Patchwork Family (19 page)

“Molly?” Quinn called up the stairway. “Are you ready? I promised Martha we’d be there at two.”

When she appeared above him, he again gave thanks that she—and Sara—were going to be a part of his life forever. He still couldn’t believe how fortunate he’d been. Though every time he took her in his arms, he was believing a little more.

“I’m ready. Why did Martha want us to come today? With the wedding tomorrow and the opening in two weeks, things are kind of hectic,” she added as she ran down the stairs.

“You know you’ve got everything under control,” he pointed out. “After all, if you weren’t so efficient, I wouldn’t have bought in as a partner.”

He’d insisted he put some of his own money into Molly’s business. He wanted to share in every aspect of her life.

“Oh, is that so?” she responded, grinning just as much as him. “I don’t remember discussing my efficiency.”

“Well, no, you distracted me. I’d never negotiated a contract before without my clothes on.” Even thinking about the times they’d managed to make
love, when Sara was out of the house, brought pleasure. It hadn’t happened often enough. But after tomorrow, he’d have the right to hold Molly in his arms every night.

“I’d say you should try it more often,” she teased back, “but I don’t want you naked with anyone but me.”

“Me, neither,” he assured her, gathering her close.

“We’re late, remember?” she said after he kissed her. Her breathing was a little erratic, like his, which pleased him.

Reluctantly he took her hand and headed out the door.

When they reached the room in Worthington House where the ladies quilted, they discovered the quilting loom put away and a table covered with a dainty cloth and a vase of flowers in its place.

“What’s this? You’ve given up quilting?” Quinn teased as they entered.

“Of course not,” Martha said with a smile. “We couldn’t do that, don’t you know. But today is special.”

Lydia stepped forward and took Molly’s hand. “Come sit down, you two. We have something for you.”

Quinn had figured what was coming, but his darling Molly seemed to have no idea.

“It’s a tradition here in Tyler,” Martha said, the other ladies nodding in agreement, “to present newlyweds with their very own quilt. It’s a special treat, Molly, my dear, to give one to you and Quinn. You appreciate our work so much. And you’re marrying one of our favorite people.” She beamed at Quinn.

“Oh, Martha! You’ve all done so much work for
me,” Molly protested. “You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble.”

Martha replied, “It was a labor of love, my dear.”

Quinn put his arms around Molly and smiled at all the ladies. “And so is our marriage, ladies. We’re going to have a patchwork family to rival the beauty and endurance of the patchwork quilts of Tyler.”

And he kissed Molly while the Quilting Circle cheered.