Page 38 of Merry Mended Hearts

I was happy for the different topic. “It was no problem at all. You helped me, too, though you don’t realize it.”

Junie’s eyes lit up. “Really? I’m so glad! Is that what you’re working on?”

“It’s a book. I’m?—”

My phone buzzed from where it was tucked beside my leg. Though silent mode was on, the screen with its picture of a go-getter statement saying, “I’m On My Way!”, lit the room.

Junie rose hastily from her seat. “I’ll let you get that. It was good talking to you, Grace. Have a good night.”

“Thanks, Junie. You, too.”

Mom’s goofy grin filled my phone’s screen. With a smile, I swiped to answer, eager to give her an update on my book.

Because that was why I was here.

Not men.

Books.

“Hey, Mom.”

“Hey, Gracie Girl,” Mom said. “I’m not calling too late, am I? I know you’re an hour off from us.”

Tiredness prickled my eyes as if my fatigue sensed its cue to make an appearance. I closed my laptop and readjusted my feet so I could cocoon myself on the comfortable armchair.

“Not too late. I’m in the most amazing room here. It’s like a fairytale. You’d love this place.”

“That’s so great, honey. And how’s the writing?”

Exuberance filled my tone. “Amazing. This book is practically writing itself.”

“Excellent! So you’re almost done with it?”

I heard an edge to Mom’s voice that wasn’t there moments before. Gripping my laptop with my free hand, I rested my feet on the floor.

“Why do you say it like that?”

“Oh, nothing, sweetie. Nothing at all. It’s just that…”

Dad’s voice was in the background. Mom shushed him. “She needs to know this, Robert. We have to at least tell her.”

My attention pricked. I sat up a little straighter. “You have to at least tell me what?”

Did something happen to my sister? Was everyone okay?

Mom made a stifling noise between clicking her tongue and coughing. “I wasn’t sure whether I should say anything or not, Gracie. It’s just that—well, I mean, if your book is practically done and writing itself, there’s nothing saying you can’t finish it say, tomorrow, right? Or on the plane, even.”

“Mom.” I said with a warning tone. What was she getting at? “Don’t do this to me. I’m having a great time here.”

At least, as long as I avoided the grumpy, grouchy-pants cowboy.

“I know, and I’m so glad. That’s what we wanted for you. It’s just that?—”

“What, Mom?”

I hoped this wasn’t about the guy Uncle Mike was bringing home.

“We just heard from Stephanie. Sounds like Miles is surprising her with a trip home for Christmas as his gift to her this year.”

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