Where the Heart Lies by Michelle Garren Flye

Author:Michelle Garren Flye
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2012-09-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

The night before Liam left, he arranged to buy everyone pizza at Alicia’s, insisting she invite Penny, Amy and Mark, as well as Jim and Millie. Millie came, though Jim didn’t feel well and stayed home. After dinner, Gemma grabbed Liam’s hand and dragged him into the yard to teach her to throw a Frisbee.

Most of the party moved outside then, but as Alicia came out of the bedroom after putting Jason down for the night, she found Millie standing by the front window watching Mark, Penny, Amy and Liam take turns throwing the Frisbee as gently as possible to Gemma and then encouraging her as she flung it enthusiastically and not very accurately back at them. Just as she reached her mother-in-law’s side, Mark managed to catch one of Gemma’s less wild efforts and the front yard broke into cheering. Liam grabbed Gemma and hoisted her onto his shoulders to take a victory lap around the yard.

“He really cares about her.” Millie’s voice startled Alicia. She’d almost forgotten her mother-in-law had been there first.

“Yes, he does. And Gemma absolutely loves him. She’s really going to miss him.”

“It’s nice having him in our lives again. I should probably thank you for that. It’s almost like having a little bit of Ty back.” Millie watched the merry bunch outside with a thoughtful expression. “I remember Liam and Ty tossing the Frisbee with Jim out there.” She sighed, looking down at her hands. “He wanted to come tonight. He would have, but the doctor said he should get some rest. I should really get back to him. I don’t want him to be alone.”

The anxiety in her mother-in-law’s voice made Alicia reach out to her. “Is everything okay, Millie?”

“Oh, of course it is, dear. You know me. I’m a worrier.” Millie smiled. “Still, I’d best go.”

“Do you want a ride home? I’ll drive you. Penny will stay with the kids.”

“Nonsense. Stay and enjoy your company.” Millie squeezed her hand. “I’m fine. It’s not even dark yet.”

Alicia walked her mother-in-law to her car. Gemma ran over to them. “Gramma, where are you going?”

“Home, sweetie, to check on your grandpa.” Millie bent and held out her arms. “Give your old grandma a hug and kiss good-night.”

Gemma enthusiastically followed orders as Liam jogged up. “Can I give you a ride home, Millie?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Millie straightened and hugged him too. “I have no intention of breaking up the party. You stay and enjoy the evening. And don’t forget to come see me when you get back in town. You’ve been a stranger too long.”

“That’s a promise I’ll be more than happy to keep.” Liam kissed her cheek and stepped back.

Millie got into the car but before she could close the door, Alicia touched her hand. “Call me if you need anything.” Millie nodded and gave her hand a reassuring pat. Alicia stepped back, watching with uncertain anxiety as the car pulled away.

“Hey.” Liam spoke from close behind her and she turned. “You okay?”

“Fine.

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