Mountain Homecoming by Sandra Robbins Page A

didn’t, he hurried into the kitchen and followed Simon and Anna down a narrow hallway to the left of the back door. Simon, who’d picked up the oil lamp from the kitchen table, held it high to light their way.
    â€œJohn and I built this addition when Stephen and Rani were born,” Simon was saying. “We built four rooms back here in hopes we’d have a larger family.” His voice cracked on the last words, and he and Anna exchanged quick glances. After a moment he continued. “Anyway, Rani and Stephen each had a room, and Anna uses one for all her herbs and medical supplies. And now Granny has the other one.”
    An awkward silence followed Simon’s words, and Matthew cleared his throat. “I’m sorry I haven’t asked you about your brother and his family. Do they still live in the Cove?”
    Simon nodded. “Yes. Besides my duties at the church, I help John farm the land our parents left us. He and Martha have three children. Annie married and moved to Townsend where her husband got a job. Rachel and Daniel are still at home.”
    Matthew chuckled. “I guess I have a lot of catching up to do. But for now I really appreciate you letting me stay in Stephen’s room.”
    â€œYou’re welcome as long as you need a place,” Simon said. He and Anna came to a stop, and he leaned over and kissed Granny on the cheek. “Goodnight. I hope you have sweet dreams.”
    A soft chuckle rumbled in her throat. She turned and patted Matthew’s arm. “I reckon I will. Having this boy back is some of the best medicine I’ve had in years.”
    Matthew’s eyes burned, but he forced the tears back. He swallowed, leaned forward, and hugged Granny. “This is the best day I’ve had since I lost my ma and Eli.”
    â€œAnd we’s got lots of good times a-comin’. I know the Lord’s gonna bless you, Matthew.”
    â€œHe already has just letting me be here with all of you.”
    She smiled again and hobbled into her room. The light from an oil lamp on a table by her bed sent a soft glow across the room and cast her shadow on the far wall. His heart pricked at her stooped shoulders. Granny had always seemed invincible to him, able to tackle any task and be successful. But the years of hard living in the Cove had taken their toll, and even she wasn’t immune to their effect.
    Anna closed the door and pointed to the room across the hall. “This is where you’ll sleep. Rani’s room is on the other side of Granny’s, and my herb room is next to yours. I think you’ll find everything you need, but let me know if you don’t.” She turned to Simon. “Why don’t you light the lamp on the bedside table for Matthew?”
    Simon nodded, walked into the room, and pulled the chimney from the lamp. Within moments, light filtered across the room. “There you go, Matthew.”
    Matthew glanced through the doorway at the bed covered with a patchwork quilt. He could see some books on a shelf on one wall and a hunting rifle hanging on another. He couldn’t help feeling a little envious of the boy who’d been lucky enough to grow up here. He shook the thought from his head and smiled. “Thank you both for letting me stay in your son’s room. I’ll try not to be a bother while I’m here.”
    Simon waved his hand in dismissal. “You’re always welcome here. It’s like having long-lost family return.” He reached for Anna’s hand and started to walk back to the kitchen, but he paused at the doorway. “I may not see you in the morning. John and I are going to cut wood for the cook stoves. I should be back by noon, but you may be gone by then.”
    Matthew nodded. “I’m going back to my farm in the morning and look things over. I’ve got a lot to do there, and I have to figure out where the best place is to start. After I do, I plan on going back to