Sarah: Bride of Minnesota (American Mail-Order Bride 32) by Katie Crabapple Read Free Book Online

happy to have one of my homemade meals as well."
    Sarah's eyes widened. "Are you losing a lot of your income with me being here? I'm doing the laundry and making his meals — "
    "Don't you worry about that one bit! I make enough. You take care of your husband."
    "Yes, ma'am." Sarah smiled. "My bread is ready to be punched down. I'll talk to you soon, I hope."
    "You'll see me Sunday at church if not before." Mrs. Norman hugged Sarah. "You're going to be a good wife to Karl. He needs that."
    "All men do," Sarah said with a smile, thankful for the praise. She needed to hear that she was doing well after the rocky start she and Karl had just gotten off to.

Chapter Four
     
     
    On his way home from work that evening, Karl stopped at the store to get his wife a gift. He looked around, trying to find just the right thing for her. She seemed to enjoy cleaning so much that he found a scrub brush and a washboard. When he got to the front of the store, the owner looked at what was in his hands. "Your wife bought a washboard this morning."
    Karl sighed. "I guess I don't need that then. I was just hoping to be able to find her something special. You know, a courting kind of gift."
    Mr. Fredericks laughed, as if he was sharing a joke with Karl. When Karl's face remained unsmiling, he shook his head. "Oh, Karl, you have so much to learn about women."
    "What do you mean? She's a practical woman, so I'm taking her a practical gift."
    "You need to get her something she'll enjoy. Flowers? Jewelry? Some candy?"
    "No, not for my Sarah. She's smart, and she's frugal. Let me look for what I can find for her." Karl wandered through the store, looking at the shelves. He picked up a rug beater. "Did she buy herself a rug beater this morning?"
    "No, she didn't, but I don't think that's a good idea, Karl!"
    Karl took it to the counter and set it on the table beside the scrub brush. "That's because you don't know my Sarah like I do. She'll be happy."
    Mr. Fredericks punched some buttons on his cash register and gave Karl a total. After Karl gave him the cash, he smiled. "I hope she only uses that rug beater for its indented use."
    Karl gave him a blank stare. "Pardon me?"
    Mr. Fredericks threw his hands in the air. "Do what you want, Karl. But before you go, what flowers do you want on your grave?"
    Karl refused to even answer the question, walking out to his horse and putting the rug beater across the front of him to better carry it. Sarah was going to be so happy with him. He couldn't wait to see her face.
     
    *****
    ..
    Sarah was just taking fresh bread out of the oven when she heard the front door open and Karl come into the house. She felt her heart jump a little at the sound of him. She didn't know if it was because she was nervous about seeing him or excited to see him. Maybe it was a little of both. She said a quick prayer for calm discussions and a good evening getting to know one another.
    Karl came into the kitchen with his hands behind his back, his face lit with excitement. Sarah walked to him and kissed his cheek in greeting just as her mother had kissed her father's cheek every evening when he came home. She was determined to help spark some romance in the man — even though he was German. Even a German could learn!
    Karl smiled down at his sweet wife, so happy to see the excitement on her face when he came in. "I brought you a surprise!" he said, grinning at her.
    "Oh really? And when do I get to see this surprise?" she asked, her hands on her hips in a playful manner.
    "Close your eyes, and hold out your hands." He couldn't wait to give her the gift. Once her eyes were closed, he put the rug beater in her hands.
    Sarah felt a long stick-like thing in her hands, touching it all over. He wouldn't have gotten her a broom, would he? Surely the man had more sense than that. "May I open my eyes now?" she asked, still holding out hope that he hadn't been as dense as she thought he'd been.
    "Yes, open them." Karl took a step back, grinning