When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell

Author:Julie Cantrell [Cantrell, Julie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Faith, Love, Colorado, Family, Mountains, Southern, Sense of Self, Historical, Western, Truth, Trust, Forgiveness, Hope
ISBN: 9780781404259
Publisher: David C. Cook
Published: 2013-09-01T04:00:00+00:00

After lunch, Bump and I walk to the post office, where we find Abe hanging a new war bonds poster. He greets us cheerily and hands me a stack of mail. When he makes silly faces at Isabel, she cries.

“I’d like to post a telegram,” Bump says. Abe motions for us to follow.

“I’ll wait outside with the baby,” I announce, sorry Isabel greets everyone with a wail. I bundle her beneath my coat before returning to the chilly air. Outside, I thumb through the letters, shielding them from the falling snow by standing close to the wall, beneath the eaves. The first note is short, with pink lipstick kisses stamped in every corner.

Dear Millie,

I miss you. Come home. NOW!

Camille

P.S. I’m wearing lipstick!

I laugh and open the second, a pink envelope that must have been sprayed with perfume. The sharp paper delivers a fine slice across my thumb, and a tiny line of blood rises through my skin.

Dear Millie,

Mother took all my makeup AND my magazines. I want to move to Colorado.

Love,

Camille

And finally, a third one, postmarked the very next day. The cold wind nearly blows this one away, but I hold tight until the gust weakens a bit.

Dear Millie,

I can’t move to Colorado. Garrett Jenkins is now my BOYFRIEND! Has that cute gypsy found you yet?

XOXO,

Camille

At the bottom is a big heart, in which she’s inscribed Camille loves Garrett followed by lots of x’s and o’s floating around the heart like stars. My emotions have been a mess throughout this pregnancy, and I’m still a hormonal wreck. The thought of Camille sitting on her bed drawing these tiny symbols nearly makes me cry. Instead, I tuck the letters into my purse with the rest of our mail as Bump joins me, suggesting we head to the store. We stop by the truck to grab Oka’s baskets and beadwork, and then head inside to show off her talents. I set the jewelry on the counter and a woman with a flowery hat eyes it.

“What’s this?” the sheriff asks.

“All handmade,” I tell him. “My grandmother, Oka, is Choctaw.” Bump holds up a few of the baskets. “Woven from Mississippi swamp cane,” I continue. “Tight weaves, all very functional. Not just for decoration. And they’re dyed naturally. All original designs.”

Another shopper takes notice and asks, “How much?” She examines the baskets. Thankfully, Isabel stays asleep against my chest. Sheriff Halpin is all smiles as he negotiates prices for the goods. Bump and I stand in amazement, watching money swap hands. Within thirty minutes, two baskets have already sold.

“Think she can make more?” the sheriff asks.

“Absolutely,” I answer. “She’ll be thrilled!”

Bump paces the aisles, jiggling his keys and toying with the various items on the shelves. It’s obvious his patience is wearing thin. “You’re really not a shopper, are you?” I talk with a teasing voice as Isabel stirs against me.

“What makes you think that?” Bump juggles three onions.

I pause, thinking. “Why don’t you go find something to do at Doc’s Place? Doesn’t he

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.