Family in His Heart by Gail Gaymer Martin

Author:Gail Gaymer Martin [Martin, Gail Gaymer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2008-10-19T20:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Nick lay in bed all night asking the Lord what to do about Gary. As he tossed from one side to the other, he recalled the story of the prodigal son and what his father had done. Instead of punishing him, since he’d already punished himself by his behavior, the father had opened his arms and thrown a party.

Although Nick wasn’t ready to throw a party, he weighed what he could do that would have a similar affect. He still needed some kind of recompense, but he’d wait and see what happened on Tuesday.

He slipped his legs over the edge of the mattress and sat on the bed, listening. He could hear the shower running down the hall. He’d left his door open just to keep an eye on Gary if he’d awakened in the night. Relieved that his son had gotten out of bed without a hassle, Nick rose with a spring in his step and headed for his own shower.

Letting the water wash over him, he cleansed his heart as well and prayed for a brighter day for all of them. Rona had troubled him, too, with her attitude toward the Lord, but he sensed that somewhere inside her God’s light still shined and he’d have to be patient and find the match that could light the flame.

He had strong feelings for Rona, and each time he admitted it to himself he experienced disbelief. What had it been? A week? Two weeks? How could he let his emotions loose in so short a time after having clung to them so tightly since Jill had died?

Nick finished his shower, amazed that he smelled coffee and bacon drifting up from the kitchen. Rona. She’d come over to prepare her breakfast. He’d promised to take her shopping today, but he wished she’d just eat with the family. He’d try to encourage that.

Dressed, Nick headed down the stairs and when he neared the kitchen, he heard voices. “Something smells wonderful,” he said, walking through the doorway.

Gary sat at the breakfast table, and Nick strode in that direction without making a fuss over Rona. He didn’t want to give his son any fodder for gossip. “Looks good,” he said, eyeing Gary’s scrambled eggs, bacon and toast along with a glass of milk.

“I poured your coffee,” Rona said from behind him.

Nick turned toward her as she approached him with a steaming mug. “Thanks. It’s great to wake up to food cooking.”

Rona didn’t say anything and returned to the counter.

Nick slipped into a chair and sipped his coffee, watching Gary out of the corner of his eye.

When Gary pushed back his plate, Nick spoke. “I’ll pick you up. What time are you out today?”

“I have exams all day.”

“I know. What time will you be done?”

“Two.” He looked away, then looked into Nick’s eyes. “Two-thirty. I have to clean out my lockers.”

“Okay. I’ll be there.”

As he finished the sentence, Rona set a breakfast plate in front of him, then returned with toast fresh from the toaster.

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