Beginnings by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Author:Kim Vogel Sawyer [Sawyer, Kim Vogel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Christian, Romance, Juvenile Fiction/Love & Romance
ISBN: 9781410417541
Google: UFuCg91HTKcC
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 11383771
Publisher: Thorndike Press
Published: 2007-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

SIXTEEN

Uncle Henry moved into the bedroom, but Andrew’s feet remained glued to the floor. Beth’s comments rang in his head. She didn’t want a relationship with him—either working or personal. He couldn’t face her, so he stayed beside the unfinished door frame, staring at the toes of his boots.

“Andrew stopped by to offer his help in mudding, sanding, and painting the new rooms.” Uncle Henry spoke softly, sympathy underscoring his tone.

Andrew held his breath, waiting for Beth’s reply, explanation, or apology, but she said nothing. He jerked his chin up. “I meant to come by earlier this week, but I got busy with a cat.” He realized how stupid his excuse sounded, but he didn’t know what else to say.

Aunt Marie sent a weak smile in his direction. “That’s kind of you. Henry will appreciate the help. Our time is running short, isn’t it?”

Beth’s time on the window was running short. And Andrew’s time to convince her he was needed in all aspects of her life had apparently run out.

“Marie?” The concern in his uncle’s tone caught Andrew’s attention. “Is your stomach bothering you again?”

Andrew peered through the doorway in time to see Uncle Henry take his wife’s chin and tip her face so their eyes could meet.

Aunt Marie laughed softly. “Now, you know an upset stomach isn’t anything to worry about.” The words were meant to appease fear, but even Andrew could see the white lines around Marie’s mouth and the way she held herself in an odd position, as if standing straight was too painful.

“I’m not convinced it’s your stomach.” Henry put his arm around Marie’s waist and guided her from the room.

Andrew stepped back to allow their passage, then followed them to the front room. He stood beside the couch where Marie sat on the edge of the cushion. Beth stood at his elbow, but he was careful not to look at her.

Marie peered up at the trio and shook her head. “It’s nothing. Just a pulled muscle, probably, from carrying this extra weight. At my age, it’s harder than it would have been twenty years ago.”

Henry looked at Beth, his brows low. “She’s been throwing up. Should a woman be throwing up at six months pregnant?”

Andrew flitted a glance at Beth’s face. Her wide blue eyes blinked in confusion.

“I don’t know. I’ve never had a baby. But it does seem odd. I always thought women just got sick in the first trimester.”

“That’s what I thought, too.”

Andrew’s ears felt hot, and he wanted to leave the personal conversation, but he didn’t know how to gracefully walk away. So he clasped his hands behind his back and stared at the black ribbons dangling from his aunt’s cap. They emphasized the pale pallor of her skin.

Marie caught Henry’s hand. “Stop talking about me like I’m not here.”

Henry bent down on one knee, still holding his wife’s hand. “Marie, I’m worried.”

Andrew caught Beth’s eye. Despite the hurt she’d caused with her comments a few minutes earlier, he sensed her distress and wanted to help.

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