Free Hometown Promise by Merrillee Whren Page B

look at her father, who stood as Lukas motioned for them to come. “He’s awake and ready for visitors.”
    “I’m so glad we get to see him before we have to go.” Juliane hurried up beside Lukas and plucked a package from her purse. “I brought him a little gift.”
    “You’re going to spoil him.”
    “He deserves spoiling.”
    “I don’t know about that. He’s already hard to deal with without you spoiling him.” Lukas laughed.
    When Juliane and her parents entered the room, his grandfather smiled. Juliane went over to the bed and took one of his gnarled hands in hers. “You are looking wonderful.”
    “You are so sweet to an old man.” Ferd beamed.
    Lukas took in the way Juliane grasped his grandfather’s hand and wished he were in his grandfather’s place. Lukas shook the image away. He had to quit thinking about Juliane in the context of romance. How many times had he thought that since Juliane and her parents had arrived? Too many.
    Then he remembered the other night and how his grandfather had made the pronouncement about Juliane making Lukas a good wife. Oh, great. He hoped his grandfather wouldn’t start his matchmaking again, especially in front of her parents.
    Juliane quickly introduced her father to Ferd, then produced the little package she’d shown Lukas. “Here’s a little something to occupy your time.”
    “Thank you. You didn’t have to bring me a gift.”
    “I know, but I wanted to.” Juliane’s eyes lit up with pleasure. She clearly enjoyed giving. “Go ahead. Open it.”
    Ferd tore into the paper, revealing a crossword puzzle book. “How did you know I liked to do crossword puzzles?”
    “I saw one sitting on the table next to the recliner in your living room the other night.”
    “You are a brilliant young woman.” Ferd winked at her.
    Lukas had to admit he was losing the battle to keep himself neutral when it came to Juliane Keller. He let that thought roll around in his brain while he listened to Juliane, her parents and his grandfather engaged in a lively conversation. He said a prayer of thanks that folks like the Kellers cared enough to come and visit. He thanked God for another day of sobriety that let him be there for his grandfather and enjoy the company of friends.
    Eventually Lukas joined the conversation. Despite the worry over his attraction to Juliane, he liked the Kellers andhoped they would find more occasions to visit. They were already helping him feel a bond with their community. In such a short time, Kellerville was feeling like home.
    “Well, it’s time for us to get going. We have to meet these people for dinner.” Ray extended his hand to Ferd. “You take care of yourself and get better soon.”
    Ferd shook Ray’s hand. “I will. That grandson of mine won’t give me any other choice. He’s got his nose in everything I do.”
    Chuckling, Barbara gave Ferd’s arm a pat. “He’s taken good care of you. So listen to him.”
    “He has to. He can’t get rid of me.” Lukas shook hands with Ray. “Thanks so much for stopping by.”
    “Let us know when you’re back in Kellerville.” Juliane leaned over and gave Ferd a kiss on the forehead. “Be good.”
    “All this advice and a kiss from a pretty girl, too.” Ferd beamed.
    Lukas tried not to think of kissing Juliane himself. He had to wipe that thought out of his brain before it had time to settle. He was headed for dangerous territory—territory he hadn’t explored in a long, long time. He was pretty sure he wasn’t ready for any such adventure. But as he watched them leave, one question dominated his thoughts. When would he see Juliane again?
     
    The scent of pine cleaner did nothing to cover the medicinal smell associated with illness as Juliane entered the nursing home. Walking the hallway lined with residents in wheelchairs—some lucid, some not—she couldn’t help thinking about Ferd’s distaste for being here. He had made that quite clear when she’d visited him after work