Christmas of Iron and Lace by Pippa Greathouse

Author:Pippa Greathouse
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tessa Carr

The Library…

* * *

The library was emptying out when they arrived, and Bekah eagerly waited for Noah to escort her inside, dancing from one foot to the other.

“Calm down, sweetheart. There is plenty of time before they close.”

The librarian gave Bekah an interesting glance when she suggested borrowing the few books she found concerning deafness and sign language.

“These are textbooks,” he explained. “We normally don’t loan these out.”

“But I promise to bring them back as soon as possible,” she said quickly, “I mean, since it’s such an involved field of study it might take me a few days, but…”

His response was to frown at her. “Did you not hear me? These aren’t eligible for leaving the library. Books do disappear, you know.”

She straightened her shoulders. “I don’t plan to steal them,” she announced, realizing she’d raised her voice to an uncomfortable pitch.

Just then, she felt a hand on her shoulder, and looked up to see Noah.

The librarian brightened at Noah’s appearance. “Judge Anderson, a pleasure. Is the young lady with you, then”

“This young lady is my wife. Is there no way we could borrow these titles for a period of time?”

Bekah realized, suddenly, the librarian’s expression had changed to a smile.

“It would be an honor, sir. If we can’t trust a judge to abide by the rules, who can we trust?” A pained chuckle followed.

“Perhaps a judge’s wife,” Bekah muttered under her breath. She realized as she spoke that the librarian had heard by the change in his expression.

Noah leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Choose your battles well, little one. Is this really something worth getting in trouble for?”

Embarrassed, Bekah glanced at the man across the counter to see if he’d heard, but he was busy looking through something in the front of first one book, then the next.

A few moments later, he glanced back at them. “Actually, according to the log, you’re the first person to show an interest in these particular books. Here,” he said, sliding a pencil and a card toward Noah. “Please, just write down your address so we can reach you if anyone else should require them. Then I can send you a post.”

“And we’ll get them back to you at the first opportunity.” Noah’s smile was genuine.

Forcing a smile, Bekah collected the largest of the books, holding it tightly. “We’ll take proper care of them, sir. Thank you.”

Noah lifted her into the carriage, taking the large volume from her hands. When her mouth turned to a pout, he grinned down at her. “It’s getting dark,” he said softly, “And you won’t be able to read anyway. Besides, I want your attention all to myself. I have questions for you.”

“Well, I might not have answers, but what do you want to know?”

Leaning toward her, he put an arm around her shoulders. “Tell me,” he said. “Are you happy?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you’ve lost a husband you chose, and a home built just for you. And you’ve gained a husband you didn’t choose, and a house you didn’t choose.

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