Mountain Homecoming by Sandra Robbins

anymore. He and his pa raise some of the best corn in the Cove.”
    George nodded. “I reckon we do all right.”
    â€œDid I hear someone come in?” Anna’s voice drifted into the room before she stepped through the door. Her eyes grew wide, and a smile pulled at her mouth when she spotted George. “I thought you’d be over at Ted and Josie’s tonight helping them get ready to leave in the morning.”
    He shook his head. “Already done that and said my goodbyes. I just wish they weren’t goin’. But you know Ted. He’s always been independent. Wouldn’t farm with Pa and me. Had to try on his own. When he couldn’t make it, he decided to go to Townsend. Ma sure hates to see them leave. Especially now that they have the baby.”
    Anna walked over to George and hugged him. “Well, we’re glad you’re staying right here in the Cove.” She turned to Matthew, her arm around George’s waist. “Matthew, George was the first baby I helped Granny deliver when I came to the Cove. He’s always been my special one.”
    George glanced down at Anna, and the love he had for her shown in his eyes. Matthew knew how George must feel. He’d felt that way since childhood too. He was about to say so when another voice interrupted.
    â€œGeorge? What are you doing here tonight?”
    Matthew glanced around to see Rani standing in the kitchen door. A dishtowel dangled from her hands. The look George had flashed at Anna intensified as he stared at Rani. “I thought I’d come by and set for a spell.”
    The meaning behind his words hit Matthew like a brick. The real meaning of George’s visit wasn’t to visit with Simon and Anna. He was here to see Rani. He had come to court her.
    Matthew clenched his fists at his side and bit down on his lip. Suddenly he felt like an outsider. He’d been gone for years and knew nothing about what had happened in the Cove during his absence. People had lived and died here. Those he’d known had married and had babies that were now grown. He’d missed being a part of life in the Cove. So why did he care that a young man had come to court a woman he hadn’t even known existed until today? He might not understand why it bothered him, but he knew it did.
    As he stared at her a slight flush colored Rani’s cheeks, and she darted a quick glance in his direction. Before he could say anything, Anna motioned to Simon. “Come help me finish the dishes so Rani can visit with George.”
    Granny reached for her cane and grasped the handle. “And I reckon it’s time I was a-gettin’ to bed.” Anna and Simon helped Granny to her feet and held to her for a moment as she struggled to get her balance. When she’d steadied herself, she smiled at George. “It’s good to see you, boy. Tell your folks hello for me.”
    He nodded. “I’ll do it, Granny.”
    Anna glanced over her shoulder at Matthew as she and Simon led Granny toward the kitchen. “Come with us, Matthew. I’ll show you to Stephen’s room. It’s in the addition Simon built on the back of the cabin.”
    Matthew nodded and glanced at George. “It was good meeting you, George. I hope I’ll see you again soon.”
    George grinned again, and Matthew was struck by the young man’s friendly manner. “Me too. If’n you need any help a-gettin’ your cabin and barn rebuilt, let me and Pa know. We’d be glad to give you a hand.”
    â€œThanks. I’ll remember that.” He turned and followed Simon and Anna. Rani had stepped into the room and stood next to the kitchen door. As he approached she backed away, her hands clasped behind her back, and stared at the floor. He stopped beside her. “Goodnight, Rani.”
    â€œGoodnight, Matthew.” Her icy words sent a chill down his spine.
    He’d hoped she’d say something else. When she