Unbreakable Read Online Free Page B

where you left it.”
    I quickly described the spot, and Papa nodded. “I know the place you mean.” He went over to the coatrack by the door and grabbed his hat. The light filtering in through the window glinted off his reddish-blond hair and beard. Papa was still a handsome man, but since my mother died, he’d never shown any interest in another woman. I noticed that the arthritis in his legs made his steps slow today, and I wondered if self-consciousness about his condition was the reason he had no interest in female companionship.
    After he left, I started putting my supplies away and realized I’d forgotten the new blue fabric for Lizzie and Noah’s quilt. I’d been so distracted by the young woman who’d come into Flo’s shop that I’d left without it. I felt so stupid and ridiculous. My silly reaction had cost me the chance to accomplish something that was very important to me. If I tried to produce the quilt without the right colored fabric, it wouldn’t look right. What could I possibly do now? I ran different scenarios through my head as I worked at putting the rest of the supplies away.
    I still hadn’t come up with an acceptable plan by the timePapa returned with Aaron in tow. Aaron had arrived in town almost four years ago, asking permission to buy a house and live here. He met with the elders, who’d approved his request to become one of us, but whatever personal information he’d given them had stayed private. He refused to talk about his past, no matter how innocent the questions posed to him. His standard answer was always, “The past is the past, and I have no interest in talking about it.” I was extremely curious about him, but so far I hadn’t been able to discover anything even remotely interesting.
    â€œHello, Brother Metcalf,” I said when he stepped inside. “Thank you for agreeing to help Papa bring our buggy home. We appreciate it.” When Papa looked at me strangely, I realized my hair was still down. I’d been so distracted by my failure to bring back the fabric from Washington, I’d forgotten all about it. I tried to pull my wild locks back, feeling mortified that Aaron had seen me appearing in such an unseemly manner. I picked up a stray ribbon under the counter and quickly tied my hair back from my face. A twinge of pain gripped my arm, and I tried not to wince. No point in drawing more attention to myself than I already had today.
    Aaron looked me over with surprise. “I’m glad to help, Sister Hope. Your father says you weren’t badly hurt, but I must admit that you look a little worse for wear.”
    I smiled at him. “To be honest, I feel somewhat bruised and beaten up. I’ll be glad to clean up and tend to my scratches.”
    â€œWell, I think we should get going,” Papa said. “And like my daughter, I am grateful you can find time away from your projects to help us.”
    Before leaving, Papa came over and kissed me on theforehead. “Why don’t we have supper at Lizzie’s tonight? You must be weary after your experience.”
    â€œI’d like that. Thank you.” I tried to keep my tone light, but I was still upset with the way he’d treated Jonathon. Bribing me with a trip to the restaurant wasn’t going to change my feelings.
    He put his hand on my cheek and looked into my eyes. “I am so thankful you are safe. God is good. I could not bear to lose you.”
    My heart melted a little, and I put my hand over his. “You won’t lose me, Papa. Please don’t worry.”
    He squeezed my fingers and blinked away tears. “I am trying, Daughter, but sometimes casting my care on the Lord is more difficult than it should be.”
    â€œI know.” I forced a smile. “But I’m perfectly fine. Shall we leave for Lizzie’s as soon as you return?”
    He glanced at the small battery-operated clock we kept on the