Page 22 of Unexpected Gifts

“Welcome to being a parent,” Luke said. “We all just do the best we can and ask God for a little help.”

“Sometimes he shows up through other people,” Abby said. “And he sure has tonight.”

Luke offeredto walk Abby and the kids home, and she accepted, saying she was afraid of the dark, and how many types of wild animals were out there this time of night, and did any of them like to eat women from the city.

He’d laughed at that and assured her that the animals were as scared of her as she was of them. “Regardless, let me walk you back. I have a good flashlight and can get you guys settled before I head back home.”

Abby hugged Grace and Walter good night before calling to the children that it was time to go. They’d had their dessert already, and Jack was yawning so wide Abby was afraid his face might break in two.

Sophie and Jack joined them in the mudroom, obediently putting on their jackets, hats, and mittens. Lily looked up at Sophie with pure adoration. “Bye, Sophie.”

“Bye, Lily. See you soon, okay?” Sophie held out her arms, and the two girls hugged.

Jack, who seemed oblivious to being left out, called for Rufus, who had been fast asleep by the fire during the movie. He came trotting in now, wagging his tail.

Luke told Lily that Mimi was going to put her to bed tonight, and she didn’t make a fuss. She was a flexible little girl, thank God. “Will you come and see me when you get home?” Lily asked him.

“Yes, but you’ll be asleep by then.”

“It’s okay, as long as I know you’re coming back,” Lily said.

Something about the way she said it kind of broke his heart. Between her own mother and now Ramona’s passing, she must be worried that he, too, would disappear. “I always come back.” He kissed the top of her head. “Be good for Mimi.”

“Okay, Daddy.” She turned to Jack, who had clipped Rufus’s leash to the dog’s collar. “Bye, Jack.”

“See ya, Lily.” Jack grinned as Rufus’s tail smacked his leg.

Soon, the four of them, plus Rufus, were making their way through the snow, following the path they’d made earlier as a guide. Walter had sent them out with two flashlights, making it easy enough to see where they were going. No more snow had fallen during the day, and the sky was clear and full of stars tonight. Temperatures had dropped considerably.

“It’s so cold,” Abby said. “My California blood doesn’t know what’s happening.”

“Yeah, all the more reason to make sure your house is repaired as it should be.”

They reached the fence dividing the two properties. Luke unlatched the gate and waited for everyone to pass through before closing it again. No one spoke as they trudged across the yard to the back door of the house. When they reached the back patio, Sophie ran ahead, opening the door to the kitchen and turning on the light. Jack followed behind, still holding tight to Rufus’s leash.

“You guys go upstairs and get your jammies on,” Abby said. “And brush your teeth. I’ll be up to tuck you in shortly.”

“What are jammies?” Jack’s forehead wrinkled as he looked up at Abby.

“Jammies? Pajamas,” Abby said quickly. “Or pj’s. What do you call them?”

“Pj’s,” Jack said. “My mom calls them that.”

Sophie’s expression turned stoic. “C’mon Jack. Let’s go.”

“Can Rufus come?” Jack unhooked the leash from Rufus’s collar.

“Yes, but leave that here by the door.” Abby held out her hand. “So, it’s handy when we take him out in the morning.”

Jack did as she asked and then followed his sister up the creaky stairs with Rufus on his heels.

“Seems like Jack has a new best friend,” Luke said.

“Seems so. I’m glad they’ve taken to each other like that.” Abby hung her jacket on one of the hooks in the mudroom. “You want to stay and get warmed up for a few minutes?”

Her wistful tone touched him. She didn’t want him to go just yet. To his surprise, he didn’t want to leave either. “Sure. For a few minutes.”

Luke took off his jacket and left it in the mudroom before joining her in the kitchen.

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