Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts Page B

proposition would certainly be an answer to her present dilemma. “May I think on this for a bit?” She didn’t trust herself to make an impulsive decision right now, especially one so important.
    “What’s to think about?” Clara stepped forward, all business. “Mr. McCray’s offered a perfect solution, and you’re in no position to be choosy. You have animals that need attention. How are you going to give them that if you’re running around searching for a home and office?”
    Clara was right. Getting her business in order would take time and energy, and there were her patients to consider. Now was not the time for indecision. Sara toddled up to her chair, followed by the pup. The little girl took the toy from Mattie’s hand and giggled.
    One barrier still stood in Mattie’s way.
    Gil.
    “Mr. McCray has a trailer ready to haul your animals.” Clara’s eyes bore into hers with stern persuasion. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, my dear.”
    Mattie checked her watch. Why should she worry about Gil? He was in California and might never return.
    “Okay, John, you have a deal. Would you mind if we held off a couple of hours, though, until after church? I have a lot to thank God for today.”

    THAT EVENING, MATTIE STEPPED OUTSIDE HER NEW LIVING QUARTERS and braced herself for the cold. She followed her dad to his car and shook her head at the irony of him wearing a gray western coat and a wool Stetson to cover his receding hairline. He didn’t live in the country, yet he still dressed like a cowboy.
    “Thanks for bringing all these supplies. You and Mom must have raced through the stores to gather this stuff so quickly.”
    “You know your mother.” Her dad grinned and deposited an empty cardboard box in the backseat of his car. “She rallied her ladies’ group, and this morning they filled half-a-dozen boxes with food and supplies.”
    “I’ll be sure to send my thanks.” She skirted to the passenger side to tell her mom good-bye. “Thanks for coming to my rescue and helping me get settled.”
    Her mother nodded, eyes teary. “I wish you’d change your mind. You could stay with us until you find a place of your own.” She pulled a tissue from her purse and sniffed. “I can’t imagine how you’ll survive in such a place. For heaven’s sake, there’s not even a television.”
    Mattie forced a smile. “I’ll manage.” She returned to her dad and gave him a hug. Relishing the comfort he offered, she held on a moment longer and rested her cheek on his shoulder.
    “I love you, Dad.”
    He leaned his head against hers, and his freshly shaved cheek brushed her face. “I love you too, pumpkin. I know when you’ve made your mind up to do something, there’s no changing it.” He pulled away and nudged her chin. “Call us if you need anything.”
    “I will.” Her dad slid behind the wheel of his car, and Mattie’s throat tightened, suddenly hating to see them go. She’d been on her own for several years, so why was this farewell so difficult? Perhaps her insecurity sprang from losing everything in the fire. Whatever it was, she felt like a little girl who’d gotten lost and now wanted to cling to her parents and never let go. Moisture stung her eyes as they backed out of the driveway.
    A cold wind buffeted her as she waved good-bye. Shivering against the cold, she dashed to her new residence. Inside, her beagle friend greeted her at the door as the wind whistled against the elongated windows of the limestone cabin. Mattie took the pup in her arms and headed for the fireplace to stir the logs in the hearth. Soon, a blazing fire warmed her body, allowing her to appreciate the coziness of her temporary home.
    In one corner, a quilted comforter covered a small pine bed, and in the middle of the room was a wooden table and chairs. Despite the additions of electricity and a small bathroom, Mattie felt like she’d stepped into another century. Primitive perhaps, but she’d never admit that