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something about having some kind of news, something she wanted to tell Luke? But then they’d gotten to the truth about Luke’s new lifestyle, and talk had never gotten back to Reagan.
    Elizabeth nodded at something Erin said about planning a wedding shower, but she was only half listening. What could Reagan have to tell Luke, and why had she been so adamant about not telling him she’d called? Had she been trying to get ahold of him to tell him she still cared for him, that she wanted to have another chance at a relationship? If so, then it was no wonder the news of his new girlfriend had frightened her off, made her want to never talk to Luke again.
    The party wound down, and by eight o’clock Erin, Brooke, and Ashley were finalizing plans to meet with Kari the following week to scan the catalogues for bridesmaid dresses. Kari was the last to leave, and she gave Elizabeth a longer hug than usual. Ryan was buckling Jessie into her car seat in the truck, and John had gone upstairs, so Kari and Elizabeth were alone. For the first time that night, Kari’s eyes glistened with tears.
    “I can’t believe it, Mom … I mean, really. After all these years, we’re getting married!”
    “He’s perfect for you.” Elizabeth’s heart swelled as she cupped the side of Kari’s face. “Perfect for Jessie, too.”
    “I know.” Kari wiped at an errant tear. “I think Tim would’ve been glad that Jessie and I are getting on with life.”
    “Yes.” Elizabeth kissed her daughter’s forehead. “Everything’s going to work out just right.”
    Kari hesitated for a second and brought her hand to her mouth. “Sorry. I didn’t think I’d be so emotional now.” She uttered a sound that was more laugh than cry. “The big announcement’s over.” For a moment she seemed to steady herself, and her eyes locked on Elizabeth’s. “But I wanted to thank you, 25
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    Mom. You’ve … you’ve been amazing through this whole thing. You’ve always known what to say, what to do.” She sniffed. “You’re the best mom in the world.
    I want you to know that.”
    Elizabeth’s throat grew thick. Mirrored in her daughter’s eyes were a hundred memories. Kari had shared each of them with her, every incident. She swallowed and the cloud of memories lifted. “It’s been a long road, my dear.”
    “And you’ve prayed me through every inch of it.”
    “Yes …” She gave Kari a wry smile. “The last few years have given your father and me calloused knees. But not just because of you.”
    They were silent, both painfully aware of why the Baxter parents had been on their knees lately. Kari gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Don’t stop praying for him, Mom. Luke’s going to be okay. I feel it in my heart.”
    “So does your dad.”
    “And Dad’s always right.” Kari’s smile was sadder now, the sparkle in her eyes dimmer. “If Luke calls, tell him we missed him.”
    When Kari was gone, Elizabeth dragged her feet up the stairs, one slow step at a time. She found John sitting near the fireplace in their room, staring at a photograph. As she came closer, she saw what it was. A framed picture of Luke and John on a hiking trip, taken a few years earlier when Luke was earning his Eagle Scout badge. The photo showed father and son, tired and happy at the end of the trip, their faces smudged as they stood side by side, their arms around each other’s necks.
    John must have sensed her presence. He stood and returned the picture to the shelf near their bedroom closet. After a beat, he turned to Elizabeth. “He should’ve been here tonight.”
    “Yes.” She went to rest her hands on his shoulders and soothe her thumbs against his neck. “It’s okay to miss him.”
    He said nothing, merely hung his head.
    “You’re always saying everything’s going to work out and that Luke’ll come home in God’s timing and that these things hap24
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    pen.” Her voice was soft. She knew her