Page 30 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
“Knitting is like riding a bike,” the young woman assured her. “It’s a skill we don’t lose or forget.”
“I don’t really have anyone in my life who needs a hat. My brother doesn’t like hats and . . .”
She chanced a look at Reed. “I don’t suppose you could use a hat, could you?”
His eyes widened and he quickly nodded. “I’d love it if you’d knit me a hat, and I promise not to let it become part of my dog’s bed.”
“Do you have a dog?”
“Not yet.”
“Then that’s an easy promise,” she teased.
“I offer a free hat pattern,” the woman said, encouraging the sale. “And I can recommend a knitting group sponsored by a local yarn store if you run into any trouble.”
Kellie couldn’t keep from smiling. “Sold.” She quickly paid before she could change her mind. The woman handed her the yarn, and the pattern, which Reed added to their small bag of treasures.
As they strolled away, Kellie asked, “You were joking about me knitting you that hat, right?”
Reed shook his head. “I was serious. How long do you think it will take you?”
“I have no idea.” Already doubts were setting in. She’d bought the yarn on impulse and wondered if she’d wasted her money.
“I’ll hold the yarn for you to roll,” he offered. “I did that for my grandmother when I was a kid. Grandma knit Avery and me a sweater every Christmas. Knitting for her was an act of love . . .” He paused, as if he realized what he’d said. “Not that . . . Well, never mind.” He started turning red.
“I understand, Reed. I’ll be happy to knit you a hat and have you hold the skein while I unwind it.” If she was reading him correctly, Reed was basically telling her that this day wouldn’t be the last time they saw each other. Caught up in the spirit of Christmas, with all the fun festivities taking place around them, Kellie had fallen under the spell of the holidays.
As much as she liked Reed, and she truly did, she wasn’t convinced she was ready for another relationship. Her heart remained bruised. Jude had done a number on her, and shewas hesitant to get involved again, especially with someone who worked at Microsoft.
“You’re looking thoughtful,” Reed said.
“Just thinking,” she said. Without the protection of the market, the wind whipped around them. Already the sky was showing signs of darkening. By four o’clock it would be nearly completely dark. A chill raced up her arms.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“A little,” she admitted.
“I could use a cup of coffee, how about you?”
“That sounds like a great idea.”
Reed took her hand. “The original Starbucks is just down the street.”
“Do we have time?” she asked, referring to the ticket time for the Ferris wheel.
“We should have. It depends on how busy they are,” he said.
As expected, the line to get into the original Starbucks was out the door. They took their place on the sidewalk. This was likely the most popular of all the Starbucks because of its history. Tourists loved claiming they’d bought coffee at the very first Starbucks.
Reed grew quiet as well. “I apologize, Kellie,” he said. He stood behind her and his voice was close to her ear.
“Sorry?” She turned to face him, not understanding.
“I’m coming on too strong, aren’t I?”
“What do you mean?”
“I think I might have been a little too eager for you to knit me that hat because I want to see you again.”
