Read Online Sarah's Christmas Miracle by Mary Ellis - Free Book Online

said Sarah. “She fears you’ll waste away to skin and bones if we marry.” Sarah blew lightly on the foam of her cocoa.
    The hot chocolate chilled inside his belly, but he couldn’t bring himself to say If we marry, not when we marry? “Let Rebekah worry all she wants. I’m not the least bit concerned.” He reached for her hand, but she was holding both her plate and cup. “I’ve tasted your fried chicken and mashed potatoes—even my mamm makes none better.”
    “My sister says my mashed potatoes have lumps.”
    “Your sister has lumps in her head,” he whispered by her ear, not certain if she’d heard him.
    Her sly grin indicated otherwise. “That’s what I’ve suspected for some time, but Rebekah is a better baker than me. You should taste her cheesecake and buttermilk biscuits.”
    Adam scowled, not wishing to discuss her sister or baking any longer. “Man does not live by food alone. She probably has no gift with kinner , while I watched you with my nieces last Sunday. You were so patient with them, encouraging their ideas instead of doing things for them.” He sipped his drink, ending up with foam on his nose.
    Sarah dabbed his face with her napkin. “Your nieces are little darlings. Being patient with them is hardly a challenge.” She took a bite of sandwich.
    “Even so, you’re a natural with children. After you left, my eldest niece told me how much she liked you.” He took a deep breath before continuing. “I wish your classes would start soon because I can’t wait to make you my wife. You’re going to make a wonderful mother someday, Sarah. And that day couldn’t come soon enough for me.”
    The roaring bonfire, the skaters on the pond, and the woods behind them turned eerily silent after he uttered the words that occupied his every waking thought. Or so it seemed to Adam. He’d finally found the courage to speak the words in his heart, and now it seemed that his entire life hung by a thread in the crisp December air.
    Sarah wasn’t quite so affected by his revelation. “Do you think so? Only time will tell about that.” She rose to her feet and brushed crumbs from her skirt. “You know what? Too bad for the ice on the pond. I’m having another sloppy joe. That sandwich was delicious. And I’ll bring you some Jell-O cubes.” Off she marched to the snack table without a backward glance.
    He might as well have declared his prediction for January snowfall, considering her reaction. Am I beating my head against a door that will never open? He could abide with her reluctance to commit. Becoming an Amish wife meant a lot of work and responsibility, but maybe her hesitancy was with him. Adam tossed his paper plate with the rest of the sandwich into the fire. His appetite had vanished.
    Sarah had a kind heart. Maybe her sensitivity to his feelings kept her from admitting the truth…that she would never marry him.



E IGHT

     
    Thursday Morning
    S arah arrived at work right on time. The inn would be filled with guests staying through the weekend. Englischers came down from Cleveland or up from Columbus to buy handmade quilts, crafts, pottery, and gift baskets for Christmas. Three couples had also arranged for candlelit dinners besides their complimentary breakfast. Mrs. Pratt would keep her busy preparing for tonight’s dinner in addition to their regular duties.
    But that was fine with Sarah. Unlike yesterday’s skating party on the schoolhouse pond, the inn would be warm. Mrs. Pratt would light the fireplace, while bayberry candles and potpourri warmers would add holiday fragrance to the rooms. Sarah had slept under an extra quilt last night. The cold had soaked into her bones and wouldn’t leave, despite Adam’s tender ministrations. The bonfire had helped somewhat, but she would never be a fan of winter sports. She preferred curling up inside with a cup of ginger tea and a good book any day.
    Sarah hung her cloak and outer bonnet on the hook by the door and walked into the