Ward climbed the steps to the front door of The Summerville Milling Company Store. The same carved, six foot bear still stood beside it holding a sign that read Welcome. The other side would read, Closed. He opened the door and went in. The ringing of the bell over the door alerted the two women working behind the front counter.
“Ward!” one of them shouted, came out from behind the counter, and ran to him, enveloping him in a huge hug.
“Hello, Sarah Anne,” Ward said, returning the hug.
Sarah Anne stepped back and surveyed him. “Well, being in the army sure hasn’t hurt you none. You look fabulous. As handsome as you were when we were in high school.”
She turned to the other young woman standing behind the counter smiling at them.
“Nancy, this is Ward Cartwright, the man I told you abou
