Child Shall Lead Them by Carole Gift Page

Author:Carole Gift Page
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2001-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

It started out to be the grandest Thanksgiving celebration Brianna had seen since her mother was alive. The entire family was there—more than family—gathered around the Rowlands’ festive, turkey-laden table. Her father and younger sister Frannie; Juliana and her daughter Belina; and Bree’s older sister Cassandra and her husband, Antonio Pagliarulo, who was Juliana’s son. And, to Brianna’s delight, Eric Wingate was there. Like Bree, he didn’t want to miss little Charity’s first Thanksgiving.

As soon as everyone was seated, Andrew, in his Sunday go-to-meeting best, gestured for them to join hands. “Before we delve into all the tempting delicacies Frannie has prepared—with a little help from her sisters, I might add—let’s ask our Father-God to bless the food and fellowship around the table.”

After he had prayed, he picked up a terry-cloth bib from beside his plate. “Don’t forget your bibs, folks. There’s one for everybody. Don’t be shy. Tie them on. They’ll protect your holiday duds. If you’re as klutzy as I am, you may need two!”

He sat down, fastened his bib around his neck and smoothed it over his navy blazer. “Okay, folks, your turn.” There was a titter of laughter around the table as everyone obliged.

Bree glanced over at Eric to see whether he considered their bib ritual tacky, but he was smiling broadly as he secured his over his blue dress shirt.

“Now, don’t we all look stunning,” said Cassie, with a playful toss of her honey-blond hair. She and Antonio had been married for just five months now, and Brianna had never seen her sister look happier or more at peace. She fairly glowed.

So did Antonio, with his bronze coloring and raven hair so much like his mother’s. With a graceful flourish, he raised his goblet of sparkling cider and in his sonorous tenor declared, “Before we eat, I propose a toast. To the remarkable Rowlands clan and those who love them!”

Brianna stole another glance at Eric as she raised her glass and repeated the toast. To the Rowlands clan and those who love them! Eric said the words as willingly as did the others. Those who love them. Was it possible that he cared for her as much as she cared for him? She had no idea. As much as they both loved Charity, he still remained closemouthed about his feelings for her.

“Brianna, wake up and pass the gravy,” said Frannie, her blue eyes flashing in her perfect, porcelain face. Her full, opalescent lips settled into a little pout. The youngest, she was used to having her own way. “Everyone’s starving, girl. Keep the food moving, okay?”

Bree smiled, sheepish. “Sorry, sis, my mind wandered.”

Frannie tucked her flowing amber hair behind one ear and lowered her thick lashes. “Well, considering how hard I worked on this dinner, I expect everyone to give it their undivided attention.”

“We will, daughter, don’t you worry.” Andrew passed the turkey platter to Juliana. “It’s heavy, Jewel. I’ll hold it, while you spear yourself a leg or some white meat.”

Juliana helped herself, then held the platter for her daughter.

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