A Season of Love Read Online Free PDF Page B

store. Samuel wrenched open the front door,causing a bell to ring, announcing their arrival. Large windows lined the front of the shop, and the walls were covered in crisp, fresh, white paint. She silently marveled at how clean her grandfather and the rest of the carpenters kept the store. It almost appeared to be brand new, rather than a couple of years old. The building had been rebuilt after a fire four years ago.
    Katie glanced around the open area, taking in the sample pieces, including mirrored dressers, hope chests, entertainment centers, dining room sets, bed frames, end tables, and coffee tables. The familiar aroma of wood and stain permeated her nostrils.
    A long counter covered with piles of papers and catalogs sat at the far end of the room, blocking a doorway beyond which hammers, saws, and nail guns blasted while voices boomed in Pennsylvania Dutch.
    “I’m going to find Daadi ,” Samuel said as he headed toward the work area.
    “I’ll be here.” Katie ran her fingers over the top of a mirrored dresser, silently marveling at the beautiful craftsmanship. She studied the brass hardware on the drawers and wondered what it would be like to have a bedroom set this pretty in her and Nancy’s room. But she knew this furniture was expensive and would be too extravagant for her.
    Glancing up at the mirror, she spotted Jake Miller standing behind her. “Jake,” she said with surprise. “How long have you been standing there watching me?”
    “I just walked out front and spotted you,” he said. “I can’t ignore a customer.”
    Katie laughed as she faced him. “I’m a customer?”
    “You’re looking at our samples, aren’t you? Would you like to order a dresser?” Jake asked, grinning. “We’re running a special end-of-the-summer sale right now, and I could get you a great deal. It could be yours before Christmas if you order today.”
    “That sounds like a gut deal. I think I’d like to order a wholebedroom set,” she said, playing along. “How much would that cost me?”
    “Let me think.” He touched his clean-shaven chin. “Since you’re family, I’ll sell it to you for only fifteen hundred.”
    “Fifteen hundred dollars?” Katie guffawed. “That’s the family price?”
    “Oh yes,” Jake said. “Everyone else pays three thousand.”
    “Wow.” Katie touched the dresser. “Did you make this?”
    “This piece?” Jake moved past her and examined the dresser. “I would guess your grandfather made this one.” He pointed toward another dresser without a mirror. “I think my grandfather made that one.”
    “They make beautiful furniture.” Katie studied Jake, taking in his dark hair and bright blue eyes. He stood several inches taller than she did, probably close to six feet. “Your daadi and mei daadi have been friends a long time, ya ?”
    “That’s right.” He lowered himself onto a hope chest beside the dresser. “I’d say more than fifty years. They went to school together.”
    Katie nodded. “That’s a long time.”
    “What brings you out here this fine day?” Jake asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
    “Samuel said he needed to get some supplies from mei daadi. ” She jammed her thumb in the direction of the workroom. “He picked me up from the bakery before continuing on his way here. I came along for the ride.”
    “Oh.” Jake gestured toward a dining room chair across from him. “Why don’t you have a seat while you wait?”
    “That sounds nice.” Katie sat and smoothed her hands over her apron and dress. “How have you been?”
    “Fine,” Jake said. “Busy.” He pointed toward the desk. “The phone has been ringing nearly nonstop. I’m splitting my time between manning the desk and working on small projects. I’d like to become a full-time carpenter. I’ve been spending a lotof time at my grandfather’s house on Saturdays working in his shop.”
    “Oh.” Katie fiddled with the ties to her prayer covering while she studied him.