River's Song - The Inn at Shining Waters Series by Melody Carlson Read Free Book Online

Anna Larson. Actually, that's not quite right, I'm—"
    "What are you doing in Adam's house?" she demanded." Did you sleep here?"
    Embarrassed, Anna lowered her gaze to the ground. "Adam and I—we were married—about a week ago in Reno."
    "You are lying!" she shrieked.
    Anna looked back up to see that Mrs. Gunderson's face was even paler than before and she was clutching her chest as if in pain.
    "Are you all right?"Anna ran over to help her.
    But the woman backed away, holding up her hands as if she thought Anna might hurt her. "Keep your filthy hands off me."
    Anna just stared in horror as Mrs. Gunderson turned and hurried over to where a shiny black sedan was parked on the other side of the street. It took her a few moments to get inside and start the car, but once the engine turned over, the car's tires squealed as it roared down the quiet street. Sickened by what had just transpired, all Anna could think was that she wanted to go home. She wanted the familiarity of the river . . .her parents . . . and peace.
     
    Anna stood and walked over to the fireplace, tossing a couple more logs onto the still-red embers. So now she was home with the familiarity she had longed for. Although her parents were gone . . . and that sense of peace felt elusive . . . but at least the river was still here. That never changed.

5
    Anna slept soundly that night. She wasn't sure if it was from pure exhaustion, the comfort of the bed, or the lulling sound of the flowing river, but when she awoke, she felt refreshed and ready to face the day. To her delight the clouds were gone and the sun was shining. And when she looked out toward the river, the water glistened and sparkled—just like diamonds—and she felt a rush of excitement that reminded her of childhood.
    Unexpectedly hungry, she lit the gas stove and soon had eggs sizzling and coffee perking. She still hadn't turned the generator on to use the electric toaster, but using a fork she toasted a slice of bread over the gas flame. Then she took her breakfast outside and, sitting on the steps of the porch in front of the store, ate it while watching the river. Several fishing boats passed by. One of the people in a boat waved.
    She was just going back inside, wanting to get the generator started when she heard a woman's voice calling out to her." Hallo! Hallo!" Knowing by the accent that it must be Babette, Anna set her plate and cup on the porch and then went out to the dock to greet her.
    "Hello, neighbor." Anna smiled as she helped her tie the little motorboat. "You're up bright and early this morning."
    "Ees such a beautiful day! How can I resist?" Babette handed Anna a paper bag. "I brought you provisions."
    "I have coffee in the house,"Anna told her.
    "Fantastic!" Babette linked her arm into Anna's. "Ees so good to see you, ma chérie." She reached up and held Anna's chin in her hand. "And you are still beautiful. But your complexion, chérie, you must use care."
    "What do you mean?"Anna asked as they went up the stairs.
    "You are beautiful now, but you will look like old woman before your time."
    Anna laughed as she opened the door to the house. "I'm not sure that I care what I look like."
    "Of course, you care!" she scolded. "You are a woman—you must always care."
    As Anna poured them each a cup of coffee, Babette carefully removed some delicate pastries from the bag she'd brought. "I made éclairs," she told Anna. "I remember how you loved them as a little girl."
    They sat at the small fir kitchen table together, sharing coffee and pastries and the latest river news. Anna was surprised at how good it felt. "This would be absolutely perfect," she said with regret, "if only Mother were here too."
    Babette made a sad smile. "Oui."
    "I wish I'd come home more. . . ."
    "Why did you not?"
    Anna thought about this. "Do you want to know the truth?"
    Babette's dark brows arched. "Oui, chérie. As your mama would say, the truth, she set you free."
    So for the first time Anna told someone