The HOPE of SPRING by Wanda E. Brunstetter Read Free Book Online

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    When Jonah left Meredith’s house later that day, he was tired, sweaty, and speckled
     with beige paint. For once, the persistent breezes actually felt good after painting
     all afternoon in the stuffy room. Jonah hadn’t wanted to make the upstairs too chilly
     for Meredith, so he’d opened the window in the room he’d painted, just a little, for
     ventilation. He would never have admitted it to Meredith, but painting walls was not
     really his thing. He was glad he’d been able to help her, though. She had seemed a
     bit hesitant at first, but when she’d seen the finished room she’d smiled and said
     he had done a good job and that she appreciated all his hard work. Jonah planned to
     check on Meredith as often as he could, and if there were other things that needed
     to be done, he’d gladly do them. He just hoped she’d be willing to accept his help.
    Jonah gripped the reins a bit tighter as Socks shook his head and started to trot.
     “Whoa there, steady boy. What’s your rush, anyways?”
    The horse had been in no hurry when they’d first left Meredith’s place. In fact, Socks
     had balked like a stubborn mule when Jonah tried backing him away from the hitching
     rail. He figured the horse was familiar with his surroundings and didn’t want to leave.
     Then, too, maybe Socks thought Luke was coming back. Either way, it had taken some
     coaxing to get the horse down the driveway and onto the main road, and now the unpredictable
     animal wanted to run at lightning speed. Of course, it hadn’t helped when Meredith’s
     dog started barking and running back and forth in his kennel.
    Jonah felt the relentless wind rushing against his still-perspiring skin. A chill
     went through him, and he pulled his jacket tighter around his neck. March was the
     month when everyone celebrated spring’s arrival, but it could be a real teaser. Jonah
     felt good whenever he could get outside and use all that pent-up energy he’d been
     storing through the winter to get something done. Then days later, it could be just
     the opposite, reminding him that winter was still hanging on and he’d have to wait
     a bit for more of those spring-fever days. It was always nice when the winds were
     behind them and April came rushing in.
    One thing’s for sure
, Jonah thought.
This horse of mine will keep me on my toes. I’ll have to remember not to let my guard
     down no matter where I am or what the weather is like.
    Jonah’s thoughts went to Meredith again. He could tell she was struggling with depression
     over losing Luke. It was understandable, though. Who wouldn’t be despondent after
     they’d lost a loved one—especially when they’d thought they had their whole future
     together? Jonah knew from seeing all that his sister Jean had gone through that grieving
     for a loved one was an ongoing process that required continued help and support. But
     Jean had made it through the rough times after losing Abe, so he felt sure that Meredith
     would, too. She just needed time to heal, and support from friends and family would
     surely help.
    By the time Jonah turned his horse and buggy up the lane leading to his folks’ house,
     he was exhausted. He’d had to fight for control of Socks almost the whole way. He’d
     just gotten Socks unhitched from the buggy when Herbie came running around the side
     of the house, barking and wagging his tail.
    “Stay back!” Jonah shouted, but it was too late. The dog was already nipping at the
     horse’s feet.
    When Jonah loosened his grip slightly on the lead rope, Socks jerked free and took
     off after the dog.
    Woof! Woof!
Herbie raced around the yard, with Socks kicking his feet in the air, hot on the
     dog’s tail. The next thing Jonah knew, Herbie took a flying leap and landed in a pile
     of manure on the side of the barn.
    Jonah groaned. “Phew! What a
schtinke
!”
    Mom rushed out of the house. “What’s going on out here? What is all the commotion
     about?” Then she