Spring for Susannah Quotes

“God hears your every thought, whether you dress it up with 'Thee' and 'Thou' or not.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Last winter I tried to talk Jesse into leaving. Not anymore. I've grown to cherish the freedom, the openness of this land, the wall I plastered, the trees I planted. I can see God using me. Homesteading, building a community with people I care about...”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“The stove door squeaked. A log thudded onto the coals. Nightshirt flapping around his long johns, Magnar approached the bed and motioned her to the window. “Come.” “I’m in my nightgown,” she whispered. If he wasn’t careful, he’d wake his nieces with his unseemly behavior. “Come.” “Well, all right, you saw it this morning.” She sidestepped around the trundle bed. He exhaled on the middle pane and wiped it with his cuff. She didn’t have to look; the glow of the night told the story. The snows had begun. “Su-sah-nah stay.” He smiled.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“It’s not polite to stare. Please stop.” “Never.” Jesse sat in his usual position on the trunk, chin in palm, watching her flip pancakes in the iron skillet. “Then let’s have it out right now.” Plopping onto the stool, Susannah returned his stare. Sunlight echoed off the snow outside and the newly plastered wall, lighting the green and gold sparks in his brown eyes. “Your pancakes are burning, Mrs. Mason,” he said without blinking. “That’s your breakfast, Mr. Mason.” Lunging across the table, Jesse kissed her on the nose. “Ha! You blinked!” “No fair.” Susannah loaded his plate, burnt side up. “Fair or foul, I must have my morning kiss.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“From your first day here, from your first letter to me, I felt you fighting that cage. I’d catch a glimpse of who you really are when you talked to Jake, when you delivered the calves. So I worked at the cage door trying to set you free. Yes, I want you. I want to see you fly, to fly with you if you’ll let me.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Magnar wants to start a livery in Worthington. Horses and oxen. Your animal doctoring would be a big help to him.” Susannah had felt the young man’s blue eyes watching her all morning. She met his gaze. “Good idea. Homesteaders arriving by train will need teams. This is excellent grazing land. Your biggest problem will be keeping your stock from running off. Picketing takes time and fencing takes money.” “See. You know the business. You would be a big help to him. Teach him English too. You could live out here or build a house in town. Norwegians are good people. Dependable, treat their women well—” The Reverend cleared his throat. “I’ve asked Mrs. Mason for her hand.” Blood seemed to pound in her ears, but it was only Ivar pounding the table. “But Magnar wants to marry her!”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Magnar arranged the Hansen children around Susannah. What was he up to? And could she stop him from making a scene? “Look!” Erik held up a pair of boots made of fur the color of clover honey. “For teacher!” “From the cougar!” “Try them on!” Magnar knelt by the bench, unlaced her worn black boots, and slid the new ones on. He tied the royal blue braiding just below her knees. Susannah pressed her petticoats down in a futile attempt to maintain modesty. “Doesn’t this remind you of Cinderella and the prince, Reverend?” Betsy asked. “Will Susannah turn into a princess?” “A Norwegian,” Ivar suggested with a sly grin. “A woman with warm feet,” Susannah corrected, although how much warmth came from the soft rabbit-fur lining and how much from Magnar’s attention, she could not say. “Takk. Thank you for this most wonderful gift.” Magnar, still kneeling at her feet, whispered something, but his words were lost in the chatter of the children.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“I made a commitment before God, Jesse. You’re my husband. I wouldn’t leave you. I love you.” At last he looked up. “What did you say?” “I love you.” He pushed his ear forward. The corner of his mouth lifted. “Having a little trouble with my hearing.” Heart soaring, she yelled, “I love you!” “Well, why didn’t you say so?”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Removing the shotgun from its rack, Susannah settled the butt into her right shoulder and braced her feet. Swinging just ahead of the flock, she squeezed the trigger. A duck dropped into the yard. Jake barked in approval. Jesse burst from behind the apple tree. “You scared the you-know-what out of me, woman!” “I’m sorry.” She pointed. “I thought you might like duck for dinner.” Jesse ran his thumb along her right collarbone and slipped her nightgown off her shoulder. “No bruise. Not even a red mark. You know how to handle a gun. What else haven’t you told me?”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Like you, chipping away at your shell. I know you’re in there. I saw you deliver the calves and stand up to the threshing driver. I felt your body answer mine when we joined together. All of that is you, the you I love, the you I want. It’s time for you to break out.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Reveille echoed in the first light of dawn. Susannah opened one eye to see Jesse blowing on a bugle formed with his two fists. She pulled the covers over her head and rolled into a ball. “None of that, slugabed.” He lifted the quilts from her legs. Air chilled by yesterday’s storm hit her feet and she squeaked. He yanked the covers off. “Atten’hut!” She glared at him. “What rank did you attain?” “Oh, I’ve held a number of ranks. Busted out of a few too. This morning I’m your sergeant. Fall in!” He saluted her, then pulled her into his arms. “Soldiers aren’t this beautiful to roust. Men look their worst in the morning, a night’s growth of beard scabbing their faces, hair sticking up like rabid porcupines.” Susannah snuggled into the curve of his arm. “That so?” “Whereas women look all soft and lazy in the morning. Especially lazy.” He set her upright. “Private Mason, you have stable duty this morning.” Susannah groaned. “I liked you better when your orders were for bed rest.” “Maybe later.” He patted her backside. “Now I’ll show you why our door opens inward.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Our house is clean, and there’re your trunks, but nothing else of you here. You need to leave a mark, besides the one you’ve left on my heart.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Loosen your waistbands! Knit booties! And little hats!” He pulled her into his arms for a big kiss. “Are you going to act like this the whole time?” He grinned. “Nope. I’ll probably get worse.” “That’s what I’m afraid of.” She returned his smile and pushed him out the door.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“You look like a Cheshire cat.” “Welcome to Wonderland, Alice. Have a cracker.” Susannah rolled upright. “Since when are crackers the cure for the grippe?” “It’s not the flu.” Jesse could contain himself no longer. He tossed the almanac in the air. “We’re going to have a baby!” “What? A baby?” Jesse plopped on the bed and scooped her into his lap. “Sleeping a lot, cranky stomach, no poorlies this month. All points to the same thing: hit the bull’s-eye on the first shot! Hallelujah!” Jesse danced a jig around the room and bumped his head on a rafter. “How did you know?” “A large family is a schoolhouse for life. Eat up, Ma.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“I’ll never be getting married if I cannot talk nice around women. Jesse, yours is ever’ bit as bonny as Ivar’s. In fact, had I seen her before you, she’d be Mrs. McFadgen now. How’d you slip her by?”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Someday, Susannah, you’re going to trust me, you’re going to want me to touch you. Hope I live long enough.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“I thought I should write to Ellen.” The cut glass inkwell sparkled in the lantern’s light as she stirred the dark powder and water together. “But I can’t think what to say.” “Thank her for sending you to this handsome husband who waits on you hand and foot and lives in a mansion with running water and a scenic view.” “She’d think I’d disembarked at the wrong station.” “I’m not handsome?” He leaned over her shoulder. “You’re dripping.” She blotted the paper with her sleeve, then shot a glance up at him. Yes, he’d put on his nightshirt.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Jesse turned and stopped. Susannah dipped her head and motioned for him to continue walking. Too late. He’d noticed her tears. He set down the lunch basket and guitar and opened his arms. Closing her eyes, she steeled herself for his touch. One hand rubbed her back, the other pushed her hat off and guided her head to his shoulder. “Go ahead, cry it all out.” He kissed the top of her head. The wind wrapped her skirt around his legs. She gulped. “I’m sorry. I’m not usually like this.” “You’re upset because Marta doesn’t speak English.” This man. Could he read her thoughts? He continued, “Ivar learned pretty quick. We got along fine. So will you and Marta.” She nodded. “Foolish of me to assume she’d already know.” “Guess you’ve missed Ellen.” His warm fingers rubbed a knot in her neck. “Know what Dakota means? It’s Sioux for ‘friend.’ All this week I’ve talked until my throat’s sore, but you’ve hardly said a word. I’ll be your friend, if you’ll talk to me.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Jesse carried on a deep conversation with the baby in his arms. Marta smiled. “Is good man.” At the sound of her voice, he turned. “Sara really listens, like she knows what you’re talking about.” Ivar rose on one elbow, rubbing his face. “You will half one of your own soon, then you’ll see how much work it is.” “I’m looking forward to it.” Jesse winked at Susannah and passed the baby back to Marta.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“You’re hurting. Lie on your stomach and I’ll rub your back.” He tried to look innocent, businesslike. The attempt was only partially successful. She eased upright. “I’ll be fine once I get moving.” “You should have soaked in the tub longer.” Jesse clamped a warm hand on her shoulder, kneading the base of her neck, loosening each knot of pain. It felt entirely too good. “Where are you going? I’m not done yet.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Guess I need to back off, give you more time. Will you think about what road we should take?” She nodded. “I’ll bring in the tub. Want me to scrub your back?” Her midriff quivered. “No, thank you.” One finger moved to the top hook of her bodice. “Or help you undress?” She backed away. “I believe I hear your oxen calling you.” Jesse sighed. “Some other time.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“If you’ll let go, I’ll fix you a hot breakfast to make up for last night’s supper.” “Breakfast isn’t what I’m hungry for, Miss Susannah.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“I know what it’s like to be afraid. Susannah, we’re on the same side, you and me.” She tried to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. “If someone hurt you, if you tell me, then I won’t do the wrong thing, and we’ll be easier with each other.” “I’m fine.” “I thought it might not be so difficult to talk out here in the dark.” He paused for three long breaths. “Guess not.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“His silhouette blocked the starlight. She turned her head and a sticky kiss landed below her ear. She tried to relax, but her arms wouldn’t move from their defensive position on his shirtfront. His next kiss grazed her cheek. “Jesse.” “You remembered my name.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“You should have slept in the bed last night.” He tipped her straw hat and planted a kiss on her forehead. “Married men don’t sleep alone.” Then he sauntered across the field, whistling “Buffalo Gals.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Did the two of you talk about it?” “There was nothing to talk about. Nothing happened.” “And ‘nothing’ makes you jump every time I get near you.” He tipped his bowl, mopping up with a biscuit. “You know he can’t find you here. I’ll keep you safe.” “It’s not a problem.” “Well then, what is? I’ve promised never to hurt you. I’ve promised not to go in debt. I’ll build you a decent house soon as I can pay cash. I’ll get a haircut the minute there’s a barber within a hundred miles.” His thumb slid under the cuff of her sleeve. “Say, you’re not pining away for some poor soldier who didn’t make it back from the War, are you? My older brother’s sweetheart moped around for two years. They weren’t even engaged. Or maybe there’s someone else you’d rather marry, maybe someone who didn’t ask in time.” “There’s no one.” “So what is the problem? Are you homesick? Miss your folks? Just tell me what’s got you so fidgety, and I’ll fix it.” “It’s nothing.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“I hope Reverend Mason can raise enough from the sale of the house to clear the debt. I didn’t bring a dowry—” “You brought yourself. Don’t need anything more.” He put his hand over hers. “I’m taking care of you now.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Stop apologizing. I’m glad I know. Explains why you’re so skittish.” He exhaled heavily. “Susannah, you’re my wife. God put you in my care. I would never hurt you. And I’m not going to rush you into something you don’t want. You let me know when you’re ready.” Was he offering a reprieve or looking for a way to send her back? She pulled in a breath. “Best just get it over with.” “Susannah, Susannah.” His words came out soft and slow. “It’s not a tooth-pulling.” “There’s only one bed.” “I’ll build you a fence.” He made a barrier with a quilt, then steered her to the bed. “Get some sleep now,” he whispered.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Water’s still warm. I’ll take one too.” “I’ll wait outside.” “No. Your wet hair will call all the mosquitoes in the territory.” He shut the door, closing off her escape. “Susannah, I’m your husband,” he said in a low voice. The lamp flame cast deep shadows on the planes of his face. He unbuttoned his shirt.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah

“Wait.” He held up a palm. “We may not live in a castle, but I’ll treat my bride like a queen.” He put an arm under her legs and another around her back. Before she could figure out what to do, he lifted her off the seat and carried her inside. “Welcome home.”
― Catherine Richmond, Spring for Susannah