Free A Randall Thanksgiving by Judy Christenberry

went with him without fussing. She seemed okay when she came back, didn’t she?”
    “Yes, she did. You’ve all been wonderful, dear.”
    “We’re trying, honey.”
    “Now, I want the three of you to go home. The nurses will take care of me, but the ranch needs you, especially in this weather.”
    “Let Melissa stay with you, and John and I will go. I don’t want you here alone.”
    “All right. But take Melissa home so she can pack a bag, then bring her back. I don’t think she’s used to driving in this much snow.”
    “You’ve got a deal, sweetheart.” He kissed her again and headed for the waiting room.
    After Griff announced that they were going home,Melissa stepped forward. “I’ll stay here with Mom. She shouldn’t be left alone.”
    “That’s what I told her, honey. She’s going to have a nap while I take you home to pack a bag. I’ll have you back here within the hour.”
    And he was true to his word, pulling up at the hospital forty-five minutes later. “Take good care of your mother,” he said to her.
    “I will, Dad, I promise.”
    “Oh, and about that almost-fight we had, that won’t happen again. You’re right, you’re an adult. You get to make your own decisions, no matter what I think about them.”
    Melissa drew a deep breath. “Thank you, Dad.”
    “I’m going to drop by the Sheriff’s Office and thank Harry again. Any message you want me to take him?”
    “No, thank you.”
    “Okay, then. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    Melissa appreciated her father’s apology, but was a little suspicious about his offer to deliver a message to Harry. Maybe she’d check with Harry later, when her dad had gone home.
    She found her mother still sleeping, so she took out a pad and pencil and began sketching ideas for new jewelry she might want to make. Especially if she started her own line here in America.
    She had forced that idea from her mind while she dealt with the question of her mother’s health. Now she could consider her options.
    Her opinion didn’t change, however. She had learned a great deal from Monsieur Jalbert, but she was tiring of his iron-fisted control. She thought she would enjoy being her own boss. Even if she never got rich from designing jewelry, she didn’t have to worry about money. Her father had continued to manage both her and her brother’s sizable accounts, established by their grandfather long ago.
    Melissa flipped to a new page of her pad and began drafting a letter to her boss, explaining that she wouldn’t be renewing her contract and thanking him for all he had taught her. She kept her unhappiness with him to herself. She wouldn’t send such a letter until she knew when she would be returning to Paris to pack. But she would be sending it. As for where she’d go to start her business, she wasn’t sure. But she had some time now to think and plan.
    Meanwhile no one else needed to know her decision. Especially not Harry Gowan. She was enjoying his goodbye kisses too much to take away his reason for them. A wicked smile crossed her lips at the thought.
    “What are you thinking about, young lady?” he mother asked softly.
    “Mom, when did you wake up?”
    “Just in time to see that interesting smile. You haven’t answered my question.”
    “Oh, I’ve been sketching designs I might want to make. What do you think of this one?” Melissa asked, hoping to distract her. She showed her a necklace.
    “I like it. What’s the center stone?”
    “Mmm, I was thinking an opal, but a citrine might look good, too. I could make it with both stones.”
    “I might be interested in buying one of those.”
    “Mom, you don’t have to buy anything I make. I think an opal would look best on you. I’ll make it for you for Christmas.”
    “I think your father should buy it for me. It might make up for his trying to force you to stay.”
    Melissa leaned over to kiss her mother’s cheek. “He’s already apologized, Mom. I knew it was because you talked to