Drummer Boy Read Online Free PDF Page B

How crazy was that timing? To be leaving the hospital once more just when she was?
    “Mmm, something smells amazing,” a cheerful voice rang out. “Did you make tacos?”
    “Guilty as charged.” Jane shrugged out of her apron and looped it through the handle of the fridge. “But I confess, I had help,” she added as Candy entered the kitchen. “Tim, my sister Candy. Candy, my friend Tim.”
    “Yes, I think we met at church, informally.” Candy had been beaming, but now her face tightened. Her smile was more polite than welcoming.
    Well, it wasn’t as if he wasn’t used to that kind of reception, though usually, it was parents who had a problem with him initially, not siblings.
    Then again, maybe he was reading more into her mood change than was actually there.
    Jane leaned in close to Candy and whispered something. Candy winced a little, but then tucked her hair behind her ear and stuck out her hand. “Welcome to crazy house, Tim. I feel bad that we’re stealing your dinner.”
    Tim gave Candy’s hand a soft squeeze and wished it was Jane’s hand instead, wondering if it would feel the same as Candy’s, or different? He’d bet money—except that he didn’t actually gamble—Jane’s skin was a little rougher, maybe even a smidge calloused. “Feel bad? Are you kidding me? Today made my whole month.” He was grinning like a kid who’d had too much sugar, giddy and hyper, too enthused for such a small event, but he couldn’t help it.
    Jane turned pink and looked so cute that his face heated, too.
    “Oh, good grief,” Candy said, looking from Jane to Tim and then back at Jane. “I’m going to wash up. Let me know if you want me to do anything.” Candy left the room.
    Tim coughed. “Well, that was awkward.”
    “Heh, by my family’s standards, that was nothing. Wait ’til we’re all gathered around the table. They’re ridiculous and loud, and they’ll give you the third degree.” Obvious affection for her family filled Jane’s voice, making her complaint sound complimentary.
    Tim stretched his head side-to-side and rubbed at his sternum, trying to ease the sudden tightness. “Call me nuts, but I’m looking forward to it. You’re blessed.”
    Jane set down the bowl of grated cheese she’d been about to carry into the dining room on the counter and turned to look at him. “Now what’s that?” she asked.
    “What’s what ?”
    “That note in your voice, sad or something.”
    Tim laughed lightly.
    Jane shook her head. “No good. Even sadder. What’s up?”
    Tim opened his mouth to speak, and then shut it again. He squinted at Jane in thought. “You’re right,” he said finally. “I’m happy for you, maybe a touch of wistful for myself.”
    “Gah. You are nuts. Wait until you know them.” Jane waved her hand as if to brush away another disparaging comment she was about to make about her sisters and brothers. “What’s your family like?”
    “Small. And quiet. There’s just my mom and dad—but they’re hours away—me, my sister-in-law and, of course, Sarah. The bright spot.”
    “Sister-in-law.” Jane’s whole body stilled. “So that means Sarah’s dad…he was your brother?”
    Tim shrugged and nodded but couldn’t meet Jane’s gaze.
    “He was the first person I helped in the hospital who didn’t make it. I’m sorry. It must’ve been, must still be, so rough.”
    “Yeah, I’ve always been sorry, too,” Tim said softly.
    Jane rested her good hand on his forearm.
    He didn’t pull away, though he wanted to. He didn’t want her sympathy. He didn’t deserve it.
    “When you say sorry like that, it sounds like you feel responsible, but—”
    “I introduced him to drugs. Maybe if I hadn’t had the lifestyle I did…”
    “No.” Jane shook her head.
    They were quiet for a moment.
    “Is dinner ready?” Michael called from the living room.
    “Almost. Give us a second,” Jane hollered back, and found her voice again. “Your brother was older than you,