Read Online Twice Blessed by Jo Ann Ferguson - Free Book Online

Emma’s answer, Noah glanced at Belinda, who was perched on the sofa, a three-colored calico cat curled up against her. Her head was bobbing as she fought to stay awake. He did not want to chance her hearing what he had to say, even when she was half asleep.
    Beside her, Sean O’Dell was curled up, asleep. Noah sighed. Apparently Emma had tamed the wild youngster already. He hoped so. Belinda did not need to be learning anything from one of those kids who had been placed out around the village.
    Looking back at Belinda, he resisted the temptation to take one of the embroidered pillows and set it behind her. It was not easy being both mother and father to this child, because she kept him on his toes with her many questions and her delightful insights into the commonplace. Although she had been in his life so few years, he could not imagine what his days would be like without her in them to fill each one with joy.
    â€œAlone?” Emma asked.
    At the edge to her question, he turned back to Emma. He could not blame her for getting the wrong impression. Their last meeting had not been under the best of circumstances. He had to admit he had not gotten the wrong impression about her. He smiled as he noted how tightly she held the blanket closed around her. Too late, he wanted to tell her, for the image of her in that light pink nightdress that matched the color in her cheeks was seared into his mind. With her tawny hair curling around her neck and cascading in a golden river down her back, she looked like an angel, even as she put the most devilish thoughts into his mind. He wanted to reassure her he had not used a wounded dog and a heartsick child as a way to get into a lady’s house so he could ravish her.
    But damn, she was ravishing!
    â€œNoah?”
    The impatience in her voice freed him from the fantasy that, if she had guessed what he was thinking, would have gained him a well-deserved slap. “Yes, Emma.” He cleared his throat. “May we speak privately?”
    â€œI have coffee left over from supper in the kitchen. It should still be hot. If not, I’ll put some more water on.”
    As well as every light , he thought as he nodded and followed her out into the small room beyond where the dog slept in front of the stove. She was showing good sense. Something he should have as well, although it would be so much easier to be sensible if she were not still draped in that blanket which brought out the green in her eyes and the warm flush of her lips.
    â€œPlease sit down,” she said as she took the pot off the warming shelf on the large black stove. It nearly filled the small room.
    Open shelves overflowing with boxes and dishes were set on all the walls except by the stove and where the window over a dry sink offered a view of the rain. He noticed no two plates on the shelves were the same color and wondered how she had amassed such an odd collection. A door was almost hidden in the shadows. He noticed it only because the wind rattled it. With the lantern overhead cascading light down upon the bright yellow oilcloth on the table, it was a cozy room.
    Noah pulled out one of the chairs and frowned as it wobbled. “Is it the floor or the chair that’s uneven?”
    She smiled. “I suspect both are.” Her smile vanished when he tipped up the chair to examine it. “What are you doing?”
    â€œThis chair has a loose rung. A bit of glue and a couple of small nails will make it steady again.”
    â€œYou sound as if you know quite a bit about chairs.”
    Turning the chair upright, he sat on it cautiously. It would hold him … for now. “I need to know more than a bit about chairs and tables and bedsteads. I make furniture.”
    â€œBut you bought the Collis farm.”
    He took the cup she held out to him. “It has a good woodlot. The maple and birch will be enough to keep me in wood for several years. I’m hoping there’s still plenty of