Sabrina (Big Sky Dreams 2) by Lori Wick Page A

hammer."
    "You can always borrow a hammer from me," Rylan said, won dering
    why the first thing he wanted to say was that he would put
    the hook up for her.
    "Oh, thank you. I'll remember that."
    "I'll see you later," Rylan said, making himself turn away. The temptation to keep talking to Sabrina Matthews was arrestingly strong.
    This one goes to Mrs. Potts. She's on Bond Street in the blue house. And this one goes to Mrs. Gornik, two doors down.
    Because the machine was broken, Jeanette was doing handwork and Sabrina was making deliveries. This was not normal for Jeanette's shop-or so she told Sabrina-but she thought it might be best until the machine was working again.
    And the day was nice-not a cloud in the sky and warm. Sabrina loved the feel of it on her face and the way it seemed to soak into her black hair. She was enjoying the sensation so much she suddenly realized she was lost. She thought she had found the right street, but
    94 there was no blue house. She looked across the way, spotted Patience Dorn pegging out laundry in her backyard, and went that way. "Good morning," Sabrina greeted.
    "Well, Bri, how nice to see you."
    "Do you know where Mrs. Potts lives? I'm to make a delivery." "Go two streets over, and you'll find her in the blue house." "Thank you."
    "Before you go, Bri, are you free for supper tonight?" "I am, thank you. What time?"
    "Just come after work. We eat about five-thirty, or whenever Jeb gets in the door."
    "I'll plan on it."
    "We'll see you this evening."
    Sabrina made the deliveries without mishap and was almost back to the shop when she spotted Bret Toben. He tipped his hat to her but kept moving. Sabrina was nothing but relieved. Bret would have been disappointed to learn that his act of indifference hadn't worked at all.
    "Here you go, Rylan." Miranda Vick passed him the potatoes as soon as she'd served Heidi, and her older brother, Franklin. Parker, younger than Heidi by almost two years, already had his food, and the baby, Nellie, would eat from Miranda's plate.
    "Thank you, Miranda. I've been looking forward to this all day." "As have we. Parker has something to tell you."
    Rylan looked at the little boy sitting next to his father, and smiled in anticipation.
    "I know Jesus," Parker said, the smile in his eyes matching the one on his mouth.
    "Well, Parker," Rylan said, not mentioning that Chas had told him all about this the day before. "That is very fine news. Can you tell me about it?"
    95"Mama talked to me, and I believe Jesus died for my sins."
    Rylan had to clear his throat. This family was very special to him, and this news was very near and dear to his heart. It didn't help that Miranda had tears in her eyes, and if the clearing of Chas' throat was any indication, it also seemed to be suddenly full.
    "We have a great, saving God, Parker, who loves you very much," Rylan said with quiet conviction. "I know your parents are going to teach you all about Him. Are you excited to learn?"
    The little boy nodded, and everyone turned to their food. The emotions were still there, but for the moment it was best to ignore them. Rather than having Parker see him cry, Rylan was glad to have Miranda's delicious meal to turn to. It was yet another thing that God provided and a reason to give Him thanks.
    "So Meg spent her summer here, and that's how she and Brad fell in love?" Sabrina clarified, having enjoyed the story Patience shared.
    "That's right. She'd been coming to spend her summers with us for years, but Brad never noticed her before the summer of '77." "And they were married that fall," Jeb added.
    "And now they have a baby," Sabrina put in.
    "Isn't she adorable?" Patience asked, not afraid of anyone disagreeing.
    "Yes, she is. I noticed that she smiles all the time."
    "Have you seen her with Brad or Trace?" Jeb asked. "She adores her father and uncle."
    The whole evening went this way. Jeb and Patience shared their lives with Sabrina and put in gently asked questions of their own.