Page 21 of Beautiful Harmony

“Unfortunately, I’m not able to do that type of knitting any longer,” Helen said. “I have some arthritis issues that make holding the needles difficult. I switched to working with the bulkier yarn and doing less complicated projects, but even that, as of late, has been a challenge.”

Helen’s cheerful smile didn’t fade, but Emma could hear the sadness in her voice. “I really should accept that I can’t do this anymore, but I’ve been knitting since my twenties, and I still love it.”

“I’m sorry that it’s challenging now,” Emma said. “If you’re open to the idea, I’ve heard of a few different devices specifically designed to help people with arthritis continue to knit. I could do some research and look at ordering one if you’d like?”

The woman studied her, the smile on her face turning soft and warm. “You are just as lovely as my boy says you are.”

Emma blinked at her. “I’m sorry, what?”

The bell jingled over the front door, and Lucas entered the store. “Hey, Mom.”

“Hi, honey.” Helen walked toward him and carefully slid her mittened hands around his waist. They hugged, and Lucas kissed her on the cheek.

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

“It’s fine. It gave me a chance to meet Emma and check out her store.”

“Hi, Emma.” Lucas grinned at her.

“Uh, hi,” Emma said. “I… this is your mom?”

“I am,” Helen said. “Sorry, I should have mentioned that earlier. Lucas just talks about you so much, I feel like I already know you, in a way.”

Lucas’s cheeks went a little pink, and he cleared his throat. “So, are you ready for lunch, or do you want to look around for a bit longer?”

“I know you’re on a time limit, so I can come back after lunch and finish browsing,” Helen said.

“Sure, okay.” Lucas stepped a little closer to Emma. “How’s your day going?”

“It’s good,” Emma said. “How’s yours?”

“Busy.” Lucas continued to linger. “So, uh, are we still on for gaming tomorrow night and the other thing?”

“We are,” Emma said.

“Good.”

There was some awkward silence before Emma said, “Well, enjoy your lunch. Helen, it was lovely to meet you.”

“You should join us, Emma.” Helen studied Lucas, that soft smile still on her face.

“Oh, I can’t intrude,” Emma said.

“Nonsense, you won’t be intruding. Isn’t that right, Lucas?” Helen said.

“That’s right. Come have lunch with us,” Lucas said.

“I can’t take that long of a lunch,” Emma said. “I have to put in another order for yarn by two and -”

“I’ll do the order, and you can review it when you return.” Nora joined them. “It’ll be good practice for me, right?”

She grinned at Lucas. “Hey, Lucas.”

“Hi, Nora.” Lucas gave Nora a weirdly grateful look. “I have to be back in the office by one thirty, and we’re just going to Nan’s, so you’ll have plenty of time, Emma.”

Emma hesitated, and Helen laid a gentle hand on her arm. “Please, Emma. I would love to get to know Lucas’s friends here in Harmony Falls.”

“If you’re sure I’m not intruding,” Emma said.

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