Free Always in Her Heart by Marta Perry

conversation. “Look, I’ve got to leave work early tomorrow as it is for the social worker’s visit.”
    â€œI’m sure the social worker will be impressed when she learns you’re comfortable enough with Marcy to take care of her alone.”
    His eyes narrowed, as if he prepared another argument. Before he could speak, a small figure hurtled into his legs and bounced back.
    â€œStop that, Jeremy.” A slight woman who didn’t look old enough to be the child’s mother grabbed him.
    The woman straightened, pushing a strand of auburn hair away from her face, and Annie recognizedher. One of Becca’s close friends, but which one? Names rattled through her mind.
    â€œJenna Elliot,” the woman said quickly. “I’m sure you don’t remember me—”
    â€œOf course I do. You brought dinner over the night I arrived.” The wheels had begun to turn now. Becca and Jenna had started a play group together for their toddlers.
    Jenna nodded, ignoring the way the four-year-old tugged at her hand. “I’ve got to pick up the baby from the nursery, but I just wanted to remind you of play group at my house this week.”
    â€œWell, I—”
    â€œI’ll call you.” Jenna let the little boy pull her down the aisle. “See you Wednesday.”
    She worried at it as Link piloted her to the side door that led into the church’s education wing. She ought to be happy to participate in the play group. She wasn’t.
    Link stopped next to a bulletin board decorated with Noah, the ark and a variety of colorful animals that had obviously been created by small hands. The corridor was empty, although voices echoed from the nursery. He looked down at her, a question in his dark eyes.
    â€œWhy don’t you want to attend the play group?”
    Could he read her mind? “What makes you think I don’t want to?”
    Link’s straight brows lifted. “Do you?”
    She concentrated on a zebra whose stripes were,for some reason, red and green. “I guess I should go. It would be good for Marcy.”
    â€œBut you don’t want to. Why?” He propped his shoulder against the bulletin board, plainly prepared to stay there all day until she answered.
    â€œIt makes me uncomfortable.” The words came out reluctantly. “It feels like I’m trying to take Becca’s place.” Tears suddenly stung her eyes.
    Link gripped her hand in quick, wordless sympathy. “You are taking her place, Annie. But it’s not as if you chose this.”
    She blinked rapidly to hold back the tears. “I just—” How could she explain something she didn’t understand herself?
    â€œThey were Becca’s closest friends. They’ll want to be your friends, too.”
    That had a familiar echo. Becca had made friends so easily. People couldn’t help responding to her warmth and joy. She’d always moved into friendship more cautiously, feeling more comfortable being the onlooker.
    â€œTell you what.” Link’s grasp tightened, compelling her attention.
    She looked up, to find him half smiling. “What?”
    â€œI’ll put my doubts aside and take care of Marcy tonight. You put yours aside and go to play group on Wednesday. Deal?”
    Apparently God wasn’t the only one who could see into her heart.
    â€œAll right,” she said reluctantly. “It’s a deal.”
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    How had he gotten himself into this? Link tried to keep Marcy from wiggling off the changing table while he put her into her pajamas.
    That process was a lot easier said than done. He’d get one foot in, and while he was putting the other one in, the first one would pop out.
    â€œCome on, honey, give me a break!”
    For some reason, Marcy seemed to find that funny. She giggled, grabbing at his face, and he quickly pulled the pajamas up.
    â€œOkay, we’re going to get this done.” He’d