Page 103 of Left Behind

“Corina hides from the cops.”

Wiley resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “The only people who hide from the police are people who did something wrong, so that’s her problem. We don’t have a problem.”

Ava nodded. “We don’t have a problem.”

“Right, and you sure look pretty today. Now, let’s hit the road, missy. Dani’s waiting.”

The drive from his house to Aaron and Dani’s was less than five minutes, and when he pulled up in the driveway, Aaron’s car was still in the drive.

“Looks like Aaron is waiting to see you,” Wiley said as he pulled up behind his brother’s car. He got out, helped Ava out of the car, and was heading up the steps with her when the front door opened and Aaron came out in a uniform just like Wiley’s.

“Good morning, little sister,” Aaron said. “You and Dani are going to have the best day.”

“We’re feeding birds!” Ava said.

“I need a hug,” Wiley said, and dropped down on one knee as Ava threw her arms around him.

“Bye, Bubba.”

“Goodbye, sugar. See you this evening, okay?”

Dani appeared in the doorway. “There’s my girl. Are you ready for today?”

“Wait!” Aaron said. “I need a goodbye hug, too.”

Ava was all giggles, and that was all Wiley needed to see as he watched Dani and Ava go inside.

Aaron saw the look on Wiley’s face and clapped him on the shoulder.

“Let’s go, Brother. We don’t want to miss the morning briefing.”

***

Carey and Johnny were in an Uber on their way to the lawyer’s office.

“You look pretty enough to marry,” Johnny said, and rubbed the little engagement ring on her finger that he’d given her four months earlier.

“I saw myself in the mirror. I still have a fading purple eye and two scars on my head.”

“I would love you if you were bald, but the hair will grow back, and you know it. I’m hoping my bones decide to grow back together, too.”

“Doctor said you’re doing great. The X-rays showed a lot of healing.”

“I know, and I’m so grateful to still have a leg,” he muttered.

She gave his hand a soft squeeze. “Are you sad you can’t go back to being a lineman?”

He thought about it a minute. “Truth? No. That fall killed the thrill of bird poop on my shoulders.”

She laughed.

He winked, then leaned over and kissed her square on the mouth. A couple of miles further, and their driver was pulling into the parking lot. He jumped out, then circled his car, opened the door for Carey, then helped Johnny out.

“Call if you guys need a ride home. I’ll let the company know so they can page me if I’m in the area,” he said.

Carey nodded, handed Johnny his cane, and waited while he steadied himself in his new walking cast before they headed indoors and were immediately taken into their lawyer’s office.

Lee Williams stood up as they came in, helped Johnny into a chair, and seated Carey before taking his seat.

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