Read Online A Hope Springs Christmas by Patricia Davids - Free Book Online Page A

contents. “It’s almost ready. Will you set the table?”
    An alarming amount of clatter followed her request. When she turned around, plates, cups and flatware had been haphazardly set for three places.
    “You don’t want me to eat with you?” she asked sweetly.
    The twins looked at each other. Atlee said, “I reckon that will be okay.”
    “If Levi says it is,” Moses added.
    She arched an eyebrow. “Perhaps one of you should go ask him.”
    Moses elbowed Atlee. “You go.”
    Atlee rubbed his side. “Why me?”
    Folding her arms, Sarah asked, “Does Levi object to company?”
    Atlee started toward the door. “I don’t know. We never have any.”
    How had this family become so isolated in the midst of a generous and caring community? “Surely, your grandfather and your cousins come to visit on Sundays and at the holidays.”
    Atlee shook his head. “We normally go to their homes. It’s more fun and the food is better. Grace isn’t a great cook.”
    Sarah said, “It’s nice to know that Levi enjoys visiting his family.”
    At the door, Atlee said, “Levi never goes if he can help it. He don’t like it when people make fun of him.”
    “Why on earth would your family make fun of Levi?”
    Moses grimaced. “Grace said he used to stutter when he was little. Our cousins and other kids made fun of him back then.”
    Sarah vaguely recalled Levi’s affliction. Was that why he never spoke much? “He doesn’t stutter now.”
    “Now, he doesn’t say much of anything. Our uncle calls him Levi Lockjaw,” Atlee said and went outside.
    Sarah turned back to the stove and resolved to treat Levi with more kindness in the future. She hadn’t realized how much of a loner he’d become after Jonas’s death. Then again, how could she? She had been wrapped up in her own grief and worries, unable to focus on anything but her work.
    The outside door opened a few minutes later. Atlee returned without Levi. “Brother says you may eat here, Sarah. We’re to go ahead. He said he’ll fix something for himself later.”
    “He’s not coming in?” she asked in amazement.
    Atlee shook his head and took a seat at the table.
    Sarah pondered the turn of events as she dished up the meal. Did Levi have that much work to do, or was he simply avoiding her?
    The twins fell upon the food like starving dogs. Sarah barely touched hers. Was her company so distasteful that Levi would rather spend the evening in a cold building instead of at his own table if she were there?
    If that were the case, she would leave. She stood and carried her plate to the sink.
    “Where are you going?” Atlee asked.
    “Home. I’ll see you both tomorrow at church.” She gathered her belongings, grabbed her coat from the hook beside the door and went out.
    Instead of going home, she entered the shop by the back door. Only one overhead lamp had been lit. It cast a soft glow where Levi sat on a stool at his workbench. He had a new hub wheel in a vise and was chiseling out the slots for the spokes. He hadn’t heard her come in so she had a chance to study him as he concentrated on his work.
    What she noticed first about him was his hands. He had sturdy hands, scarred by years of work at his craft, yet he wasn’t clumsy. His movements were sure and deft. His body was relaxed, not tense the way he had carried himself all day.
    She decided not to interrupt him. Before she could slip back out the door, he suddenly stiffened. She realized he’d caught her reflection in the window glass.
    Gathering her courage, she came forward with her icy fingers gripping each other. “I wanted to let you know I was leaving so that you could come in and eat your supper before it grows cold or the twins devour it.”
    “Danki.” He didn’t turn around but kept his back to her.
    She couldn’t leave like this. She didn’t want him angry with her. “I’m sorry, Levi.”
    “For what?”
    She waved her hands in a helpless gesture. “Everything. I’m sorry Grace took