The Days of Redemption Read Online Free Page B

eating your cooking.”
    â€œI don’t cook that badly.”
    â€œI’m sure it wouldn’t compare to the food here.”
    He didn’t know why his feelings were hurt, but the criticism did sting. “Hey, now, Daed—”
    â€œBesides, this is my home now.” Patting the thick cushion of his chair, he cast Ed a self-satisfied smile. “It took me a bit to get settled in, but now that I am, I’m in no hurry to go anywhere. Surely you can understand that?”
    â€œI guess that makes sense.”
    â€œIt makes perfect sense.”
    While he’d been gone, Ed had been thankful for the retirement home. He was glad his father had friends, and was in a place where so many eyes could watch out for him. But he’d never believed that his father would think of it as his living preference. “So, have you been to the house recently?”
    â€œNope. I haven’t been by there in months. I’ve been paying someone to look after it.”
    That surprised him. What also surprised Ed was his own uneasiness about being back home and staying there by himself. He knew it would feel emptier than ever without his father there.
    And he’d be forced to deal with all the memories of his mother, too.
    â€œDaed, how about we go by there this afternoon? We could take a look around, pick up some groceries. Maybe even make soup and sandwiches like we used to.”
    His father’s brow wrinkled. “I don’t think so. We’re going to have sundaes at four.”
    Now he was getting irritated. Honestly, his father was acting as if he’d intruded upon his life! “I can take you out for ice cream.”
    â€œIt’s near on thirty degrees out, son. Why would I want to leave the comfort of the fireplace if I don’t have to?”
    How many times had his father come in from the cold with red cheeks and a broad smile? Ed was flooded with memories of his father working outside for hours, no matter what the temperature.
    Making him realize again that they’d both changed considerably while he’d been away. “I could make you a fire at home. . . .”
    â€œ Nee, Edward.” As if he noticed his dismay, his father softened his tone. “Listen, I am glad you’re here. I am. It’s a blessing to see you, and I give thanks to God that you are in such good health and spirits. If you’d like to stay here and have ice cream, that would make me happy. But I’m not leaving this building.”
    There was only one right reply, but to his surprise, it came out a little sharp. “Ah. Well, all right.”
    â€œ Gut . Now go get yourself some kaffi, then you can sit with us and tell us all about your adventures in Nicaragua.”
    Ed was perfectly happy to do that. Actually, the whole way home, he’d thought of nothing but telling his father all about the kids and the people, and the lush beauty of the area.
    But now all he could seem to think about was Viola’s accusing gaze, his father’s unwillingness to leave the building, and the awful truth. He’d been so intent on coming home . . .
    He’d forgotten that he didn’t have a home to go to at all. All it was anymore was an empty house with far too many memories inside.
    â€œAaron, it’s finally happened,” Lovina blurted the minute she walked into their cozy dawdi haus .
    Her husband, who’d been in their small kitchen pouring himself a glass of milk, paused. “ What happened?”
    She steeled her shoulders and pretended that she wasn’t devastated. “Peter found out that I used to be English.”
    â€œMy goodness.” Carefully, he set down the glass and the carton of milk. “I suppose we should have known this day would come. You had better tell me what happened.”
    Her mouth suddenly dry, Lovina swallowed hard. Her insides felt twisted, like she was holding pain at bay. After forty years, it seemed that