Read Online A Christmas Bride in Pinecraft by Shelley Shepard Gray - Free Book Online

“This is really gut , Mrs. Kaufmann,” he said before Effie had even placed her napkin in her lap.
    â€œI’m glad you like it, Josiah,” Mamm said with a bright smile. “We’ve got plenty, so be sure to have seconds. I always make too much.”
    â€œDanke.”
    As she sat there sipping tea, Effie noticed that Josiah was fixated on that chili like he’d never had anything so good in ages. A little worried and a bit embarrassed that something so small could make him so happy, Effie snuck a glance at her mother. She was still at the stove, stirring the pot. However, it was clear that Mamm was mighty aware of Josiah’s hunger, too. She kept peeking at Josiah, looking truly concerned. It was the type of expression she wore whenever one of them got a fever. Or when she and Effie were waiting to hear test results at the doctor’s office.
    As if suddenly realizing he was wolfing down the food, Josiah set down his spoon. “Sorry. I’m actin’ like a pig.”
    â€œYou weren’t acting like that at all,” her mother said in her kind way.
    He took a drink of his tea while Effie struggled to say something to ease his concern.
    Luckily, her mother came to the rescue again. Chuckling softly, she said, “Josiah, you’ve been doing me a great favor. I can’t seem to stop cooking for six people, you see. Why, you’dbe doing me a favor if you came here every afternoon, just so I wouldn’t have so many leftovers to store.” She set a fresh piece of corn bread on his plate. “Here you go, dear. This slice is still warm. Eat up.”
    â€œWant some corn bread?” he asked Effie, holding up the plate.
    â€œDanke , nee.” Realizing that she was going to have to say something to take the focus off his food, she blurted, “I think this is going to be the longest month in the world.”
    â€œBecause of the upcoming break?” he asked, taking another bite of chili.
    â€œJah . ” After debating a minute, she added, “And because Jennifer C. came up to me and was being her usual self.”
    Immediately, Josiah’s posture became straighter, more confident. “Effie, you’ve got to stop letting her bother you.”
    â€œShe didn’t bother me.”
    He set his spoon down. “You sure? What did she say today?”
    â€œNothing important.”
    â€œSure?”
    â€œJah.” Because he was still staring at her, she said, “Sometimes I think she’s surprised that you and I are friends.”
    He grinned. Then, to her amazement, he shrugged. “Maybe when she hears that I came home with you she’ll stop being so surprised.”
    She was completely tongue-tied. “Josiah, I promise I won’t tell anyone—”
    â€œYou won’t need to. Everyone saw us leave together.”
    â€œI suppose they did.”
    â€œThat girl,” her mother interrupted as she came back to stand next to them, “is simply mean. She’s a terrible gossip, too.”
    â€œMamm, you shouldn’t talk like that!” Effie protested. Her cheeks heated when Josiah raised his brows. No doubt he was thinking that she was one to talk. Here Effie was, gossiping about Jennifer.
    Mamm picked up Josiah’s bowl, took it to the stove, and ladled a second helping into it. “I’m not going to pretend she’s nicer than she is, Effie,” she said as she placed the bowl in front of him.
    Effie bit her bottom lip. This was awful. Beyond awful.
    A few minutes later, her mother spoke up again. “Josiah, I am sure you have a lot to do, but would you mind coming home with Effie once or twice a week?”
    She. Could. Not. Believe. This. Was. Happening. “Mamm!”
    Ignoring her protest, her mother continued. “Now that Effie is moving better, she could probably handle walking from the bus stop.”
    â€œHer legs are that strong?” Josiah asked.
    â€œI believe so.