. “Goodbye, Clara,” he whispered.
    Then wondered why he was so overcome.

Chapter 2
     
    Had she ever met anyone so terribly direct? Anyone who had ever made her feel so…much? Continuing her walk toward home, Clara quickened her steps, hardly noticing that her skirts kept getting tangled in her long strides.
    But even the strenuous walk couldn’t push thoughts of him away.
    Tim Graber had done strange things to her heart. From the moment he’d cast those wonderful golden eyes her way, she’d felt lost in his gaze. Almost like a bolt of lightning had blazed its way into her insides and delivered a mighty shock. She’d hardly been able to breathe, she’d felt so fluttery standing next to him.
    But then he’d asked such prying questions. Asked if she was married or had a sweetheart. That had been when she’d known he was no different than any other boy in Sugarcreek.
    He’d been teasing her. Of course she didn’t have a suitor. In all her years no man had ever thought to look beyond her scars. Clara knew she should be accustomed to it. Hadn’t her mother told her time and again that no man would ever choose her over a girl who was unmarked?
    Her temper in such a state, Clara pulled open the door and shut it tight—more harshly than necessary. The walls shook, rattling the glass of the front window.
    “Clara, is that you? What in heaven’s name are you doing, crashing into the house like a loose animal?”
    Setting her satchel down, she breathed deep for patience. But yet again, her mother pushed her buttons. “Clara, why haven’t you answered me? Can you hear me?”
    “I can hear you, Mamm,” Clara finally replied.
    “Well, then? What are you doing?”
    Clara stood for a moment and closed her eyes in frustration. Some days she wished her life was different. If she couldn’t have a husband, then she wished she could live on her own. Or if that wasn’t possible, she wished her mother was less demanding.
    Tears pricked her eyes. Oh, but she shouldn’t be letting her temper get the best of her! And she certainly shouldn’t be thinking such ugly thoughts. She needed to take time to give thanks for her blessings.
    “Daughter, why aren’t you walking down here? What are you doing?”
    She started. “Nothing, Mamm. I was just setting my things down.” Smoothing her skirts, Clara walked into the parlor, where she found her mother sitting quietly in the dim light.
    Nothing occupied her hands. No book was nearby, either. As the years had passed, she’d done less and less for herself. In many ways, she seemed to enjoy being fiercely dependent on Clara on many levels. Pointing to the clock on