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Jake piped up, “Did you see me, Aunt Cat?”

“I certainly did And I thought your perforhed

“Thanks” He beamed at the praise

“Did Wade ht be able to co to the previous subject

Cat knew that dodging questions would only lead to more questions “He hopes to make it before Christmas,” she admitted

Sloan’s head snapped up “So soon,” she blurted, then darted a quick glance at Trey

He acted as if he hadn’t heard either of their co those quilts down?”

“What quilts?” Jessy asked curiously

Accepting Trey’s deft change of subject, knowing that he didn’t want any of her suspicions about Wade to become known, Sloan explained, “I found a motherlode of handmade quilts in an attic closet the other day There was a dresser blocking it When I ned and dated in embroidery thread The oldest was from 1910 and the newest is from 1939”

“I think I know the ones you mean,” Jessy said slowly “They were all made here”

Trey intervened “Not a probleood airing”

“We could string clotheslines in the laundry rooht overheads, we could see if they needThey must after all that time in the attic”

“I thought they’d make an ideal backdrop for a faraph all of us in front of them, especially the kids”

“That’s a great idea, Sloan,” Cat said

“I thought so,” Sloan replied “Coet them”