บททั้งหมดของ TRUST ME: บทที่ 211 - บทที่ 220

“What’s the matter?” Papa asked from somewhere behind her.“Just take it easy, honey,” Nana said nearby. “Papa, get that bag out of the back, the one we brought with the bread and watermelon.” The sound of the back hatch opening and then closing sounded far away as the nausea took control of Sandra’s actions, yet within a few moments her grandmother was by her side, easing her down to the running board of the old Bronco.“Here,” she said, pushing a piece of homemade bread into Sandra’s hand. “Eat this, you’ll feel better.” Sandra obeyed and began nibbling on the chunk of bread as Creighton wiped the sweat off her brow with the handkerchief Papa handed him.“It will pass in a few minutes,” he told her gently. “What’s going on?” Papa asked. “What’s the matter with her?”“Oh Papa, can’t you guess?” Nana scolded. “She and Creighton have been together for two months. You add up the signs. The mood swings, the increased appetite, always tired, the nausea.”“Sandra!” her grandfather gasp

“It was my dad’s,” she said. “I got my mom’s earrings and that case. Open it. I want you to have it.” Creighton wanted to push it aside and pull her to him, comforting the memories that danced on her delicate face, but instead he did as he was told and lifted the lid. Inside was a small keychain with a crystal hanging from the end, and inside the gem was a single grain of wheat, preserved for all eternity. He looked up at her and frowned.“My dad used to say that all it took was a single grain of hope to grow a life of love and happiness,” she told him, tears shining in her eyes. “That’s what I want you to have. A single grain of hope.”Creighton sat the case aside and stood up, pulling her against his warm chest, holding her tightly for several long moments. He didn’t know what to say. He couldn’t begin to explain how much this simple gesture meant to him, or how much he needed to hear her say these things. When he pulled away, his eyes matched hers, both filled with unshed tears of

They washed up in the old sink before relaxing in the quiet old house. Creighton and Sandra had spent the better part of the next day inventorying the items in the barn and discussing what they should do with them. Papa and Nana had left a short time before. It was Papa’s bowling night and he usually met his team ahead of time for a few beers while Nana went to the local church to set up for bingo, leaving them alone in the house. Creighton was amazed at how life just seemed to go on. No further thought of the disaster that shook their lives the day before. It was one event he did not want to go through again, and one reason he was not allowing Sandra to be out of his sight.He looked around the kitchen as he leaned against the counter, drying his hands on a small towel. It really was a pleasant house, with a feeling of love and happiness that greeted anyone who entered it. He could imagine what it was like for Sandra to grow up here. It wasn’t much different than his own childhood ho

“It’s Kansas, Nana, it’s always hot.”“Why didn’t you turn on the fan?” Papa asked in a scolding tone as he walked over to the window air conditioner and flipped on the switch. The room fell into a friendly chatter as they relayed the events of their day with each other. Creighton helped Sandra season the pork chops and place them on the pan for broiling then positioned the potatoes in a baking dish. Papa stepped up beside his new grandson to get a cup of coffee and smiled, leaning in to speak softly as Sandra relayed their plans for her belongings to her grandmother.“The barn door is open,” he whispered, causing Creighton to frown and glance out the window to the barn behind the house, seeing the closed door. “Zip up man, don’t want the old woman catching on, do you?” Creighton turned a deep shade of red, turning his back to the room as he stood in front of the sink again, and pulled the zipper to his pants up.“Well, since you’ve already started supper, the least I can do is hel

“We have yours and Cathy’s first outfits saved,” Nana said, wiping her nose on the edge of her apron. “It was one of the few things we were able to salvage when your folks died.”“I’ll take mine, but I think Cathy will want to keep hers, just in case.”“Did we tell you? Andrew is planning on meeting her in New York to help her settle in?” Nana added with a sly grin. “She’ll be going out there in a few weeks to meet with her new boss and to find a place to live. She’s already got a young couple who will take over the lease at her apartment. Michael Farnsworth asked her to stay on as his assistant, but she’s decided to take the job in Valley Stream. She’s looking forward to moving and is eager to find a new life for herself. Maybe the larger town will help get the country girl out of her hair.”“I hope she finds happiness there,” Sandra said softly, a sad edge to her tone. “Can we play?” Papa asked, waiting for Sandra to take her turn. She placed the items back in the bag and set it o