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we re here. And not too much the worse for wear!
GINGER CHAMBERS 237
Additional toasts were offered, more champagne
flowed, food was eaten; every surface in the kitchen
was filled with serving plates and bowls.
Brad and Jill repeated their story time after time.
A few people broke away the workmen, the neigh-
bors each with messages of cheer and gratitude for
their safe return.
When at last the group was reduced to the extended
family, they gathered in the living room.
 This is all a little overwhelming, Jill admitted.  I
had no idea so many people would care.
 A lot of people love you and Dad, Mom, Steffie
said brightly.
 Too right, Molly agreed.
The doorbell rang and Steffie hurried to answer it.
 Look who s here, she said as she returned with
Johnny Banks.  I was hoping you d get here in time,
Uncle Johnny, before Mom and Dad fall over from ex-
haustion.
 I I didn t want to intrude, Johnny said softly. His
eyes sought out Brad in the group and moved shyly to
Jill.  I m really glad you two are safe.
Brad stood up and motioned for his friend to follow
him into the kitchen.  Come on, Johnny. There s all
kind of food. Let s find you a plate so you can get
started.
Johnny nodded like a child and trailed after him.
But at the doorway Brad glanced back at Jill, who
gave him an encouraging smile.
 Here you go, Brad said, locating the plates and
flatware.  Help yourself. It s all good. I ve tasted
most of it.
Johnny s plate was full by the time he finished half the
238 ALL THAT LOVE IS
circuit. Instead of going back to be with the others,
though, he stood at the counter, plate in hand, and began
to eat.
 Would you like to sit down? Brad offered.  I can
bring in a couple of chairs.
Johnny shook his head.  This is okay. Then a
thought must have occurred to him and he added,
 Unless you need to sit.
 I m fine, Brad said.  In fact, I m more than fine.
 What the heck happened to you? his friend asked.
 Tony said you took a shortcut. Only, it didn t turn out
to be a shortcut. And then you ended up off the road and
couldn t get back.
 All true, Brad confirmed.
 But how? You never do anything stupid like me. I m
the one who gets into trouble.
Brad laughed.  Well, I guess it was my turn this
time.
 I m glad everything worked out for the good. I I
don t really have enough friends to lose any.
Brad patted him on the shoulder.  Sorry I missed our
lunch. Is there anything you need?
 Just I wanted to tell you my daughter ll be down
from Oregon to visit me. Thought maybe you d like to
meet her while she s here.
 I d like that, Brad said.  Let me know when and
where.
Johnny nodded and returned to his food.
SHORTLY AFTER BRAD LEFT the room, Jillian started to
wear out. At last, she said,  Everyone, stay as long as
you like, but I have to call it a day. A week, actually!
She laughed.  A long week, with a lot of ups and downs.
GINGER CHAMBERS 239
After giving everyone a hug, especially her children,
she dropped by the kitchen to tell Brad what she was
doing. She was in time to catch the tail end of what
Johnny had said about his daughter.
 May I come along, too? she asked.  I d love to
meet her.
Her request caught Johnny off guard.  Well, um,
sure& yes. I I guess so& if you want. He d looked
from Brad to Jillian, as if uncertain he d heard her cor-
rectly.
She slipped into place at Brad s side as he held out
an arm to encircle her, and together they smiled at his
old friend.
Slowly, Johnny smiled back.  Well, of course, he
said more positively.  That d be great.
 Just let us know when, she told him, repeating
what Brad had said. Then, looking up, she murmured,
 I m going upstairs. The tiredness has finally caught up
with me again. Johnny&  She switched her gaze back
to the other man.  Thank you for stopping by. You re a
very dear friend.
A dusky pink spread upward under Johnny s tan as
he mumbled a reply.
His reaction caused Jillian a prick of conscience.
Had she really been so awful to him before? Yes. Yes,
she had. And she would mend her ways so that it never
happened again.
Brad squeezed her shoulder.  I ll be up in a minute,
he said, his dark eyes warm with love.
All the way upstairs Jillian marveled at what a beau- [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]