“Hello, girls! I made it!” Amelia called as she drove up to her book club meeting.
Amelia’s friends had chosen one of Patricia Johns’s books this time around, and Amelia was ever so proud. She’d edited this book, and she’d done a very good job on it.
“You made it!” Penelope called. “Come on in!”
Amelia went into Penelope’s house. All the other frogs were there. They’d left the pollywogs at home for some quality time with their fathers, and they’d all come to talk about Patricia’s newest book. They’d gotten to read it early.
But first… before book talk, the frogs settled in for a good catch up session. Penelope was up for a big promotion at work, Judy had just found out she was pregnant and so she was asking Amelia what she should expect, Dorene wanted to spice up her marriage, and Stella was so bored with her job that she was seriously considering faking her own death just to get out of it.
“I’m so glad I have this book club, girls,” Stella said. “You’re the only thing stopping me from leaving a detailed note from a fake kidnapper, then getting in my car and driving west until I hit ocean where I can change my name and start a new life as a nanny with fake credentials. You can buy those. I checked.”
They all stopped and looked at Stella.
“CAN you?” Judy asked. “That’s worrisome.”
“That’s awfully specific,” Amelia said. “Are you all right, Stella?”
Perhaps this book club was going to be less about AN AMISH COUNTRY REUNION and more about checking in with Stella…
George harvested their first pea pod, and he was incredibly proud of it. He’d been watching those peas grow, and finally cutting down a pod was a victory. Then he looked up and saw Patricia Johns bustling toward him waving cheerily.
“Oh, George!” Patricia called. “I’m so glad I caught you alone. I wanted to ask you about a surprise baby shower for Amelia.”
A surprise party? His mother was already trying to plan one of those… George wasn’t sure he had the strength to keep more secrets–no matter how well intended they were.
“I’m terrible at keeping secrets from her,” George said. “Do you think we could just tell her about it?”
Patricia laughed. “Of course, George. We just wanted to have a little party and get you both some baby presents. What would you think about next week?”
And so they decided upon a day, and George thanked Patricia for the thoughtfulness. Patricia went all pink and embarrassed and said of course, she’d want to do something for Amelia. Patricia considered Amelia a dear friend. And George said the feelings were mutual, and he’d let Amelia know.
Then he put his pea pod over his shoulder and made his way back home with peas for supper and news about a baby shower.
Amelia would be tickled about both!
Amelia cooked up those first harvest peas, and George and Amelia dined liked royalty. Fresh peas grown in one’s own garden were the biggest treat that Amelia knew.
“Patricia told me that she’d like to have a baby shower for you,” George said.
“Really?” Amelia asked. “Oh, that would be fun!”
“It’ll be next week,” George said. “Is there anything we need to do to get ready for it?”
“I don’t know!” Amelia replied. “I don’t think so. I think we just need to show up with big smiles and send thank you notes for the gifts.”
“I will buy thank you cards, then,” George said. “It’s best to be prepared. While I’m out, I’ll get us more eggs and milk. Is there anything else we need?”
Amelia shot George a smile. She loved that about George–always thinking ahead ever so seriously. He made her feel safe and cared for.
“No, I think that should cover it,” Amelia said. “And George?”
“Yes, Amelia?”
“These are the best peas I’ve ever tasted,” she said. And she meant it.
I hope you are enjoying these stories about my Knitted Newlyweds. And if you enjoy romantic tales, have you checked out my books yet? They are about the highs and lows of falling in love, family drama, and community.
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Happy reading!
❤
Patricia Johns 
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