Wildflowers by Robin Jones Gunn Read Free Book Online Page A

Dad?”
    Steven’s arm encompassed Anna’s shoulders. He was outof his pilot’s uniform and wearing jeans and his favorite shirt, a long-sleeved, oatmeal-colored knit shirt Genevieve had ordered for him from a catalog at Christmas. It made him look cuddly and tender, which was how Anna was responding to him now.
    “Definitely.” Steven drew Anna close. “European all the way. Nice work, Anna.”
    “Thanks, Dad.”
    From the way Anna was beaming, Genevieve could tell his simple words of praise sunk deeper into Anna’s heart than the days of praise Genevieve had given her. Once again she felt like the one who did all the work, only to watch Steven step in at the time of harvest and scoop up the best of the crop.
    “I think when I grow up I want to be an exterior decorator, if there is such a thing,” Anna said. “I want to help people make the outside of their homes beautiful.”
    Genevieve watched Steven smile at Anna. They were the romantics in the family. The two artistic spirits who conversed in their own special language. This wasn’t the first time Genevieve had felt like an outsider when Steven and Anna were having a meeting of the minds.
    “Are either of you interested in some soup?” Genevieve asked.
    Steven and Anna both turned and looked at her as if they couldn’t imagine anyone thinking of her stomach at a time like this. They were admiring art. Such a moment shouldn’t be rushed.
    “I’m going inside,” Genevieve said quietly. She handedthe umbrella to Steven and made her way through the café to the kitchen, feeling chilled in her cotton sweater and jeans skirt. “It would be so nice to have a fireplace in here,” she muttered to herself.
    “Did you say something?” Leah stood in the middle of the kitchen holding a large, long box.
    “I was just saying that a fireplace in here would sure be nice.”
    “Wow! That’s really expanding your vision,” Leah said. “I don’t know if we can get a fireplace in here, but look at what Mack just brought over from the hardware store. I traded him for this.”
    Leah slit open the end of the box. “Mack was in here the other day and said he had been getting requests for flowerboxes ever since you put up yours. He doesn’t have any ready-made ones and most people don’t want to make theirs. I told him that Seth and I would make twenty flowerboxes from the scrap lumber left over from our cabin if we could trade them for an awning.”
    “An awning?”
    Leah pulled the long, royal blue canvas awning from the box. “For the front door. Didn’t you say you wanted an awning to cover the front?”
    “Yes, but Leah you didn’t have to do this.”
    “I know. I wanted to. It matches the flowerboxes. With the bicycle and flowers out front, this awning is going to make the Wildflower Café the best looking storefront on Main Street. Oh, and Mack said he would sand the door for you if you decide you want to paint it. But he agreed with me when I said I thinkit looks good the way it is, especially with the original, beveled glass at the top and the original brass handle. It’s classic Glenbrooke.”
    “Leah, this is so kind of you.” Genevieve felt the blue canvas. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome. I need to get that turkey sandwich to table two.” Leah slipped out with the serving plate in her hand just as Steven and Anna entered the kitchen. Over her shoulder Leah said, “Don’t forget to ask Steven what he thinks about our idea of selling the tables.”
    “What idea is that?” Steven headed for the refrigerator and pulled out the cheesecake, counting the precut slices. “Mind if I have one? It looks like three slices are left.”
    “Sure, help yourself. Did you see the strawberries? They should be in a bowl behind the ham.”
    “Found it.” Steven prepared the afternoon dessert while Genevieve served up the last portion of vegetable lasagna.
    Leah swished in, picked up the lasagna and a plate with a Caesar salad and returned to the