Northern Light by Annette O'Hare Page A

day, so the four of us walked all the way from Canada to New York.” Thomas enjoyed the dimples that graced her cheeks when she smiled.
    “And now you’re an Irish Yankee living in the Deep South.”
    “I can’t imagine a nicer place to live, lass. If it weren’t for you and yer folks, I’d probably be dead on that beach.” He gestured toward the bay. “Thankfully, yer mama and papa are good, God-fearing people with love for their fellow man. They seem to do everything right.”
    “What do you mean?”
    Thomas looked longingly into her violet eyes. “Well, they certainly have raised a mighty wonderful and beautiful daughter.”
    Color rose in Margaret’s cheeks. Her hand went to her throat.
    He’d embarrassed her, and for that, he was sorry.
    She rose from the log. “I really must get in the house. I’m sure Mama will be needing my help soon.”
    “Wait, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause ye any pain.”
    “No, no, it’s all right. I just need to go inside for now.”
    “Please forgive me, lass.”
    “There’s nothing to forgive, Thomas…really. And thank you for sharing with me about your family. I just need time to think through some things.” Margaret walked toward the house.
    There were chores he needed to tend to, but there was something far more important that needed done first. He sat back down on the log and bowed his head. Father God, I know everything Ye do is for a purpose, and I know Yer the one who brought me here. I’m so thankful You’ve given me yet another chance at life and the opportunity to help these fine people with their land. Now, I don’t claim to know everything You’d have me do, Lord, but I do know I’m falling hard for Miss Margaret Logan. I’ve never felt this way about a woman before, and I need Ye to lead me in how I am to proceed with her. Father, if it’d be Yer will, would Ye show me the right way to court this lovely lass? And bless my father and brothers too. In Yer Son’s name…amen.
    Nanny Sue was bleating loud enough to wake the dead.
    “I’m a comin’, girl. I’m a comin’.” Thomas pushed off the log to finish his work.

11
    “OK, it’s time to go now, June.”
    The little girl dramatically let her head flop back, rolled her eyes, and huffed out a long sigh. “Oh, Mama, I just sat down here to play with Jer’miah.” She gestured toward her baby brother.
    He cooed at his sister as he chewed on a wooden block.
    “You’re always wantin’ me to play with Jer’miah so you can get the housework done, and now that I’m finally doing it, you want me to go chasing…”
    “Shhhhhh!” Mama cut off June’s complaint. “Miss Priss, I don’t need any of your backtalk.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” The little girl headed toward the door. “Well, here I go.” She gave Mama an irritated look.
    Margaret couldn’t help but smile at her melodramatic little sister.
    “Thank you, June. Now…off you go.” Mama waved her out the door.
    The screen slammed shut.
    Margaret joined Jeremiah on the floor.
    Mama went to her rocking chair and picked up the mending basket.
    Margaret handed Jeremiah a block he tossed at her. “So…what was that all about?”
    Mama picked a dark blue cotton pinafore from the basket. She held it up. “This fabric is still in good shape. I think with a few alterations I can make it into a nice pair of overalls for Jeremiah.”
    “You didn’t answer my question, Mama.” Margaret held Jeremiah’s little hands and helped him stand.
    Mama rummaged through her box of sewing supplies and removed a pair of scissors. “I don’t think your papa would want his little boy having a layer of lace covering his shoulders. And, Margaret…every single thing that goes on around this house isn’t your business. Understand me?”
    Margaret felt her face grow warm. “Yes, ma’am.”
    After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Jeremiah tottered over to Mama’s chair and laid his head down. “I guess it’s that time, isn’t it, son.” She