The Widow's Hidden Past by Rebecca Kertz

Author:Rebecca Kertz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-11-29T21:18:28+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Snow glistened along the roadside. The plowed paved streets were clear, the sun already warm enough to melt the rest of the ice and snow mixture. Alta sat on the bench seat next to Jonas, thoughts whirling through her head. Why did he come to visit? Does he need my help with something? Or is it because he wants to see me? What will I do if he likes me as more than a friend?

She worried about how Jonas saw her. Alta liked him more than a lot, but she doubted there could ever be a long-term relationship between them. Because if he learned the truth, she was afraid that he’d want nothing to do with her. And she couldn’t bear to endure his rejection. If her daughters believed the worst of her, why should Jonas be any different?

“I thought we’d make a stop at Kings General Store first,” Jonas said, interrupting her chaotic musings. “Fannie needs a few groceries for her eatery.” His quick grin toward her made her catch her breath. “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind assisting me.”

Relieved, Alta smiled. She was here because he needed her help, not because he was interested in her. Her relief turned to disappointment that Jonas didn’t simply want to spend time with her. “Not at all. I’ll be happy to shop with you. Do you have a list?”

“Ja, Fannie was most specific. She usually does the shopping herself, but with the fundraiser and then the snow...”

Jonas came to the end of the road that her sister lived on, then made a left toward Kings General Store. In the three weeks that she’d been in New Berne, Alta had yet to shop there. She was eager to see inside. Was it as good as the one in Happiness? Not that she could afford much shopping with the money she’d brought with her.

It didn’t take long to get there, and Alta was glad that the lot beside the store had been plowed, the sun quickly melting what was left of the snow. There were already other buggies parked there.

“If you wait a moment, I’ll come around to help you get out,” Jonas said, ever the thoughtful, kind man. Something shifted in her chest. She knew she liked him, but there were times like now when she wished she was free to have more than friendship. Wanting was one thing, she thought, but having was another.

Soon, Alta and Jonas entered the building. There was a counter with a cash register up front, to the right of the door. Straight ahead were shelves of every kind of food and other household merchandise, the like of what she’d never seen before. Kings had a section for medicinal items such as menthol cream used for sore muscles and joints, although her people often made use of vinegar water first. There were boxes of Goody’s headache powder and small bottles of ibuprofen.

“Morning, Jed,” Jonas greeted the man behind the register. “Snow affecting business?”

Jed smiled. “Gut to see you, Jonas.

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