A Hopeful Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Author:Kim Vogel Sawyer
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: ebook, book
ISBN: 9780764205095
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2010-06-26T22:00:00+00:00

Abel watched Aunt Hattie charge up the church aisle with her usual arm-swinging pace. She spun to face the waiting congregation with a huge smile. “Well, fellers, the time has come for that courtin’ party I promised you. Celebration’ll be at my place the ninth o’ July.”

An excited murmur rolled through the church. Abel sensed Cole and Ethan exchanging grins, but he didn’t turn his head to look. Instead, he focused on Aunt Hattie’s round, flushed face. She looked tickled as could be. Seeing her stand in front of the church and make her announcement reminded him of the day she’d queried the men on what kind of women they’d choose for marrying. Now, just like then, his stomach rolled in nervousness. Maybe he wouldn’t even go to the party. But from the gleeful whispers bouncing from pew to pew behind him, he figured none of the other single men would miss it.

Aunt Hattie continued. “Reckon our springs’ll still be twangin’ from the big Fourth of July doin’s in town, but that’ll be all right—make the party more fun. The gals an’ me’ve cooked up somethin’ special, too.” The excited whispers rose in volume as Aunt Hattie explained auctioning off basket lunches to raise money for the church roof. Her grin wide, she pointed to the men. “You fellas bring your dancin’ feet an’ full pockets so we can get a good start on that roof fund.”

Her smiling face swung to include everyone in the pews. “ ’Course you know everyone’s invited—party’s for the whole county, an’ I’m hopin’ it’ll be a rip-roarer. Ladies, if you want to bring a pie or cake or special dish to add to the table, I won’t complain. So plan on bein’ at my place on the ninth.” She clapped her hands together and gave Brother Connor a nod. “That’s it. Thanks for lettin’ me have a minute of your time.”

The service ended with a rousing rendition of “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.” Abel felt certain by the booming bass voices echoing off the rafters the men were already thinking how blessed they’d be if they managed to capture the heart of one of Hattie’s girls.

After engaging in their customary greetings, he and his men headed for the wagon. His stomach was growling, but Abel didn’t look forward to the cold lunch waiting. He glanced across the churchyard and spotted Aunt Hattie and her girls climbing into her wagon. His mouth watered, remembering the fine meals Miss Tressa and Miss Sallie had placed on his table during their week in his kitchen.

“I’m goin’ to that party, an’ I’m buyin’ Miss Sallie’s basket.”

Cole’s bold declaration matched Abel’s thoughts so closely Abel wondered if he’d spoken aloud.

Ethan punched Cole’s shoulder. “You buy Miss Sallie’s an’ I’ll buy Miss Tressa’s.”

Abel prickled at Ethan’s comment. He placed his Bible on the wagon seat and then plunked himself beside it. “You fellas have grand ambitions, considering how many men’ll be biddin’ on those baskets.” His voice came out harsher than he’d intended, but he made no effort to gentle it.

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