Their Small-Town Love by Arlene James

Author:Arlene James
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2009-10-17T04:00:00+00:00

Ryan rang the doorbell, remembering the last time he stood on this porch and the kiss that had rocked his world. Heat enveloped him, but it had nothing whatsoever to do with the hot, heavy glass casserole dish in his hands. When Daniel opened the door, Ryan felt both relief and disappointment.

“My sister-in-law, Cara, asked me to bring this by,” he said, proffering the casserole. “All of our condolences come with it, of course.”

Dan smiled wanly. “Thanks. Just bring it through here.”

They walked into the family room, Ryan carrying the casserole by folded dish towels at each end. The boys lolled on their bellies on the floor, playing a board game of some sort, while their mother reclined on the sofa. Hunter’s head popped up, and his face split into a wide smile.

“Mr. Jeffer!”

“Who’s winning?”

“Me!” he crowed.

“Uh-uh, me!” Scott argued, coming up onto his knees.

“So it’s a draw, huh?”

“What’s a draw?” Scott asked, wrinkling his nose.

“A tie, honey,” Rose explained, starting to sit up. “Hello, Ryan. It’s good to see you.”

“You stay just as you are,” he told her, even as Dan came forward to take the casserole. “Careful. It’s hot out of the oven.”

Rose ignored him, swinging her legs off the sofa, blankets and all. She patted the cushion next to her, saying, “Sit, please. I want a chance to thank you.”

“No need for that,” he insisted, sinking down on the very edge of the cushion so she wouldn’t have to look up at him. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more.”

“No, no,” she said. “How could you possibly have done more? It wasn’t just getting us to the hospital. The boys and Ivy have told us all you did for them. We are so very grateful.”

“I’m glad to have been of help,” he said. “I’m just so sorry for all you’ve been through.”

Her eyes filled. “Thank you. Please continue to pray for us.”

“Absolutely.” Hoping to change the subject, he glanced around, but the only topic that came to mind was Ivy. Finally, he came right out and asked. “Is Ivy around? I didn’t see the hybrid when I was at the motel earlier.” He hadn’t seen it out front, either, but Cara had said she had not checked out yet.

Rose shook her head. “No, I’m afraid not. She’s too afraid of running into Dad.”

Ryan let that pass. The last thing Rose needed to be concerned about right now was her father’s behavior.

“We won’t have to cook for a week,” Daniel announced, coming back into the room, “which is good since my kitchen skills stop at being able to operate a can opener.”

“One of the benefits of living in a small town, I suppose,” Ryan said. “Folks aren’t too busy to stop to help.” With that, he rose to go, but Rose reached out and snagged his hand. He sank back down.

“I hate to ask this,” she said, “after all you’ve done, but could you do one more favor?”

“Rose,” Daniel said, his tone part censure but mostly concern.

“We’re having a

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