Free Loving Care by Gail Gaymer Martin

really.”
    “I suppose it’s been a while. She lives in Long Branch now.”
    “Oh, that’s nice.” Stupid response, but her mind was tangled with June and why she should remember her.
    “I still want to drop by your center, but with Dad sick and Sean, I haven’t had time.”
    “I’m sorry things have been rough for you. Come anytime. No rush.”
    He studied her a moment, then dug into the dessert again and swallowed the last of his pie, washingit down with his coffee. “I’d better get back. Thanks for keeping me company.”
    “Thanks for carrying the Peg-Board to the car.”
    He grinned and rose.
    The mundane conversation seemed so empty, so useless with all the thoughts that tumbled through her mind.
    They stepped outside into the summer heat, and in a heartbeat, he’d vanished through the automatic door. She stood for a moment, clinging to the few minutes they’d spent together and feeling a sense of longing.
    Longing? Who needed it? She hit the remote and yanked open her car door. The heat from inside overwhelmed her as did the emotion from within.
     
    Patrick sank into the sofa. His feet were tired. His mind was tired. His spirit was tired. Before he had a chance to relax, Sean climbed onto his lap. “How’s it goin’, son?” He wrapped his arms around Sean’s warm, wiggling body and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Were you good for Tammy?”
    “I was good,” he said, tilting his head back and giving Patrick an open-mouthed smile.
    “Nice teeth.” He tousled his son’s hair. “Did you remember to brush them today?”
    Sean clamped his teeth together and jutted his chin forward for Patrick to take a look.
    Patrick chuckled at his antics.
    Sean slipped to the ground to drag out some toys,and Patrick watched him, his mind filled with Christie’s surprise appearance earlier in the day. He’d been trying to control his feelings. She looked so good to him when he saw her. Today she looked relaxed and comfortable with him. Her biting remarks were absent. She’d actually been friendly, even warm.
    Warm. He’d asked himself the question before. Could he forget how cold and unloving she’d become before he left. Bitter seemed the word. But he’d not helped the situation, either. He’d closed her out, and she’d done the same. She probably didn’t even know it.
    But they’d both changed. She’d matured and had gained good business sense and confidence. He’d aged as well and now could see where they’d gone wrong. He wished they could start again. At least be friends, as they had been today.
    “Finally home,” Joe said, standing in the doorway. He clung to the doorjamb and stood a moment as if his feet couldn’t move him forward.
    “Not feeling well, Dad?”
    “I’m okay. Just a little woozy.”
    Patrick jumped up and headed toward his father. “Let me help you to the chair.”
    His father shook his head. “I can walk. It just takes me a little time.”
    Frustrated, Patrick thought he had never known anyone as stubborn as his father. The thought gavehim pause. Christie used to say the same about him. He couldn’t imagine she was right.
    “How are things working out with Tammy?” Patrick asked, following behind his father and trying to control the desire to escort him to the chair.
    “She’s a good girl,” Joe said, slipping down into the recliner.
    He made an effort to prop up the footrest and failed. Patrick leaned down and pulled up the lever, receiving an instant frown from his father. Patrick ignored it and returned to the sofa.
    “I’m sorry I’m late, Dad. I just couldn’t get out of the store today. I’m glad Tammy stayed on.”
    His father’s interest piqued when he’d mentioned the store. Patrick took a moment to fill him in on the problem he’d run into with an order and to explain why they were short of help today.
    “I suppose I should think about dinner,” Patrick said, remembering years ago when he came home from work tired and Sherry had had a roast in