Pressed for Time by Elizabeth Craig

Author:Elizabeth Craig [Craig, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: PublishDrive
Published: 2017-09-11T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Balloons in every color were tied on every available chair and table leg (likely to keep the balloons from flying up to the steep ceiling of the barn). There was a table of gifts off to the side, all in bright wrapping paper. And everyone seemed to be there, including her too-busy, misty-eyed daughter, Piper. Even Miss Sissy was there, probably pulled out of searching the woods, smiling at her. Beatrice felt herself tear up and blinked hard to fight the uncharacteristic tears.

Meadow bounced over to her. She carried a plate that was completely covered with food. Beatrice spotted stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, sausage bites, brie with pepper jelly, and cheese straws. Beatrice laughed shakily, “And now, suddenly, I’m starving. And trying not to cry at the same time. How can I thank y’all? What a lovely surprise!”

Meadow said, now dabbing tears herself, “We knew you wouldn’t let us give you a shower if you knew about it. So we had to give one in secret!”

Savannah and Georgia both gave her hugs, Georgia very effusively and Savannah with her usual restraint (but with a warm smile and an unusual twinkle in her eye). Georgia said, “We wanted to do something and figured this was the only way to do it!”

Savannah said, “I’m glad you didn’t lug a quilt here! I was worried that you were going expect us to be doing some quilting.”

Beatrice laughed. “I actually only needed quilt inspiration today. But I bet I can get that at my shower, too. I can’t thank y’all enough.” She saw Piper grinning at her, near the refreshments table. “And you’re here, too! You didn’t give me any hints at all that this was in the works.”

Piper said, “I don’t think you’ve ever really been truly surprised by a party before. I wanted to see if we could pull it off! I remember a group of us tried to surprise you when you turned fifty, but you saw right through it. You’re way too good at figuring out mysteries.” Then she blushed a little and pinched her mouth shut, remembering that Sadie and Della, who had a mystery of their own, were standing close nearby.

But before Beatrice could say anything to them, Meadow engulfed her in another hug. “Go ahead and sit down and start eating so that the rest of us can eat!” she demanded, still wiping a stray tear or two away as she gently pushed Beatrice toward a chair. “And so we can move on to the cake! It looks like one of June Bug’s best.”

June Bug smiled shyly. Most of the women headed in the direction of the kitchen to help themselves to a plate.

Beatrice sat and was soon joined by Savannah, who perched stiffly in a wooden armchair.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so surprised in my life,” said Beatrice. “I was sure it was going to be a guild meeting. It’s a good thing that I didn’t bring a bunch of quilting things with me.”

Savannah said in a pleased voice, “I’ve never been part of a surprise party before.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.