Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Novel by Ann Shorey Read Free Book Online

spent so much time selecting. Next Sunday she’d know better.
    Questions about Mr. Saxon drove Royal Baxter from her mind. Whatever kept him at home today apparently was well known to Reverend French. She wished she could ask Rosemary for details, but they didn’t know each other well enough for personal questions.
    When Clarissa struck the first notes of “And Can It Be,” Faith rose with the congregation. All other thoughts fled as she poured her heart into her favorite hymn.

     
    That evening after supper, Faith pushed the soiled dishes aside and faced Grandpa across their polished mahogany dining table. “I need to talk to you.”
    “Last time someone said that, he wanted me to run for county judge.”
    “Which you did, and served with honor.” She lifted her water glass with a trembling hand and moistened dry lips. She couldn’t wait any longer. “I think we should join the pioneers going to Oregon.”
    Grandpa’s astonished expression told her all she needed to know. She hurried on with her proposal. “Noble Springs is full of reminders of the past. Papa’s gone, Maxwell’s gone, Grandma Clara and my mama—all gone. Your plans for Lindberg’s Mercantile to be handed from father to son will never happen now. Companies are forming to go west over the next month or two. Why should we stay? We can make a start in a new territory.”
    He held up a finger to stop her. “I’m not a youngster anymore, and you’re a female. A rugged journey like that is best done by men in their prime.”
    “We can do it. I know how to handle a team.”
    “A team of horses. Those heavy wagons require oxen—there’s no comparison.”
    “We could hire a teamster.”
    He reached across the table and took her hands. “You need to stop reading those pioneer guides. They make it sound easy.”
    “Hundred of families go every year. Mr. Hastings’ book says the Willamette Valley in Oregon is beautiful, well watered, productive—”
    “Southern Missouri is beautiful and well watered. We don’t need to leave. Besides, you know we’d have to sell the mercantile, and who’d want a struggling business?”
    Faith sensed she was losing the debate. “What if it weren’t struggling? I have lots of ideas to increase trade.”
    Grandpa set his jaw. “You’re just like your mother. Once she got an idea in her head, she wouldn’t give up.” He lifted his cane and leaned on it when he stood. “First we’ll see what you can do with the mercantile, then I’ll think about it.”
    “Thank you!”
    “Don’t thank me. I said I’d think about it.”

     
    During their walk to town the following morning, Faith’s mind raced with plans to attract customers to the mercantile.
    “I’d like to add more kitchen items to interest the ladies.” She slowed her pace to stay in step with Grandpa.
    “You’re in charge now. Use what’s in the till when salesmen call.”
    When they passed the livery, she glanced over to see if Mr. Saxon had recovered. She thought she saw him at the far end of the adjoining corral, but couldn’t be sure. This evening she’d stop and inquire about his welfare.
    Once past the courthouse, Grandpa proceeded beyond the drugstore and turned left into the alley that bisected the block. He opened the shed door. “I’ll be inside, working on my notes,” he said, placing his manuscript sheets on the sawhorse table. “Come and get me if you need help.”
    “Don’t worry about me. I’m perfectly capable.”
    “Faith—”
    She jingled the keys. “I’ll see you at supper.”
    The mercantile smelled stale after being locked for a week. She left the door propped open, pulse hammering with excitement at the opportunity to see her dream come closer to reality.
    So much to do. First, she’d need to find someone who could build racks on the wall at the rear of the store. She’d move the hoes, pitchforks, and shovels there, then add shelves near the front to hold bolts of fabric. For now, she could take the