The Betrayed Fiancée Read Online Free Page A

trailed her fingers over the material. “My mother made it. She was always making full-sized quilts, wall hangings, table runners, and even potholders. Mama gave quilts to each of her daughters, as well as to many of her friends in the area.”
    â€œI’m impressed. She did beautiful work.”
    â€œI agree. My sister Elsie’s hobby is needlepoint.” Doris motioned to the wall across the room. “See the wall hanging there with the two hummingbirds and flowers? She made it for Mama as a Christmas gift one year.”
    â€œYour sister does nice work.” Kristi moved closer to take a better look. “I’m sure it takes a lot of patience to finish such a project.”
    â€œActually, Elsie says she finds it quite relaxing to sit and needlepoint. She’s spent many hours making special items for family members and friends.” Doris smiled. “We all enjoy doing things meaningful with our hands during the long hours of winter.” She moved over to the couch and lifted the quilted wall hanging into her arms. “I’m surprised Dad kept all the quilts she didn’t give away, but then he had a hard time parting with anything. Some have called him a hoarder, and I guess it’s true.”
    Kristi reached out to touch the wall hanging, gently tracing her fingers on the stitches. “It was thoughtful of your mother to make something so lovely, especially for her children.” She sighed. “Someday, after Joel and I are married, I hope to own a quilt. Even a small one like this would be nice.”
    â€œAre you and my brother engaged?” Doris questioned.
    Kristi nodded. “Well, not officially. I don’t have a ring yet, but he did propose, and my answer was yes.”
    â€œThen you’ll soon be part of our family.” Doris handed Kristi the quilt. “Since you will become Joel’s wife, I’d like you to have one of Mama’s wall hangings. I’m sure my sisters would agree.”
    â€œI saw some Amish-made quilts in a shop in Berlin, and they were expensive. How much would you charge?” Simply holding the quilted piece gave Kristi a warm feeling.
    â€œOh, my, not a penny. It’s a gift from our family.” Doris clasped Kristi’s arm. “You can either take this or choose one from some others in a box under my folks’ bed.”
    â€œI’d like this one.” Kristi fingered the edge of the quilt. She couldn’t believe she’d been presented with such a special gift. “I’ll take good care of it. Thank you so much.” She laid it down and gave Doris a hug.
    â€œYou’re more than welcome. Before you go home, I’ll put it in a plastic bag so it doesn’t get dirty.” Doris placed her hands on the back of the couch. “Now I have a favor to ask.”
    â€œAnything. Anything at all.”
    â€œI was wondering, if you have any influence over Joel, could you ask him to come visit more often?”
    â€œDoesn’t he do it now?”
    â€œHe rarely comes around, and when he does…” Doris’s voice trailed off.
    â€œJoel works long hours because of his business. There are times when we’ve had plans to do something together, and he ends up working instead.” Kristi didn’t know why she felt the need to defend Joel. Working long hours was hardly an excuse for neglecting his family. “I’m sorry. I’ll have a talk with Joel about coming to visit more often.” Kristi took out a pen and tablet from her purse. Then she wrote down her phone number and handed it to Doris. “If there’s ever a time you can’t reach Joel, please give me a call.”
    â€œI appreciate it. I’ll give you my number, too.” After Doris wrote her phone number down for Kristi, she gestured to the kitchen. “Why don’t we go find Elsie and Arlene? I’d like them to get to know you better, too.”

    As Joel wandered