A Spicy Secret Read Online Free PDF Page A

grabbed a small notebook out of her purse and began scribbling down some details, knowing she wouldn’t remember everything he told her. The ladies were sure to have questions.
    “Father Bruno specifically mentioned blankets as a need. The island gets cool at night, but not cold, so they wouldn’t need thick, heavy blankets. Also, many of the children in their care arrived literally with only the clothes on their backs. Yes, it would be a wonderful gesture. And if you sent one for each child, each of them could have something of their very own.”
    “What about the people working there? Could they use blankets?” Kate asked.
    “Chances are they give whatever they have to the children, so I’m sure they could.”
    “How many people work in the orphanage?”
    “I’ll confirm with the Father, but I know there are about five people who work there on a permanent basis, and then at any given time they usually have fifteen to twenty temporary volunteers. Right now I have ten people from the church signed up to go with me, but that number may change.”
    Kate continued to scribble as the minister talked about Haiti, its needs, and the work the volunteers planned to do while on the trip.
    “I’m especially excited about working with them on their school. They’ve got the structure mostly built, and it just needs finishing.”
    “I can’t imagine how fulfilling it will be for you and everyone going on the trip.”
    “Yes—I’m sure it will be. In the meantime, I have a lot to do to get ready, including fundraising,” Reverend Wallace responded. “Do you have any more questions?”
    Kate told him that Mary Beth had volunteered the store as a drop-off point, and that Vanessa and Mackenzie planned to design flyers to request help from the community.
    “Is there anything else they need to include in the flyer?” Kate asked.
    The minister smiled. “No. I think you’ve covered everything. Checks can be made out to Stony Point Community Church and note ‘Haiti’ on the check. We will gladly take as many blankets as you give us. If I hear of anything else, I’ll be sure to give you a call.” Reverend Wallace stood. “Thank you so much for coming by, Kate. Your visit has truly been a blessing.”
    He escorted her to the door and waved as she got in her car. As she drove back to the store, Kate felt blessed for having visited him and for the knowledge that her little idea would make a big difference.

3
    When Annie awoke that cloudy Friday morning, she discovered Boots, her lovable gray cat, curled into a ball on her left side. Loath to get out of the warm bed, she sat up against the pillows, pulling on the pile of blankets and quilts until it once more tucked under her chin.
    “Boots, I sure am glad you’re here,” said Annie to the cat, who by now was licking her paws and blinking. “With you here, I’m not just talking to myself.”
    Annie loved Grey Gables, but like most old houses, it was drafty and cold in the winter. Days like this made her miss her late husband, Wayne, even more than usual. On the few cold days they’d have in Texas, he would make her hot cocoa and bring it to her in bed. He also had an uncanny ability to find where drafts were coming in. His efforts always seemed to instantly make her feel warmer.
    Despite its chill, Annie felt thankful for the old house, the blankets piled on her, and the quilts that had been handmade with bits of old cloth. She could almost hear Gram’s voice saying “Waste not, want not,” as she had many times during the summers Annie had spent with her. She looked around the room, grateful for Gram’s loving care of everything.
    But she also felt a tinge of guilt for all of her blessings, when there were so many needy kids.
    “Well, Boots, thank heavens for all that yarn I have on hand.” She threw off the covers, eliciting a disgruntled meow and an injured look from her feline companion. “Oh hush, cat. If I get up, then you’ll get breakfast!”
    Annie