The Christmas Vow by Shanna Hatfield Read Free Book Online Page B

something Toby would enjoy. Irritated that Tia and her son continued to infiltrate his thoughts, Adam set the book down and looked at a selection of rope. He stared at a display of fabrics, focusing on a bolt of soft peach velvet that would set off Tia’s complexion and hair.
    Angrily growling to himself, he marched back to the counter as Aleta tied a red ribbon around his gift.
    “Here you go, Adam. Is there anything else you need?” Adam purchased a small sack of peppermints along with the gloves and picture frame, stuffing everything inside his coat pockets.
    “Thank you, Aleta. Your store is always a place I enjoy visiting when I’m in town.” Adam would have tipped his hat to her, if he’d remembered to put it on before leaving Arlan’s house. Instead, he smiled and started to open the door.
    “You know you’re welcome anytime, Adam. Don’t be a stranger,” Aleta said. She glanced down at a box on the counter then turned back to him with a sly grin. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to make a delivery for me? It’s right here in town.”
    “I’d be happy to help out. What do you need me to deliver?” Adam returned to the counter.
    “Just this box.” Aleta tapped her hand on the edge of a large wooden box filled with flour, sugar, spices, a tin of tea, and a few cans of peaches.
    “I’ll take it right now. I’m meeting Arlan for lunch, but I’ve got time to deliver this. Where does it need to go?”
    “To Mrs. Devereux’s house. You do know where she lives, don’t you?”
    Adam clenched his jaw. “Yes. I know.”
    “Wonderful. Tia was supposed to stop back in earlier this morning to pick this up, but she must have forgotten or had something arise that kept her from returning. Please let her know she can pay for her purchases the next time she stops by.” Aleta offered Adam a reassuring smile.
    Not only was the storekeeper a friendly gossip, she was also a scheming, conniving matchmaker in the making.
    He’d have no part of it. None at all.
    “On second thought, maybe I better get on over to the bank. Arlan might be ready to go and…”
    Aleta bustled around the counter and opened the door then proceeded to give Adam a nudge outside. “Go on. It will just take a moment to drop off that box for Tia. It’s practically on the way to the bank, anyway. And I do so appreciate your assistance, Adam. You and Arlan always were such nice boys. Why your mother used to…”
    Adam rolled his eyes and strode outside. “Goodbye, Aleta.”
    “Bye, Adam.” She waved at him. “Thanks again.”
    Peeved, Adam walked to the end of the block then around a corner and down a few blocks until he reached the old Meyer place. Recently painted, the house looked clean and fresh, but the roof appeared as though it could use a few repairs before a windstorm loosened several shingles.
    He stepped onto the porch and opened the screen door. With his fist, he tapped on the wooden door.
    The door swung open almost instantly and he gazed down into the happy face of Toby Devereux.
    “Hi, Mr. Adam! Did you come to visit us?” Toby stepped back so Adam could enter.
    Before he answered, Tia breezed into the entry, wiping her hands on an apron. “Toby, did I hear you talking to… Oh, Adam. What are you doing here?”
    “Aleta Bruner said you forgot to pick up some things this morning. She mentioned you could settle the bill the next time you stop by the mercantile.” Adam held out the box in front of him, eager to set it down and be on his way. The longer he lingered in Tia’s presence, the harder it was for him to resist the temptation to taste those sweet lips.
    Tia blushed. It painted a rosy hue on her cheeks, causing an insane desire in Adam to kiss each one.
    “I completely forgot about going back to the mercantile. I’m so sorry she asked you to bring this over. It could have waited until George returned this afternoon.” Tia started to take the box from Adam but he held onto it.
    “It’s heavy, Queenie.