Free A Little Ray of Sunshine by Lani Diane Rich Page B

and I could see the edge of Danny’s roof through the huge firs that flanked the edge of the property. I slowed down to a crawl and turned into the long paved stone drive.
    “Whoa,” Jess breathed as we closed in on the house, a four thousand square foot craftsman Danny designed himself back in the seventies. The exterior was the same familiar smooth stone, the overhung roof made of the same natural wood. The interior used to be simple and understated, white walls with natural blond wood trim over hardwood floors, everything natural, simple, comfortable, just like Danny, but I shuddered to think what my mother had done to it. She had the decorating tastes of Zsa-Zsa Gabor on methamphetamines. She was probably having the back deck laminated in gold at the very moment we pulled up.
    I edged the truck over to the side of the circular driveway and parked it, then leaned forward and stared at the house through the windshield.
    “I wonder if they’re even home,” I said, but before I could finish, Jess said, “Is that Digs?”
    It was. He stepped out from the porch and then paused when he saw us. Our eyes met, and very slowly, he smiled. I smiled back and he approached, walking around to Jess’s side of the truck first and opening the door for her.
    “I have to apologize,” he said, holding his hand out to help Jess out. “I didn’t think you’d be able to do it. I have obviously underestimated your divine powers.”
    “It wasn’t easy,” Jess said. “I had to kidnap her.”
    “Way to think on your feet, angel.” Digs shut the door, and then walked around to my side. I kept my hands firmly gripped on the steering wheel, and as the door opened, I asked the question on my mind. “Who’s here?”
    He gave one gentle shake of his head: Luke’s not here . “I’m helping Dad fix some planks out on the back deck, and Lilly’s in the kitchen, making lunch.”
    I glanced up. “What? You’re letting her cook? Are you insane?”
    Digs chuckled. “She cooks now. And knits.”
    I gave him a hard look. “Okay, now I know you’re full of shit.”
    Digs kept a straight face. So straight, I thought he might not be kidding. “Things are different now, EJ. I could have warned you if you’da called first.”
    I shrugged and stepped out of the truck. “I wasn’t sure I’d make it all the way here. I’m still thisclose to turning around and going back.”
    “Ah, just as well,” he said, “because this is gonna be fun to watch.”
    I had just shut the door when I heard the deep, rumbly, genuinely joyous laugh that could only come from one source: Danny Greene. I tucked my hands in my pockets and watched as Danny walked toward us. His thick hair had thinned a bit at the temples, and gone from his old salt and pepper to mostly salt, but his grinning, ruddy face was exactly the same as it had always been.
    “EJ,” he said softly. His face didn’t hold even the slightest note of reproach or anger, despite the fact that I’d screwed up so bad. He simply smiled and reached for my hands, holding them out from me as he surveyed me from head to toe. “Just as beautiful as ever.”
    My eyes filled as he pulled me into a hug, but I bit the inside of my cheek and blinked the tears away. If I started crying now, I’d still be weeping on the wedding day. Danny released me and put both hands on my cheeks.
    “How have you been, sweetheart?” he asked.
    “Good,” I said, choking on the word and blinking harder. “I’m sorry, I would have called but—”
    “Oh, you know better than that. You never need to call first. I’m just glad you’re here.” He lowered his hands and reached one out to Jess. “Hi. I’m Danny Greene.”
    Jess giggled and stepped forward. “I’m Jess Szyzynski, a friend of EJ’s. Its’ so nice to meet you. EJ’s told me so much I feel like I already know you.”
    I cleared my throat. “We were just going to get set up at the Grande, but I thought we should let you know we were