Free Through His Grace by Kelly Eileen Hake Page B

doesn’t heal an aching heart, Eric. Only one thing can manage that miracle.”
    “And what is it?”
I’ve prayed. Worked hard. Lived right. And I’ve waited for
—
    “Love. Love is the heart’s healer, Eric. And all pure and beautiful things come from God Himself.”
    “I love,” he said.
What kind of monster does my own grandpa think I am?
“I love God. I also care for you…and Dylan and Sondra…”
and Grace, Lizzie, and Jake
.
    “I know that, Eric. Still, love goes both ways. You love, yes—but do you let yourself be loved?”
    “I—” Nickels bit back his hasty response and mulled it over. He took his time while his grandpa rocked quietly, patiently. “I never thought about the difference.” When the admission came, it seemed as though he’d found something he hadn’t realized he’d lost.
    “I guess it’s high time you got to thinkin’ on it then.” Gramps gave him an approving nod. “Between now and then I’ll keep on prayin’.”
    “Thanks.” His voice sounded gruff to his own ears, and he wondered if Gramps heard the wealth of appreciation behind that simple word.
    “Always.” Gramps’s own voice echoed the powerful emotion, and Nickels smiled at him before looking back at the sky.
    “Stars seem brighter than ever.”

eleven
    “You two wash up while I help Mr. Nichols take his chicks back to the truck.” Grace made sure the kids were headed toward the restroom before catching up with him outside.
    “Long time, no see.” Humor tinged his words when she met him in the driveway.
    “I know.” Grace grinned at him. “But I wanted to ask you something.”
    “Shoot.” He leaned against the hood, his long legs crossed.
    “You know the kids and I are meeting their grandfather for lunch today and looking over apartments so he’ll be close by.” She waited for his nod before she plunged ahead. “He’ll be spending the night with us and coming to church tomorrow morning…and it’s all right either way, but—”
    “Sondra and Dylan would welcome him over for lunch, too.” He gently touched her arm. “So would I.”
    Warmth raced up her arm. “Thanks. We’ll look forward to it.”
    “As do I.” He plunked his hat on his head and swung the truck door open. “You might want to try Briarwood—I was at Chris’s the other day for an oil change, and he mentioned someone’s movin’ out.”
    “We will.” Grace waved as he backed out of the drive. That tip made three possibilities to check out this afternoon.
    Lord, let one of them be right for Uncle Carl. Not only is it important for the kids to have him near, but I think it’ll do him a world of good
.
    “Ready?” She grabbed Windbreakers for herself and the kids, just in case it got chilly later. There was no telling when they’d find the right place.
    “Uh-huh!” Lizzie and Jake rushed out the door to the car.
    Grace knew they were eager to see their grampa. They’d had a talk the night before about how much he wanted to be a part of their lives, even if they couldn’t live with him. She’d explained that he loved them so much he was leaving his home to be closer. After leaving three homes in as many months before finally settling in with their auntie Grace, Jake and Lizzie set great store in their grampa’s determination to move.
    “Do you have your pictures?” Grace checked before turning on the engine.
    “Yeah!” Lizzie handed them to her.
    “These are wonderful—I know Grampa will love them.” Grace popped in a children’s CD, and they passed the hour- long drive singing along to favorite songs.
    “Jesus loves me, this I know….” They were all warbling enthusiastically, if off-key, when Grace pulled up to Danielle’s Diner.
    “Grampa!” Jake spotted him first, dashing over and all but tackling him at the knees.
    “Easy there, buddy!” Uncle Carl had to take a step back to steady himself, but Grace could tell how pleased he was at Jake’s welcome.
    “We love you, Grampa.” Lizzie’s hug,