Free A Mother's Gift (Love Inspired) by Arlene James, Kathryn Springer Page A

when she’d literally bumped into him. Alarm shot through him, and he slid his hands over her shoulders and back, trying to discern her emotional and physical state. “What’s wrong? Is Sam all right? Are you all right?”
    Her hands fisted in the sides of his shirt, and for an instant he thought she might lean against him, embrace him, even, but she let go and pulled back a few inches.
    “He will be. They’re taking him into surgery any minute, though, and he wants to see Mom. Where is she?”
    “She’s parking the car. Can I speak to him?”
    “Of course. He’s still in some pain, though. They’re giving him blood, and they’ve set up a nerve block, but they don’t want too many drugs in his system because they’re going to put him under to stitch him up.”
    “I understand.” She turned to lead the way, but instead of taking her arm, Joel slung his around her shoulders. He wanted her close just now, and he had the feeling that she needed the support. They moved forward several steps.
    “Joel,” Sam growled. “You didn’t have to come.”
    Joel smiled, relieved to hear his friend’s voice, despite the tone of pain. “Oh, but I did.” He explained about inviting himself to lunch and catching a ride out to the Wallace place with the pastor, who had been on his way to Duncan. “After Dixie called, I rode back in with Vonnie. And to think I complained about missing you,” he noted wryly. “All in all, I think I’d have preferred that to this.”
    “Me, too!”
    They both chuckled, though Sam’s laugh sounded rough and mirthless. Joel liked Sam, admired him. Compared to his own father, who had disappeared years ago without so much as a word to his wife and children since, Sam was a hero, a real man who took his obligations seriously but wasn’t afraid to show love and friendship. It grieved Joel to hear the pain in his voice when Sam asked, “Where is she?”
    No one had to ask who “she” was.
    “Parking the—”
    Vonnie blew into the space before he could finish. “I’m here! Samuel Wallace, what have you done?”
    “Eh. Not as strong as I used to be. Arm got tired, dropped down while the chain saw was running. Simple as that.”
    While her mother clucked over her father, Dixie quickly explained what the doctor had told them.
    “Thank God!” Vonnie exclaimed, her voice sounding muffled. Joel imagined that she was hiding her face behind her hands or perhaps hugging Sam. She was definitely turned away.
    “Actually,” he said, sharing her relief at what was mostly good news, “that’s an excellent idea. Thanking God, I mean. Would anyone mind if we took a minute so I could lead us in prayer?”
    “Please do,” Sam rasped.
    Nodding, Joel eased forward, realizing only then that he still had his arm about Dixie’s shoulders. She slipped free, linking her hand to his. Realizing that she’d stretched out, he lifted his other hand and felt Vonnie’s grip it. Assuming that the women were linked to Sam, Joel bowed his head.
    “Most gracious Lord God, we thank You for sparing Sam from permanent injury. Ease his pain now, Father, and in the weeks to come as he heals. Keep Your protective hand upon him and guide the physicians as they repair the damage. Restore him, Lord, to full function and full health. The glory and honor for his healing and every other good thing is Yours, Lord, and never let us forget it. In the name of Your Holy Son, amen.”
    He heard a sniff from Dixie and squeezed her hand. She squeezed back before letting go. Joel’s heart swelled. Perhaps friendship was all they’d ever have between them, but that was more than he’d feared they could have after their last meeting, even if it was less than he wanted. He’d been over and over it in his mind. A part of him feared that his mother’s influence and his own blindness was all there was to his feelings for Dixie. Bess had declared Dixie the girl for him, and hers had been all but the last face he’d seen before the