Stitches in Time Read Online Free Page A

when I arrived at Chloe’s house. I nodded, gave a final wave, and headed toward I-95 south.
    We had been driving about thirty minutes in silence. Haley had earbuds in her ears as she listened to music on her phone and stared out the window.
    I reached over to pat her knee. “Excited?” I asked in a voice louder than normal, hoping she heard me.
    To my surprise, Haley removed the earbuds and nodded. “Yeah, I am. I think it will be good for us. I love Chloe and I can’t wait to see Basil.”
    Haley had formed a close attachment to my father’s mixed terrier, Basil. When my dad died, there was the question of what to do with the dog. Haley had begged for us to take him, but I wasn’t crazy about that idea. The added responsibility of a dog was just too much for me at that time. When I suggested maybe he should go to the pound, Chloe, my father’s girlfriend, refused to allow that and she took Basil home with her. I had to admit when I saw them together last summer I knew that was the right decision.
    â€œWould you like a dog?” I blurted. I had no idea where that thought had come from.
    Haley swiveled in her seat to face me. “Seriously?”
    I focused on the highway in front of me. “Well . . . yeah . . . maybe. So you’d like that?”
    â€œOh, Mom, I’ve always wanted a dog. Always. I would love to have my own dog. And I’m not a kid anymore. I’d be the one to feed it and walk it and take care of it.”
    She might not be a kid, but the exuberance I heard in her voice reminded me of the twelve-year-old who had disappeared.
    â€œI think you’re right. You’re at an age where you’re responsible and could care for a dog. You were excellent with Basil last summer.”
    â€œSo I can? I can get a dog?”
    I nodded. “Here’s the deal. When we get our own house and we’re settled in, yes, you can have your own dog.”
    Haley leaned over as much as the seat belt would allow and gave me a hug. “I love you, Mom! I love you so much. And thank you.”
    I wasn’t quite sure what caused me to agree to this, but I did know that hearing the joy in Haley’s voice telling me she loved me made me positive I’d done the right thing.
    * * *
    We pulled up in the driveway of Koi House shortly after our expected arrival time. I thought back to last summer when Haley and I had driven down from Atlanta. My daughter had been overweight, miserable, and a victim of bullying at school. I glanced at her and smiled. Maybe this move truly would be good. For both of us.
    The front door flew open and I saw Chloe on the porch with Basil close at her heels. Haley jumped out while I flipped the lid on the trunk.
    â€œHey, welcome,” Chloe called.
    I raised a hand in greeting. “Thanks. I’m just going to get a couple bags. I’ll be right there. Haley, come help.”
    I removed a piece of luggage and a tote bag filled with knitting from the trunk and glanced at the house. It was a beautiful old-fashioned Victorian complete with a turret jutting out from the second story. I knew Koi House had become Chloe’s oasis when she relocated here from Cedar Key the year before. Mavis Anne Overby was the official owner but now resided next door with her brother and his partner. Chloe had been fortunate to meet this woman and her niece when she’d visited Yarrow’s original tea shop. An instant connection had formed among the three of them, and they now shared both a friendship and a business relationship.
    â€œI’ll take these,” Haley said, reaching into the trunk and removing more luggage.
    I walked onto the porch and into Chloe’s embrace.
    â€œI’m so glad you’re here,” she said. “All of us have missed you. Come on in and get settled.”
    I followed her into the foyer. She pointed to the staircase.
    â€œI hope you don’t mind, Isabelle, but I’ve taken the larger