Loving Promises by Gail Gaymer Martin Read Free Book Online Page A

by Loving Care today.”
    Her mother’s head flew up like a startled bird. “Really? Something wrong?”
    “No. Dotty’s the same.” She lost her courage andsegued to a different topic. “He asked me out to dinner tomorrow night.”
    “A real date? I’m thrilled.”
    “Not really. It’s a favor.” She explained the situation and hoped her mother wouldn’t try to make something of it. “I need a baby-sitter if you’re willing.”
    “Certainly I’ll watch the kids,” Mildred said while a coy smile rose to her lips. “Are you sure this is a favor and not a date?”
    Bev held up her hand. “Don’t start matchmaking, Mom.”
    “Dotty and I both think you’d make a great couple. Don’t push the idea out of your head, Bev. You just never know.”
    Before Bev could respond, her mother shifted forward on the edge of her chair.
    “Speaking of Dotty, I went to see her today. She’s not doing well. My heart breaks for the whole family.”
    The topic gave Bev an opportunity to introduce Dale’s request. “Me, too. Al could really use some help.”
    “I know, and that’s why I’m thinking I should offer to take care of Dotty.”
    Bev tried to hide her surprise. “Dale’s been trying to get Al to hire someone. I’m sure they’d be grateful.”
    “Not hire. Volunteer.”
    Volunteer? “But that’s a tremendous commitment, Mom.”
    Mildred eased deeper into the chair and nodded. “Iknow. I’ve been praying about it, and I read something in the Bible the other day that made me think about this.” She rose. “Let me get it.”
    Her mother hurried from the room while Bev sat, amazed at the turn of events. More of God’s work, she guessed. Yet she worried about the volunteering part. Certainly her mother could use some extra money to keep her independence and help with her living expenses.
    Mildred returned, carrying the Bible. “It’s in Philippians.” She fingered through the pages until she located the passage. “Here it is. ‘Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.’” She lowered the Bible and looked at Bev. “That really spoke to me.”
    “It’s easier said than done.”
    “Yes, in some ways it is.” She paused, her gaze drifting across the room. “Al and I were talking the other day and laughed about a pact we’d made each other years ago that we’d always be friends, and even if we were apart, if we needed each other, we’d find a way to be there.”
    “Mom, you said that when you were kids.”
    “I know, but we made a pact, and see what the Lord has done? He’s guided me back to Loving so I could keep my promise, just like the Lord kept His.”
    “God is different than people. I know the Levins need help. Dale’s said the same, but I don’t want you tosay you can do something that you can’t. What I don’t like is your volunteering. It should be a paid position.”
    “That’s my decision, Bev. I don’t need the money. Your dad left me well-cared for, and my retirement benefits are fine. That’s not my concern. What I pray is before I commit to anything, I want to make sure I can handle the responsibility.” Mildred looked at her with thoughtful eyes.
    Bev reprimanded herself for her reaction to her mother’s wish. Bev had promised Dale she’d help, and now she’d tried to discourage her mother. Her promise had been an empty one. But why? The answer struck her. She feared her mother would get so busy with the Levins she’d forget about looking for an apartment and lose her interest in the children. Bev’s reaction had been selfish.
    “I know commitments are difficult,” Mildred continued. “You have the kids and so you don’t do much for yourself.”
    “I have since you’ve been here. It’s given me more time for myself.” The truth of her admission poked at her.
    “I look at you and wonder what’s going to happen. You’re so tied up with the