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

charger, too.” She smiled. “Have I told you thanks for not giving me too much grief for doing this?”
    “You’re twenty-one, Leah. It’s not like I could stop you.”
    While their relationship was far more like that of roommates than mother and child, Leah felt her mom still deserved every courtesy. Especially since she’d been so good about letting Leah remain at home while she finished up her degree and worked at Great Grinds. “Well, still. Thanks. You’re the best.”
    “You’re welcome.” A weary smile brightened up her mother’s pale cheeks. “Besides, there’s no need to thank me.” Her mom chuckled as she reached out and hugged Leah tightly, enfolding her in an embrace as familiar as the scent of Ivory soap that always clung to her. “I don’t know if I’m the best, but I do understand why you need to go. Melody shouldn’t be all alone right now.”
    “She left yesterday morning without a word to anyone,” Leah said as she pulled away. “When Mrs. Sheridan told me Melody was going to Ohio all by herself, I couldn’t believe it.”
    “I know you were surprised,” her mother replied in her typical understated way. “Don’t forget that this was Melody’s decision, though. You need to respect that.”
    “I do. But I don’t know if she’s made an informed decision.”
    “Informed?” Grinning, she tilted her head to one side. “Leah, are you throwing that phrase out at me for any special reason?”
    “Only because it was your favorite phrase when I was fifteen.”
    As she always did whenever they mentioned that very difficult year, her mom winced dramatically. “I only said ‘informed’ all the time because you never seemed to want to think about consequences. Ever.”
    “I do now.” Reaching out, she clasped her mother’s hand. “I just don’t want Melody to be alone, you know? She’s had such a tough time.”
    “No one has ever denied that. But, remember what we talked about? I know you’re studying to be a guidance counselor, but you can’t live someone else’s life, Leah. Melody is Amish, not like us. And her parents love her and want the best for her … even if they’ve behaved in ways that you don’t agree with.”
    Thinking of how Melody had practically lived in shame for the last nine months made Leah cringe. “They’ve been awful.”
    “Maybe so, but it’s not for us to interfere.”
    “I can’t just stay here.” As she looked at her mom, with her straight brown hair and brown eyes, with her delicatejaw and skin that never wanted to tan—all features that she’d inherited—Leah struggled to put all her thoughts into words. “You’re my best friend. You’ve always had my back. I don’t think Melody’s ever had that.”
    “So you need to be there for her.”
    “Yes. I know she’s hurting.” As every worst-case scenario filtered through her mind, Leah steadied her resolve. “And I know when someone’s hurting they don’t always make the best choices.”
    “They also don’t have the best responses when someone tries to do something nice for them. Don’t be surprised if she’s not thrilled to see you,” she added as they walked into the small living room.
    In addition to the sparkling tree, two stockings hung from the mantel and a whole assortment of snow globes and music boxes filled every available space.
    “I won’t be.” However, inside, Leah was sure her mom was wrong about Melody. No matter what, she knew her friend was going to be thrilled to see her. “It’s going to be fine. If she wants to stay, I’ll stay there with her. And, if she’s regretting her decision to go to the middle of nowhere for Christmas, well, I’ll just take her home.”
    “I hope it will be that easy.”
    “It will be. She needs a friend,” Leah added, knowing she spoke the truth. “Melody needs me. And she needs to continue to talk. She’s kept so much inside—sometimes I worry. No matter how many times I’ve asked her what she’s thinking, she