“Why, Mama?”
“It’s our secret family recipe.” Anika walks through the kitchen and towards the back door unaware that Glenn is following her.
Delaney frowns and pulls her mother’s face back to her. “I thought we were all family,” her voice hitches as Anika stops walking.
“Oh, Delaney, you must know I was only joking. You can tell anyone you want the recipe.”
Glenn listens quietly to see how she will handle this. It occurs to him that Delaney is right. They are family and should be a family. He wants a future with them, now he just has to convince Anika that he is a changed man. With his families help, he is going to start courting her.
“But Mama, Mrs. Batcher said that we are trash and that I can't call the Ward's my family.” Anika jerks as if slapped and sets Delaney on her feet and stoops to her knees.
“Mrs. Batcher and I will talk about that on Sunday. I need you to hear me, we are not trash, Delaney, and the Bible speaks very clearly about gossiping. That means talking ugly about someone.”
Glenn steps up behind her and speaks clearly, startling her. “In Isaiah 54:17 it says, ‘No weapons formed against you shall prosper and every tongue which rises against you in judgement, you shall condemn.’
Stooping down eye level with Delaney he says firmly, “Some families are born together, and some are brought together by our Father, God. We are that kind of family.”
Delaney throws her arms around his neck and squeezes tight. “That’s what I thought.” Anika wipes a tear and takes the hand he offers to pull her to her feet.
“Now, let’s go to the root cellar. I don’t want you down there alone.”
Anika smiles in relief. “Thank you,” she says as he Delaney runs out the kitchen door with a skip and smile.
“Family supports each other, Anika. I meant what I said to her.”
Unsure what to think Anika hurries out the door and puts some space between them. The truth is that Delaney isn’t the only one to hear nasty rumors. They are everywhere. In town, at the general store, even at church. She had hoped that time would show them to be untrue, but jealousy and envy are strong enemies to fight. Anger rippled through her heart as she watches her daughter play with the dog. Anika pulls her coat tighter around her shoulders and wonders if things will get better or worse.
Chapter 26
“Mama! Look!” Delaney bounces excitedly beside her on the wagon seat. Daisy and Allen laugh at her.
A parade of horse-drawn carriages fill the grassy grounds. A cool breeze blows through, reminding them of the fall temperatures. Spread out before them are horses being led by owners, fields, wildlife and weathered barns. Tents were lifted to the sky, providing shelter for the visitors and sellers.
“I wish I’d brought my camera,” Savannah sighs.
“I'd forgotten how magical it is. It's like a magical city just arose, and we get to visit for one day!” Anika gasps glancing out at the massive hundred-acre field set up for the huge crowds they are expecting.
“One day? No, we can’t possibly see everything in one day. We have hotel reservations for two days.” Daisy says with a grin as Allen lifts her from the parked wagon.
“Two days!” Delaney claps her hands with glee and Anika laughs.
Savannah hands down Quinton to her Mother and Anika hands baby Allen to his grandpa. Glenn lifts down Delaney and helps Anika down.
“Let’s go make some memories.” Glenn whispers and Anika pulls away with a small smile.
“This year we are lucky to not enter too many contests. First up are the fruit preserves, bread tasting contest, quilt, and pie tasting contest.” Daisy explains.
Allen laughs at the look on Anika’s face. “Oh, wait for it. She’s just getting started.”
“What about Chuck?” Delaney demands. “He needs a blue ribbon.”
Savannah laughs and takes Delaney’s hand. “I love your attitude. We most definitely are bringing home a ribbon, dear heart.”
Glenn removes the pram from the wagon. “This is a luxury,” Anika murmurs as they lay the boys inside.
“Only the best for my boys,” Glenn teases.
Anika stares at him in open mouth shock. Daisy nudges Allen and grins. “We will take Delaney to check on Chuck and grab a candy apple.”
Savannah walks away with Delaney, following Allen and Daisy.
“Glenn?” Anika tucks a blanket around the boys and glances up, “What is going on?”
“Today we are going to relax and be together as a family. I want to make some good memories, win some ribbons and spoil you and Delaney. Do you trust me?”
The sounds and smell reach her hears and heart stutters. “Yes, of course, I do.”
“Good,” he presses a kiss to her forehead and smiles down at her. “Mrs. Henrietta will be at the hotel and Mom and Dad are going to take the boys to her, so we can stay and have fun.”
Anika’s mouth falls open in surprise. “Glenn! When did you plan that?”
“Mrs. Henrietta was happy to do it, especially when I told her she could ride on the train instead of a wagon. I booked a room for her and the children so we could relax. It's next to yours.” He starts pushing the pram forwards following the family.
“Glenn, you’ve thought of everything.”
“You have no idea, Ms. Coltrane. I can be downright conniving when I need to be.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she replies with a laugh. A squeal of excitement from Delaney draws their attention.
“Hurry, Mama. It’s time for Chuck to race!”
The rest of the morning flies by, starting with Chuck winning
