Planted with Hope Read Online Free Page A

to get home.
    She moved from the boat ramp into the grass, and it felt cool under her feet. The quilt around her shoulders smelled of spring and sunshine, but Hope also could still smell the fishy, salty odor from the brackish water. A shiver ran down her spine when she replayed Ruth Ann’s words in her mind. Nearly as soon as a visitor got off the bus in Pinecraft they’d hear about Phillippi Creek, especially the sharks or alligators that were spotted every now and then in the murky waters.
    As she continued forward, water dripped from her dress and squished between her toes, yet a prayer of thanksgiving rose in her heart. Thank You, Lord, for protecting Emma and protecting me. Thank You for leading me to the creek at the right time. A shudder moved up her spine. I hate to think of what could have happened if I wasn’t there.
    They neared the park, and Hope attempted to steer as far away from the crowd as possible, but it wasn’t to be. As she neared the gathering, most of the eyes were on her. In the middle of them stood Jonas with Emma on his hip.
    â€œThere she is. There is my Hope.” Emma’s voice rose above the din of voices. She pointed. “She saved me from sinking!”
    Grace pushed through the crowd and rushed forward. Mem and Dat followed, and soon Faith, Lovina, and Noah rushed up, circling around her. The only one who was missing was her sister Joy. Joy was working at the quilt shop, filling in for Elizabeth Bieler so the older woman could be at the gathering at the park. Hope’s shoulders straightened as she tucked the quilt tighter under her chin. The muscles in her neck tightened, and she wished she could disappear into the blanket’s folds.
    Grace stopped in front of her, grasping her shoulders. “Are you all right?”
    â€œ Ja , I’m fine.” She forced a smile, wishing she were anywhere but there.
    â€œThat little girl said that you saved her. She said she fell into the creek and you dove in and pulled her out.”
    â€œ Ja , I did… Well, it was more wading than diving.” Hope took a step back. The press of people caused her chest to tighten, and their stares nearly stole her breath. “It really was not a big deal. I’m just thankful I was there. I should get home… ”
    â€œI’m thankful too.” Jonas stepped forward. “I still don’t know how to thank you.”
    She dared to look at him now. He wore a beard, evidence of being a married man, and she wondered where his wife was. Maybe she’d stayed home today? If she were here she could have done a better job watching the young girl than he had.
    Anger mixed with embarrassment, and it was directed at him. If this man, Jonas, had been paying better attention to his daughter none of this would have happened. She wouldn’t be standing in the midst of this gathering, a dripping mess, hiding under a quilt.
    Hope shot him what she hoped was an angry glance, but the emotions in his gaze caught her by surprise. Appreciation filled his gaze, but there was something more. Hope sucked in a breath and took another step back. She’d only seen that look in a man’s eyes a few times before, but never so intense. And from a married man of all things. Jonas Sutter should be ashamed of himself!
    Hope turned toward Grace and fixed her eyes on her sister. “Would you walk home with me? I don’t want to walk by myself.”
    Grace wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “ Ja . Of course.”
    Hope leaned forward and whispered in her sister’s ear. “I—I just want to be alone. Get me out of here.”
    Even though Grace was the youngest, she had a boldness the other sisters didn’t have. With Grace by Hope’s side, no one would get to her.
    Grace waved her hand in the direction of the crowd. “Please let us by. My sister is shaken up. I’m sure you understand.”
    â€œHope, we can walk with you too.”