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new hired help how to prepare the land for his farm. |
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Then she went in search of Arlen. As her new brother-in-law mounted his horse for the long ride to his job in town, Abby hurried over to him. "I want to thank you for everything you have done for my family," she said. She squinted up into the sunlight that poured from behind the man who now sat straight in his saddle. |
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Looking down at her, he wrinkled his brow in surprise. "We're all family now, Abby." |
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She smiled. Levelheaded Arlen would help her sister and father get over any renewed grief when she was gone. She watched as he turned his horse onto the dirt road. |
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She found Lucy sitting on a rock near the Danziger wagon. Lucy had acquired several new bolts of material. She was just finishing the sleeve on a new shirt she was sewing for Arlen. |
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"I'm going for a walk," Abby said. "Don't worry if I'm not back for a while." |
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Lucy's small features puckered in worry. "You'll be careful, won't you, Abby? You never know if one of the town ruffians will" |
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"Here? In the very special homestead Arlen has picked for his bride? No one would dare! I'm just after some new medicinal plants." She bent to kiss Lucy's soft cheek and turned away quickly so her sister would not see the tears in her eyes. Then, lifting the hem of her beige skirt, she walked quickly away. |
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She would miss her family, but she believed they would be happy here. And she would find a |
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