The Second Half by Lauraine Snelling Read Free Book Online Page B

it out again. “We could play ‘what-if’ until Jesus comes again, but that only gets you a headache.” She should know; she woke up with one this very morning, feeling like she’d not really slept. The what-ifs attacked from all sides. A dose of ibuprofen had only dulled, not eradicated, the pounding behind her eyes. “Do you see any alternatives?”
    “Angela?”
    “Would you want to send your children to a woman who ran off and left them?”
    “No, but…” Marit leaned her elbows on the table. “I guess I’m just concerned about you and Dad. This is so unfair.”
    “Fair, unfair. This isn’t a ball game with an umpire or a scorekeeper. We make this as easy for Melinda and Jakey as we can. And for Steig. I know this is tearing him apart. After all, we at least don’t have to go to some far-off country where people want to kill you.”
    “He should never have re-upped.”
    “Easy for you to say. That’s his career you’re talking about.” Mona could feel her vocal cords tightening. The urge to blast her daughter struck like a rattler. She raised her hands, palms out. “Enough. This is going nowhere. If you have helpful suggestions, I’m all ears. Otherwise, enough. My big concern right now is how to pull off that surprise party for your father; or should we just cancel it and…?”
    “No, I say go ahead with your plans; it’s too good a party to cancel. Did you make the reservations yet for that surprise trip you were going to give Dad in July; you know, the Nordic Fest in Decorah, Iowa?”
    “Of course. You have to reserve at least a year in advance for that one.”
    Marit was silent a moment. “I’m thinking if you have the kids…Look at it from their point of view, Mom. Their mommy and daddy just disappeared, and now the grandparents go waltzing away. I mean, do you think it’s good to leave them so soon after they get here?”
    “I really hate to have to cancel Decorah. I understand it’s a glorious time. Your father could unwind, and…you know.”
    “So make it a year from this summer. You’ll both be free then.”
    Mona sighed. “I’ll think about it. I know you’re right, but…But.”
    Marit slung her purse over her shoulder. “Dad and Steig are taking Brit and Arne fishing Saturday morning as we planned, right?”
    “Far as I know.” Mona glanced down at her list for the day. “And the party is still on track. If we pull this surprise party off, it won’t be just one miracle, but a whole trainload. If he suspects anything, he’s not let on to me.”
    “Maybe that mess at the college is a good thing. Dad’s not had time to be nosy.” She grinned at her mother. “You always say look for the good in everything.”
    And sometimes that takes a whole lot of looking. Or waiting.

Chapter Five
    =
    Y ou’re going in mighty early.” Mona blinked to see the actual time.
    “I know. Whatever it takes.” Ken shrugged into his blue pin-striped shirt. “This is my last shirt.”
    “I’ll pick up at the cleaners.” She glared at the clock again. “Six a.m., the coffeepot hasn’t even gone to work yet.”
    “I reset it. Not sure what time I’ll be home tonight.” He pulled a tie from the rack in the closet.
    “No, not that one. The navy would look better with that shirt.”
    His glare made her flinch. She should have kept her mouth shut, but he did need to look his best, and the navy was more forceful.
    He threw the offending red one on the bed and ripped the other off the rack. For a change, he got it knotted on the first try and emptied the tray on top of the dresser into his pockets. “Call me after you talk to Steig. He said they would leave early.” He almost missed her cheek with his kiss, but she wasn’t about to mention that. “Are you getting up now?”
    “Soon.” She puffed pillows behind her back and, once sitting, reached for her Bible and devotional book. “I love you,” she called to his disappearing back.
    “Thanks.” His shoes thunked down the