Elm Creek Quilts [12] The Winding Ways Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini

Author:Jennifer Chiaverini [Chiaverini, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, General, Literary
ISBN: 9781416533146
Google: ZBeyxTH2SFgC
Amazon: 1594133204
Goodreads: 1622386
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: 2008-04-01T05:00:00+00:00

Sylvia held Andrew’s hand and watched from the veranda as the Elm Creek Quilters and their husbands mingled and talked, seating themselves on Adirondack chairs, the stone steps, or old quilts spread on the lawn. Everyone, including Sylvia, made at least two trips to fill their plates at Anna’s marvelous, irresistible buffet. It was a true banquet, with dishes bursting with fresh summer flavors finished off by decadent desserts. The children played games on the lawn or skateboarded in circles around the rearing horse fountain while their parents reminisced about the early days of Elm Creek Quilts and marveled at how far their ambitions had taken them. Laughter rose in bursts to the darkening sky, despite the wistful mood lingering over the party. Each woman said a silent prayer that this would not be the last time they gathered together—for even now their circle was not complete, although none of them drew attention to the conspicuous gap Gwen’s absence created.

Agnes delayed the presentation of Judy’s gift as long as possible, occasionally strolling to the edge of the veranda and leaning over the railing to try to see into the back parking lot. The stars came out, Emily sat yawning on her mother’s lap, and still Gwen did not appear. Soon, Sylvia knew, Judy would hand off her sleepy daughter to her husband and announce that it was time to go. Sighing, Sylvia caught Agnes’s eye and gestured to indicate that they had run out of time. They must bid Judy one last farewell, with or without Gwen.

Judy, who had remained calmly dry-eyed all evening, lost her composure when Agnes made a brief, tearful speech about friendship and farewells and presented her with the quilt that they had all signed. Blinking away tears, she read each heartfelt message, sometimes smiling, sometimes pressing a hand to her heart. “Thank you,” Judy said, folding the quilt lovingly and hugging it to herself. “I’ll cherish this always. Wherever life takes me, this quilt will bring me right back here to you in my heart.”

One last embrace, and then Judy left, the quilt in her arms, her husband at her side carrying a drowsy Emily. Judy did not look back as she walked around the side of the manor to the parking lot, but Sylvia kept her in sight until the last.

Headlights shone and disappeared around the red barn, and Judy was gone.

A hush fell over the remaining Elm Creek Quilters as if none of them could believe Judy would not suddenly reappear, laughing, and tell them she had changed her mind, that she was staying after all. Quietly, Anna began clearing away the dishes, and Sarah rose to help her.

Diane broke the silence. “Gwen better be on her deathbed, or I’ll put her there.”

“I’m sure she’s fine,” said Summer crisply, and Diane said nothing more.

After the mess was cleared away and her friends had departed, Sylvia wearily climbed the grand oak staircase to bed, her hand in Andrew’s. She had only Summer’s assurances that nothing terrible had prevented Gwen from attending the party.

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