Page 58 of Threads of Kindness
“What do you need help with?” David asked, eyes narrowed in confusion.
“We got a new car yesterday,” Loretta said. “I’m going to take the new one, and Frank’s getting my old car. That means we have one too many cars.”
“You know how much I hate parking a car in the driveway or on the street,” Frank said. “We were wondering if you’d take this one off our hands.”
David took a step back. “I … I can’t afford a new car—much less your Mercedes.”
“We’re not selling it to you, son,” Frank said. “We’re giving it to you.”
“That’s why they put the bow on it,” Sean interjected, grinning at David.
David placed his hands on either side of his head. “You can’t do that. This is far too valuable.”
“I already talked to your mother,” Frank said. “It took some convincing, but she finally said it’s okay.”
He and Loretta stepped closer to David.
“We want to do this,” Loretta said. “You’re like a second son to us. I would’ve worried myself sick about you on the road to California in that old car. You know how hectic our life is with the twins and the three big kids? The last thing I need is one more thing to fret about—especially something I can fix.”
“We’ve been talking about getting a new car for weeks,” Frank added. “Loretta’s telling the truth. Instead of trading mine in, we gave ourselves peace of mind by giving it to you. There’s an extended warranty that goes with it, too.”
Like a time-lapse video, David’s expression shifted from confusion to disbelief to joy.
Frank pressed the key fob into David’s hand. “Ready to take it for a spin? It has a few more gizmos and gadgets than your old car. I’ll explain everything, so you’re comfortable driving it back to California.”
David exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, that would be wonderful! This means I can leave in the morning and avoid the storm.”
“That’s what your mother and I thought,” Loretta said.
Frank opened the driver’s side door for David.
“What should I do with my old car?” David asked.
“Sell it. I’ll bet the repair shop will give you a fair price,” Frank said. “I’ve dealt with them for years.”
“I’ll give you whatever money I get for it,” David said.
“You don’t need to do that,” Frank said. “Keep the money. There’ll be something you need.”
“If you won’t take the money, I’ll donate it to Forever Guides,” David said.
Loretta wrapped him in a hug. “You are a dear,” she said.
Frank clapped him on the back. “We’ll gratefully accept it.” He walked around to the passenger side and opened the door. “Hey, Sean, want to come with us?”
“Sure!” Sean said. He slipped into the back seat.
Loretta pulled the oversized bow off the car. She waved as David shifted into reverse and pulled his new vehicle out of the garage.
CHAPTER 29
Anita backed her SUV to the rear door of Archer’s Bridal. She glanced at Gordon in the passenger seat. “This is as close as I can get to the door. I’m not sure if all fifteen sewing machines will fit in one trip.”
Gordon looked at the cargo space behind him. “Let’s try,” he said. “We’ll put padding around them so they don’t knock against each other on the drive to the library.”
“I’ve already wrapped them in blankets or towels,” Anita said. “They’re waiting on the floor inside the back door.” She placed her gloved hand on his elbow. “It’s 6:45 in the morning and twenty below zero. Are you wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into? I’m so sorry, Gordon.”
He put his hand over hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “The weather isn’t ideal,” he said, “but there’s nowhere I’d rather be. At least it’s dry and we won’t have to be out in the cold for long. Other than loading the machines here and unloading them at the library, we’ll be inside while we’re setting up the display.”
