Grace: A Christmas Sisters of the Heart Novel Read Online Free PDF

You should consider the Lord’s wishes, too.”
    “But—”
    “You might not have heard, but there was another woman, years ago, who asked for a room in an inn near December twenty-fifth. Imagine how much nicer it would have been for her if she’d been given shelter.”
    “Mother, I see the similarities, but no matter what you say, I’ll not be persuaded that Melody Gingerich is just like Mary.”
    “Then you listen to this, daughter. You’ve been so shortempered, I’m half tempted to send you back to your home. You ought to think about why the Lord has brought these two people to us. Obviously, He intended for them to behere. It’s too coincidental otherwise. The roads are snowy and most folks are canceling their travel plans.”
    Her mother’s words stilled all further complaints. She did have a point. Perhaps there was a reason for them to have visitors. Perhaps these two guests really did have a greater need to be with their family than the rest of them did to be alone. “I’m sorry. I’ll try to be better.”
    Her mother arched a brow. “Try?”
    “I will be better. I promise.”
    Now that she’d been obeyed, her tone gentled. “That Melody needs a friend, Katie. I imagine she’s worried about the baby and being a mother. You just had Eli a few months ago. You should reach out to her and offer her your friendship. Perhaps she doesn’t have much of a family. Perhaps she has no one. Katie, what would your life be like if you didn’t have any of us?”
    Her mother’s question caused a rush of fear. She loved her family dearly. And Jonathan? Well, Jonathan was the best husband for her, even discounting the fact she’d loved him from afar for years before he’d ever turned her way. He was patient with her, and offered a lot of support when she was worried. And his girls had given her so much, too.
    Life without them would be a dark thing, indeed.
    “You won’t hear me complain or whine again, Mamm.”
    But instead of looking pleased, her mother and brother chuckled.
    “To hear you not whine would be the greatest Christmas gift of all,” Henry quipped.
    Instead of snipping at him right back, Katie smiledsweetly. “Please hand me the sack of potatoes, brother. I’ll do my best not to grumble about your unusually large appetite.”
    December 21, 7:00 A.M.
    Leah Dillon wasn’t quite sure why she felt so strongly about following her friend Melody to the bed-and-breakfast, but she did. Actually, she knew she wasn’t going to be able to think about anything other than her friend’s health and well-being if she didn’t go see Melody herself.
    Looking around her room, decorated like she was perpetually sixteen in shades of violet and cream, she checked again to see if she’d forgotten anything.
    Not that it mattered. With luck, she’d be home again by Christmas. Hefting her backpack on her right shoulder, she turned off her light and headed into the kitchen where her mother was waiting, the twinkling white lights of their Christmas tree casting a pretty glow around her. “I think that’s everything. I guess I’m ready, Mom.”
    “I guess you are.” She handed her three twenty-dollar bills. “Take this, okay?”
    Leah kept her hand securely in her pocket. “I won’t need that, Mom. I cashed my last paycheck.”
    “Go ahead and take it. You never know what could happen.”
    But Leah knew they didn’t have a lot of extra cash. Not for extras, or for spur-of-the-moment trips like the one she was about to take. Leah was pretty sure if she tookthe cash, her mother would be eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the next four days. “Really, Mom. I’ll be fine.”
    “If you don’t use it, bring it back.” She looked her over once again. “Do you have enough warm clothes?”
    “I’ve got boots, turtlenecks, jeans, and socks. Even fresh underwear,” Leah added, just to make her mom smile. “Trust me, I’ll be warm enough.”
    “And you have your cell phone?”
    “I do. And the