Seasons of Sugarcreek 03. Autumn's Promise by Shelley Shepard Gray

mother had seen no reason for the others to take it on, even though all of them knew the hens had a special dislike for him.
    The feeling was mutual. Three of the hens were so ornery, he continually hoped he’d be eating them for dinner. “Now what are you upset about?”
    His mamm ’s already thunderous expression turned darker. “That tone is unnecessary. You best take care with how you talk to me, son.”
    Well, he didn’t appreciate her tone, either. No one liked getting yelled at the minute they walked in the door. “I would take care, if I was even sure what to say.”
    “What is that supposed to mean?”
    “It means I’m not even sure how to talk to you anymore. You find fault with everything I say and do.”
    “That is not true.” She pointed to a spot not a full foot from where she stood. “And come closer, Caleb. I don’t care to yell at you across the room.”
    Though that had been exactly what she’d been doing, he complied. Almost. He stepped into the always clean kitchen but not nearly as close as she’d indicated. “Mother, what specifically is wrong?”
    “Specifically?” She scowled. “What is wrong is that you promised your father and me that you would chop wood this morning and then deliver it to the store. You have not.”
    Guilt passed over him, hot and stark. She was right. He’d completely forgotten to chop wood. He’d gotten hung up in the barn, cleaning up the stalls and watering the horses. And then he’d realized that Anson had not filled the grain and oat bins for the chickens like he’d been told to.
    Which had led Caleb to inspecting the other animals’ cages and discovering other places of neglect. Caleb was more than ready to wring his little brother’s neck…but not so prepared to tell on him. Joshua had rarely told on him when he still lived at home and Caleb had always appreciated that.
    “I’ll go chop the wood now.”
    “Gut.” She turned away and picked up a handful of vegetables from the sink without another word. And though Caleb was hungry enough to snatch that carrot she was chopping, he turned away and left again.
    Two hours later, sweaty and practically starving, he drove the wagon to the store and stacked wood. Joshua was helping a customer, but nodded his thanks.
    Then, before Anson showed up or his father caught sight of him, Caleb walked down to Mrs. Miller’s home. He needed a break from his family so badly he could taste it.
    Only after knocking on the door did Caleb look at himself. He was covered in wood chips and dirt. His hands needed a good scrub, and he most likely smelled, too. He shouldn’t have rushed to the woman’s house without so much as washing his hands.
    He was just about to turn around when Mrs. Miller opened the door.
    Instead of looking put out by his mess, she stepped backward. “Caleb, what a nice surprise! Come in.”
    Conscious of his dirty boots, he hesitated. “Maybe I shouldn’t…”
    “Why not?” Looking him over with concern, she murmured, “What’s wrong? Are you all right?”
    “I’m fine. But I just realized the state I’m in.” Now even more embarrassed about his appearance, he mumbled, “I’ve been doing chores all morning, but didn’t realize I look the worse for it. I, um, shouldn’t have come over like this.”
    “You don’t look so bad.” A trio of lines formed around her eyes as she looked him over. “Just in need of a wipe down, maybe.”
    “Yes. I’ll go do that.”
    “You can get cleaned up here. And, Caleb, what is it that you need?”
    “I was hoping that maybe you could spare me some time.”
    To his profound relief, she chuckled. “I have lots of time for you, always. That is, if you don’t mind watching me can for a bit. I’ve been making applesauce all day.”
    “I don’t mind.” He followed her into her kitchen, wondering what it was about this woman’s home that calmed him. His sister-in-law Gretta often said that she couldn’t think of a better home than the