As Time Goes By (The Californians 2) by Lori Wick Read Free Book Online Page A

planned on them sleeping with her."
    "We could plan on the next time you go," Stuart interjected. "Maybe it will be warmer."
    Stuart Townsend was every inch the bank employee with his dapper suits and neatly trimmed beard and mustache. He never interfered with his wife's raising of the children, so Jake was aware that Stuart's comment about the cold was a very real worry.
    "That's probably a good idea. I'm sure Bobbie will feel let down, but like you said, there's always next time." Jake didn't stay much longer, but before leaving, Alice led him into the twins' rooms so he could see them. The light from the lantern didn't disturb them in the least, and as always, Jake's heart swelled with love at the sight of his grandchildren.
    Just as Jake expected, his younger daughter and son were disappointed about the twins not going with them. Jake pointed out that it was cold and maybe it would work out for the next time.
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    60 Lori Wick
    As it was, it rained very hard at the time Jake, Troy, and Bobbie were going to leave for their trip, and it continued to rain all weekend. Maryanne, who had planned to sew all weekend, laid aside her plans and the four of them played games and talked for hours. It was a wonderful homecoming for Bobbie. The only dark spot .on the weekend was how late they all stayed up on Saturday night, causing them to oversleep Sunday morning and miss church. Bobbie had been looking forward to seeing everyone, but consoled herself with the fact that she started her new job the next day.
    She took herself to bed when it was still early on Sunday, and with the lantern turned high she lay in bed and wrote in her journal.
    January Seven, 1872
    It's lovely to be home. The clock did not stand still as I hoped it would, and nearly everything and everyone changed. My parents look older, but they are in some ways ageless. I'm going to contribute to the household whether my parents like it or not. Oh Troy, you're so much fun. And Paige and Wesmthank You, Lord!
    Tomorrow is the big day. I'll see Jeff. I hope he likes me. Mr. Taylor too. I've got to get to sleep. Good night, journal, I'll write again in a few days.
    Bobbie turned the lantern down then and fell asleep while praying for a calm heart to face her new job in the morning.
    nine
    Bobbie wore a green dress for her first day of work. She spent a little extra time on her hair and was pleased with the way it curled softly around her face. Her finger-naris, always long, were clean and well-shaped.
    Maryanne had the day off, so Bobbie's send-off breakfast was a morning feast of omelettes stuffed with bacon and cheese, plus fresh muffins with jam, cider, and hot, strong coffee.
    Bobbie left the house right after breakfast. Her coat kept her warm as she walked briskly away from home. She felt a little like a child on the first day of school as her lunch tin swung in her hand with every step. The shipping office was a welcome sight and Bobbie walked in the front door with a smile on her face.
    May Taylor immediately rose from the desk in the corner and came toward her.
    "Hello, Bobbie. It's good to see you." The two women embraced, and when May stepped away, Bobbie saw that there were tears in her eyes. "Don't mind me, honey. It's just that you're an answer to prayer and it's so wonderful to have you here."
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    "It's good to be here, Mrs. Taylor." Bobbie didn't say more and May could see she was close to tears herself. The two women had begun to talk about the workings of the office when Bill Taylor came in holding the hand of a young gift.
    "Hello, Bobbie." Bill greeted his new employee warmly and shook her hand. They talked about her trip and whether or not she was settled in, and then May pulled the youngster closer to their circle of conversation.
    "Bobbie, I'd like you to meet Marcail Donovan. Mar-carl, this is Bobbie Bradford. She's going to be working here at the office for awhile. Marcail's sister Kaitlin is married to our Rigg."
    "It's nice to meet you, Marcarl."