Seasons of Sugarcreek 03. Autumn's Promise by Shelley Shepard Gray Page A

forgotten.”
    “We could pick you up.”
    “There’s no reason to do that,” Robert replied, his voice turning sharp. “I know my way to the Grabers’. I’ve never been late for services.” Abruptly, he turned to her. “Lilly, there’s some kittens down the way. Would you care to see them?” The look he gave her was almost pleading.
    “Of course.” She tried to smile at his friends again, but her lips froze as she caught their cool glares.
    Continuing to look irritated, Robert led her down a row of booths. When they’d walked a good twenty steps, he stopped. “I know they were discourteous. However, I cannot apologize for them. I’m embarrassed, too. And, I promise, I had no part in their actions.”
    His honesty made her insides melt a bit. “I didn’t mind. Well, not too much.”
    “Not too much?”
    There was so much hope in his voice, so much doubt. So much of the same confusion she was feeling, Lilly knew she’d say anything to help ease the situation. “Actually, I think…I think I kind of understood.” When he gazed at her in confusion, she attempted to explain.
    “The Grabers hadn’t liked my friendship with Joshua at first. They were sure he was going to leave them all to be with me. But once they understood I wasn’t a threat, they settled down. I, um, bet your friends will come to the same conclusions. Once they realize we’re just friends. Now, are there really kittens over here?”
    “Of course. I wouldn’t lie to you.”
    “Then let’s go see them. I have to tell you, I’m a sucker for kittens and puppies.”
    “What girl isn’t?” He grinned, then pulled her toward the end of the row, pausing finally as he greeted an elderly man sitting next to a crate of eight kittens. “Eli, hello.”
    “Robert. Good day. And to you too, miss.”
    “Hi. May I step in and pet the kittens?”
    “That’s what they’re here for.” He waved a hand. “Come on in. They are desperate for a little bit of affection.”
    Lilly didn’t need another bit of coaxing. She crouched down and gently petted a tiger-striped ball of fur.
    Interested, the tiny cat turned and pounced toward her hand. Before long, the others had decided to play, too. Next thing she knew, she was sitting on the ground holding three cats. Another two were playing with the laces on her boots. “I love them,” she murmured. “Thank you for taking me here.”
    As Robert watched Lilly, her expression turning soft and sweet, he was struck by the rush of tender feelings that were pooling inside of him. She was lovely, sitting there, holding two kittens up to her face.
    She looked so happy.
    “Would you like one?” he asked impulsively.
    She blinked. “I couldn’t—”
    “Why not? Cats are not much trouble.”
    “My parents would probably get mad…”
    “You sure? A kitten seems like a small enough thing.” He smiled at his quip. The tiny kittens were definitely small.
    Lilly looked at him for a moment, then, to his surprise, tears formed in her eyes. “You’re right.” Looking to Eli, she smiled. “Actually, I think I would like one. How much are they?”
    “Not much. I only want reimbursement for the shots they need.” He shrugged. “Twenty-five dollars?”
    Robert pulled out his wallet. “Sold.”
    Lilly scrambled to her feet. “Wait! This is too much. I can’t let you buy a cat for me—”
    “I think he already is, English,” Eli said.
    Robert laughed. “Her name’s Lilly.”
    “It’s a fine name.” Holding out his hand, he took the money and promptly put it in a wooden box by his side.
    “Get you a cat, Lilly.”
    Around her, the kittens were meowing and each looking at her with wide eyes. One tried to climb her boot. With a laugh, she pulled it off her laces, then held it up to her face. “Are you my cat?” She picked up another one, this one almost all black. “Or are you?”
    Its four legs hung limply as it looked at her pleadingly. “Oh, Robert, they’re all so cute! I can’t decide.”