Loving Care by Gail Gaymer Martin Read Free Book Online

situation was different. Patrick had walked out on her, not the other way around. He was the one who needed to ask for forgiveness.
    The rest of the service was lost in her rumination until the organ’s diapason roused her to stand and join in the final hymn.
    As the congregation filed down the aisle, Christie lifted Ellie in her arms and gave her a kiss on thecheek. “You were wonderful,” she said to the child who nodded her head in full agreement.
    Claire swooped in to give Christie a hug. Her bracelets jangled and the ruffled crinkle-crepe top—right out of the seventies—seemed too youthful for her years, but that was Claire. Her heart was as spirited as her wardrobe.
    When Claire released her, Jemma touched Christie’s arm. “Before I lose you, how about going with me to the Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July family picnic? I realize you don’t usually go, but I assume Loving Care will be closed that day.”
    Without a family, Christie didn’t often attend. “We’re closed, but what about Philip? And don’t you usually have an employee party that day?”
    “Usually, but Philip will be out of town this year. I want to go to the Chamber event, but I’d rather have company.”
    Christie regarded Jemma’s pleading look and figured she would enjoy getting out with her good friend alone for a change. “Sure. Next Friday?”
    “Right. You’ll go?”
    “Sounds fine,” she said, feeling another hand nudge her shoulder. She turned to see her mother and father behind her. Her mother’s face glowed with delight.
    “Mark this date on your calendar,” Christie said, pecking each parent’s cheek. “I’m here like you asked.
    “We noticed,” Emma said.
    “I promised Jemma I’d come to hear Ellie sing.”
    Emma’s smile faded. “Doesn’t matter what reason.”
    Christie kicked herself. “And my mom asked me to come, too.” She sent her mother a reassuring smile, wishing she’d be more thoughtful with her comments.
    “We’re glad you’re here,” her father said.
    “Thanks, Daddy. Me, too.”
    As they headed off, Patrick gave her an amiable wave and she stood still, not wanting to deal with any more issues today. She hadn’t spoken to his father since she and Patrick had separated so long ago, but today she felt a pang for the man. His illness had taken a deep toll on his appearance. His pale, drawn face barely resembled the ruddy man from her past. Avoiding him made no sense. It was like her not attending worship: it made her feel sorrowful and guilty.
    Guilty? Why would she feel guilty? The divorce had been Patrick’s desire, not hers.
    As she left her thoughts, Patrick appeared beside her. Christie looked across the room and saw Sean with his grandfather.
    “Hello, Patrick.”
    “I wondered if I’d see you here,” he said.
    His statement unsettled her. “I don’t attend as much as I used to. Haven’t for a while.” Eight years, she added to her thoughts.
    “You never missed church. I remember that,” he said.
    “Like everything else, that was long ago.”
    “Dad’s here.” He tilted his head in his father’s direction.
    “I noticed.”
    Silence surrounded them, and Christie knew she had to say more.
    “He doesn’t look like himself. I’m sorry.”
    Patrick shrugged. “Time and age. It comes to us all.”
    The comment hit her like a hammer. One day a wrinkled body and old age would be hers.
    “Unless we die before our time,” he added.
    His unsettling comment threw her off-kilter. His wife had died before her time. It could happen to anyone. Any time. A knot caught in her throat, and she could only nod.
    He stood beside her a moment, a look of apprehension on his face as if he had something more to say and was afraid to say it.
    Christie didn’t make things easier. If she acted on her heart, she would touch his face and smooth away the stress, but she acted with her head. She did nothing.
    He shifted his feet and dug his hands into his pockets. “Dad’s waiting for