A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman Read Free Book Online Page A

under the covers at the age of almost twenty. The last remnants of sunlight filtered into the room, casting an iridescent glow on the pale cheeks of one of Emma’s most cherished friends who slept propped up against the headboard with a Bible in her lap. Alli Moser was both an employee and a friend whose many trials in life had not diminished her innate joy one fraction of an inch. In fact, Alli’s faith seemed to grow daily, providing a constant source of delight and comfort for Emma herself. The young woman’s shoulder-length brown curls fanned across the pillow as she rested, an angel with porcelain skin and the innocence of a child.
    “Alli . . . are you asleep?”
    At Emma’s soft whisper, her friend’s eyelids flickered open to reveal large brown eyes brimming with a dozy welcome.
    “Emma—how beautiful you look! Tell me, was the wedding wonderful?” Scooting over in the bed, Alli patted the mattress in joyous expectation, indicating for Emma to sit.
    “More than wonderful. How are you feeling?” Emma asked, concern crinkling her brow.
    A sleepy smile inched across Alli’s lips. “Much better, I think. No more fever, at least.”
    “The saints be praised!” Emma sat on the edge and adjusted her friend’s pillow. “Oh, Alli, I have never seen a more glowing bride than Katie. I just know they’re going to be happy.”
    Alli shimmied down into the bed with a dreamy sigh, resting her folded arms against the sheet on her chest. “Oh, I agree—they’re perfect for each other.” She hesitated, her gaze wandering into a faraway stare before she finally blinked up with a shimmer of hope in her eyes. “Emma . . . do you, you know . . . think something like that could ever happen for me?”
    Emma smiled as she studied Alli Moser, a young woman who’d spent her life as an orphan at the Boston Society for the Care of Girls. Polio had left her with braces on her legs while epilepsy had given her an occasional stutter when she got nervous, a habit that made most assume she was slow. And Alli was anything but, possessing a mathematical ability Emma had seldom seen. Since Katie had asked her to give Alli a job two years ago, this gentle girl had not only become invaluable at the store, but a godsend to Mrs. Tunny as well, both as a bookkeeper and a companion. And now, Emma thought with a catch in her throat, a very dear friend.
    Her heart softened at the look of hope on the young woman’s face. “I’m not sure what God has in store for you, Alli, but I do know one thing—it will be good. I’ve learned he doesn’t skimp with those who have a heart for him. After all, his Word says he honors those who honor him, and that’s certainly you, young lady. Besides, Katie and I prayed for a wonderful home for you, and lo and behold, I find out Mrs. Tunny was looking for a companion.” Emma hiked a brow while a smile tugged at her lips. “Do you know, Alli Moser, how many young women would love to be in your shoes, leg braces or no, living in the lap of luxury on Beacon Hill? With one of the kindest, godliest women no less, who provides for your every need?”
    A soft giggle escaped Alli’s lips, and for the hundredth time, Emma thought that she had never seen a more transforming smile. There was nothing particularly beautiful about Alli Moser with her small, puggish nose set in a pale face, but no one noticed that when she smiled. Like shafts of sunlight bursting through an overcast sky, Alli had a smile that lit up the room as well as her face, making you glad to be alive.
    “I do,” Alli whispered. “I will be forever grateful to both you and Katie. Mrs. Tunny is the mother I never had, and the family I’ve always wanted.” A sigh drifted from her lips.
    Emma tugged one of Mrs. Tunny’s small boudoir chairs to the side of Alli’s bed and sank into its plump pillows, the satisfaction of Alli being taken care of as comfortable as the plush cushions beneath her. “I’m so glad you’re feeling