Read Online Elm Creek Quilts [12] The Winding Ways Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini - Free Book Online Page B

weight of hundreds of volumes. Gentle cross breezes cooled the room in summer, and in winter, a fire burning in the large stone fireplace on the south wall kept the library warm and snug. Two armchairs and footstools sat before it, while more chairs and sofas were arranged in a square in the center of the room, awaiting other Elm Creek Quilters who might stop by to discuss camp business or to relax during breaks from the busy classrooms downstairs. Sylvia and Summer worked in the office, too, but everyone saw it as primarily Sarah’s domain, since she spent most of her work days there, handling the camp’s finances, marketing, and operations. Come September, when Summer left for graduate school, Sarah would also take over her curriculum, personnel management, and Internet duties. Sarah doubted she would teach classes anymore, but she didn’t mind that her contribution to Elm Creek Quilts took place mostly behind the scenes. Not teaching gave her a certain flexibility that she knew she would need once the baby came.
    They would have to set up a little play area in the library, with a bouncy seat, a little swing, toys, and a cradle so Sarah could work while the baby slept. She would make a crib quilt for the baby, of course, something cute and simple like a Nine-Patch or Sawtooth Star, in cheerful rainbow colors suitable for either a girl or a boy. If she started in September, after the last week of camp, she would be able to put the last stitch in the binding well before the baby arrived.
    At noon, the hour she had chosen to make the big announcement, it was no small task to get all the Elm Creek Quilters together before they dispersed throughout the banquet hall. On days like this, Sarah regretted Sylvia’s decree that the faculty should dine with a different group of campers every day instead of clustering at their own table. By stationing herself in the foyer and taking her friends aside as they exited the ballroom, she was able to herd them together, although Gwen kept eyeing the buffet table longingly through the open doorway. Summer was the last to arrive; she always lingered until every student’s questions were answered. It was little wonder the campers’ evaluations never failed to list her as a favorite teacher.
    “I’m sure you know what I’m going to say, so I’ll make it quick,” said Sarah when she had gathered her friends around her. “Matt and I are going to have a baby.”
    Sylvia nodded sagely and Agnes clasped her hands together and exclaimed with delight, but the others just stared at her.
    “You’re having a baby?” Gwen echoed. “Now?”
    “Not now, as in today, but yes. I’m having a baby.”
    Summer peered at her. “And…this is good news, right?”
    “Of course it’s good news. It’s great news.” Or at least Sarah had thought so, until that moment.
    Something in her expression must have told her friends that she had expected an entirely different reaction, for they suddenly roused themselves and offered the fond hugs and joyful congratulations more befitting the occasion. “You knew all along,” Sarah teased, hugging each of her friends in turn. “You can drop the act.”
    “I did have my suspicions,” Sylvia admitted, but the others declared that her announcement had come as a complete surprise. Sarah wasn’t sure she believed them.
    “You’re going to make a wonderful mother,” said Judy.
    Tears sprang into Sarah’s eyes. “Thank you.” Until then, she had not realized how much she had wanted someone to reassure her of that.
    “What did your mother say when you told her?” asked Bonnie. “How many years ago was it that she started that crib quilt here at camp? She must be thrilled that you’re making her a grandmother at last.”
    “I’m sure she will be,” said Sarah, “when I tell her.”
    Her friends groaned and exclaimed in dismay.
    “You should have told her first,” Sylvia admonished. “She’s your mother.”
    “And she’s been praying for this