Read Online Pink Flamingoed by Steve Demaree - Free Book Online Page B

their faces. Neither had a clue about who or
what they were about to encounter.
    “Excuse me, but are you the ones with the names and
descriptions of some needy families?” Pastor Scott asked.
    “We sure are. If you can buy for an entire family that
would be great, but if you can only buy for one person, we understand. We
accept anything people are willing to give. We only ask that you buy new items
that would mean something to the people on the list. We even have some
suggestions for each person. You don’t need to buy everything listed, just what
you can.”
    “We understand,” Amy interrupted. “But we want to buy
for each family member. We want each one to experience the joy of Christmas.”
    “We appreciate people like you, young lady. Are all of
you together?”
    “We sure are,” Cora interjected.
    “So would you be willing to take a large family, so
each of you can buy for one family member?”
    “No,” Scott said, and the volunteer did her best not
to show her disappointment. When Scott continued, Amy was sorry that she did
not bring her camera so that she could have gotten a picture of the looks on
those two women’s faces.
    “You want how many families?”
    “Well, these two ladies and my wife and kids are with
me, and we’d like a large family, maybe one with several children. And then
let’s see. In addition to that, I think the rest of these people will take a
total of nine more families, so that will be ten in all.”
    “Please tell me you’re not kidding.”
    “We’re not kidding,” everyone shouted in unison, then
burst out in laughter.
    The two volunteers could no longer control themselves.
They took part in a small group hug and then high-fived to see what it was
like. They giggled and shrieked, too.
    “Listen, I’ll step aside and let each person tell you
what they are looking for,” Scott said, trying to calm the ladies just a bit.
    Each person shared in the excitement, not only in
receiving the names and descriptions of his or her “own” family, but each of
their neighbor’s families, too. Once each person received the name and
description of each of his or her family members, the group agreed to disperse
and meet for lunch at 1:00. Of course in the small community of Hopemont, there
was not much disbursement for shopping. Besides, everyone wanted to see money
leave Harry’s hand. Other than what he put in the church collection plate each
week, no one could remember seeing Harry part with any money voluntarily.
     
    +++
     
    Amy stepped into The Printed Page. It was not a large
bookstore, but there were many books and a number of gift items. She took a
quick look around, then approached the clerk behind the counter.
    “Excuse me, but do you have any books by Brad
Forrester?”
    “No, I’m sorry. We had a woman stop in yesterday and
she bought our last two Forrester books. What is it with this guy? We’ve  been
selling his books all along, but now everybody wants them. You’re the third
person to come in today and ask if we carry his books.”
    “Oh, haven’t you heard? Mr. Forrester recently moved
to Hopemont.”
    “Really?” replied the woman. “I must order extra
copies. Have you met him?”
    “Yes, we’re fast becoming friends,” Amy responded
triumphantly.
    “Well, could you ask him to stop in and see me
sometime. I’m Ada Fernwick, the owner. I’d love for him to do a book signing
sometime.”
    “I’ll be happy to tell him. By the way, do you expect
any more of his books before Christmas?”
    “I might get some in before then, but I can’t promise
you anything.”
    “Thanks. I might check back.”
    “I’ll be glad to take your name and number and call
you if any come in.”
    “That would be great!”
    Amy gave Mrs. Fernwick her name and phone number and
left the bookstore, a little disappointed that she was not able to locate any
of Brad’s books, but glad she was able to promote them.
     
    +++
     
    The neighborhood remained devoted to their