Read Online Christmas in Sugarcreek by Shelley Shepard Gray - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Shelley Shepard Gray
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trying to think of something to do until it was time to go to the Graber’s store, Ben couldn’t help but reflect on how different his house felt from the Graber family’s home.
On his way home the night before, he kept thinking about what a happy place Judith had come from. He’d been reluctant to leave. Not just because he’d been next to Judith, but because he’d been surrounded by happiness.
Happiness was certainly something that couldn’t be taken for granted.
At least not for him.
Though it was idiotic, he’d even walked into his house last night and imagined it being a real home. Imagined what it would be like to walk in the door with Judith by his side.
Or even better, he let himself daydream about walking into the house after a day out in the fields and seeing her pretty face . . . smiling, because she was waiting for him.
He’d be mortified if she’d ever guessed the things he was thinking. No doubt she’d be scared. Without a doubt, she’d take off running the next time she saw him walking her way.
Now, though, he could only look forward to seeing her for a few more days until Christmas. Then Mr. Graber was going to have more time to work, Judith’s brother Joshua might finally be settled in his new home, the crowds would be gone, and they’d have no need for his help anymore.
Then, as soon as he got an offer on the house, he’d move on.
Looking at the clock above the kitchen sink, he frowned. Seven. He had hours before it was time to go to work. Since he was dressed and had eaten an hour earlier, he walked to his stack of library books and pulled out a new mystery.
Perhaps he could get halfway through it this morning. If he did, he’d have a reason to go back to the library after work.
Anything would be better than sitting here alone with only memories for company. Again.
H e’d waited until a quarter after nine to walk to the store. Along the way he stopped and listened to a quartet of Englischer carolers singing about white Christmases, and even helped himself to a mug of hot cider and a slice of warm gingerbread, fresh out of the oven at the Sugarcreek Inn.
Then, promptly at five minutes to ten, he entered the front of the shop.
“Ben, you are right on time!” Mr. Graber said from his position behind the cash register. Still not looking up, he added, “We are glad to see you, too. Your hands are sorely needed. I don’t know when we’ve ever been so busy.”
“I thought merchants were happy about busy stores,” Ben teased as he strode forward.
“Oh, for sure that is a fact. It’s just that a man can only do so much with two hands, you know?”
“Yes, Mr. Graber. I know.” After looking briefly at Judith, who was back behind the bakery case helping a pair of women pick out iced Christmas cutouts, Ben approached the counter. “Luckily, I have two hands to offer and I’m thankful for the work. What would you like me to do today?”
“There’s much I’d like you to do, but I think all you’re going to have time to do is wait on customers.”
Ben was about to nod and venture closer to a group of Englischers looking at pine candles when Mr. Graber spoke again. “However, son, if you do have time, there’s a slew of boxes in the back that need to be unpacked. Any chance you could do that after the customers leave?”
“Of course.” Again, he stepped away, eager to be of use.
Mr. Graber spoke again. “If you are here late . . . there are lots of boxes that need to be broken down and carried to the Dumpsters. And shelves to be stocked. And deliveries to be made as well.” Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “How late can you stay?”
With effort, Ben kept a straight face. Mr. Graber’s crafty manner amused him. “As long as you need me.”
“Truly?” His eyes lit up.
Ben nodded. After all, there was nothing else for him to do. Besides go to the library.
“Could you stay an hour or two after hours and help Judith restock?”
“Until eight o’clock or
On his way home the night before, he kept thinking about what a happy place Judith had come from. He’d been reluctant to leave. Not just because he’d been next to Judith, but because he’d been surrounded by happiness.
Happiness was certainly something that couldn’t be taken for granted.
At least not for him.
Though it was idiotic, he’d even walked into his house last night and imagined it being a real home. Imagined what it would be like to walk in the door with Judith by his side.
Or even better, he let himself daydream about walking into the house after a day out in the fields and seeing her pretty face . . . smiling, because she was waiting for him.
He’d be mortified if she’d ever guessed the things he was thinking. No doubt she’d be scared. Without a doubt, she’d take off running the next time she saw him walking her way.
Now, though, he could only look forward to seeing her for a few more days until Christmas. Then Mr. Graber was going to have more time to work, Judith’s brother Joshua might finally be settled in his new home, the crowds would be gone, and they’d have no need for his help anymore.
Then, as soon as he got an offer on the house, he’d move on.
Looking at the clock above the kitchen sink, he frowned. Seven. He had hours before it was time to go to work. Since he was dressed and had eaten an hour earlier, he walked to his stack of library books and pulled out a new mystery.
Perhaps he could get halfway through it this morning. If he did, he’d have a reason to go back to the library after work.
Anything would be better than sitting here alone with only memories for company. Again.
H e’d waited until a quarter after nine to walk to the store. Along the way he stopped and listened to a quartet of Englischer carolers singing about white Christmases, and even helped himself to a mug of hot cider and a slice of warm gingerbread, fresh out of the oven at the Sugarcreek Inn.
Then, promptly at five minutes to ten, he entered the front of the shop.
“Ben, you are right on time!” Mr. Graber said from his position behind the cash register. Still not looking up, he added, “We are glad to see you, too. Your hands are sorely needed. I don’t know when we’ve ever been so busy.”
“I thought merchants were happy about busy stores,” Ben teased as he strode forward.
“Oh, for sure that is a fact. It’s just that a man can only do so much with two hands, you know?”
“Yes, Mr. Graber. I know.” After looking briefly at Judith, who was back behind the bakery case helping a pair of women pick out iced Christmas cutouts, Ben approached the counter. “Luckily, I have two hands to offer and I’m thankful for the work. What would you like me to do today?”
“There’s much I’d like you to do, but I think all you’re going to have time to do is wait on customers.”
Ben was about to nod and venture closer to a group of Englischers looking at pine candles when Mr. Graber spoke again. “However, son, if you do have time, there’s a slew of boxes in the back that need to be unpacked. Any chance you could do that after the customers leave?”
“Of course.” Again, he stepped away, eager to be of use.
Mr. Graber spoke again. “If you are here late . . . there are lots of boxes that need to be broken down and carried to the Dumpsters. And shelves to be stocked. And deliveries to be made as well.” Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “How late can you stay?”
With effort, Ben kept a straight face. Mr. Graber’s crafty manner amused him. “As long as you need me.”
“Truly?” His eyes lit up.
Ben nodded. After all, there was nothing else for him to do. Besides go to the library.
“Could you stay an hour or two after hours and help Judith restock?”
“Until eight o’clock or
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