The Christmas Quilt by Patricia Davids Read Free Book Online Page B

these slippery walks. What were you thinking? Where were you going in such a hurry?”
    It wasn’t the first time he’d been chided for his lack of common sense by this woman. He’d missed her occasional scolding as much as he’d missed her tenderhearted sweetness.
    “I was hurrying to save you from walking into some snow-laden branches hanging over the walkway.”
    Her frown changed to the smile he adored. “Bless you for your concern, Booker. I would not enjoy getting a face full of snow.”
    “I didn’t think you would.”
    “Now that I have been warned, I will be fine. Thank you for your concern.”
    “Where are you off to on such a cold day?”
    “To the fabric shop.”
    “I was going that way. Do you mind if I walk along with you?”
    She arched one eyebrow. “You are going to the fabric shop?”
    “I didn’t say I was going to the fabric shop. I said I was going that way. Two different things. If you would rather walk alone I understand.”
    She shook her head and started walking. “I don’t mind the company, but you must promise not to continually try to help me.”
    “Why shouldn’t I offer my help?”
    She swung the cane from side to side, tapped it briefly on the sidewalk in front of her. “Because unless I ask for it, I don’t really need it.”
    “All right, but three steps ahead of you are those low branches.”
    She moved closer to the building. “Am I clear if I walk over here?”
    “Yeah. Are there any other rules I should know?” For a few words his voice came out strong and normal before breaking again. He froze, wondering if she would recognize him now.
    “You should not grab a blind person. It’s rude. You should not shout at someone who is blind because most of us can hear quite well.”
    “Can I ask questions or is that rude, too?” He kept his voice to a whisper. It might be best to stay silent but he didn’t want to give up this opportunity to spend time with her.
    “Questions are okay.”
    “Is it true that your hearing becomes more acute?”
    “No. A blind person’s hearing does not change. We simply pay more attention to what we hear.”
    He glanced down the walkway ahead of them. “I guess that makes sense. How will you know when you have reached the fabric shop?”
    “Because I have been here many times.” She stopped in front of a store called Needles and Pins.
    “You counted your steps.”
    “I often do, but that’s hard when I’m carrying on a conversation.”
    “I don’t understand how you did it, then.”
    “The answer is right under your feet.” She tapped the sidewalk through the layer of snow that hadn’t yet been removed.
    “I still don’t get it.”
    “Listen.” She took a step back and tapped again.
    He listened intently, wanting to learn all that she was willing to teach. She stepped forward and tapped twice more. This time he heard the difference in the sound. Crouching down, he swept the snow aside. “It’s brick, not concrete.”
    Her smile was bright and genuine. “ Ja. Very goot. Thestore has a decorative brick design on the sidewalk in front of it. It makes it easy to find. Thank you for your escort, Booker.”
    “My pleasure,” he whispered.
    She hesitated, then pulled open the door and went inside.
     
    Warmth and the scent of new fabrics surrounded Rebecca as she entered Needles and Pins, but her thoughts stayed with the man outside. His thoughtfulness pleased her. His consideration might be motivated by pity but she didn’t think so. His kindness made her feel special. Made her feel feminine, something she hadn’t experienced in the company of a man for many years.
    “Hello, Rebecca. I’ve been expecting you.”
    Rebecca brushed aside her thoughts about Booker and turned to smile at Sarah Wyse, an Amish widow who worked at the shop. Rebecca wished her good morning in Pennsylvania Dutch. “ Guder mariye, Sarah. How are you?”
    “I’m fine. Everyone is talking about how well your quilt did yesterday. We are so