Always Dakota - Debbie Macomber [64]
Leta Betts and Hassie Knight made frequent visits, and for that Sarah was grateful. Leta had decided it was time Sarah learned how to knit, and had undertaken to teach her, the way she had so many others. Joanie sold more yarn than anything else, and she had Leta to thank for that. Despite Sarah’s aptitude with a needle, though, knitting didn’t come naturally. Leta had encouraged her, and soon had her working on a blanket for the baby. However, looking at her humble effort now, Sarah realized she must have done something wrong because it resembled a triangle more than it did a square. Until she saw Leta again, she’d have to set the project aside.
Releasing a deep sigh, Sarah closed her eyes, attempting to nap. She was on the verge of falling asleep when the doorbell chimed. She raised her head as Calla walked into the house.
“Hi,” Calla said, sounding only slightly belligerent.
“Hi,” Sarah returned, hardly knowing how to respond to her anymore. She was afraid her daughter would know how pleased she was to see her and decide not to visit again. Either that, or she’d be outraged that Sarah hadn’t revealed the proper delight. Sarah just couldn’t predict her reactions.
“I brought you some videos,” Calla announced in an offhand manner, as if it embarrassed her to admit she’d actually thought of Sarah. She stepped forward and set the plastic sack on the coffee table, then quickly stepped back, hands in her pockets.
Stunned into speechlessness, Sarah stared at her daughter.
“I thought…you know, watching movies might help kill time.”
“That’s so nice of you.”
Calla shrugged off her gratitude. “I work at the video store, Mother. It’s no big deal.”
Sarah reached for the bag and sorted through the titles. These were the very ones she would’ve chosen if she’d picked out the movies herself. The original Sabrina starring William Holden, Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. The Rainmaker with Katharine Hepburn and Burt Lancaster. Plus Father Goose with Leslie Caron and Cary Grant.
“Oh, Calla, these are perfect!”
“They’re old movies—no one ever rents them.”
“Get my purse and I’ll pay you. I wouldn’t want you to take this out of your own wages.”
“No need to do that.” Calla sat on the edge of the chair, as if she anticipated needing to make a quick escape. “Joanie told me to tell you there’s no charge. She’s been meaning to come by and visit but hasn’t had a chance.”
“That’s so sweet of her.”
Calla looked about the room and frowned. Sarah could only imagine what displeased her now.
“Is Dennis treating you any better?”
She opened her mouth to argue but decided that wouldn’t help. “He’s been his usual self.” Which was wonderful, gentle and patient, but her daughter didn’t want to hear that.
Calla snorted. “That’s what I thought.” She jumped up from the chair and went into the kitchen. “Look at this!” she cried, sounding disgusted.
“What?” Sarah called out to her.
“Did you know he stacks dirty dishes in the sink?”
Sarah was a meticulous housekeeper and no one knew that better than Calla. Before she could respond, she heard running water. Apparently her daughter had taken it upon herself to wash those unsightly dishes. Calla was more like her than she cared to admit.
The child moved within her and Sarah pressed her hands against her abdomen. “That’s your sister making all the racket out there,” she whispered. Almost five months into the pregnancy, and the baby moved quite a bit now. Sarah found it reassuring. Feeling her baby eased her worries somewhat.
“Do you want me to put in one of those movies for you?” Calla asked a few minutes later.
“Please.” Sarah was definitely in the mood to be entertained.
Calla reappeared and grabbed the top video. Using the remote control like an expert, she slipped the video into the VCR and set it on