Page 70 of Wrapped Up in Christmas Hope
She smiled at him. “John, you inspire me to be a better person and to do more for my country and those who have so valiantly served. That’s why, even though I can’t sew, I joined the Quilts of Valor Foundation, and why I’ll continue to volunteer and work with them to wrap as many of our military as we can in quilts of comfort. Because of you and the impact meeting you has had on me. You are a true American hero, John, and I’m so proud and honored to award you this Quilt of Valor that’s even more special to me because my son helped sew some of the blocks. May I wrap you in your quilt?”
John, looking a little weepy himself, nodded. “I’m sure there’s someone who deserves this more than me, but I’m not going to say no to being wrapped in a quilt of healing by a pretty lady. My Carla was a quilter. I know how much time and love goes into making a quilt. I’m the one who is honored.”
Morgan shook her head. “I’m not going to let you downplay your greatness. Not today.” She unfolded the quilt, then draped it across his shoulders. “John, welcome home and thank you for your service.”
Then, fighting to keep from choking up, she hugged him.
“Now you’ve gone and done it, girl. You’ve embarrassed me in front of Maybelle,” he whispered, sounding a little choked up himself.
Morgan pulled back to look at him. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you, but you deserve this recognition.”
“I’m not embarrassed by the quilt. I’m embarrassed by the way you’re making me cry like a big baby.”
Sure enough pink rimmed his old blue eyes and tears flowed down his cheeks.
Morgan lost it and started crying, too, pulling him into a hug.
“Now, look who’s crying like a baby,” she whispered.
“Yeah, but whereas I’m just embarrassed by my tears, yours are making your firefighter look as if he’s going to come teach me a lesson for making you cry,” John whispered back.
Straightening, Morgan swiped at her eyes, then glanced toward where she’d seen Andrew with his grandparents. Sure enough, he was watching her and his eyes were filled with...compassion? Empathy? Or was that something more in how he was looking at her?
And oh heavens, what was that moving through her? Surely it was just because she was so emotional over presenting John’s quilt to him. As the crowd was clapping in honor of John, Morgan handed the microphone back over to Sophie, who immediately began putting out a call for more volunteers.
“As Morgan mentioned, she doesn’t sew, but she was still able to participate. There are so many ways a person can help beyond quilting. If you’re looking for a way to serve and honor our precious military servicemen and women past and present, please consider joining Quilts of Valor Foundation or making a donation. Anything you can do will help us meet our goal to wrap all nominated service members with a Quilt of Valor. All service members are heroes and can be nominated. Thank you for joining us today and help yourselves to some of the yummy snacks provided for us by the Pine Hill Church’s ladies class.”
Morgan made her way over to her grandparents. They were close to Charlie and Ruby, and thus Andrew, and she hoped she got the opportunity to talk to him. She needed to explain what had happened at Sarah and Bodie’s.
“You did a fantastic job,” her Grammy said, hugging her. “I’m so proud.”
Morgan smiled, hugged both her grandparents, then got similar praise from Andrew’s grandparents, who were just the cutest couple ever.
“Oh, there’s Pastor Smith. We must go say hello. Greyson, you, too,” Grammy grabbed Ruby’s elbow and the two women along with a reluctant Greyson headed over to the preacher. “Come on, guys,” they called to their husbands. Grampy and Charlie looked at each other, shrugged, then followed the women, leaving Morgan and Andrew semi-alone.
“Subtle,” Andrew harrumphed, rocking back on his heels.
“Weren’t they just?” Morgan smiled nervously at him.
“You did a great job awarding the quilt.”
“Thank you. John is a wonderful person.”
“Sounds it. I remember when he was Grand Marshall of the Christmas parade a few years ago. Maybelle nominated him, I believe.”
“Interesting. She nominated him for his Quilt of Valor, also.” Morgan studied him, trying to see through the small talk to what was really going on inside his head. “How have you been?”
“Fine,” he answered. “But probably still on Santa’s naughty list.”
“I didn’t realize you were ever on Santa’s naughty list,” she mused. “To tell you the truth, I thought I was on it.”
His gaze met hers “You?”
Morgan’s breath hung in her throat. “I’m sorry I rushed off at Sarah and Bodie’s when you tried to hold my hand. I...” she searched for the right words, “Please don’t think badly of me. I was thrilled for them, but memories hit and I felt all panicky, and I just needed a moment.”
“I didn’t think badly of you, Morgan. I figured it was something along those lines when you rushed off,” he told her, sounding sincere.
She couldn’t stand not knowing a moment longer. “If you’re not upset about that, then why have you been avoiding me since that night?”
