A Love So Tender by Tracey V. Bateman

Author:Tracey V. Bateman [Bateman, Tracey V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B00EW8A8BM
Publisher: Barbour Books
Published: 2013-06-01T16:00:00+00:00

Nine

The days grew shorter as late summer turned into a gloriously refreshing autumn. And Aimee’s sorrow had turned to joy. Her son was back in her arms. For now, anyway, and she refused to think about what might happen when Rex decided Georgie was ready for the final break.

The apple harvest was upon them, and the children nearly buzzed with excitement as six wagons lined the street in front of their home.

The yearly trip out of town to Haley’s apple orchard was the highlight of the fall season. Mr. Haley gave the children all the leftover apples, the ones that had fallen and even some still on the trees. Anything the orphanage was willing to haul away. The man even gave them the use of several wagons and a driver for each. They would make an all-day event of it, complete with a picnic lunch.

“Is Pa here yet?” Georgie’s repeated question was beginning to get on Aimee’s nerves.

“For the tenth time, Georgie, he’ll be here in a few minutes.”

“How many is a few?”

She smiled. It was a fair question.

“I’m not sure. More than two, less than sixty.”

Georgie kicked at the floor with his boot. “Aw, he’s not coming. I bet he forgot.”

“I’m sure that’s not the case, Georgie.”

Aimee sighed. The truth of the matter was that she, too, was beginning to wonder if he’d ever show up. Georgie had stayed at the orphanage last night to experience the excitement of the preparations for today. Rex had promised to arrive by ten, but it was already ten thirty and there was no sign of him. The horses were getting antsy and so were the children. And quite frankly, so was Aimee.

“What do you think we should do?” Uncle Hank entered the room, his jerky steps an indication of his impatience.

“I suppose if Rex shows up and we’re not here, he’ll just come out to the orchard.”

“Do you agree we should go ahead and leave, then?”

“I think so.” She said, glancing at Georgie. His brow furrowed.

“I’m sorry, Georgie. I’m sure he’ll be along later. Something must have kept him.”

Georgie shrugged. “I don’t care, anyway.”

Aimee wanted to shake Rex! How could he disappoint his son this way?

They piled the children into the wagons and slowly headed through the streets. The bustle of getting all the children situated had left Aimee flustered, and she was glad to be sitting next to the driver of her wagon. She gathered in a deep, cleansing breath when they left the city behind.

The wagons jostled over rutted roads and grassy fields until finally coming to a stop at the orchard. Row after row of sweet-smelling trees lined the fields. The children tumbled out of the wagons. Excited chatter filled the air.

Aimee looked around, searching for Georgie among the little people milling about grabbing baskets, crates, and burlap bags from the wagons. Her heartbeat picked up.

“Auntie Rose, have you seen Georgie?”

Her aunt shook her head. “Didn’t he ride with you?”

“I thought he was with you.”

“It’ll be all right. Hank!

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