The Rescue Quilt

by Carol Dean Jones

  “No, just the same thing we read in the first letters. It doesn’t look like Hawkins ever spoke with Kirkland after that initial meeting.”

  “Wait a minute, Charles. Something fell on the floor.” She reached to pick it up. “It looks like another legal document. She handed it to Charles and waited while he opened it. “What is it?” she asked when she saw his face change.

  “It’s his will,” Charles responded with disbelief. “Why didn’t anyone find this?”

  “I doubt that anyone was looking,” Sarah responded. “Who would have looked?”

  Charles began reading. “Good Lord,” he exclaimed. “This document leaves everything to the grandson, Travis Hawkins.”

  Chapter 24

  “Ladies, I think we may have enough dog house blocks. Let’s take a break and count them.”

  “We have twenty-one,” Christina called out a few minutes later. “How many do we need?”

  “Well, we have several different sizes and I’m not sure just how we’ll be laying them out, but I think we’ll probably need about four across and five down. That would be twenty, but we might need more. Let’s stop and decide how we want to arrange them.”

  “Since we have varying sizes, we can use wider strips of sashing to fill the space where we need it,” Delores suggested.

  “I don’t get it,” Sophie muttered, not intending for anyone to hear her.

  “You will,” Ruth assured her confidently. “Just wait and see.”

  Sarah held up the sashing fabric they had chosen the previous week, which was black with light blue, yellow, and tan paw prints scattered on it. “This is what we decided to use as sashing between the blocks. Let’s wait to choose our borders after we finish the middle.”

  “How big will this be?” Caitlyn asked. She rarely asked questions, being the youngest in the group and the least experienced. A slight blush spread across her cheeks.

  Sarah encouraged her by responding, “I’m glad you asked. We need to talk about that. As it stands now, it would probably only be about 55”x75” once we add a couple of borders. We could always make more blocks and increase the size. What do you think?” she added, addressing the whole group.

  “I like for a throw to be bigger than that,” Delores responded. As the oldest member and most experienced, the group turned toward her to hear her suggestion. “How about we frame each of the blocks using the three colors in the sashing: blue, yellow, and tan. That will give us another sixteen or so inches all the way around. That would be a generous size.”

  “It could even fit a child’s twin bed if the winner wanted to use it that way.”

  “Let’s do it,” Ruth responded. “Come into the shop and we’ll find our three fabrics.”

  While they were searching through the shop, Sarah turned to Sophie and asked, “Are you still upset about Penny bringing a boy over?”

  “No, Andy explained it to me. It’s how kids study nowadays. In fact, he’s driving a bunch of kids to the movies on Saturday. It’s some movie their history teacher recommended. Andy said it will be good for her to get to know these kids – it’s a group who are concerned about their studies and their grades. In fact, Andy said the boy Penny brought home is in an advanced college-prep program.”

  “It sounds like this has worked out just fine,” Sarah said. “What do you think of this fabric?” she asked Sophie pulling out a bolt of brown tone-on-tone.

  Sophie was holding a piece of the black sashing fabric. She held it up to the bolt and said, “I think it should be a lighter tan. This one will fade into the black.”

  “Good point,” Sarah agreed returning the bolt.

  “How about this one?” Sophie said as she pulled out another tone-on-tone. “It has a touch of gold to it, but it will stand out better.”

  “I totally agree,” Sarah said again. “You’re really good with color.” They carried the golden tan up to the cutting table and laid it down next to the other candidates.

  “That’s perfect,” several women said simultaneously as they removed the other tan bolts. The yellow and blue choices were already made. By the time all three fabrics were cut into strips and sewn onto each of the twenty blocks, it was approaching nine o’clock.

  “Let’s go ahead and clean up,” Ruth announced. “They’re predicting snow again tonight, and I’d like for everyone to get home before it starts.”

  Sophie had been pressing all the blocks and had them neatly stacked and ready to be sewn into rows. Sarah gathered up the blocks and the sashing fabric. She had offered to take them home and add the sashing strips to save time. “I might even go ahead and sew the rows together if I have time,” she had added.

  As they were preparing to leave, Delores picked up the one extra block and said, “I’d be happy to use my embroidery machine to make a label using this block if someone tells me what it should say.”

  “It should say it was made by the Running Stitches Friday Night Quilters,” Ruth said.

  “And add our home town.”

  “And the date…”

  “That’s fine, but doesn’t it need something else?”

  Sophie was standing nearby thumbing through the quilt books. She turned toward the group and said, “I saw a poster recently with the picture of an adorable little dog and under the picture it said, ‘I am not disposable. Please love me for my whole life.’”

  The group was obviously touched and remained quiet for a moment until Delores finally spoke up. Her voice cracked slightly as she said, “That’s the perfect message for our rescue quilt.” Everyone shook their heads in agreement. Caitlyn had tears in her eyes as she reached over and gently touched Sophie’s arm.

  * * *

  “How are things going with Penny?” Charles asked, peeking into the sewing room where Sarah appeared to be lost in thought.

  “We’ve practically finished her quilt and she’s a natural with that machine.”

  “I thought she was just going to be watching.”

  “She wanted to try sewing a seam. It was perfectly straight and she understood about the quarter-inch seam, so she actually did much of the stitching. We finished it yesterday, and we’re taking it to the quilter next week.”

  “And how about your ulterior motive? Has she opened up with you?”

  “More and more every day. Caitlyn was right; that girl needs to talk. I think she’d do great in counseling and I’m going to suggest it to Tim one of these days, but I want to introduce the topic to her first.”

  “But she is talking to you, right?”

  “She is, but I’m sure there’s more she’d like to talk about. Sometimes I think she’s holding back. Other times she’s told me things I’d almost rather not know.”

  “How’s that?” he asked sitting down on a chair near the worktable where she had dog house blocks spread out. It was one of the many things she loved about her husband. When she talked to him she could tell that she had his total attention. She wondered how often she continued working on things while half listening to her friends. She was learning from Charles how important it is to stop and really hear what people are saying.

  “Things weren’t all sunshine and roses back in Alaska. I know her mother was sick for a long time, but it sounds like she got pretty difficult toward the end.”

  “I’ve heard that can happen with cancer.”

  “It was actually more than just being difficult,” Sarah added looking distressed. “The mother became abusive at times.”

  “Oh the poor child, and I’m sure she didn’t understand what was happening.”

  “She wonders what she was doing wrong,” Sarah replied. “I’ve tried to help her see that it didn’t have anything to do with her, but she can’t see that.”

  “And the mother probably didn’t have anyone but Penny to care for her.”

  “No, just Penny. It was a very hard time for the young girl.” Sarah was haphazardly moving the blocks around on the worktable. Realizing what she was doing, she pushed them aside and tu
rned to Charles. “Remember when Caitlyn told me that Penny wanted to go back home?”

  “Yes, but surely she knew there was no home there…” Charles responded.

  “Of course she knew. I don’t think that’s what she really wanted. After talking with her, I think she wanted to do the impossible – she wanted to go back in time and apologize for being angry with her mother. She told me it was hard to be patient with her some of the time.”

  “Hmm. The woman was probably in unbearable pain. I wonder what kind of medical care she had.”

  “Penny said it was impossible to get her mother to the doctor’s office toward the end. Actually he went to the cabin a time or two, but her mother often ran out of medication. That was really too much for a young girl.”

  Charles shook his head. “I wish she had contacted Tim earlier. He would have helped. He’s a good guy.”

  “Well, at least she finally did let him know about Penny. I hate to think where she’d be today without Tim.”

  “And now Penny has a good home and is with family that loves her,” Charles added on a more positive note.

  “True, but unfortunately that seems to be the other part of the problem. She told me she feels like she’s imposing on Tim and Sophie.”

  “Imposing? Those two are happy as clams! They love that girl.”

  “We know that, but Penny doesn’t. She knows she has changed their lives -- she just doesn’t realize they are changed for the better. They are both ecstatic about having her in the family. I’ve tried to help her see that. I think it’ll just take time.

  “Do we need to worry about her taking off for Alaska?”

  “Absolutely not,” Sarah responded. “She understands now that going back isn’t the solution. She wants to stay right where she is. She just wants to fit in.”

  “And, as you said, that’ll take time,” Charles said. “I’m glad you’re working with her. The more support she has, the better.”

  Sarah turned to the worktable and took four blocks off the pile of finished squares.

  “What are you working on there?”

  “I offered to put the rows together, but I forgot that would involve figuring out where to place each of the dog house blocks. I think I’ll put them all on the design wall you made for me. Will you help me put it up?”

  “Sure thing.” He moved closer to her worktable and studied each of the blocks. “These are terrific. It’s going to be raffled off, right?”

  “Yes. Sophie spoke with the organization and they’re planning a city-wide raffle. It’ll be advertised in the paper and they got approval from the county to display it and sell tickets at the spring craft show at the fair ground.”

  “This should bring in good money. It’s going to be very unique,” Charles responded. “Am I allowed to buy tickets?” he asked in a somewhat teasing tone.

  “You’re allowed to buy as many tickets as you want,” she responded cheerfully. “But I’m not sure we’d allow you to keep it if you win.”

  “What? That’s not fair,” he said, looking injured.

  “Sometimes life just isn’t fair,” she teased. “We’ve agreed that if any of us in the club should happen to win, we’ll donate it back and I’m pretty sure that applies to you as well.”

  Chapter 25

  Sophie picked up the phone on the second ring. She could see it was a call from the Shuttle Service and she hoped Sheila didn’t have a run for her today. She wanted to help Penny with her packing. She and her father were moving to their new home today and it was bittersweet for Sophie. She was happy for them as they began their new life, but it had been wonderful having family in the house. She knew they were just up the street, and Penny promised she would come by after school most afternoons, but not having her to tuck into bed at night was indeed sad.

  “Sophie, glad I caught you. I just had a call from the Keesler foster home. You were out there the other day picking up Magnolia.”

  “I remember. Is there a problem?”

  “No, not at all. In fact, I heard that Magnolia has settled into her new home and is happy as a clam. The reason Bernice Keesler was calling was because of one of Magnolia’s babies. She said you seemed to be interested in her, but she was in the process of being adopted.”

  “Oh yes, I remember that little sweetie. Her name is Blossom and she was so adorable. I felt like she was asking me to take her home. Actually, I would have if it had been possible.”

  “Well,” Sheila continued, “You’re in luck. The adoption didn’t go through and little Blossom is available. I’ll give you Bernice’s number and you can go fill out an application if you’re still interested. How will Emma feel about having another dog in the family?”

  “Actually, I was thinking about getting her for my granddaughter.”

  “Oh,” Sheila replied hesitantly. “Does she live with you?”

  “She’s been living here, but she and her father are packing to move to their new home that is just up the street…”

  “Sophie, you’ll have to have her father fill out the application. They’ll do the home study at the new house. Do you know if there’s a fenced yard?”

  “Yes, as a matter of fact. And Penny is fourteen. She’ll take excellent care of the little dog. She loves Emma and spends every available minute playing with her.”

  “I know she will. And besides, she’s your granddaughter. I know she’ll do fine. Give Bernice a call after you talk to your son and perhaps the three of you can go meet little Blossom just to make sure this is the dog for Penny.”

  This is the perfect dog for Penny – a little white bundle of fluff to love, Sophie thought. “We’ll give Bernice a call. Thanks Sheila.”

  “Tell your son to give me as one of his references when he fills out the forms.” Tim had been helping Sophie with her runs and had made an impression on Sheila. “Such a fine young man,” she had said despite the fact that he was almost as old as Sheila.

  Sophie hung up and remained sitting on the couch thinking about the little dog. She had hoped to get Penny a dog as a surprise, but she was beginning to realize that this was best. Penny should be involved in choosing the dog. Who knows what attracts certain dogs and humans to one another, but she remembered that when she met Emma they seemed to have a special connection from the beginning.

  “Yes,” she told herself aloud, “Penny needs to meet little Blossom.”

  * * *

  All plans for moving their clothes to the new house came to a grinding halt when Sophie told Penny and Tim about little Blossom. “I’ll drive,” Tim announced. “You two can hold the dog.”

  “Hold on son. We won’t be bringing the dog home with us today.”

  “Why not?” Penny cried in a whiney voice Sophie hadn’t heard her use before.

  “Because they have to do a home study. Remember how I was telling you that they always make sure the dogs are going to a good home.”

  “But we are a good home,” she protested.

  “Of course we are, but they don’t know that.”

  “You could tell them…” Penny grumbled.

  “Just be patient, young lady,” Sophie responded, trying to sound firm while smiling inside. She realized that Penny was becoming comfortable enough in her new home to begin to grouse occasionally, and she knew that was a very good thing.

  As they drove toward the Keesler home, Penny became animated again asking questions about the dog and talking about all the things they would need to buy.

  “Can we buy a bed today?” she asked her father.

  “Don’t worry,” he replied. “We’ll get everything we need before she arrives.” Turned to Sophie, he asked, “Mom, how long do these home studies usually take?”

  “I’m not sure. By the time I get involved, the adoptions are already done, but I think it will go quickly since they know us, and Sheila has offered to provide a personal reference.”

  As they were approaching the front door, Bernice Keesler stepped out and greeted them. “I’m so glad
you’re still interested. I could tell when you were here, you were really bonding with little Blossom.”

  Sophie introduced Tim and Penny and the four went into the house and headed immediately for the puppy room. When they stepped into the room, Penny gasped and covered her face with both hands. “Is that her?” she asked almost afraid to hear the answer in case it wasn’t Blossom.

  “That’s little Blossom,” Bernice said, picking her up and gently handing her to Penny.

  “Ooh, she’s so little and soft.” Penny held her close to her heart and kissed the top of her head. “I love her,” she said softly. Blossom stretched up just like she had done with Sophie and licked Penny’s chin with her tiny pink tongue.

  “Ah,” Penny cooed. “Look at these big ears,” she said gently running her hand across the back of the puppy’s shiny black ears. The black area on her back was more pronounced and she had grown since Sophie saw her, but she was still tiny and appeared to be ever so delicate. “I’m afraid I’ll break her,” Penny said as she carefully put her back into her bed. “When can I take her home?” she abruptly asked, catching Bernice off guard.

  “Oh, well, there’s a procedure. We’ll do a home study. I understand you’re in the process of moving. How soon do you expect to be settled?” she asked turning to Tim.

  “We’re already settled,” he said knowing that they only had one more trip to make with a few clothes and they’d be completely moved in.

  “Then why don’t I give you the application to complete. Get it back to me as soon as you can, and I’ll schedule the home visit right away.” She led them back to the kitchen and pulled out a packet. “Just complete this and bring it back to me.”

  “Can we bring it back today?” Penny asked.

  “Hold on, young lady,” Tim responded. “This will take some time and it’s already afternoon but,” he added turning to Bernice, “I think we can get it back to you tomorrow if that’s okay.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll see you then.