Carol's Choice by Kimberly Grist

Author:Kimberly Grist [Grist, Kimberly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances, an imprint of Winged Publications
Published: 2019-07-22T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Annie and Andrew scrambled into the back of Mark’s wagon, filled with special items to deliver in secret this afternoon. Dozens of cookies for the sheriff and his deputies, a basket of goodies for the pastor’s family, and several stacks of wood to distribute to various families, including the Millers.

“The weather’s still fairly warm, especially in the daytime, but usually there’s a dip in the temperature this time of year. I’d rather get the firewood to folks before they have need of it. As excited as your brother and sister are, the trick will be to deliver everything quietly.” Mark pushed his hat to the back of his head and grinned.

Carol shivered, positioned her arm in Mark’s and spoke quietly into his ear, “I feel so badly for Mrs. Miller. Thomas told Andrew they have problems with mice at night, now that the weather has turned cooler. Thomas stays up late and tries to shoot them with pebbles from his slingshot.”

Mark rubbed his chin. “I wonder if his mother would be receptive to a kitten?” He glanced over his shoulder at Annie and Andrew. “I was going to ask you if you would like one for the children as well. Molly’s mama cat had a litter a couple of months ago. They should be good mousers, and the kids would enjoy them as pets too.”

“I’ve never had a pet.” She swallowed hard. “At least not since my father was alive. My stepfather didn’t approve of pets inside the house.”

Carol glanced back at her siblings. Annie wrapped her favorite doll in the crazy quilt they had pieced together, and Andrew rolled a hand-stitched ball across the floorboard. According to her attorney, unless her stepfather’s brother had a change in heart, her quarterly allowance would be delayed. She would not be receiving any additional funds to support the children at least in the foreseeable future. The children’s Christmas presents this year would be minimal.

“Annie and Andrew would be thrilled.” Carol placed her hand over her heart. “If you keep the children busy unloading the wood, I’ll distract Mrs. Miller and ask her if she would be receptive to the idea.”

Mark pulled up in front of the sheriff’s office and nodded to Andrew. “Looks like the deputy’s sitting at his desk. Just tell him Santa sent you.”

“Yes sir.” Andrew grinned and leaped from the wagon.

Annie passed him a parcel wrapped in brown paper. “Can I deliver the next package?”

“How about if you carry the basket to the preacher’s house? You’ll have to be quick. Once you knock on the door, hurry back to the wagon.” Mark brought a finger to his mouth. “I’ll park a few houses down but be very quiet.”

“I’ll walk on tippy-toe.” Annie’s blue eyes were wide and she nodded.

“Let your brother help you down.” Mark glanced over his shoulder at Andrew. “If you can stand at the rear of the wagon and help her back in, we should be able to pull away before they get the door open.

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