Free Heart of the Family by Margaret Daley Page A

relationship. Maybe my plan will work after all. Thank you, Lord.
    “I’m glad she’s here,” Jacob finally said, straightening.
    When Hannah peered at him, relief replaced the worry in his gaze as he observed the pair make their way toward him. She realized in that moment that he wanted what was best for Andy, even if he was wrong. They didn’t agree what was best, but they had a common goal: Andy’s safety and happiness. There was a part of her that was unnerved that she would have another thing in common with Jacob, but she couldn’t deny it. In that moment she felt close to him, and that sensation surprised her even more than his earlier lack of reproach.
    Hannah brushed her hand across her cheek and rose as mother and child approached. “It’s so good to see you, Lisa, but how did you get here?”
    Lisa stopped at the bottom of the steps with Andy cradled against her side. “I walked from the bus stop.”
    “That’s two miles away.” She couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought about the fact that Lisa might not have transportation out to the farm.
    Andy’s mother grinned. “I need to get in shape. It took me a bit longer than I thought.” She splayed her hand across her chest. “I had to rest about halfway. But I’m here now.”
    Hannah stepped to the side. “Welcome to Stone’s Refuge. The children are waiting inside to meet you.”
    Andy took his mother’s hand and led her into the house. Jacob nodded his head and indicated Hannah go through the entrance before him. She did and felt his gaze burning a hole into her back. She paused in the foyer to watch the children greet Andy’s mother in the living room. The only one who didn’t was Nancy. She hung back with her thumb in her mouth and her gaze trained on the floor by her feet.
    “What’s wrong with Nancy?” Jacob whispered into her ear.
    Nearly jumping, Hannah gasped and spun around. She’d been so focused on Andy and his mother that Hannah hadn’t heard Jacob approach from behind her. “Give a gal some warning.”
    “Sorry. I haven’t seen Nancy sucking her thumb before. When did it start?”
    “I think this afternoon. At least that’s the first time I’ve seen it since I’ve been here.”
    Jacob frowned and peered at the little girl, still off to the side while everyone else was crowded around Andy and Lisa, all trying to talk at the same time. A dazed look appeared in Lisa’s eyes.
    Hannah moved forward. “Andy, why don’t you give your mother a tour of the house and show her your bedroom? Dinner will be in half an hour.”
    En masse the group started for the back of the house. Except for Nancy. She stayed in the living room, continuing to stare at the floor. Hannah covered the distance between her and the little girl and knelt in front of Nancy.
    “What’s wrong?”
    With thumb still in her mouth, Nancy shook her head.
    “Are you sure I can’t help you with something?”
    She nodded, hugging her arms to her, her eyes still downcast.
    “Well, I sure could use someone to help me set the table. Will you, Nancy?”
    “Yes,” the child mumbled around her thumb.
    “I’ll help, too.” Jacob came up to join them.
    “Great. We’ll get it done in no time.” Hannah held out her hand for Nancy to take. She did.
    Jacob flanked the little girl on the other side and extended his palm to her. She stared at it for a long second before removing her thumb from her mouth and grasping him. “Are you looking forward to going back to kindergarten tomorrow after your fall break?”
    “My teacher’s so nice. I’m gonna tell her about the zoo and the pla—mingos.”
    Hannah left Nancy and Jacob in the dining room while she went into the kitchen to get the place mats and dishes. Arms loaded, she backed through the swinging door and nearly collided with Jacob. Nancy giggled. He took the plates, set them on the table, then passed the mats to the girl.
    “I’ll do these while you put those down.” Jacob gestured toward the mats held in