At Home in His Heart Read Online Free PDF Page A

revenues rebound or we can drum up more local support, that won’t happen anytime soon—thanks to Sergeant Harding.”
    “Maybe he didn’t have a choice. Mae could need the money.”
    “More likely
he
does.” Wine, women and song didn’t come cheap.
    Meg sipped at her lemonade, struggling to suppress a smile.
    “What?”
    “Oh, I just seem to recall that less than a year ago I, too, met a certain single someone over a bottle of aspirin at Dix’s Woodland Warehouse.” She waved a hand around the kitchen of their newlywed home. “And look where I am today.” Sandi wagged a warning finger. “Don’t even—” “Mommy! Mommy!” two giggling, childish voices yelled in unison. The screen door off the laundry room slammed behind them, then her almost-first-grade daughter and classmate pal Davy Diaz charged into the kitchen. Davy threw himself into his mother’s open arms just as Gina did likewise with her own mom. Hugs all around.
    “Oh, my goodness.” Meg brushed back her stepson’s black hair to reveal a smudged forehead that matched his grimy cheeks. “How’d you two get so dirty?”
    “We’re building Gilligan’s Island,” Davy managed to get out, still attempting to catch his breath. “On that big pile of dirt Daddy dumped back there. I’m Gilligan and Gina’s Skipper.”
    “Can you believe it, Meg?
Gilligan’s Island
fans. Third generation. Thank goodness for DVDs.” Sandi allowed Gina to climb onto her lap. Then, slipping her arms around her daughter’s waist, she smiled down at the pigtailed tomboy who, except for the blond hair and freckles, looked so much like her daddy. “Let’s get you home and cleaned up.” Gina’s shoulders slumped. “I like being dirty.” “I know you do. But tomorrow’s a church day.” Gina pointed at her playmate. “You goin’, Davy?” He nodded his head in exaggerated agreement. “Yup.” Sandi gathered up their things, then Meg and Davy escorted them to their car.
    “Thanks for agreeing to take care of Gina a few afternoons a week this summer, Meg. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate knowing she’ll have a safe and happy place to go. The afterschoolbabysitter this year has been cranky and impatient. Not good with kids at all.”
    “You know I’m more than happy to have her here. She and Davy get along so well. Seldom fight.”
    “Thank goodness.” She turned to the driver’s door, but Meg’s hand stayed her, eyes troubled.
    “I know I don’t know everything there is to know about him like you do, Sandi, but I think you’re wrong about Bryce.”
    “Don’t I wish.” She gave her friend a halfhearted smile.
    But she wouldn’t hold her breath.
    “Hey, big fella.”
    Bryce felt a nudge and looked up from the Warehouse shelves where, crouched and arms full, he’d been gathering items for museum-repair jobs.
    “Hey, Kara.” He rose to his feet, taking in the tall, pony-tailed woman beside him, her red-blond hair shimmering down her back. “How are things in your world?”
    “Good. Grand opening of the equine center’s almost here. Thanks for giving Trey a hand.” She motioned to the merchandise cradled in his arms. “How about you? Looks like you’re planning serious home repair.”
    “Not quite, but close. Canyon Springs Historical Museum.”
    Kara laughed. A laugh he well remembered from when she’d helped him when he’d filled in for another guy on the parsonage remodel last winter. A Canyon Springs hometown girl who’d spent time as a Chicago interior designer, she’d been a much-needed ally at making the place female friendly without going overboard on foo-foo stuff as some of the church ladies had pushed for.
    “Didn’t take long for Sandi to put you to work, did it?” Kara folded her arms, eyes bright with amusement. “I’m told that ‘to do’ list of hers keeps half this town hopping.”
    “So I’m not its only victim?”
    “No, but from looking at what you have there, I’m guessing you got more than your