The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club - 02 - The Tattered Quilt Read Online Free PDF Page B

followed him into a spacious room filled with several sewing machines, an empty quilting frame, and a large table with four chairs on both sides. Several colorful quilts draped over wooden stands were scattered around the room, which was lit by a few overhead gas lanterns. A slightly plump woman wearing a long navy-blue dress and a white cap perched on her head was seated in front of one of the machines. She was so intent on her sewing project that she didn’t seem to notice when they came into the room.
    “Look who’s here,” Lamar said, placing his hands on the woman’s shoulders.
    She turned her head and smiled at Paul. “It’s so good to see you,” she said, rising from her seat. “Where’s that sweet little girl of yours?”
    Paul gave the woman a hug. “It’s always good to see you, Emma. Sophia is with my sister Maria, this morning.” He turned to Carmen and said, “This is Emma Miller. She’s the talented woman who taught me how to quilt. Emma, I’d like you to meet my sister-in-law, Carmen Lopez. She lives in Los Angeles, where she works at a newspaper.”
    Emma smiled as she greeted Carmen with a gentle handshake. “It’s nice to meet you.”
    “I’m happy to meet you, too,” Carmen said sincerely. “I was interested when Paul told me you’d taught him how to quilt.”
    “And she’s an excellent teacher,” Paul interjected.
    Emma’s cheeks colored as she dipped her head slightly. “Thank you, Paul. I enjoy sewing, and it’s a pleasure for me to teach others how to quilt.” She looked up at her husband and smiled. “Now that Lamar’s helping me with the classes, people are learning even more.”
    “Lamar designed all these quilts,” Paul said, motioning to the ones on display.
    “They’re quite impressive.” Carmen moved to stand beside a quilt with muted shades of brown and green.
    “That one I call Pheasant Trail.” Lamar beamed. “It’s one of my favorites.”
    “I can see why.” Carmen leaned down to get a closer look. “The details in this quilt are amazing. I wish I could make something like that.”
    “Have you ever done any quilting?” Emma asked.
    Carmen shook her head. “No, but I know how to do some basic sewing. My mother made sure both of her daughters learned how to sew.” She glanced at Paul, but he was staring at the floor. Was he thinking about Lorinda and how much he still missed her? Well, Carmen missed her, too. She and Lorinda had been five years apart, but the age difference never mattered; they’d always been close.
    As if sensing Carmen’s discomfort, Emma touched her arm lightly and said, “Would you care to stay and be part of the class?”
    “Oh yes!” Carmen couldn’t believe her luck. If she was allowed to sit in on the class, she’d have the perfect opportunity to ask questions about the Amish—maybe even find out some details concerning the young people’s time of running-around.
    Paul quirked an eyebrow as he looked at Carmen strangely. “You won’t learn much in just one class. It took me a full six weeks to be able to make a quilted wall hanging.”
    “How long will you be in the area, Carmen?” Emma asked.
    She shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess that will depend on how long my boss allows me to be gone.”
    “Emma’s class goes for six weeks, and that’s a long time to be away from work. Staying at a hotel, even an extended stay, like the one you’re at now, can be expensive,” Paul said before Emma could respond.
    “Could you stay in the area for six weeks, Carmen?” Emma questioned.
    “Yes, I think so. I’ll step outside and give my boss a call.” Carmen pulled her cell phone from her purse and scooted out the door.
    “Hey, Carmen. How’s it going there?” Carmen’s boss asked after answering her call.
    “Okay, Mr. Lawrence. I’m in Shipshewana, and…” Carmen paused and moistened her lips. “I was wondering…Would it be all right if I stayed here for six weeks?”
    “Six weeks! Why so