Promises of Mercy(Montana Promises-Book 1) by Vella Day Read Free Book Online Page A

side. Once seated, Bea came over. “What can I get you two?”
    “I’ll have a sweet tea,” Amber said.
    Stone smiled. “I’ll have a coffee, darlin’, but be sure to add a double dose of sugar for me, will ya?”
    “You’re already sweet enough, good looking, but I’ll make sure it’s to your liking.” This time it was Bea who winked before waddling back to the counter.
    Stone turned his attention back to Amber. “I know this might be bad timing on my part, and a little premature, but would you like me to help you with the funeral arrangements? Or will your mom come down and help?”
    Funeral? She blew out a breath. “I haven’t had time to even think about that, but Chris would have wanted to be cremated.” Everyone in the family had the same opinion.
    “There still should be a service.”
    She nodded. “I think Chris would have liked that.”
    He shook his head. “Sorry. That was totally unsympathetic of me to bring that up.”
    “No. I’m glad you asked. I’m not thinking straight.”
    “You’re doing great, but how about we talk about something else.” He sat back and laced his fingers behind his head, looking totally relaxed. “So tell me about your hobbies.”
    “My hobbies?” That actually caused a tiny bubble of laughter to emerge.
    “Yes, hobbies.”
    Talking about something else would be refreshing. “Mmm.” She had to think. “For the first few months after I arrived, I studied all the time. I had planned on going back to school for my masters, but then the job took over my life.”
    She almost didn’t want to fully analyze what her life was like for fear she’d conclude she’d become too much like her mom. “Sad to say, I have about four girlfriends who I meet with on Thursday nights for drinks. Other than that, I don’t do much.” She unwrapped the silverware from the paper holder. “Unless quilting counts.”
    “It sure as hell does count. My Auntie Carol loved quilting bedspreads, place mats, and even pillowcases. Her whole house was filled with her craft stuff. As a kid I loved to visit her.” His smile looked like it came from deep inside. “I always felt like I was at a country fair when I was visiting her.” He lowered his arms and looked as if the mere mention of her name brought peace. “There’s something warm and good about the love and attention to detail that goes into making a quilt.”
    She couldn’t help but stare at him. “Are you sure you’re real?”
    He stilled. “What do you mean?” He looked around. “You think liking quilts isn’t manly?”
    Now he was yanking her chain. Stone Benson was all man. “Sure it is.”
    “Did I fail to mention my Auntie died a week after I turned eleven?” 
    “I’m sorry. She sounded like a wonderful woman.”
    “She was.”
    “What I meant about questioning if you were real was that I’m not used to having a man come to my rescue. On top of that, you like quilts.”
    He delivered a fake scowl. “Just so you don’t get the wrong idea, I’m like every other fireman. I like to party with the boys from the station and do my job the best I can.” He held up a finger. “But you’re crazy if you think you don’t inspire a man to be his best around you.”
    She inspired him? His words almost made her uncomfortable. She didn’t have much money, so there was nothing he could want from her. Amber leaned back in her seat. “You don’t even really know me.” That sounded like she was fishing for a compliment. Hell. Maybe she was.
    Stone cocked a brow. “I don’t know you? I’ve spent years around nurses and doctors, and I can tell which ones care and which ones only do the job for the money.”
    “I can usually tell the difference, too.”
    He leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table. “I’ll give you my take on who Amber Delacroix is as a person.”
    She was surprised he’d taken the time to notice she was someone other than a grief-stricken woman. “Tell me.”
    “I can see you yearn