Page 109 of Rescued Faith

Bryce kissed Penny’s hand. “You had me worried, Pen.”

She swallowed, trying to get enough moisture to say what she needed to say. She didn’t want to wait another second.

“I love you.”

He kissed her parched lips. “I love you three.”

EPILOGUE

Penny rested her head on Bryce’s shoulder. The lazy sway of the wooden swing was the most vigorous movement she could stand with her aching body still healing. She soaked in the sunshine beating down on them, grateful for fresh air and a cloudless sky. After a week in the hospital, she wanted all the breezes and sunshine she could get. And the barbecue smell wafting over from the grill was nice too.

She never wanted to see another cup of gelatine or applesauce ever again.

Andi walked over, her light-green sundress catching the wind and flowing behind her. “Food is ready.”

“You feeling okay, sis?” Bryce asked as he helped Penny stand. “You look a little pale.”

“I’m fine, ya big lug. Now let’s get Penny to the table before the food cools off.”

She walked in front of them, pushing a lawn chair out of Penny’s path. Harry and Hazel burst out the open French doors of the house and onto the patio where a table was set.

“Kids, find your seats,” Dan called after them. He sipped his drink as he stood with Jude at the grill.

Bryce’s father already sat at one end of the table. Elizabeth and Libby carried trays, one piled high with sweet corn and the other with watermelon, and set them in the middle of the spread.

“I hate not helping them,” Penny whispered over to Bryce. She leaned on his arm far more than she liked to admit.

“You’ll be there soon enough.” Bryce squeezed her hand. “Then I’ll be fighting to keep up with you.”

Jude set down a plate piled high with grilled chicken breasts and hamburgers. After Bryce gave up his place next to Penny so the kids could each sit by their auntie, everyone was finally situated.

The meal was a loud affair—lots of laughter, lots of chatter. Penny loved it all.

“Excuse me, everyone.” Andi pushed her chair away from the table and stood, tugging Jude up too. “Jude and I have an announcement.”

“Are you having a baby?” Hazel asked.

“Hazel!” Libby’s cheeks grew red.

“What? You said when I was curious about something I should ask.”

Everyone chuckled.

Andi gave Hazel a mock glare. “Since someone is just too smart for their own good, I guess we don’t have anything left to say.”

“What?” Elizabeth pressed her fingers to her lips. “A baby?”

Andi nodded, tears welling in her eyes. Jude wrapped his arm around her.

Bryce and Elizabeth took turns hugging the happy couple. The kids lost interest and went back to the swing set in the shady corner of the yard.

“Are you glad you came back to Last Chance?” Libby asked Penny quietly as she moved to the seat Hazel had vacated.

“If I say yes, does that mean you will forever be gloating?”

“Probably.”

Penny grinned. “I guess I can handle that.”

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