A Measure of Mercy (Home to Blessing Series #1)
"Let's go get some ice cream." Sophie took Astrid's arm.      "What's the rush?"      "There's someone here I want you to see."      Astrid clutched the top of her head. "I'm wearing my work clothes and don't have a hat. I can't meet anyone." She dug in her heels so that Sophie had to let go.      "You look just fine." Sophie grabbed her hand again.      Letting Sophie have her way was a lesson Astrid learned when they were little girls. Why try to change years-long patterns? She let Sophie pull her along, no longer resisting but not making it easy either.      As they neared the Blessing Soda Shoppe she heard laughter, a man laughing but not a laugh she recognized. The female laughing was Rebecca. She grabbed a post to the overhanging porch roof and jerked Sophie to a stop. "Who is it?"      "You'll see."      "I am not going one step further until you tell me."      Sophie glared at her. "This is my treat. Come on."      "Sophie!"      "This is someone you met several years ago. Now he has come back to town, and I think you should welcome him."      Astrid tried to turn and head back the direction she came, but Sophie caught her arm.      "Please. Just say hello and--"      "Well, hello." The timbre in his voice had not changed. Neither had his flashing dark eyes or the smile that wrapped itself around her heart and gave a tug...--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.