Page 30 of Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope
Not what she necessarily wanted to hear, but Morgan nodded. “Make sure to put it on a slow setting. He’s never sewn before.”
Greyson’s cheeks pinkened. “I’m not a baby, Mommy.”
“I know. It’s just...” That she worried about him using the high-powered equipment and wanted him to be careful. How did she let him do things where he might get hurt without worrying? Was that even possible? Was it because she’d lost Trey in an accident? Or would she have been an overprotective mother regardless?
“It’s okay, Morgan.” Andrew’s gaze said it really was, and that he’d keep a close watch on Greyson without her having to say another word. “We got this, don’t we, kid?”
First giving her a frustrated look, Greyson glanced up at Andrew, nodded and mouthed, “Moms.”
A bit hurt by Greyson’s reaction, but knowing that she needed to give her son this space, Morgan took a deep breath. “I’m glad you want to learn. I’m just doing my mom part and reminding you to be careful.” She smiled. “Have fun and learn lots.”
Seeming relieved, Greyson smiled, then looked over to the machines as if he was anxious to get to them as quickly as possible. Probably in case she changed her mind or something else that he viewed as her making him appear babyish in Andrew’s eyes.
Greyson tugged on Andrew’s hand. “Let’s go, please.”
“Thank your mom for saying yes,” Andrew said, no doubt earning bonus points with Grammy—as if he didn’t hold the high score with her already.
“Thank you, Mommy,” Greyson said, meeting her eyes and looking a little embarrassed as it dawned on him that he shouldn’t have had to be reminded. He really was a great kid, and his manners were usually point on. “I love you.”
Talk about earning bonus points. Greyson had just racked up a few of his own.
“I love you, too,” she said, feeling squishy and emotional inside. Goodness. Her conversation with her Grammy must have turned her into a basket case.
“Good job. Now, take Ben’s seat, but wait for me before you touch anything, okay?” Andrew told him. “I’m going to talk to your mom just a minute.”
Greyson hesitated when he realized Andrew wasn’t immediately coming with him, but then nodded.
“Okay,” he promised, then fast-walked over to the chair Ben had previously occupied. When he sat down, he tucked his hands beneath his thighs, as if to emphasize that he wasn’t going to touch anything.
Morgan swallowed, then met Andrew’s hazel eyes.
“I’ll watch him close and make sure we keep the needle moving at a snail’s pace. I can’t promise that nothing will happen, but I can promise that I’ll do everything within my power to keep him from getting hurt.” His gaze bore into hers and held a steely gleam she’d never seen in them as he added, “Always.”
His promise rocked through her, making emotions wash over her and threatening to fill her eyes with tears.
“Thank you. I’m sorry I embarrassed him by being such a worrywart. I just don’t want him getting hurt, you know?”
Andrew’s gaze held hers, and for once his expression was totally serious as he said, “It’s okay, Morgan. I’ll make sure he knows how cool I think it is that you love him so much. He’s a lucky kid.”
With that, he headed back over to where Greyson sat patiently waiting, hands still tucked under his little thighs. That is until Andrew said something to him and the two fist-bumped, looking in complete camaraderie.
Grammy cleared her throat. “Ahem. Did I mention how good he was with your son?”
“A time or two,” Morgan mused, her gaze not leaving where Andrew had pulled his chair over next to Greyson’s. Her son’s face was intent as he soaked up every word Andrew said.
“He’s good with you, too.”
“Not interested,” she reminded Grammy, although...no, she wasn’t. Really. “But I am impressed with how he is with Greyson.”
As Andrew touched and pointed out various parts of the sewing machine, Morgan could tell he was giving Greyson a lowdown of how every part worked prior to letting him actually start stitching. Andrew’s expression suggested the unveiling of the mechanics of the machine was some great secret being shared and Greyson should pay close attention. Greyson’s face was intent, clearly soaking up every word Andrew said. Andrew was obviously giving Greyson this information so he’d know how to use the machine safely, but Greyson didn’t seem like he resented it because Andrew wasn’t a worrywart like her.
Ugh. She was really going to have to be careful. She wanted to keep Greyson safe, but not make him feel as if he was trapped inside a protective bubble.
“Want a break so you can go watch?” Sarah asked, coming over to where the irons were set up.
Morgan glanced toward her friend. From the moment she’d met Sarah the first Sunday Morgan had gone to church with Grammy, she’d thought her the kindest person she’d ever met. “I couldn’t. I want to do my part to help.”
“Are you kidding me? You’ve been here since we unlocked the door this morning and have been back and forth between the iron and the kitchen all day, serving others. All of Lou’s chili is gone, but there’s plenty of soup left. Grab a bowl and some of the butterscotch bars Ruby made because they are melt-in-your-mouth good, and have a seat for a few.”
