Roses for Mama by Janette Oke Read Free Book Online Page B

company of other boys more. I see him at church joining the group of fellows outside after the service. He didn’t use to do that.”
    “At least he responds now, a little anyway. Though he never initiates a friendship, that’s encouraging.”
    Thomas was about to make another comment when their attention was drawn to a horse and rider coming down the lane.
    “It’s Thane,” announced Thomas, rising from his chair to wave a welcome.
    “He hasn’t been out for a while,” responded Angela.
    “His pa has been working him pretty hard in the store. He says he hardly has time to take a Saturday night bath,” Thomas laughed.
    “I’d better get something ready to eat,” Angela said as she stood up. “He’s always hungry.”
    Thomas laughed again, but he didn’t argue with her observation.
    Angela left for the kitchen as Thomas descended the porch steps to greet their visitor.
    Angela heard the voices and the laughter as she stirred lemonade and placed cookies on a plate. Then the voices lowered as though the topic of conversation had become more serious. She stepped out onto the porch in time to hear Thomas ask, “When did it happen?”
    “Almost a week ago. Word didn’t get out very soon—even though Doc knew about it. Guess Charlie asked him to keep it quiet.”
    Angela’s heart skipped a beat. Something had happened.
    “Is something wrong with Charlie?” she questioned, concern making her voice shake.
    “No, not Charlie,” Thomas quickly assured her. “Mr. Stratton has had a stroke.”
    “A stroke?” Angela thought of the man with his dour face and his curt nods. She had always been a bit afraid of him. Now she pitied him. Perhaps if they had been kinder, more neighborly, the man might have softened a bit.
    “Is it serious?” she asked, directing her question to Thane.
    He nodded slowly. “According to the report Pa got in the store, he’s in pretty bad shape.”
    “So that’s why we haven’t seen much of Charlie for the last week or so,” mused Thomas. “I was wondering why he hadn’t been over to check on my spring plowing.”
    “Guess he’s had his hands full just caring for his boss. Won’t let anyone else do it, so I hear.”
    Charlie was withered and poorly himself. He shouldn’t have to spend full time nursing another.
    I must get over there , Angela said to herself, vowing she would go first thing the next morning.
    Thane surprised her by changing the conversation abruptly. “I hear Trudie is throwing another party—she had so much fun at the last one.”
    Thane gave Thomas a teasing grin and punched him on the shoulder. Thomas reddened slightly but responded good-naturedly. “Jealous, old man?”
    “Not on your life,” continued Thane. “I have my eye on better things, but if you enjoy the chatter of a—” Thane stopped, suddenly realizing his remark would be in poor taste—” of a pretty little redhead,” he finished lamely, “so be it.”
    For just a moment Angela felt a bit smug. Thane shared her opinion of Trudie. She stole a quick look at Thomas. Would he be offended? Hurt? But Thomas seemed totally unruffled by Thane’s little slip. Angela sighed in relief and passed the cookies again.
    “I’m planting a bit of that new seed,” Thomas was saying. “The handful I tested is germinating well.”
    Thane turned to Thomas with a glow in his eyes. “Where is it?” he asked. “I’d like to see it.”
    Thomas ran for a lantern so he could lead Thane to the shed where he did his experimenting. Angela noticed excitement in both of them as they bounded down the steps, deep in conversation all the way to the small building.
    ———
    Early the next morning Angela wrapped a cake, fresh from the oven, and started off for the Stratton farm. It was a short distance across the stubble field and soon she was knocking on the door of the big house. She had never visited the Stratton home, and she held her breath as she stood before it, remembering the scowling face of the