Free Gift of Wonder by Lenora Worth Page A

does that have to do with building houses?”
    â€œI want to get a complete picture of life in this area,” he said. A poor excuse, but the only one he could come up with right now. And because he didn’t want to discuss it anymore, he got up. “I enjoyed dinner, but I think it’s time for me to leave.”
    â€œBut what about the tour of the house?” Lorene asked, trying to stand.
    â€œSome other time, maybe,” Jonah replied. “Thanks again.”
    He gave Alice one last look. “Next time, just call me and that way you won’t have to spy on me without my knowledge.” Then he headed for the double French doors leading out to the front yard and he didn’t bother looking back.
    Even when he heard one of the doors banging open behind him.
    Â 
    â€œJonah, wait!”
    Alice watched as he stalked toward his car, wondering why she had to be so blunt and bullish at times. She certainly hadn’t planned to ambush him that way but…she needed to know, to understand. She couldn’t tolerate sneaking around or deceptive business practices. Not ever again.
    He was simply visiting an old man who liked to reminisce about the past, she reminded herself as she hurried toward his car. Maybe she’d overreacted. “Are you going to leave then, just like that?”
    â€œYep.” He got in, then stared out the window at her.
    She knocked on the glass, thinking she should just let him go. But the look he’d given her in there shattered all of her resolve and made her want to explain. “Jonah, listen to me.”
    He finally let down the window. “I don’t have to listen to you because you certainly don’t listen to me. I told you I didn’t mind you hanging out with me, Alice. But I do mind you sneaking around trying to make something sinister out of something normal. I’m a historian. I love history and I like to get all the historical facts on a place before I build houses. But I’ve told you all of this already. And even though your family apparently had a long-standing problem with the Mayeaux from way back when, it’s especially important to me to get the facts straight about Bayou Rosette—the good and the bad.”
    â€œWhy?” she said, putting her hands on her hips. “Why is it so very important? I still don’t get why youcame here and why you’re so intent on doing this. I mean, you could rebuild in New Orleans or Biloxi or Bay Saint Louis, even Waveland. We weren’t the only town affected by the hurricanes.”
    He looked out into the night then back at her. “But—”
    She didn’t get to hear what he might have said. Jay’s frantic shout stopped Jonah’s next words.
    â€œAlice, come inside. I think Lorene’s going into labor. Hurry!”
    Alice’s gaze hit Jonah as a sick feeling coated her stomach. “She’s not due for another month.”
    Jonah jumped out of the car, all his anger seeming to disappear like a bayou mist. “C’mon. Let’s go see what’s wrong.” He took her by the arm, leading her back to the house.
    Alice didn’t try to pull away. The warmth of his hand on her skin made her feel better. She didn’t understand why being near Jonah made her feel that way, especially when half the time she was bound and determined to find fault with him. But this time, she pushed all of that aside.
    Her sister was in trouble. And Alice didn’t have anyone else to turn to. So while Jonah hurried her back into the kitchen, she silently asked God to protect Lorene and her baby.
    Jonah squeezed her hand. “It’s going to be all right, Alice.”
    Alice figured he couldn’t know that for certain, but his words did bring her a bit of courage and a little peace.
    Almost.

Chapter Seven
    â€œH er blood pressure is high and there’s a possibility the placenta could separate from the fetus.”
    Alice kept