She Came to See the Snow by Mary Annslee Urban

Author:Mary Annslee Urban [Urban, Mary Annslee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian Fiction
ISBN: She Came to See the Snow
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2012-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

7

Looking through the archway into the family room downstairs, Haley admired the lighted Christmas tree, star topped and with presents scattered beneath. Beside it, her grandfather sat dozing in his favorite chair with Pearly curled into a furry ball at his feet. Both were bathed in the warm glow of the fireplace.

The spirit of Christmas lived here. Good and genuine people who loved the Lord. It felt good being in Fairplay with her grandparents.

Drawn by the scent of fresh baked bread, Haley softly padded across the room and headed into the kitchen. Scattered across the countertop and table were dozens of woven baskets. Gram, wearing her holiday apron, stood at the island and transferred log-shaped pieces of dough into bread pans.

“You sure don’t waste any time.” Haley hovered at the doorway contemplating where to begin.

Gram plopped another ball of dough onto a flour-dusted board and started to knead. “Two dozen loaves take a while.” With the back of her hand, she swiped her cheek, leaving a white smudge.

Haley retrieved an apron from the dishtowel drawer, tied it around her waist, and pushed up her sleeves. “I’m ready to go. What can I do?”

“Grab some more yeast and flour. You can start on the next batch.” Gram gestured with her elbow toward the pantry.

“Got it.” Haley gathered the ingredients, set them on the island, and got busy working side by side with her grandmother. Memories trickled into her mind―of her and her sister, under Gram’s instruction, punching fingers into mounds of sticky dough, kneading, rolling, patting.

Their happy giggles had mingled with the strains of festive music, filling the air with joy. And when Gram wasn’t looking, they flicked flour at one another. No wonder by the time they finished, everything within three feet had a dusting of white powder. Haley wished Beth was here now working the dough with her.

“Don’t forget to grease this first. The dough will be easier to lift out after it rises.” Gram slid a glass bowl across the countertop.

“I remember,” Haley said, coming out of her mental meandering. She bit back a chuckle. Gram had a host of cooking tips for every occasion, enough to fill an encyclopedia. Haley hoped one day to pass her grandmother’s wisdom to her children and grandchildren―

Slow down. Haley straightened, giving the dough another good squeeze. Nothing like jumping ahead. A couple incredible kisses and she already had grandchildren on her mind.

Gram dumped another hot bread loaf onto a rack to cool. “Three more loaves are in. Only eighteen more to go.”

“Good thing we have all day.” Haley placed her section of dough in the greased bowl.

“Don’t forget to―”

“Cover the bowl with a cloth,” Haley finished.

Gram arched a brow, glanced at Haley, and chuckled. “I’m glad to see you were listening.”

“Sure was.” Haley tossed a cloth napkin over the batch.

The doorbell rang. Haley’s heart tripped. She whipped off the apron and tossed it on a stool. “Gram, I hope you don’t mind, but I invited Ashlyn over this morning to help us,” she called as she headed down the hallway.

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