Read Online Ties That Bind by Marie Bostwick - Free Book Online Page B

reason. Welcome to New Bern, Reverend. I hope you’ll drop by the quilt shop sometime.”
    â€œI intend to. I’m hoping to make the rounds of all the businesses and meet the merchants after I’m settled in a bit.”
    â€œFine idea. Be sure and drop by the Grill. Some of my staff could do with a dose of religion.” Charlie winked. “Seriously, come by the restaurant for lunch. My treat.”
    â€œI might just take you up on it. Margot says the Grill is the best restaurant in town.”
    â€œIt is,” Charlie said stoutly. “I’ll not deny it.”
    Evelyn gave Charlie an affectionate glance before returning her attention to Philippa. “We’re having an open house at the shop in January to kick off our winter classes. I’d love for you to drop by. It’d give you a chance to meet the teachers and a lot of very nice quilters. Who knows? You might even decide to enroll in a class yourself.”
    Before Philippa could respond, Charlie jumped in. “Come for the food, if nothing else. I’m making basil chicken skewers with peanut dipping sauce, mini-quiche with Gruyère and dill, pea pods stuffed with shrimp, and some of those horrible little cocktail wieners wrapped in bread dough that Evelyn likes so much. What do you call those things?” he asked, turning to her.
    â€œPigs in a blanket,” Evelyn replied, ignoring Charlie’s eye rolling.
    â€œPigs in a blanket.” He made a face. “Terrible. How did I fall in love with a woman who has such plebeian taste in appetizers? Anyway, you should come, Reverend. The chicken skewers alone are worth the price of admission.”
    â€œThank you,” Philippa said. “I’d like to. It sounds like fun.”
    â€œGood!” I said. “It’s the third Tuesday in January. Is that night good for you?”
    Philippa grinned. “At the moment, my dance card is wide open.”
    â€œThat’ll change,” Charlie assured her. “And quickly. New ministers are always in demand. You’ll see.”
    â€œI hope you’re right,” Philippa said. “It feels strange being new in town.”
    By this time, the church was nearly empty; everyone had rushed off to celebrate Christmas with family and friends. It occurred to me that, perhaps, her arrival being so unexpected, no one had thought to invite Philippa over for Christmas.
    â€œPhilippa, I know it’s short notice, but do you have plans for the rest of the day? Why don’t you come over and have dinner at my house?”
    â€œOh,” she said hesitantly, “you’re sweet, but … I should really go home and catch up on some things, finish unpacking. I couldn’t impose on you.”
    â€œDon’t be silly, woman!” Charlie barked, using his traditional rebuke, and then turned red as he remembered whom he was speaking to. “I mean … Reverend … Pardon me. It wouldn’t be an imposition. We’d be honored to have you join us.”
    â€œHe’s right,” I agreed. “We’ve got plenty of food. Virginia, Evelyn’s mother, was supposed to join us, but she came down with a cold. It’s thrown off my whole seating arrangement. You can’t spend Christmas alone.”
    â€œShe’s right,” Charlie agreed. “That won’t do at all. So get your coat and come along. I won’t take no for an answer.”
    Evelyn laughed. “That settles it, Reverend. When Charlie makes up his mind about something, there’s no point in resisting. Charlie is quite irresistible,” she said in a slightly flirtatious tone, taking his arm. Charlie grinned and stood up a bit taller.
    â€œWell, since you put it like that …. Just let me run home to change out of my party frock,” she said, glancing down at her clerical vestments, “and take Clementine for a walk. Can I bring something?” she asked and then laughed.