“A nearby inn.”
Meryl frowned. “That's too bad. Seems you ought to go some place special and romantic.”
“We don't need anything out of the ordinary for it to be special,” Luke said, his eyes teasing. He hugged Mattie.
Meryl glanced at Barry, then turned her gaze to the window. “I guess you might say this place is romantic. To tell you the truth, I've never seen anything quite like it. I remember reading a book years ago, when I was very young, that described a land of mounds and mounds of snow and everything covered in ice crystals. I used to dream of visiting a place like that. And...well, here I am. Actually, this farm reminds me of one of those little glass globes with the scenes in them. You know, the kind you shake and snow swirls around?”
“I love those,” Susie said.
Barry set his empty plate on the coffee table and casually draped an arm around Meryl's shoulders. “This is a great place. I'd almost consider moving here, but I don't think my family would like it. My mother and grandmother would definitely be unhappy if I moved so far from home.”
“It suits us,” Luke said. “I've managed to save up a little and figure if all goes well, we'll be building a house on our own piece of land come spring. Hope you'll make a trip back for a visit, maybe bring your family. You never know, they might like it and decide to stay.”
“I doubt that. My family's been part of Oregon too long. It's in their blood—mine too.”
Meryl leaned against Barry's arm. “Oregon.” The word tripped from her mouth like a song. “I've never been there, but I've heard it's beautiful.”
“It's got a little bit of everything—forests, farms, and mountains, and if you don't mind a few hours drive, you can even sink your feet into the sand at an ocean beach.”
“Sounds almost perfect.”
“Come and visit. You're always welcome at our place.”
“I just might do that. Is there shopping nearby?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Some. Not what you're used to, though, I'm sure. People don't usually come to Oregon for the shopping.”
Meryl settled her eyes on Mattie. “Well, I suppose now that I've lost my roommate I should visit some new locations. Oregon's just as good a place to start as any.”
Mattie knew Meryl; it wouldn't be long before she headed off to Salem. She and Barry had hit it off right away. Maybe something would come of it. She hoped so. She liked them both.
The little apartment in Seattle would be empty. Mattie wondered if there was any chance of convincing Luke to move. They still hadn't discussed where they should live, but it seemed clear he was set on Palmer. She studied her husband. He was full of dreams, dreams she didn't share. She would probably never see Seattle again.
Chapter 26
MATTIE STIRRED A TONIC INTO A CUP OF HOT TEA.
“Whatcha doing?” Luke asked, coming up behind her and peering over her shoulder.
“Making a remedy for my grandmother.” Mattie glanced at Atuska, who was in her usual place on the sofa. “She's hurting a lot today,” she said quietly.
“What is that stuff?”
She screwed a lid back on one of the jars and set it on a shelf with an assortment of other healing agents. “I added a mixture of willow bark and cow parsnip to her tea. It eases the pain.”
“I'm impressed at how much you know.”
“It's nothing.” Mattie turned and faced Luke. “My mother and grandmother have been teaching me about remedies since I was a little girl. There are lots of natural medicines. You don't have to go to the doctor for everything.”
Luke kissed her. “You're amazing.” He studied the assortment of jars on the shelf. “How do you remember what's what and when to use it?”
“It takes practice, and I've had many years to learn.” She lifted a jar and turned it around so Luke could see its label. “Plus, everything's marked.” She grinned.
Luke pulled Mattie close. “I think it's wonderful the way you take care of your grandmother. She's lucky to have you.”
“I'm lucky to have her. She's always been good to me.” Mattie's eyes rested on the old woman. “I wish no one had to die. I don't know what I'll do when she's gone.”
“I know. It still hurts when I think about my father.” He stroked Mattie's back and kissed her, then with a playful smile said, “I'm glad you have a good heart. One day I'll be old and need you to nurse me.”
“And what about me?”
“Well, you'll have our daughter to look after you. She'll know all about these concoctions, just like you.”
Mattie felt a twinge of unease. She hadn't planned on teaching her children the old ways. She intended to live somewhere else, where they wouldn't need to know. She glanced at her grandmother. Now that she was fading, Mattie had to admit to feeling pulled by all the old woman had taught her about the land and her ancestors. Somehow it seemed dishonorable not to hand down what she'd learned. If her grandmother knew of her plans, she would be hurt. Atuska had always treasured the old ways and had considered it her obligation to pass them on. Now, Mattie was considering cutting off that link.
She turned and gave the drink another quick stir, then set the spoon on the drain board. Carrying it into the front room, she kneeled beside the sofa. “Here, Grandmother. This will help.”
Atuska blinked and struggled to focus on her granddaughter. Pushing herself upright, she took the cup and sipped. “Thank you. You're a good granddaughter.” She smiled, her eyes looking like upside-down smiles. She took another drink. “This will make my aching bones forget how they feel for a while.” Returning the glass to the table, she rested her hand on Mattie's arm. “You're good to me.” Her expression turned sad. “I think I will miss you most of all.”
“Please don't talk like that.” Mattie pulled the woman's shawl around her shoulders. “You aren't going anywhere for a while.”
“Oh, yes I will go...when it is my time. Sometimes I think I can hear the voice of my mother calling to me when I sleep, and it is still. I like it. I remember when I was a little girl and needed my mommy. She was always there.” Her lips compressed, then turned softly upward. “Many wait for me, and it is my wish to go.” She rested a withered hand on Mattie's cheek. “When it is time, I will leave here. Eternity waits...for every person.”
Mattie knew her grandmother was right, but she didn't want to think about it. While her grandmother was rejoicing in heaven, she would still be here, missing her.
Atuska plumped a pillow and settled against it. Her face was wistful. “Sometimes I think of the place where I grew up and wish I could go there just once more. It was beautiful.”
“Where was that?” Luke asked, sitting on a chair beside the sofa.
