Joachim Books

Welcome! This week, our word prompt is "fabric". This week we have another episode of "Sarah's Dilemma." Don't forget to hop to the other blogs with great stories. Find them HERE .  Thanks for stopping by. 

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Sarah moseyed over to the ribbons. She loved the colors, bright pinks and turquoises, and some in a delicate lavender shade, too. 

“He’s free. Go right on back, Mrs. Tanner.” Virginia showed Abigail the way. Sarah fingered the satin ribbons, enjoying the smooth feel of the fabric. The bell over the front door tinkled. She looked up and dropped the ribbon on the floor. Benjamin Fitch stood crowding the doorway with his powerful frame.

Flustered, she bent to pick it up and knocked her head against a table when she attempted to stand.

“Are you hurt, Miss Chesney?”

She looked up to find Ben standing within a foot or two, his brows knitted, his expression concerned. Rubbing her temple, she straightened and gave a small curtsy. “I’m fine, Mr. Fitch. Thank you for asking.” She raised her gaze to his. He looked fine, dressed in black breeches, blue waistcoat and white shirt. She noticed the blue was the same shade as his eyes. 

His stare reflected warmth for a moment before icing over. “Very well.” He brushed by her to the counter, where Mrs. Rhodes awaited.

Too disconcerted to listen, she only heard a buzz as he presented his order to Virginia Rhodes. The deep timbre of his voice vibrated through her, sending a tiny thrill down her spine. She’d always loved the sound of him, and that hadn’t changed.

As she caught her breath, her mother returned to the shop. Mrs. Rhodes had packed up their goods. Abby shouldered one bag and gave the other to Sarah.

“Good day, Mrs. Rhodes,” Abby said.

“Good day, Mrs. Tanner, Miss Chesney.”

Benjamin turned toward her for a second. She swore there was the ghost of a smile on his handsome face. He tipped his hat again. She nodded and smiled. She simply couldn’t help it.

They hurried out of the store and back to the Inn. Sarah’s thoughts swirled around her encounter with Ben. Had he been happy to see her? She thought so. But maybe she shouldn’t presume anything. Get her hopes up. He was simply being polite, as any well-bred young man would be. Nothing more, nothing less, right?

“Ben seemed almost happy to see you, Sarah,” Abigail said.

“Really? You think so?”

“You still care for him, don’t you?”

“I can’t help it. Ben’s a good person. Underneath. He’s not like his father, more compassionate, like his mother.”

Abby smiled. “You’re just like your father. Always seeing the good in people.”